I began my internship at The Center OC last year and I wish I could stay on forever. I feel supported and a valued part of the mental health team. My supervisors have been top notch people and I have learned so much - What a great opportunity!
Almost 30 yrs ago my partner came to the Center afraid with no where in the OC to turn. He joined the youth group and found friends and folks like him to empower his coming out. Today's, he's a successful professional, reserve sheriff and a loving husband. Being a board member to help others thru the Center is the least I can do to help the organization that truly helped my husband became the man I am so proud of today! Please do take a moment to consider helping the Center help others thru the youth programs, counseling services, senior services, adoption/foster care program etc!
First, I am a previous Board Member and I am so happy to have found a place where I can sing the praises of this agency. I have never served on a Board that worked together so cohesively. All of my subsequent Board experiences are compared with and measured against this Board. No matter the difference of opinion, when they move in a direction, they do it together, unanimously, and with purpose. I watched this agency go from a cash-strapped and struggling, to the point where they now own their own building. In the face of economic uncertainty they have created their own future and forged ahead. I have never been more proud to have been affiliated with an agency.
As one of the members of the GSA club at our school, we were invited to this Mixer event that the Center was holding. Attending this party, I could easily see the welcoming and accepting atmosphere of the leaders and people in this nonprofit organization. The place was beautifully decorated and I can see the time and effort they put into making these events. It is amazing that this Center is located in Santa Ana, yet they were able to contact our GSA group which is in the Westminster district - this just shows how determined they are to spread awareness that the Center exists and can provide a place for LGBT people to discuss issues and bond as a family. This Center is a great nonprofit organization, and I hope more people will know about it.
All I can say my counselor trainee has helped me so much. I'm currently working on having my parents understand I am who I am and to see my view points of my lifestyle etc. And being able to talk it out w my counselor is a huge step... It'd be great to see this organization grow and be able to expand as they are growing and really helping.
I came to The Center last year in hopes of having someone who could relate. I found more than just that; I have a whole new circle of friends that are there for me even when it gets tough. I feel like they have become my second family. Thank You
I came to The Center over twelve years ago and attended the Womens Focus group. There were a couple different people running it before I was given the opportunity to take the reins. Working with the Center has been a life altering experience for me. I have met the most awesome people who have come through these doors. I met my wife of ten years, my best friends, some amazing leaders in the community, and some very courageous youth. I learned many things about myself and how I could make a difference in people's lives. I learned that even a little bit can help. I met some people who have overcome some tremendous challenges and have shown me the courage to be all I can be. I really do credit my life, as it is today, to The Center OC. Thank you for all you do.
I came to The Center OC about 10 years ago as a trainee, while participating in a Masters in Counseling graduate program. I completed my program years ago, and chose to stay on.. I love everything about The Center, the dedicated staff, the clients, and the privilege of contributing to the LGBT community. The Center exists to be in service.
I have worked with quite a few organizations and the center oc has by far been the cream of the crop. It is such a transformative place to work for with friendly and warm people. Whether you're a counselor, volunteer, employee, or client you know you're free to be yourself and never have to worry about being judged. If only other places embodied this, then we'd have one less thing to worry about.
The Center OC is a prime example of an Orange County nonprofit doing more with less in these tough times-- with all of their programs and services growing exponentially while they find creative, innovative ways to support the growth. I have personally seen The Center grow from having a youth program that meets once a week, to providing youth empowerment services 6 days a week. They have also expanded their mental heatlh services, which is one of the few sliding scale mental health providers in Orange County that is also LGBT-affirmative, in order to meet the needs for not only the LGBT community here, but also for the heterosexual community as well. They are a true asset to Orange County as a whole.
I've been volunteering at the center on and off for the past year or so, both in office and at local events. I've had few other volunteering experiences that are as satisfying. The staff at the Center are extraordinary in their compassion and commitment; I feel not only as if I've made friends here, but also as if I've made a difference. In the office, volunteers are mostly responsible for directing phone calls and making referrals, although other tasks - often related to event planning - will sometimes be added. Outside of the office, volunteers help set up and clean up events, interact with clients and members, and organize groups and services. It's been a wonderful experience!
I've had a super experience with supervisors, staff and my clients. This is a small but dynamic community center that opens its doors and its arms to everyone. I have straight clients and LGBT clients, and all of them feel at home here because it's all about being of service, not putting people in boxes.
I consider myself lucky to have come across The Center OC, both personally and professionally. I am continually impressed with the heart and dedication that keep the organization running and growing, never turning people away. I expect great things from The Center in the future as it expands and gets the support it deserves to accomplish all its big dreams, and I look forward to helping them do it!
The Center Orange County consistently impresses me with it's ability to respond to the community and the community needs. Their teen programs are a positive place for teens to feel at "home," their HIV testing is always open, their support groups are diverse and consistently expanding, and their mental health is fantastic. I cannot rave about The Center Orange County enough. I have always felt welcomed and my ideas met with enthusiasm. I will continue to support them in any manner I can.