Breaking down the walls at theSOURCE LGTB+ Center

At theSOURCE LGBT+ Center in downtown Visalia, breaking down barriers is something they aim to do on a daily basis. Come March, the group will break through a wall they were least expecting.

The all-embracing community center has made it a point that you don’t have to be “out” to be welcomed “in”.

A local hub for the LGTB+ community, theSOURCE has provided a space for people to feel accepted while they learn and grow about the opportunities and resources available.

“We created a space for the LGTB+ population to learn, grow, belong, transform, question and support,” said Brian Poth, executive director of theSOURCE.

Less than a year ago, theSOURCE opened its doors in a 400 square-foot space in downtown Visalia. It includes a small lounge area, office and lobby area.

It unites the lesbian, gay, transgender and bisexual community by providing health and wellness resources, support groups, counseling, youth programs and countless other resources.

While theSOURCE has done its job in reaching the local LGBT population – more than 1,500 visitors – it has much outgrown its space.

Breaking down the wall

There’s always a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow, and for theSOURCE, the prize is right next door. The neighboring unit has opened up and the center is able to connect the two for a larger area.

“The odds have been in our favor and things are happening so fast,” Poth said.

Poth said that a few months ago, theSOURCE was notified a space next door could become available. They were hopeful, patient and for whatever reason, it never happened.

On the other side of theSOURCE, another space became available. But, the law office of Ralph F. Kaelble separated the empty space and the current location.

Even though our office didn’t have to move, we realized theSOURCE needed to expand, said Corina Ceballos, Kaelble’s legal assistant.

The move into the empty office on the corner, freed up space for the nonprofit.

“She’s our neighbor and is moving for us,” Poth said. “It just goes to show that this community is doing really nice things.”

City Councilman Steve Nelsen said the expansion is just another high-five for the community.

“It’s a great indicator that they are providing great resources and outreach,” Nelsen said. “It provides an area of safety, interaction and community. And, I think all people need to have that feeling.”

On March 1, theSOURCE will officially make the move and is looking for the community’s support through the process. The expansion campaign is asking for $5,000 to cover one year’s rent for the new space.

Once the previous tenant is out, demolition of a connecting wall will start the expansion process doubling the size of the current space.

The front will be a larger lobby and lounge area and the back will be converted into a library and study hall.

The hope is to be able to provide free student tutoring, student council meetings and networking opportunities, Poth said.

Future growth

“When we started theSOURCE a year ago it was just an idea,” said Nick Vargas treasurer of the organization. “To now, a year later, need to expand and double in size is a dream come true.”

Vargas said it’s exciting and humbling knowing the community supports their cause. It’s taken teamwork and collaboration.

“This year has been a lot of trial and error,” Poth said. “We’re going to focus on creating partnership and expansion.”

Poth said the organization is also focusing on HIV education and outreach, the student youth council and its transgender resource program this year.

TheSOURCE LGBT+ Center partners with many local organizations including Arts Consortium, United Church of Christ, My Voice Media Center, Visalia Plays, PFLAG, ACT for Women and Girls, Gay Tulare, Porterville, Visalia and Hanford .

Throughout the year, the nonprofit has accumulated connections and started projects with those organizations. Networking allows them to take steps to grow.

Their newest ideas are artSOURCE to promote local artists, bizSOURCE to build a network with LGBT+ owned and allied businesses, BtheSOURCE for student clubs and scholarships and SOURCE50 for LGTB+ seniors.

Poth and Vargas were from the Valley, moved away and came back to serve a bigger purpose. To see the community rally behind them this first year has been cathartic, Vargas said.

“The community at large is not something that is against us,” Vargas said. “We’re here to educate them on ways we can support them and they can support us.”

To donate to the expansion campaign visit http://bit.ly/2m4CEwz. For more information on theSOURCE visit www.thesourcelgbt.org.