Founders Circle Membership

The Pride Center of Staten Island is the only comprehensive LGBTQ resource organization on Staten Island, providing support and services for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Staten Islanders, friends, and families in a safe and welcoming environment. Last year, more than 4,500 people participated in the Center’s programs and services.  

It wasn’t so long ago that living on Staten Island and being part of the LGBT community meant taking the Ferry to Manhattan. Many made the trip because they did not feel safe, connected, and wanted to be a part of something.

Well, a lot has changed over the years.

Many people have taken courageous steps, both large and small, to build an LGBT community center on Staten Island. The Pride Center began as a program of Community Health Action of Staten Island, and over the last five years has expanded into a full service LGBT Community Center. The Center has cultivated recognition and support from all corners of the Island, and has created a dynamic range of programs and services that enhance the lives of LGBTQ individuals and families.

In 2010, CHASI hired Ralph Vogel as the Center’s first Executive Director. Ralph was charged with expanding programs and services, building bridges to the greater community, and working to set the stage for a fully independent LGBT Center. He established a Board of Directors, incorporated the Pride Center Staten Island, Inc. in the state of New York and received 501(c) 3 tax exempt nonprofit designation in June 2013.

March 23, 2016 CHASI and the Pride Center signed our final separation agreement. In order to ensure a smooth transition of programs and services from CHASI to the Pride Center, including the establishment of an operational cash reserve, a Founder’s Circle membership campaign is underway to raise $250,000 over the next two years.

Be a part of history by joining the Founders Circle and help make the Pride Center of Staten Island a full reality. Your contribution of $1,000 or more will be an investment in your community that will have lasting and long term impact.  If you like, you can choose to have your pledge spread over twelve months.

This is your opportunity to make a real difference!

Your generosity will be acknowledged on a beautiful plaque permanently placed in the entrance of the Center. As a member of the Founder’s Circle,  you will be invited to a very special cocktail party at the end of this year; you will also receive special VIP invites to Center events. Your name will be listed on the Center’s web site, acknowledged in the Center’s newsletter, and in a media story to be published later in the year.

We hope that you will use this special opportunity to build and strengthen your alliance with and in the Staten Island LGBT community.