PHILADELPHIA — Mazzoni Center, Philadelphia’s home for LGBTQ health and well-being, has received an award of $1.5 million through the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP). The funds will support the purchase and renovation of a Center City building at Broad and Bainbridge Streets, where the agency will relocate and consolidate its core services in summer 2017.
The RACP award represents the largest one-time gift in Mazzoni Center’s history, and the largest amount ever awarded by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to an organization with an LGBTQ-focused mission. The grant demonstrates the growing commitment and collaboration between the State of Pennsylvania and the LGBTQ community.
“We are thankful to Governor Wolf for his support of this important project, and for understanding the impact it will have in addressing critical health disparities and establishing a first-class home for LGBTQ health and well-being in the heart of Philadelphia. We are deeply grateful and indebted to State Senator Larry Farnese for believing in this project and the work that we do, for championing the application in the PA Senate and for being our advocate with the Governor. Thanks also go to State Representative Brian Sims, for publicly supporting the grant request, and serving as our primary PA House liaison,” said Mazzoni CEO Nurit Shein.
“By expanding our physical capacity and reducing overhead costs,” Shein added, “the new building will enable us to provide essential, life-changing care and services to the individuals who need us most, to innovate and meet the increased demand for our various services, and to manage our internal growth in a sustainable way.”
Founded in 1979 as an all-volunteer clinic serving the city’s LGBTQ communities, Mazzoni Center now employs 136 people and offers over 30 programs and services, including: primary medical care, transgender-specific care, behavioral health, case management, HIV prevention/education, legal services, plus a food bank and housing program for people living with HIV.
Currently Mazzoni Center operates out of three locations, two of which are severely crowded, with no room to expand.
“These funds are a much welcomed support as we embark on our major gifts campaign,” said Mark Blecher, MD, Chair of Mazzoni’s Building Committee. “With the RACP grant, we have secured over $3.8 million, and we are closing the gap to our goal of $6 million by 2022.”
