North County LGBTQ Community Center: Welcome Home Gala 2024

By Cesar A Reyes

An interview with Lisa Nava, Director of Operations & Roxanne Deatherage, Director of Pride by the Beach

The folks at the North County LGBTQ Community Center are excited to share the joy of getting their new home ready to welcome the community and continue the mission of providing valuable resources in the North County for anyone who needs them. We sat down with Lisa Nava and Roxanne Deatherage to talk about The Centers new facility and the upcoming Welcome Home Gala.

Tell us about the North County LGBTQ Resource Center?

We are a 501(c)3 organization that serves the lesbian, gay, transgender, bisexual, and questioning (LGBTQ) community of North County San Diego. Our service area includes the communities of Encinitas, Carlsbad, Oceanside, Vista, San Marcos, Escondido, Rancho Bernardo, Fallbrook, Camp Pendleton, and other outlying areas.

Through the vision, dedication, and hard work of our supporters, the North County LGBTQ Resource Center became a reality in November 2011. We come together to share ideas, and resources, and expand our presence in the local community. We envision the Resource Center as a visible symbol of the LGBTQ community in North County San Diego.

As the second-largest housing program in North County, we are committed to providing safe and supportive housing solutions through our Unicorn Home Program, offering full wrap-around services to ensure comprehensive care for our clients. Additionally, we offer free mental health services, ensuring our community has access to the support they need. The Resource Center also supports, builds, educates, and improves the relationships of the LGBTQ community and our friends and allies. Our services include support groups for youth, seniors, military service members, HIV/AIDS testing and prevention, counseling, civil rights advocacy, classes, and workgroups.

The Center is moving to a new home, can you tell us what this means for the community it serves and the expansion of services?

Our move to 1919 Apple Street marks a monumental step forward for the North County LGBTQ Resource Center and the community we serve. This new location is not just a change of address—it’s a transformative opportunity for us to expand our services, reach more individuals, and create an even more inclusive and supportive environment.

By owning this building, we gain the stability and autonomy needed to grow and enhance our offerings. The additional space allows us to provide more support groups, counseling sessions, and community events. With this move, we can serve more people in need, offering an even broader range of services that cater to the unique challenges faced by the LGBTQ community. 1919 Apple Street is more than a building: it’s a beacon of hope, resilience, and progress for North County. It represents our commitment to creating a lasting impact and ensuring that every member of our community has access to the resources and support they deserve.

Explain the importance of the North County Center for the community it serves.

Our programs and services not only support LGBTQ individuals but also benefit the broader community by creating a safer, more accepting environment where everyone can thrive. We offer education, advocacy, and resources that help break down barriers, reduce stigma, and build stronger, more resilient relationships among all community members.

By providing mental health services, housing assistance, and support groups, we address critical needs that impact not just individuals, but families and the community at large. Our work in civil rights advocacy ensures that everyone in our community has a voice and is treated with dignity and respect.

One of our most significant contributions to the community is our FREE annual Pride by the Beach festival, which brings over 20,000 people to Oceanside each year. This celebration of pride is not only a joyful expression of identity but also a testament to the strength and unity of our community. It provides a space where everyone can come together, celebrate diversity, and build lasting connections in a positive, vibrant atmosphere.

Can you tell us about the upcoming Welcome Home Gala?

This September, we present our signature fundraising event of the year, aptly themed, “Welcome Home.” This gala helps the North County LGBTQ Resource Center raise the critical funds needed to keep our doors open and to continue making our center a true home for the community. Because, ultimately, it’s the people inside the building that make it a home.

Venue: The Westin Carlsbad – a stunning and sprawling luxury resort

Date/Time: September 28th at 5:PM

What can people look forward during the Gala?

This much-anticipated event will be hosted by the fabulous Mariam T and will feature a delectable three-course meal, live and silent auction excitement, live entertainment, dancing, and—most importantly—the opportunity to hear the stories from individuals whose lives have been changed by the Center’s services.

How can folks get involved?

Attend Our Gala – “Welcome Home”

This September, we are hosting our signature fundraising event, themed “Welcome Home,” at The Westin Carlsbad. By attending this gala, you will not only enjoy a night of entertainment, great food, and inspiring stories, but you’ll also be directly supporting the vital services we provide. Your presence and contributions at the gala will help us raise the critical funds necessary to keep our doors open and our programs running. Join us for a night that celebrates community, resilience, and the impact we can make together.

Volunteer at the Center

Volunteering is one of the most rewarding ways to get involved. Whether you’re interested in helping out at events, supporting our daily operations, or offering your skills in areas such as counseling, outreach, or advocacy, we welcome volunteers from all backgrounds. By volunteering, you’ll be making a direct impact on the lives of individuals who rely on our services for support, resources, and community.

Donate

Your financial support is crucial to our ability to provide free mental health services, housing assistance, and a wide range of other resources. Donations of any size make a difference and help ensure that our center remains a safe and supportive space for everyone. You can make a one-time donation or become a monthly donor to sustain our efforts year-round.

Participate in Our Programs and Events

The North County LGBTQ Resource Center hosts a variety of events throughout the year, from support groups and educational workshops to community gatherings and our Pride by the Beach festival. By participating in these events, you’re not only accessing resources and connecting with others, but you’re also strengthening our community as a whole. Keep an eye on our event calendar and join us whenever you can!

Advocate for LGBTQ Rights

Help us spread the word about the importance of LGBTQ rights and inclusion in North County and beyond. Share our mission with your network, attend local advocacy events, and use your voice to promote equality and justice. Together, we can create a more inclusive and supportive environment for everyone.

Spread the Word

Follow us on social media, subscribe to our newsletter, and share our posts with your friends and family. The more people who know about our work, the greater our impact can be. Your support in raising awareness helps us reach more individuals who might benefit from our services and helps build a stronger, more connected community.