- Bradbury-Sullivan LGBT Community Center will be closed on Mondays starting next week and continuing through January
- Hourly employees' time will be reduced to 32 hours a week
- A statement from the center said the change is because of decreases in funding
ALLENTOWN, Pa. — The local LGBTQ community center is cutting costs.
Bradbury-Sullivan LGBT Community Center will be closed on Mondays starting Nov. 6.
The center's Public Relations Manager Braden Hudak described the move as a “cost-saving measure.” Hourly employees' time will be reduced to 32 hours a week.
"This decision comes from community feedback, decreases in funding, and anticipation of decreased programmatic attendance, which our Center experiences every winter."A statement from Bradbury-Sullivan LGBT Community Center
The Monday closures will continue through January, according to a statement from the center.
"This decision comes from community feedback, decreases in funding and anticipation of decreased programmatic attendance, which our Center experiences every winter," the statement read.
"With this strategic decision and your help, we can increase financial stability for the Center and our ability to provide innovative programs, services, and experiences for our LGBTQ+ siblings."
Located at 522 W. Maple St. in Allentown, the community center provides resources for LGBTQ people in the Lehigh Valley, such as community events, health programs and education.
The statement referenced contract cuts and asked community members to donate to the center.
"We need the support of our community, accomplices, and allies during this time," the statement read.
An eventful year
Bradbury-Sullivan Center has gone through many changes in 2023.
In January, the center appointed a new executive director, Emmaus native Ashley Coleman. Coleman previously served as executive director at Philadelphia nonprofit GALAEI.
In August, the center held its first Pride Parade in Allentown. The organization also held its first free Lehigh Valley Pride festival and moved it the SteelStacks in Bethlehem.
Organizers said they broke the festival’s attendance record less than two hours in.
The center’s programming expanded, with a new virtual training for individuals to learn more about the LGBTQ community and new events like a protective hairstyle workshop in May.
Bradbury-Sullivan Center also formed new partnerships with local organizations. Last month, the center hosted an event at Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom.
On Saturday, Lehigh Valley Zoo will give a presentation at the center’s First Saturdays programming.
