ALLENTOWN, Pa. - The leader of the Bradbury-Sullivan LGBT Community Center has resigned amid a “strategic restructuring,” the organization announced.
Executive Director Ashley L. Coleman recommended she step down to help reshape the financial trajectory of the organization, according to a letter to supporters by Marvin Webb, who serves on the board of directors.
Coleman joined Bradbury-Sullivan as executive director in January 2023.
The center at 522 W. Maple St. in Allentown is the Lehigh Valley’s main advocacy group for gay and transgender people and provides an array of programming, including organizing the annual Pride gathering held earlier this year at the SteelStacks campus in Bethlehem.
Webb’s letter describes an organization struggling to meet financial needs – and uncertain of its future as funding declines and the political landscape shifts.
“The Bradbury-Sullivan Center relies heavily on diverse funding sources to sustain its vital programs,” the letter says. “Historically, 40-60% of our income comes from government funding. While these funds are critical, the actual distribution has often been delayed.
“The combination of these factors and a shifting political landscape underscores the urgent need for us to ensure our financial sustainability.”Marvin Webb, Bradbury-Sullivan LGBT Community Center board of directors
“At the same time, corporate and foundation support has declined by 50% since 2021, and the increasing scrutiny of DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion) funding further jeopardizes resources critical to our mission.
“The combination of these factors and a shifting political landscape underscores the urgent need for us to ensure our financial sustainability.”
Programming pause
Besides Coleman’s departure, Webb said, the center plans to temporarily pause programming “to allow us to assess, reimagine and rebuild the Center.”
Last year, the center laid off staff and reduced operating hours in cost-cutting moves. Webb said in the letter that while times are tough financially, the center is committed to its mission.
“Our commitment to advocating for the rights and well-being of LGBTQ+ individuals remains steadfast,” he said. “Balancing our budgets with beloved community programming is difficult work, but it is essential to continue meeting the critical needs of the Greater Lehigh Valley.”
