Wave Staff Report
WHITTIER — County Supervisor Janice Hahn and Assemblywoman Lisa Calderon were among the dignitaries on hand Sept. 21 for the grand opening of the Greater Whittier LGBTQ+ Community Center.
A joint venture between the county and state, the center will offer a range of services including mental health counseling, support groups, substance abuse treatment, youth and cultural programs and educational resources.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony featured former state Assembly Speaker John Pérez, state Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara, County Assessor Jeff Prang and Downey Mayor Mario Trujillo, all of whom were honored with a plaque and a room within the center named in their honor.
“For years, LGBTQ+ people in this part of L.A. County have had to cross the county for services and to find dedicated spaces where they belong,” Hahn said. “Today we start a new chapter. We are saying very clearly: young or old, straight or gay, cis or non-binary, out or not, your county government stands ready to give you all the tools you need to thrive.”
Calderon, whose 56th Assembly District includes Whittier, called the center’s opening “a significant step forward for equality and inclusion.”
“This center is an invaluable resource where the Greater Whittier community can come together to celebrate the diversity that enriches us all,” Calderon said. “I remain committed to ensuring that every individual can find a safe, welcoming space to thrive.”
The center is located within a county-owned building at 7639 Painter Ave. and will be operated by the Los Angeles Centers for Alcohol and Drug Abuse. The space — unoccupied since the beginning of the pandemic — was identified by Hahn for the center.
In 2021, Calderon secured $4.2 million from the state budget to fund the center’s construction.
“I want to take a moment to acknowledge the incredible vision of Supervisor Janice Hahn and Assemblymember Lisa Calderon,” said Juan Navarro, executive director of L.A. CADA. “Your unwavering commitment to creating a dedicated space for the LGBTQ+ community has paved the way for this historic center.
“Your leadership and advocacy have not only recognized the needs of our community but have also inspired action that will resonate for generations to come. This center stands as a testament to the power of community, collaboration and compassion. It’s the first of its kind in our region, and that speaks volumes about the importance of representation and resources for our LGBTQ+ individuals and families.”
The Greater Whittier LGBTQ+ Community Center is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. In addition to health services such as mental health treatment, wellbeing activities and substance use disorder treatment, the center will feature social events, networking opportunities and cultural programs highlighting LGBTQ+ art, literature, cinema and history.
