My name is Jesus Sanchez (he/him), Volunteer Services Manager at The Center, and as we begin 2026, I invite you to support our LGBTQ+ community by volunteering at The Center.

The past year was challenging for our organization and the people we serve. We witnessed anti-LGBTQ political hostility, threats to our funding, and deep obstacles to safety, belonging, and access to care. During times like these, The Center remains a place to connect, seek critical services and resources, build our collective power, and remind one another that we are not alone. As we move into the new year, sustaining these vital services and spaces depends on community members like you showing up, banding together, and supporting each other when we can.

Volunteering is a powerful way to help ensure that The Center can continue offering the programs, advocacy, and affirming spaces our community relies on. Below are just a few ways you can get involved in 2026:

Congregate Meal Program

Support community members aged 60 and above by helping serve free meals in a welcoming, affirming environment. Offered in partnership with the County of San Diego and Jewish Family Service, this program runs Monday through Friday from 11:30am–12:30pm. Volunteers assist with setup, serving, and connecting with participants, helping to create moments of care and connection.

Sashay, You Play

Interested in volunteering at The Center? Come to Sashay, You Play, our free, inclusive game night at The Center on January 27 to learn about volunteer opportunities, meet other volunteers and community members, and have fun. This program brings community together through board games, cards, pizza, and conversation, offering a playful social space where LGBTQ+ people can relax, connect, and socialize.

Dining Out For Life® San Diego

Be part of one of our largest annual fundraisers supporting our Sexual Health and Wellness program including HIV services at The Center. Dining Out For Life® San Diego on April 23 will bring our broader community together through local dining. Volunteers are essential to outreach, event coordination, and sharing The Center’s mission at our participating dining locations across the San Diego region.

Fierce Advocacy and Civic Engagement (FACE)

In addition to supporting our services and events, volunteers can join our FACE Team to help build community power through advocacy. From providing public comment at city and council meetings and writing letters to decision-makers, to showing up for our community in moments that have lasting impact, there are many ways to stay engaged throughout 2026.

To learn more about FACE, email advocacy@thecentersd.org.

Please note that becoming an official Center volunteer can take 4–6 weeks, so we encourage you to begin the volunteer application process as soon as possible. This process helps us maintain safe, supportive spaces for our community. Dining Out For Life® San Diego and FACE Team volunteers do not need to complete the formal volunteer application. When you sign up as a volunteer, we will also keep you informed of all volunteer opportunities throughout the year.

Volunteering is a powerful way to care for one another, sustain the services people need, and be in community with each other, especially when times are hard. We hope you’ll join us in our mission this year and help strengthen our LGBTQ+ community together!

Volunteer Spotlight: AJ Ballard & Travis Younger

Our volunteers are the heart of The Center, and we’re proud to highlight two incredible individuals whose generous effort and contributions make our community stronger.

AJ Ballard (she/her/he/him)

AJ has been volunteering at The Center since early September 2025, often assisting with Project Compassion every Thursday and helping with community events. AJ is motivated by a desire to give back to a community where she truly belongs. Volunteering is rewarding because it allows him to help people, meet new faces, and stay engaged in meaningful work.

Outside of volunteering, AJ is a drag king known as Absinthe Abnormal, bringing creativity and joy to queer spaces. AJ’s advice for anyone considering volunteering is simple: “Do it. Send in the application.”

Travis Younger (he/him)

Travis began volunteering at The Center in October 2025 as a way to give back to the Hillcrest neighborhood he’s called home for nearly six years. Through his volunteer work, Travis has built connections with staff, clients, and neighbors that strengthen his sense of belonging and community. Travis volunteers regularly with Project Compassion on Thursdays and helps with monthly cleaning at the Hillcrest Youth Center.

He describes volunteering as a welcoming, well-organized, and deeply rewarding experience that fits any schedule.

If you’ve been thinking about volunteering at The Center, please submit an application.

Thank you,

Jesus Sanchez (he/him)
Volunteer Services Manager