L.A. Gay & Lesbian Center
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December 12, 2012
The L.A. Gay & Lesbian Center is largely a public relations-driven organization. It's shiny public face masks a brittle financial status that could lead to its dissolution over a very short period of time. The organization employs a dedicated staff, but refuses to leverage its experience and insights in favor of a sycophantic upper management layer which simply exists to rake in substantial paychecks. The organization's refusal to post 990s on its website should be a warning to all potential donors. Oh, and several of the other reviews listed here are from board members and senior management without appropriate attribution.
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How does this organization compare with others in the same sector?
Somewhat badly
How much of an impact do you think this organization has?
A little
Will you recommend this organization to others?
No
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
March 18, 2012
1 person found this review helpful
When I read the posting about the Center not being "discreet" about the names on its list, it concerned me (and it was the only negative review out of all the others--one of which was mine). I had never experienced any problems with them. So, I called their fundraising department and I was told that they take very seriously how they handle donor information and try always to comply with what donors want. They also told me they have hundreds of thousands of names in their donor database and that occasionally mistakes get made. But, they said that problems happen very rarely. Like I said, they've always been very responsive to any requests I've made. Most of all, they provide services that are invaluable to needy people, like homeless LGBT youth. I can forgive a mistake in consideration of that. Finally, I'm glad the Center doesn't closet their fundraising mailings (just like a lot of LGBT charities I support). That's a great example to set.
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Was your donation impactful?
Definitely
How likely is it that you would recommend that a friend donate to this group?
Definitely
How likely are you to donate to this group again?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
June 10, 2009
1 person found this review helpful
I have been a donor to the Center for about 17 years. I support them so loyally for several reasons. First, they provide a broader range of really important programs than any LGBT organization I know, including a residence for homeless LGBT youth, seniors programs, crystal meth prevention and recovery services, and an AIDS medical clinic. Second, they are exceedingly well managed. Not only is their top staff very impressive but they have a VERY low overhead rate (below 15%, which is pretty extraordinary). They are perofessional in every way. And, on top of all of that, I love their policy work. They are a great voice for our community.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
the numbers of people who are helped by their programs and in the way they have motivated our community.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
be really intimidated because it is so large and complicated.
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What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
feeling like my money is being put to really great use and being proud of the work I support.
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
all impressive in their professionalism and dedication.
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
probably get a larger facility for its homeless youth residence and take more youth off the streets.
Ways to make it better...
more people knew about the Center and its really great programs.
In my opinion, the biggest challenges facing this organization are...
the economy and homophobia.
One thing I'd also say is that...
We need Centers like the L.A. Center in every significant city around the country!
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2009
1 person found this review helpful
October 21, 2010
1 person found this review helpful
This organization's fundraising operation is not discreet about donor requests/information. I gave a donation ($250) recently in support of a friend who was in a volleyball tournament, and I made it explicitly clear that I not be on any mailing lists (with my donation and post-calls to the fundraising dept), that I not be included in any publication materials, etc. and that my information not be in any databases. (My reluctance of donating to any organization is that my information will be sold and/or used to phone me at all hours, email me, or fill my mailbox with wasted paper and asinine marketing ploys to garner additional donations.) Even after my numerous instructions, requests, etc., LAGLC sent a USPS-mailed newsletter to me at my home address! I had to call again to make sure they removed me. I reminded the person I spoke to that I wanted no additional contact. I was assured, yet again, that I was off all lists. But, alas, today I receive an email thanking me for supporting the volleyball event and telling me how I could learn more about the center. I can't image what someone still in the closet would think if he/she supported a gay, out-friend by donating to LAGLC and then LAGLC contacted the donor at home via a newsletter (no envelope or wrapping). It is insensitive at least and could ruin lives at worst, even in 2010. Very disappointed.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
Friends have.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
Provide guidance and systems/procedures for anonymous donation and Opt-Out options.
June 24, 2009
This center is by far the greatest as far as quickness and helpfulness. I have been able to get diagnosed, treatment and all support within 36 hours of me making a phone call. As with most non-profits, you the client must do your homework as well, but I think this center is doing an Outstanding job at providing the services it has to offer. It would be a great dishonor to remove this center and/or remove funding from any of its services.
Photos
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What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
the people that I get to interact with. I have been to this location several times during the past 3 months, and I have to say my name was remembered from the second time I arrived. Our community would suffer greatly if this center was reduced!
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2009
June 20, 2009
I am constantly amazed at the impact the Center has on our community---locally, regionally and even internationally. To describe the services of the Center has always been a challenge because of the broad spectrum of services the Center addresses. However, I am particularly impressed with the Center's efforts on behalf of the youth in our commumnity: from saving them from the streets to assisting them in developing the leadership skills they will need to be the next generation of activists. I am also extremely pleased to see the Center's progress in addressing the growing needs of the GLBT senior community---a community we are all going to be a part of! Hats off to an exceptional organization that positively changes the lives of hundreds of thousands of people every year!
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
the transformed lives of youth who once believed they had no future and now are active, engaged, proud and vital members of the world around them.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
step down and have Lorri Jean replace me.
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What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
the opportunity to be a part of an organization that consistently delivers on its promise.
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
engaged, committed, energetic and dedicated beyond belief.
Ways to make it better...
I had even more time and resources to dedicate to the work the Center does.
In my opinion, the biggest challenges facing this organization are...
continuing to meet the ever growing demands placed upon its programs and services in an economic climate that is threatening the very lives of members of our community
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2009
June 18, 2009
The Family Services Program of the LA Gay and Lesbian Center has been a vital connection for our family! It has enabled our kids to be raised amongst a village of caring adults and to know other families like their own. Our involvement with the program over the last 7 years has ranged from social activities, camps, and day trips to cultural vents to parent and baby groups to parenting courses to college financial planning and pride parades. The experience always leaves us feeling cared for and part of a larger community. Our kids have used the staff members names as part of common family discussions and there is something to be said for really feeling accepted and understood in a way that is not always present in our daily lives as parents in traditionally heterosexual settings! Keep up the fantastic work!
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The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
caring, dedicated, cool, educated, loving, knowledgeable!
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2009
June 17, 2009
My family has been participating in the Family Day in th Park, Rainbow Family Camp, Gay Pride Parade march with Family Services and Neighborhood Family Days for the past six years. Before that, my partner and I attended the Maybe Baby meetings to learn about how we could create our family. I hadn't realized what an integral part of our lives this organization has been! I value the connection that this organization has helped us to maintain to the gay & lesbian community. Our kids have made relationships with the dedicated staff who have been there for years. Our family feels valued by these people with a level of understanding that is hard to come by in the mainly heterosexual community in which we live. Not only do they provide a community in which we belong, but they motivate us to get involved, and stay involved. We are truly lucky to have the Family Services Program as a part of our family! Thank you!
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
the way that the services keep expanding over the years, providing more and more opportunities for GLBT families to receive support, education and social connection.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
be rewarded daily knowing that the families I serve are so grateful.
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What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
the relationships we ahve formed with the staff, and the connection that our kids have made with the staff over the years.
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
awesome. Dedicated. Happy. Smart. Kind. Endlessly energetic.
Ways to make it better...
I had participated more and volunteered more.
In my opinion, the biggest challenges facing this organization are...
funding?
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2009
June 12, 2009
This is the most fantastic organization I've ever been a part of. The staff and leadership's dedication to the community is inspiring. They have truly become a community center here in Los Angeles. I have been on their Aids LifeCycle fundraiser three years now, and each time it is always one of the most amazing weeks of my life, not to mention one of the most well-organized and run money raisers I've ever been a part of.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
the people that receive counseling and medication from the center.
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What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
being a part of their AIDS Lifecycle fundraiser.
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
incredibly dedicated and truly passionate about the community they serve.
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
really change the face of HIV/AIDS care and prevention in Los Angeles, and to a greater extent, California.
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2009
June 12, 2009
I have been so amazed by what an incredible group of people are on the board of the Center. They are incredibly enthusiastic, objective, knowledgable and very involved with what is going on the community. I have learned so much over the last couple of years and even though I am extremely busy my experience has really given me the tools to be more involved. Every time I hear Lorri Jean speak I think she is my hero! We all get caught up in our busy lives, yet the work that is being done for the community by the Center is so important that I felt I had to carve out time to join the board. I am so completely inspired by what the Center does and so thankful that I am a part of what they are doing! Susan Feniger
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The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
dedicated and hard working!
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2009
June 11, 2009
This organization and the CEO are exactly what our community needs. The L.A. Center and Jeffrey Goodman Clinic are the flagship organizations that should be copied all over the country, especially here in San Diego. Lori Jean, you're a true angel!
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
helping EVERYONE. Great outreach and community presence.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
do exactly what Lori Jean is doing
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What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
the feeling of belonging and that my assistance was important and appreciated.
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
Lori Jean, the BEST and her compassion rolls down hill to her staff and volunteers
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
definitely help everyone in the community who needs it.
Ways to make it better...
I wouldn't change a thing.
In my opinion, the biggest challenges facing this organization are...
budget cuts and reduction in donations.
One thing I'd also say is that...
come to San Diego Lori and show our center how it's done!
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2009
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