BURLINGTON – SafeSpace, Vermont’s only anti-violence organization devoted to working with lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and questioning (LGBTQQ) people is moving to the R.U.1.2? Queer Community Center, 34 Elmwood Avenue, in Burlington. This move at the end of August is part of the organizations’ work to join forces, a transition that will be completed on October 1st, 2006. In October, SafeSpace will become a program of the R.U.1.2? Queer Community Center, with all services remaining free and confidential.
      The SafeSpace Executive Director, Kara DeLeonardis will become the new Executive Director of R.U.1.2?. The newly hired SafeSpace Program Director, Ann Atkins, formerly of Voices Against Violence in St. Albans, along with interns and volunteers, will provide advocacy and support over the support line and provide in-person advocacy at the center or in off-site confidential locations. In addition, SafeSpace will continue to provide training and awareness raising activities for the community about issues of violence in the LGBTQQ community. SafeSpace will continue to be available at the same phone number (802) 863-0003 or toll-free (866) 869-7341. Information about SafeSpace can also be found at www.SafeSpaceVt.org
      The R.U.1.2? Queer Community Center is looking for a new name to match the internal changes the organization is undergoing with the addition of SafeSpace. Name suggestions are welcome, as is feedback about the transition.
      Please visit the transition blog at queercommunitycentertransition@blogspot.com
      R.U.1.2? will host a fall open house for the community to visit the newly expanded community center, and to meet the new staff members. Please call (802) 860-7812 or visit the website at
www.RU12.org

Press release from SafeSpace