Over the past year, The Center and the community we serve have navigated many challenges, including ongoing attacks on transgender and immigrant rights, threats to The Center’s funding, and the erosion of critical support systems. Through it all, The Center has continued to meet each moment, fighting for our community’s rights, dignity, and resources. As we look ahead, I want to take a moment to reflect on what we accomplished this year with Center Supporters and to honor the boldness, compassion, and determination that continue to sustain our mission.
It is with great honor that I share The Center’s Fiscal Year 2025 Annual Impact Report. The struggles our community faced this year were reflected in a 21% spike in service visits from the prior year, totaling over 109,700 service visits. Tipping over the 100,000 service visits mark for the first time reflects both the growing needs within our community and our collective ability to respond with care and support.
Below are some highlights that demonstrate the continued impact of The Center’s services:
- Senior Services visits increased by an astounding 70%, with 1,032 seniors comprising 13,904 service visits for support groups, programs, and social connection.
- Youth Services provided 28% more service visits across our Hillcrest Youth Center and South Bay Youth Center, offering critical support and social opportunities to LGBTQ+ youth.
- HIV testing increased by 21%, and we provided 49% more PrEP connections, expanding access to vital prevention resources which demonstrates a continuous need for these services in our community.
- We delivered 27,586 meals and food resources, representing a 61% increase from the prior year and helping to address food insecurity in our community.
- In response to quickly growing demand for housing assistance, our Housing Services supported 550 clients with 1,890 services across all housing programs, more than doubling the number of services provided the previous year and helping more people find stability and safety.
- Our Advocacy and Civic Engagement team intensified their robust advocacy efforts, which included our Get Out The Vote campaign that mobilized over 5,000 people to cast their votes or drop off their ballots at The Center during the last U.S. General Election.
As we look ahead, we are prepared for social, political, and economic challenges. This past year has shown us what’s possible when we lead with care and act together. For many community members, The Center is a refuge, offering connection, safe spaces, and life-changing support—from mental health and housing services to free HIV testing, counseling, and support groups. It is also a place where folks can gather to celebrate, be in community for special events like the annual Trans Day of Remembrance and the LGBT Veterans Wall of Honor ceremony, and be their authentic selves in a supportive environment.
At The Center, we remain deeply committed to sustaining this care and ensuring every LGBTQ+ person feels welcomed, supported, and valued. Through our bold advocacy and civic engagement efforts, we will continue to uplift and fight for our entire LGBTQ+ community, especially LGBTQ+ immigrants and transgender and nonbinary community members whose rights are constantly under attack.
I hope our 2025 Annual Impact Report will serve as a reminder of our collective power and The Center’s enduring commitment to serve our community no matter what obstacles we face. This year’s Annual Impact Report, as well as our previous Annual Reports, can be found on our website.
Lastly, your support has always been at the heart of what makes our work possible. As we prepare for another year of advocacy, direct services, and creating safe spaces for our community, I am so grateful for your continued partnership. Together, we will move forward with the same boldness, strength, and unity that have defined our LGBTQ+ community for decades—and that will carry us into a more just and hopeful future.
In community,
Cara Dessert (she/her)
Chief Executive Officer