The Center: A Lifeline for the LGBT Community

The Center on Colfax is Colorado’s oldest LGBTQ advocacy organization, offering critical resources and support in addition to hosting the annual Denver PrideFest. More than 40,000 people a year visit the Center and more than 300,000 attend PrideFest each year.

For some, The Center is a lifeline. The Center estimates that about one-fifth of the LGBTQ teens who come to its Rainbow Alley youth program are dealing with homelessness and other serious issues.

“We have approximately four to five youths who either threaten or attempt suicide every month,” said J. Ryann Peyton, training and legal director for The Center. “If we were not here, those four or five youths would be gone.”

The program gives LGBTQ young people a place to come after school to be a part of a community and get support. It is operated by a social worker with a master’s degree in social work.

A program serving the other end of the age spectrum — Services and Advocacy for GLBT elders (SAGE of the Rockies) — has become one of the center’s fastest growing programs.

“We’re seeing a lot of folks age 55 and up who are coming out for the first time, coming out as lesbian or gay or transgender. It’s a very important program for our constituents,” said Peyton.

The Center celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2016 and also has a Transgender Program, a Family Program, and a Legal and Advocacy Program.

The Center established an endowment with Community First Foundation in 2008 with a $200,000 legacy gift and received a $100,000 match from the Foundation. Support from Community First Foundation was instrumental in establishing the endowment which will help ensure The Center’s future. Proceeds from the endowment offset annual operating expenses.