- The LGBT Center of Southeastern Wisconsin suddenly declared its shutdown on Friday, May 16.
- The center said there were issues with past fundraising and the political climate.
- Employees mention feeling caught off guard and are seeking explanations.
RACINE, Wis. - After more than a decade, the LGBT Center of Southeastern Wisconsin has shut down.
Employees report feeling caught off guard following the shutdown on Friday, May 16.
Center closes
What we knowJasmine Alvarez continues to experience a range of feelings. As the operations manager at the center, she mentioned that on Thursday, May 15, the accounts of the staff members were deactivated. Consequently, she reached out to her supervisor for assistance.
“Everyone’s been affected,” Alvarez stated. “I specifically asked her about what was happening; whether we were being let go. Her response was, ‘I’m unable to disclose that information.’”
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The following day, employees gathered outside the facility for a conference with the board. It was then that she mentioned everyone discovered the center had been shut down and they had all lost their jobs.
"The community feels entitled to some explanations," Alvarez stated.
What they're sayingThe LGBT Center of Southeastern Wisconsin shared the following message online:
The LGBT Center of Southeastern Wisconsin is currently going through the process of dissolving. This choice follows extensive deliberation. Previous efforts in raising funds have fallen short of what’s required for handling various expenses without restrictions. Coupled with the tough social and political environment, navigating the center's challenges over recent years has become progressively harder.
Every group gathering and event has been called off."
Confusion arises
Dig deeperKyle Johnson stepped down from the board previously. He mentioned that the explanation regarding financial concerns does not seem logical to him.
Six months back, when I was serving on the board, our finances were quite strong," he stated. "We were in a solid position to sustain operations well past 2025.
Alvarez agrees.
She questioned, 'Given the recent influx of new grants, where exactly is all that funding being directed?'
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Among numerous others, they are seeking solutions.
"These are young individuals and people who do not feel secure at home, cannot express their true selves at home," Johnson stated.
We require solutions. People depend on us at this moment," Alvarez stated. "Now might not be the ideal time for such actions.
What we don't knowFOX6 News contacted the center's executive director via phone and sent an email to the interim president but received no response.
The information in this post was collected and produced by FOX6 News.
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