The vision for the San Mateo County Pride Center came about over a decade ago when a group of Behavioral Health and Recovery Services (BHRS) staff, concerned about the wellbeing of our LGBTQ+ communities, came together to form the PRIDE Initiative. Under the Office of Diversity and Equity of BHRS, the PRIDE Initiative began convening community meetings, events, and dialogues to foster a safer, more welcoming county environment. Recognizing the scarcity of resources and services specific to the LGBTQ+ population in San Mateo County, the long term plan of the PRIDE Initiative members included the creation of a physical space for LGBTQ+ community and services.
OUR HISTORY
Over the years, the PRIDE Initiative took many avenues to make this center a reality including collecting and analyzing data, engaging local leaders, listening to community needs, and exploring policy changes and funding sources.
After a community planning process involving stakeholders in advocacy, the Mental Health Services Act Oversight and Accountability Committee approved the use of innovation funds for the San Mateo County Pride Center in 2016. Later that year, the contract for the Center was awarded to a collaborative led by StarVista, in collaboration with Outlet of Adolescent Counseling Services.