The GLBT Community Center of Colorado Changes Name to The Center on Colfax
Change reflects evolving constituent base and expanded services for diverse community
The GLBT Community Center of Colorado is now The Center on Colfax. The name change better represents the diverse community the organization serves and the expanded programming The Center now offers.
Originally founded in 1976 as the Gay Community Center of Colorado, The Center has grown to become the largest LGBTQ community center in the Rocky Mountain region. The Center remains committed to its mission of engaging, empowering, enriching and advancing the LGBTQ community of Colorado.
“As we have evolved over the years, we’ve made changes to include everyone we serve and those who contribute to our vibrant community, including women, bisexual people and transgender individuals. Our new name is intended to welcome all members of the community as our offerings continue to grow,” said The Center’s CEO Debra Pollock.
Now serving more than 52,000 people annually, The Center on Colfax offers programs and services to help the community live happy, healthy and productive lives. Rainbow Alley is The Center’s program serving youth. SAGE of the Rockies is The Center’s fast-growing program for older adults. The Center’s Transgender Program also continues to expand and serve more people with support groups and resources. The Center on Colfax offers free referrals for legal services. RANGE Consulting is The Center’s program offering HR training and consulting for LGBTQ-related employment issues.
Denver PrideFest, The Center’s annual festival, has grown to welcome more than 425,000 guests each June. Proceeds from Denver PrideFest go directly to support the programs and services available at The Center on Colfax, located at the intersection of Colfax and Lafayette in Denver’s Capitol Hill neighborhood.
The Center’s board of directors considered several options to update the name and made its selection after gathering input from a variety of constituents. Center staff surveyed the community via social media, emailed regular users, and surveyed individuals attending programs at the Center.
In addition to the name change, The Center on Colfax has updated its logo and the URL for its website to lgbtqcolorado.org.
“Our new web address will clearly represent the community we serve,” Pollock added. “As our community continues to grow, we can more easily update our website to reflect changing community values.”