Volunteers Are the Heartbeat of Our Center

By Kevin

April is Volunteer Appreciation Month—a time to recognize the people who help bring our mission to life every single day. At The LGBTQ Community Center of the Desert, volunteers are more than helpers; they are co-creators of the vibrant, welcoming community we envision—where LGBTQ+ people can thrive and live authentically in supportive, inclusive spaces.

Our volunteers reflect the heart of our work: ending isolation and loneliness, connecting people to resources and community, and enriching our individual and collective experiences. Whether they’re welcoming guests at the front desk, facilitating a program, helping distribute food at our weekly Community Food Bank drive-thru, making heartfelt check-in calls through our Get Centered friendship line, or supporting outreach efforts across the valley—volunteers are making meaningful connections every day.

They show up with integrity, create equity through action, and share joy in ways both big and small. Their presence reminds us that volunteering isn’t just service—it’s community care. It’s a way of saying: You’re not alone. You matter. You belong here.

In a time when LGBTQ+ rights and visibility are being challenged across the country, community care has never been more important. Amid shifting policies and rhetoric, our collective commitment to building inclusive, affirming spaces remains unwavering. Volunteers help us meet this moment—not with fear, but with connection, compassion, and resilience.

This April, we invite our wider community to join us in celebrating the people who help make The Center what it is. Say thank you, ask about their experiences, or consider getting involved yourself. Whether you have time, skills, or simply the desire to connect, there’s a place for you here.

Together, we’re building a future where all LGBTQ+ people can thrive—because making meaningful connections isn’t just what we do, it’s who we are.

Connection is our lifeline.