Happy Pride Month! This June, we want to take the time to spotlight Center on Halsted, a fantastic organization that has spent decades being a champion for queer Chicagoans. At Bud & Rita’s, we know the importance of supporting the communities we’re a part of. Read below to learn all about Center on Halsted and how you can support them when you pick up a pack of NGW Pride SLIMS!
Starting as ‘Gay Horizons’ in 1973, Center on Halsted (COH) has done significant work for the LGBTQ community for over 50 years now. What initially began as a small informational center and meeting place for queer Chicagoans has now blossomed into a hub of information, support, and exploration for folks from all walks of life. In its first decade, Gay Horizons (now COH) began providing services including medical testing, mental health support, and social services – patrons were able to access this information and more through their HELPLINE hotline and in person. In 1981, Gay Horizons began recruiting volunteers to provide HIV/AIDS-related medical services for those in need. In the time of the AIDS epidemic, and the political and educational turmoil that surrounded it, providing medical services in this form was vital and life-saving work.
In 1989, Gay Horizons was officially established as the first LGBTQ agency in Illinois, and one out of five total in the United States. The following year, the inaugural Human First Gala was held, marking a long term tradition the Center still carries out today!
At the turn of the century in 2001, the Center on Halsted project was launched; the City of Chicago provided $350,000 in funds for the capital campaign. In 2003, Gay Horizons changed its name to the one we know now! The state of IL provided grants totalling $6.5 million for the organization, and in 2007 the Center on Halsted officially opened its doors to its patrons and community. Since their official inception nearly 20 years ago, COH has provided a plethora of assistance to LGBTQ+ folks of all kinds. Their current work seeks to support LGBTQ+ youth, seniors, those who are unhoused or unemployed, and more. Some of their services included offering peer-to-peer counseling for LGBTQ+ youth, creating the Midwests’ first affordable housing units for LGBTQ+ seniors, and spreading education through their LGBTQ+ Cultural Competency program. The Center also provides comprehensive HIV/AIDS care and research through The HUB, their medical advocacy program. Furthermore, this organization works to strengthen their patrons for the workforce with their occupational programs. The Silver Fork Culinary Program provides hands-on training from local chefs for unemployed or underemployed adults who want to explore the world of cooking, while the Cyber Center offers beginner-to-intermediate level courses in various computer programs as a means of encouraging folks to become more tech-literate to expand their job opportunities.
Nature’s Grace and Wellness (NGW) has been supporting and working with the Center on Halsted for years. When you shop for a pack of Pride SLIMS, a portion of the proceeds goes to support our LGBTQ+ friends at the Center. Check out your nearest Bud & Rita’s to get this limited edition, extra-colorful tin of premium pre-rolls – and support a fantastic cause while you’re doing so.
Check out Center on Halsted’s website to learn more about this fantastic organization and what you can do to support them 🌈
