From the MC Film Mail Bag

From the MC Film Mail Bag

metroforward

 

 

    For Immediate Release

(Tampa Bay) June 27, 2013 – As the Tampa Bay community celebrates landmark decisions on same-sex marriage by the Supreme Court this week, along with Florida’s largest Pride celebration, St. Pete Pride, Metro Wellness & Community Centers continues to move forward with tremendous growth in 2013, the organization’s 20th year.

 

Metro is excited to announce a strategic partnership with Community AIDS Network (CAN), a full service HIV/AIDS Service organization based in Sarasota County. As of early April, Metro began working with CAN to form an alliance that will strengthen our expanding services to a broad community along the Central West Florida coast. CAN emerged from the union of Sarasota AIDS Support, Inc. and the Comprehensive Care Clinic, opening its 9,000 square foot facility in December of 2000. After 20 years of service, CAN offers medical and mental health services, nutritionists, dental services, case management, prevention, and intervention programs.

 

The partnership will collaboratively create additional medical care services that only CAN is able to provide, increasing our combined reach to at-risk communities, increasing visibility among a broader population and solidifying both organizations’ futures in preparation for the Affordable Care Act. “We’ve been visionaries in this partnership,” says Michel W. Cuffage, CEO and President of CAN. “Together, with Metro – we’re better prepared for a vast change in healthcare in Florida and we’re able to strengthen the bonds with needed populations in the areas we serve.” Metro will now offer exclusive services strengthened by CAN’s ability to hire and staff medical clinics in all three of Metro’s current locations. Services began in the organization’s Ybor City location this month and will be opening up a similar medical clinic in our St. Pete Center within the coming months, moving the organization along the path of being a comprehensive health and wellness center, providing a full array of client center services: social programs, support services and now medical care!

 

“The partnership solidifies our futures,” says Lorraine Langlois, CEO of Metro Wellness & Community Centers. “Our foresight is providing comprehensive clinical care, support, prevention, and LGBT health resources with a combined staff of more than 120 committed specialists in the field.” Langlois has grown the organization from its original founding at King of Peace Metropolitan Church in St. Petersburg in 1993. King of Peace was the first local faith-based organization to open its hearts and doors to those afflicted with HIV/AIDS in the area. Metro, with offices in Tampa, St. Petersburg and New Port Richey has been serving the HIV/AIDS and LGBT communities for 20 years and is the premier provider of such services and general health and wellness programs in the area.

 

There will be no changes to either organization – only a growth in our presence and prestige across the area as we continue to serve the needs of those affected by HIV/AIDS, the LGBT community and further communities at-risk. “We’re on the brink of providing a full array of wrap-around services to many more in need,” says Langlois.

Additionally, Metro will continue to grow and extend LGBT activities and programs so that everyone can enjoy the centers including more youth programming, senior programming, HIV prevention education and social programs, and health and wellness programs. By the end of the year – we’ll also open a LGBT Welcome Center right in the heart of the Grand Central District on Central Avenue next to our current Metro Thrift and Gift. This project, sponsored by Visit Florida, will be only the second LGBT Welcome Center in the country and will serve as a hub for visitors and residents alike. The future of the project also includes a café and space for local music nights, poetry slams and more. Together with our full-service Centers throughout the Tampa Bay area and our upcoming Visitor’s Center – we will continue to provide a comprehensive set of programming and health and wellness services to the LGBT community.

 

As you can see, there’s a lot in store for Metro and the Tampa Bay community in 2013. We hope that as you celebrate this year’s Pride Season, please come visit us – at our booth during the annual Street Festival and at one of our Community Centers in Ybor City, St. Petersburg or New Port Richey.

 

In September of this year, we will celebrate again our “20 Years Strong and Enduring” with our inaugural Metro Tampa Bay Gala on September 14 at the Tampa Bay Garden Club. The event will feature live entertainment, a silent auction, elegant edibles, cocktails and plenty of surprises. We hope that the entire community will join us this year in celebrating YOUR community centers and help us build for the future.

Media Contact:

 

Metro Wellness & Community Centers
Chris Rudisill
Director of LGBT Community Center Services
Phone: 727-321-3854 ext. 238
Email: chrisr@metrotampabay.org
www.MetroTampaBay.org

http://cts.vresp.com/c/?MetroWellnessandComm/c285e674a9/f564adad2e/9232706679            
First off, Happy Pride weekend to you! As June comes to a close, you may be wondering what the Metro Community Centers are offering in July. Scroll down to our St. Pete and Tampa calendars below to see all of our new programs and events highlighted in yellow.

HOT OFF THE PRESS:
Announcement:
Metro is excited to announce a strategic partnership with Community AIDS Network (CAN – a full service HIV/AIDS Service organization in Sarasota County). Metro and CAN’s partnership will create additional medical care services, increasing our combined reach to at-risk communities, increasing visibility among a broader population, and solidifying both organizations’ futures in preparation for the Affordable Care Act. Read the full article here.

Like Us!     Follow Us!
http://cts.vresp.com/c/?MetroWellnessandComm/c285e674a9/f564adad2e/b4e21353ef     http://cts.vresp.com/c/?MetroWellnessandComm/c285e674a9/f564adad2e/4a0abb9763
ty Mix
Looking? HMU!
A new program for gay and bisexual men in Tampa.

IMPAC+
A Group for HIV+ men to discuss topics liek making safe sex fun, discrimination when dating, and more.

HMU
A social and peer group for all men to talk about sex and community.

RSVP: Call 813-232-3808
or email AbbyN@metrotampabay.org for more info.


St. Petersburg Events & Classes

Mondays
Positive Choices
Mondays & Wednesdays
12:00-2:00pm

Substance abuse program for HIV+ adults. Eligibility required.

Young M.I.N.D.S.
Mondays, 1:00-3:00pm

Empowerment program for Black/African American and Hispanic/Latino young adults, 18-24.

Next Generation
Mondays, 5:30-7:00pm
A forum for LGBTQA youth, ages 14-18, to discuss everything from coming out, bullying and dating, play games, watch movies and more. Free dinner.

The Lounge
Mondays, 7:00-8:30pm
Meet other LGBTQA young adults, ages 18-24, in this fun, supportive atmosphere. Weekly events vary. Free refreshments.

Pregnancy Planning
July 15, 6:00-7:00pm
Learn from female couples who have successfully become mothers how to become pregnant: from planning, to finding a donor, legal and hospital issues and more.

SATP Presents: Jeffrey
July 1, 7:30pm
freeFall Theatre – 6099 Central Ave. St Pete

This play takes place in Manhattan during the height of the AIDS epidemic and revolves around a gay man who has sworn off sex because of it. But then he meets a hunky, charming HIV+ man. He then experiences an emotional conflict as he must face his fear in order to accept love, often breaking the fourth wall to do so. Tickets are $10 and proceeds benefit Metro Wellness and Community Centers.Tickets can be purchased at freefalltheatre.com.

Cooking Class
July 22, 6:00-7:30pm
Learn how to roll your own sushi. Samples, wine and soda will be provided. $5 suggested donation. Limited to 10 students.

Tuesdays
Mature Men’s Group
Tuesdays, 11:00am-12:00pm
Meet other men, aged 55+, for discussions, friendships and outings.

55+ Brown Bag Lunch
Tuesdays, 12:00-1:30pm

Bring your lunch and engage with other 55+ aged LGBT adults. Chat about current topics & make new friends.

Women’s Group
Tuesdays, 1:30-3:30pm

Meet other women, aged 55+, for discussions, friendships and outings.

Metro2
Tuesdays, 1:00-3:00pm
Prevention program for substance abuse, relapse, and reduction of HIV and Hepatitis transmission.

Buddhist Meditation
Tuesdays, 7:00-8:30pm

Develop a clearer mind and calmer soul in this guided meditation series. $10 per class or $60 for 6-week series (book included).
To register for a class, email: LGBT@metrotampabay.org

 

LGBT Mayoral Debate
Tuesday, July 9
7:00-8:30pm

Join us along with other LGBT organizations in Tampa Bay as we welcome St. Petersburg Mayoral candidates to address issues that are important to the LGBT and allied communities.

Wednesdays
Living, Loving, Learning
Wednesdays, 10:00am-12:00pm

Peer-based group for HIV+ women and men. Eligibility required.

Positive Choices
Mondays & Wednesdays
12:00-2:00pm

Substance abuse program HIV+ adults. Eligibility required.

Overeaters Anonymous
Wednesdays, 1:30-2:30pm
A program of recovery from compulsive eating, providing a private fellowship of experience, strength and hope.

Bingo
Wednesdays, 2:30-3:30pm
Free bingo in the community room. Play for a chance to for cool prizes!

Trans* Talk
FTM: July 3    MTF: July 10
FTM: Aug 7    MTF: Aug 14
7:00-8:30pm

Share experiences, explore emotions and express yourself in a discussion and support group for those who identify as transgender.

Book Club
July 17, 5:30-6:30pm

The Metro Book Club meets once a month to discuss thought-provoking literature. This month, we’ll discuss Peace Like a River by Leif Enger.

Fondue Party
Wednesday, July 17
6:30-8:30pm
The Melting Pot – 2221 4th St N.

Join us for fun, friends & fondue at this fundraiser for The SMART Ride. The event includes a four-course meal with free raffles and complimentary beverages.
To register, visit: outingsandadventures.com. Mingling begins at 6:30pm and dinner is at 7:00pm.

Quit Smoking Class
Wednesday, July 24
2:00-4:00pm
Or Wednesday July 31
5:00-7:00pm

Need to quit smoking now? Take one of our smoking cessation classes and learn the tools to kick the habit. You may choose the afternoon or evening course. RSVP to: LGBT@metrotampabay.org.

Thursdays
Senior Fitness
Thursdays, 11:00am-12:00pm

Increase your strength, endurance and flexibility in this fitness class for those aged 55 or better.

WEST (Women Empowered & Standing Tall)
Thursdays, 1:00-3:00pm

Program for women with a husband, boyfriend or fiancé who is incarcerated or recently released from jail or prison.

Yoga
Thursdays, 6:00-7:00pm

Center yourself at the Metro Center. All experiences levels welcome. FREE!

Drop-in Life Coaching
Thursday, August 1
11:00am-12:00pm

Need help getting something started—or finished? Want to reconcile with a loved one but don’t know how? Wading into end-of-life questions? Whether you’re just plain curious about coaching or have something you’d really like to work on, Peggy Green of ClearHeart Coaching invites you to drop in and try it out. Suggested Donation: $10.

Fridays
Wii Games
Fridays, 2:00-4:00pm

Play fun Wii games! Bring a group or play solo!

Saturdays
Free Legal Advice
July 6 & Aug 3     12:00-2:00pm
Stop in for a consultation with a lawyer with your questions regarding: Name change, Domestic partnerships, Estate planning, Wills, Advocacy and more.

Free Financial Advising
July 27, 12:00-1:30pm

Consult with a financial adviser on issues specific to LGBT people.

Kathy Griffin
Metro Night @ Ruth Eckerd Hall
Saturday, June 13   8:00pm

Metro will be at the Kathy Griffin show sharing information about our programs and accepting donations from the community. Get your tickets for this hilarious night of entertainment before they sell out: rutheckerdhall.com.

Sundays
LGBT Sunday Cinema
Sundays, 1:00-3:00pm
Each Sunday we open our center for you to come alone or bring friends and loved ones to enjoy an LGBT film. The attendees vote upon which film we will play from our LGBT film library.

FREE HIV Testing
Monday Wednesday
11:00am-7:00pm
Thursday
11:00am-5:00pm

Cyber Center
Open Daily, 9:00am-7:00pm


Tampa Events & Classes

Mondays
Pozitive Yoga
Mondays, 6:30-8:00pm
This free yoga brings together  HIV+ people to practice basic yoga postures, meditation, breath control (pranayama), and to discuss ways to improve our lives. The instructor is a long-term survivor of HIV and knows that yoga can beneficial in living a healthy Pozitive life. This class is only open to those who are HIV+.

Tuesdays
PC3D
Tuesdays, 11:00am-1:00pm
Substance abuse and therapeutic support group for HIV+ adults. Eligibility required.

Living, Loving, Learning
Tuesdays, 1:00-3:00pm

Peer-based group for HIV+ women and men. Eligibility required.

Next Generation
Tuesdays, 5:30-7:00pm

A forum for LGBTQA youth, ages 14-18, to discuss everything from coming out, bullying and dating, play games, watch movies and more. Free dinner.

Wednesdays
PC3D
Wednesdays, 11:00am-1:00pm
Substance abuse and therapeutic support group for HIV+ adults. Eligibility required.

Metro2
Wednesdays, 1:00-3:00pm
Prevention program for substance abuse, relapse, and reduction of HIV and Hepatitis transmission.

WEST (Women Empowered & Standing Tall)
Thursdays, 1:00-3:00pm

Program for women with a husband, boyfriend or fiancé who is incarcerated or recently released from jail or prison.

To register for a class, email: LGBT@metrotampabay.org

Guided Meditation
Wednesdays, 7:00-8:00pm

An hour of meditation experiences that induce relaxation of the mind and body. Led by Shamanic Practitioner Anna Oliver.

Gay & Bi Men’s Discussion
Wednesdays, 7:00-8:30pm

A safe space for gay and bisexual men to have discussions, socialize, network, learn and grow.

GLSEN
No July Meeting
The Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network will not meet in July.

Thursdays
Relapse Prevention
Thursdays, 11:00am-1:00pm

Substance abuse prevention for HIV+ adults who are 100+ days clean and sober. Eligibility required.

Young M.I.N.D.S.
Thursdays, 5:00-6:30pm

Empowerment program for Black/African American and Hispanic/Latino young adults, 18-24.

Narcotics Anonymous
Thursdays, 5:45-6:45pm

A discussion and support group for those struggling with narcotics usage.

The Lounge
Thursdays, 7:00-8:30pm
Meet other LGBTQA young adults, ages 18-24, in this fun, supportive atmosphere. Weekly events vary. Free refreshments.