More Space, Services At Full Spectrum Outreach Center

YOUNGSTOWN – Full Spectrum Community Outreach Center enters the new year looking to increase its volunteer base, increase attendance at Pride in the Valley and expand its services.

Founded in 2016, Full Spectrum is a LGBTQIA – lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual – center aimed at helping individuals “thrive as healthy, equal and complete members of society,” says CEO Tim Bortner. It organizes the annual Pride in the Valley celebration, hosts support groups and provides training to address workplace inclusion.

The organization’s biggest challenge in 2019 was securing financial stability to maintain its rented office space. It was eased by the donation of extra space that allowed for higher attendance at events and support groups.

“To fight the region’s brain drain and support brain gain, all individuals must feel welcome in the Valley,” Bortner says. “Schools, governments and businesses need the resources to know how to adapt to a rapidly changing, increasingly inclusive playing field.”

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