By Sarah Mieras
GRAND RAPIDS – The Gay and Lesbian Network of West Michigan is on the move – again. Equipped with a new 3,000 plus square foot center in the heart of Eastown, and a new Executive Director, the Network is gearing up to provide more services and resources for Grand Rapids' LGBT community.
Since 1998 the Network has called a variety of locations home. None, though, can compare to their newest spot, 345 Atlas Avenue. Located just behind Spirit Dreams on Lake Drive, the new building is more than just an office. After a few more renovations, the building on Atlas will have the capacity to host events, meetings, movie nights, support groups and much more.
"This space really does feel like home. It feels like we are going back to our roots," said Steven Davidson who became the Network's Executive Director in April.
With a storefront style location, Davidson described the new building as a community center that's just waiting to serve the community. And a visible community center complete with a highflying rainbow flag is especially important in West Michigan, a region of the State where many LGBT people still feel the need to remain in the closet.
"Hopefully having this new center will make Grand Rapids stronger. We are hoping the community will embrace this and come forward and understand that it's okay to be gay in West Michigan," explained Davidson.
With more space for meetings and special events, plus a more visible location, the Network's Vice President, Jeff VanderPloeg is hoping to expand the services the organization offers.
"We really can offer so much more to the community with this space. I am hoping that once the community gets in here and sees this space, it will encourage them to become more active members."
There are many new additions to the community center that were not available in its previous location on Wealthy. New additions such as a technology lab equipped with four computers, high speed Internet and a variety of programs. The Network has also expanded its lending library to include not only a large selection of non-fiction, fiction and reference books but also 100's of VHS and DVDs are now available. Soon the entire community center will be a hot spot, equipped with wireless Internet access for those who wish to bring their laptops to the center to conduct work or research.
The Network will also play host for the first time, to the weekly meetings of the Windfire youth group. For more than 15 years the meetings have been held at an area church. Now said Davidson, the youth that attend will be able to access all of the other resources offered at the Network. Other support groups, which were disbanded due to a lack of adequate meeting space, will also be resurrected once the new community center is up and running. The large space, said Davidson, will make it possible for numerous meetings to happen at the same time.
The Network will also continue to offer ongoing groups and activities, such as Friday Night Flicks and Women Supporting Women. Once renovations on the building have been completed, the Network also plans to have space to allow other groups to host their meetings and activities at the center.
Although the new Network is currently open for business, a formal open house will be held in the fall when the renovations have been completed. For more information about the services offered by the Network stop by their new location at 345 Atlas Avenue between the hours of 12:30 – 5:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday or 12:30 – 9:30 p.m. on Fridays or call, (616) 458-3511. You can also get the scoop online at www.the-lgbt-network.org.
