Founded in 1983 and incorporated in 1993, The LOFT provides a safe gathering place for the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and supportive community of New York’s Lower Hudson Valley. The LOFT facilitates a wide range of educational, health, social service, and recreational programs, and advocates for improved services for our community.
The LOFT’s Mission is simple and strong: “The LOFT, a lesbian and gay community center, works to further the cause for inclusion, diversity and pride through education, advocacy and celebration.”
Though our mission statement may be short and to the point, by adhering to it, The LOFT has made great strides in changing outside perceptions of our community, while working to empower members within the community to live lives that are healthy, happy, and whole. That’s why we’re more than just a community center, we’re a community.
We provide a home for the birth, nurture and celebration of our local LGBT organizations; care for members of the community; education to the public and our community; and empower these individuals to achieve their potential.
The LOFT is the most prominent community center serving lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people in the Lower Hudson Valley of New York. Each month, we serve thousands who receive our newsletter, come to The LOFT for support groups, call our Help Line, access our web site, participate in social activities, make use of our David Bohnett Cyber Center, and attend educational and recreational programs.
Because many LGBT people feel isolated in their suburban and rural towns, The LOFT provides a sense of community and connection in these people. In addition, we advocate for systemic and governmental changes to ensure that LGBT people have access to services and legal protections they need.
Today, The LOFT is as vibrant and alive with LGBT folk coming to meetings, or attending LOFT events. We have grown and changed along with our movement. The LOFT has adapted to changes in the general community and perceptions of the LGBT community