Tuesday, May 7, 2013

Timing of Wingspan's Community Letter is, Well, Interesting

Posted By on Tue, May 7, 2013 at 9:13 AM

Just when you're wondering what's going on, you receive a community letter 'splaining it all or making everything seem positively positive.

The letter is from Wingspan and it went out through the Internets yesterday. The community calls coming into Weekly World Central have to do with the firing of popular staff members, and the departure of other staff who decided it was probably best to leave rather than wait to get fired.

Concern about what was taking place was growing toward the end of last week, when it was communicated to us that participants in the Eon youth program were thinking of holding a protest. We sent an email to the organization's new executive director, Carol Grimsby, to find out what's going on. We'll keep you posted.

However, while we're waiting, here's the letter:

May 6, 2013

Dear Mari,

Wingspan exists to support and serve the Southern Arizona LGBT community and our allies. Our focus is our commitment to excellence in the execution and the continuing improvement of all programs, services, education and advocacy. Our mission is to promote the freedom, equality, safety and well-being of LGBT people.

Over the past 25 years Wingspan has faced challenges and changes but we are here, stronger than ever, thanks to you and valued staff. We are sorry to say goodbye to Casey Chimneystar Condit. She is a wonderful role-model for the EON youth and embodies the positive spirit of Wingspan. Casey has given selflessly of her time, energy and passion for our beloved community center. Wingspan celebrates Casey's contribution and wishes her well for the future. Casey and her accomplishments are woven into the rich history of Wingspan - they will never be lost or forgotten.

The future of Wingspan is continuing our work building, reinforcing and investing in a strong LGBT community center and serving all LGBT community members. Wingspan serves the LGBT community with many relevant programs with our; EON Youth, Homeless Youth, Rainbow Families, Anti-Violence Program, 24-hour bilingual crisis hotline, Puetas Abiertas, Senior Pride, SAGA, Community Forums, and Advocacy and Public Policy.

25 Years ago, Wingspan gave hope to vulnerable youth struggling with questions of identity and developed a safe place for them to meet. Wingspan's Anti-Violence Program was initiated in 1993 in response to a lack of resources for LGBT victims of domestic violence, bullying and hate crimes. 15 Years ago, the Southern Arizona Gender Alliance (SAGA) began through Wingspan, giving resources and support to the transgender community. Wingspan has consistently provided programs and services to the LGBT community and our allies.

Today we return to the meaning, vision and spirit of our name, Wingspan, our wings span over all of Southern Arizona's LGBT and allied communities. Moving forward we will continue to engage all sectors of the community in meaningful discussions, activities, and programs as we set out on our new path for the next 25 years and beyond.

We embrace a reenergized path with the leadership of our new Executive Director, renewed engagement of volunteers and the entire community. Wingspan, as Southern Arizona's LGBT community center, will continue to focus on our communities most vulnerable while we broaden our span to include programs for the entire community.

Wingspan is your LGBT community center today, tomorrow, the next 25 years and beyond.

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