Community
Stairways Outpatient Clinic offers a new GLBT support group.
From Mark Davis, LSW
Stairways Outpatient clinic on 2910 State Street provides help for residents of Erie County who experience a need for mental health and emotional support.
An experienced and professional team of psychiatrists, nurses and therapists work to help clients recover from mental illness to lead healthier and more productive lives of their own choosing. Respect for personal rights and confidentiality are important factors in the success of treatment.
The therapists provide individual and group therapy. The team is always exploring ways to meet the needs of their client population. It had been noticed that there was a population with needs not fully addressed. Many gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered individuals experience limited places to socialize with others especially if they are uncomfortable in a bar setting or anywhere alcohol is served.
A new therapeutic support group called "Rainbow Connections" was organized in September which will give members a safe environment to work on improving self-esteem, build healthy relationships, set boundaries, overcome stigma and discuss current events and how they have an effect on the GLBT community. The group is facilitated by Mark Davis, LSW. who may be contacted at the clinic at 454-5686 extension 239.
Anyone currently enrolled at the clinic may be referred to the group by clinic staff. If you are experiencing problems with mental health and need compassionate help from Stairways the first step is to contact Case Management at 878-3440 to set up an intake assessment.
SPARC Announces Annual Conference for Philadelphia
from Statewide Pennsylvania Rights Coalition
SPARC, the Statewide Pennsylvania Rights Coalition, will convene its annual conference on Saturday, October 9, 2004, at Thomas Jefferson University in central Philadelphia. SPARC's conference theme this year is "Making History: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow."
The conference will offer specific updates to relevant topics for the GLBT community and offer effective strategies for activists to use
in meeting those challenges. Conference presenters will offer personal insight — their collective strengths, skills, and pride have contributed to expanded GLBT acceptance in all facets of our society. Conference workshops will cover topics such as fighting for marriage rights, violence against the transgendered community, recent court cases, and the ongoing fight to pass civil rights protections for Pennsylvanians.
Each year the conference rotates to a new location in the state in order to build relationships between activists across the divide of geographic distances. Organizers chose Philadelphia this year to coincide with the city's OUTFEST celebrations going on Sunday October 10.
Each year, SPARC also recognizes an individual whose personal bravery and commitment creates meaningful and unique contributions to our
lives. It will be difficult to identify a single individual whose contribution surpasses all others, but it will be exciting to review the many nominations, all of which describe individuals who are champions in their own right. Previous recipients have included Randy Forrester, Jim Huggins, Malcolm Lazin, and Barbara Gittings.
Nearby accommodations are available at the Alexander Inn tel. 215-923-1004 and the Rodeway Inn tel 215-546-7000
For more information about SPARC's annual conference, contact SPARC at (717) 920-9537 or email: sconlan@sparc-pa.org. To access resources to assist you in your own activism, visit www.sparc-pa.org.
National Drop Out Day
Submitted by Reid
October 8 is designated National Drop Out Day for the GLBT community and their supporters. To show we are an important part of the economy, your are encouraged to:
a. Take a vacation day at work
b. Not use your cell phone
c. Not buy anything
For more information, visit http://boycottforequality.org.
Please pass this to any and all who might support us in this effort.
