Secure a Safe Space for the LGBT Community in Ottawa, IL

My name is Dylan Conmy, and I am the Founder of the Ottawa Family Pride Fund in Ottawa, Illinois. Since 2021, we have provided LaSalle County and the surrounding areas with a Family-friendly festival that is a celebration of a year's-worth of fundraising. We provide a full day of music, vendors, food, and activities for the entire community and their allies. Proceeds from fundraising have always been directed to the Youth Outlook Ottawa Drop-In Center, and we will continue to fundraise for the LGBTQ+ youth in our area every year.

But the area needs more. The Country needs more. The older teen and adult LGBTQ+ population is in dire need of resources as well, and it is because of this that the Pride Fund is expanding and we will be opening a LaSalle County Community Center that will serve the entire LGBTQ+ Community.

The Pride non-profit, which will be going by the new name of Infinite Heart, has a strong plan to provide a comprehensive Community Center that, while located in Ottawa, will serve all of the nearby Counties, and the Midwest as a whole. We have an ideal location picked out, with over 17 acres of property, we just need to secure the property before anyone else does.

If anyone wants to know the exact location, and be able to view the property listing, they can contact me for more specifics (I do not want to list the property, as those with ill intent will scoop it up up merely to prevent a safe space for the Community from existing). This property will allow us to provide:

--an event space so that we no longer have to spend Fund money hunting down spots to host Queer events

--a gym, so that Community members, especially trans folx, can focus on their health and recreation without feeling judged, unsafe, or persecuted

--Senior programs (a much overlooked necessity)

--a library with books that highlight characters and themes that represent the LGBTQ+ Community, because representation in literature is essential at any age

--collaborative meeting rooms for non-profit groups to provide pop in services, such as AA/NA meetings, group therapy, nutrition/health resources (Planned Parenthood), job training, counseling, and food assistance (plus more)

--Rooms/kitchen for classes on numerous subjects and topics

--Gaming room

--Family room

--Auditorium for performances (including a Youth theater Program)

--Emergency Shelter resources for temporary asylum (for individuals and families needing to flee their state)

--Outdoor programs on over 15 acres

--Beautiful property for weddings and ceremonies

This Community Center will provide a much needed safe space for the LGBTQ+ Community to gather, celebrate, grow, and thrive. Once we get this ideal property, we can immediately get started. The property, and the current buildings, are completely usable and ready for events and fundraising opportunities, plus meetings, groups, and get togethers. Once we have the home, we can begin to grow.

This project is life saving, and it is a Community effort. Every little bit helps. If you are interested in being a large donor and would like to talk about having a spot in the Center named after you, please contact Dylan.

The Country needs this now more than ever. Thank you for your consideration.