NY LGBT youth organization receives $300k gift from Bea Arthur

Posted on October 28, 2009 | Filed Under Social Justice

By 365gay Newswire
10.27.2009 5:00pm EDT

From a press release:
The Ali Forney Center received a gift of $300,000  today from the Estate of legendary actress Bea Arthur.

The Ali Forney Center, the nation’s largest organization dedicated to homeless LGBT youth, announced at Bea Arthur’s Memorial Service on September 14th that they planned to purchase a building to house 12 youths and name it her honor.

“We work with hundreds of young people who are rejected by their families because of who they are. We are overwhelmed with gratitude that Bea saw that LGBT youth deserve as much love and support as any other young person, and that she placed so much value in the work we do to protect them, and to help them rebuild their lives.” says Executive Director Carl Siciliano.

The Ali Forney Center offers emergency shelter and transitional housing in seven residential sites in New York City, and operates two drop-in centers offering food, clothing, medical and mental health treatment, HIV testing, treatment and prevention services, and vocational and educational assistance. It provides services to over 1000 young people each year.

Gov. Paterson to Put Marriage on Senate’s Agenda

Posted on October 28, 2009 | Filed Under Social Justice

Governor Paterson announced at the Pride Agenda’s Fall Dinner last Thursday that the marriage equality bill would be among the first items on the agenda when he calls the legislature back to Albany to deal with the state’s budget deficit and other unfinished business.

Watch Governor Paterson’s speech at the Fall Dinner here.

Today newspapers across the state reported that the Governor wants to have the session on November 10, which means a vote on marriage could be two weeks away. (Associated Press)

We need to make sure that State Senators hear from all of us during the days leading up to the special session. They need to know that it would be unacceptable to return to Albany and not vote on the marriage bill. They also need to know that you, as their constituents, expect them to vote in favor of the bill.

The most effective way to advocate for marriage in this crucial time is to call your State Senator. It’s important that they hear from you even if you know that your Senator supports the bill. We need every State Senator to know that our community and our allies expect nothing less than a debate and vote on this issue of equal rights.

Click here to call now.

We’ve made calling your Senator as easy as possible—by using our “Click-to-Call” campaign, you can be patched through to your State Senator in moments with a few clicks of your mouse and at no cost to you. It’s extremely important that you call your Senator today and let them know that you expect a vote when they return to Albany and that you want them to support marriage equality for same-sex couples.

We’ll continue to send updates as things become clearer in Albany. For now, be sure to take action by calling your Senator and getting your friends and family to do the same!

PS – Check out news coverage from across the state on the Governor’s commitment to get a vote on marriage in the coming weeks: Newsday (Long Island), The New York Times(New York City), The Journal News (Hudson Valley), WSYR-TV (Syracuse), WIVB-TV(Buffalo)

(Announcement provided by Pride Agenda Action Center)

LICF Gospel Choir Makes Big Plans for 2010

Posted on October 25, 2009 | Filed Under Choir

breaking-newsAn important part of our worship service, the gospel choir is practicing hard to do its reverent best.  A few things that are in the works are an Easter “Passion Play” and perhaps several concerts for 2010.  We may even record a CD for our fan’s enjoyment.

Don’t miss the updates coming soon about how you can get more information about any one of these specific events!

Game Two Summary

Posted on October 10, 2009 | Filed Under Sports Ministry

Game Two Summary
Eighty percent of success is showing up. – Woody Allen
Like many things in life talent alone will only get you so far, discipline to keep fighting when you feel like quitting is necessary to reach your goals.  The LICF Saints prove toughness can come in many forms and this Saturday may have been difficult for some players to make it to the game but the Saints showed up strong.  The Saints toughness could be seen embodied in Jesse and Ramona.  Jesse exploded for 160 yards receiving, 100 yards rushing and set up the game winning drive by catching a pass in stride and turning up field for a dramatic run that ended with Kelli’s defense gasping for air and shaking their heads.  Ramona who last week took a knock on the head came back for more punishment this time punishing Kelli’s offense with an aggressive pass rush that kept Heath scrambling all game and then with the game on the line sacked Heath to seal the deal for the Saints first win of the season.  Gina lit up the sky with 200 yards passing and Mark had his first 100 yard game faking defenders out of their cleats.
Final Score LICF SAINTS 21 KELLI’S BEAVERS 14
Standings
Teams   Wins  Losses
LICF Saints  1  1
Kelli’s Beavers 1  1

“Eighty percent of success is showing up.” -Woody Allen -

Like many things in life talent alone will only get you so far, discipline to keep fighting when you feel like quitting is necessary to reach your goals.  The LICF Saints prove toughness can come in many forms and this Saturday may have been difficult for some players to make it to the game but the Saints showed up strong.  The Saints toughness could be seen embodied in Jesse and Ramona.  Jesse exploded for 160 yards receiving, 100 yards rushing and set up the game winning drive by catching a pass in stride and turning up field for a dramatic run that ended with Kelli’s defense gasping for air and shaking their heads.  Ramona who last week took a knock on the head came back for more punishment this time punishing Kelli’s offense with an aggressive pass rush that kept Heath scrambling all game and then with the game on the line sacked Heath to seal the deal for the Saints first win of the season.  Gina lit up the sky with 200 yards passing and Mark had his first 100 yard game faking defenders out of their cleats.

Final Score LICF SAINTS 21 KELLI’S BEAVERS 14

Standings

Teams   Wins  Losses

LICF Saints  1  1

Kelli’s Beavers 1  1

Gospel Choir Performs New Special… I’m Not Afraid

Posted on October 2, 2009 | Filed Under Choir

The LICF Gospel Choir is featuring a brand new song this coming Sunday called “I’m Not Afraid.”  This powerful and dynamic song gives an uplifting message that inspires all who hear to reclaim a special strength in their life.  There is no reason to fear with God on our side.
As the choir has grown and moved forward, it has seen the addition of many new faces.  One of these new faces will be featured in a solo piece in this song and will reach your hearts.  Don’t miss this amazing performance.

The LICF Gospel Choir is featuring a brand new song this coming Sunday called “I’m Not Afraid.”  This powerful and dynamic song gives an uplifting message that inspires all who hear to reclaim a special strength in their life.  There is no reason to fear with God on our side.

As the choir has grown and moved forward, it has seen the addition of many new faces.  One of these new faces will be featured in a solo piece in this song and will reach your hearts.  Don’t miss this amazing performance.