A Letter From Our Executive Director, Cheryl Fraenzl
Dear Community,
As we come out of the deepest part of COVID and emerge into the next phase of life, so too is The Diversity Center! After taking the last six months to do some internal review, asking questions, and evaluating opportunities, the leadership of The Diversity Center is pleased to communicate over the coming weeks some exciting news and continuous evolution.
We’re slowly opening our in person programs once again! We are building a calendar of activities to offer the community. Every Saturday we’ll be hosting a youth day, and every Monday will be dedicated to seniors, including yoga, snacks, and community chat. Peer-led support groups are invited to do in-person meetings, while senior socials will also have the opportunity to meet at TDC if they desire. This is just the beginning as we have big plans for what is possible in this space. We’ll be adding more and more to our calendar of events and meeting the needs of a broader range of individuals, so please keep an eye on our website and newsletter for updates.
TDC will also be polishing itself up! After purchasing the building, there was a lot of work to be done to rehabilitate it. The walls have been painted, the roof sealed, new flooring has been laid and the backyard has been turned into a mini sanctuary thanks to the efforts of many volunteers. Soon you’ll be able to spend time comfortably hanging out at TDC. Meanwhile, we’re busy making plans to finish the internal design and decor and with the help of the City of Santa Cruz we’ll be redoing the facade in the next month. With luck and a grant, our parking lot wall will have a beautiful new mural that is being imagined as you read this.
This communication is the first in a series to kick off the beginning of an exciting new chapter for TDC and as we gather more feedback, you’ll see other community initiated possibilities unfold in the next months such as rebuilding staff and announcing new positions in development, community engagement and programming. We will also open the center to community organizations and invite collaborators to consider a satellite office at TDC and/or host meetings, activities, and events. And much more! The Diversity Center is in deeply inspiring discussions, has big vision, and we are seeking new and creative ways to serve the LGBTQ+ community. Stay tuned as things unfold.
In community,
Cheryl Fraenzl, Executive Director
TDC Staff and Board Leadership
