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Community Newsletter

Hello Community,

First of all, thank you. The love, support, and gratitude this community has shared with us has been remarkable. We are so proud of the work we are able to do, and we simply could not do it without each and every one of you.

We have heard so many saying, “What can I do? I need to do something helpful!”. In recent months, we have seen a big upswing in volunteer applications. We are always so grateful for new volunteers!

However, the simple truth is, the most effective and impactful way to help our organization is through donorship, especially in these uncertain times. We are so thankful for everyone who gave during our end of year campaign, including all of our amazing community partners that donated through their own fundraisers for Salus!

But, the fight isn’t over yet - we still need your help.

Sustainable, monthly donorship is the best way for Salus to be able to budget, plan, and prepare, but sincerely - every dollar counts. Every single dollar directly impacts and helps our community.

We understand, wholeheartedly, that these are more than just emotionally trying times, but also financially trying times. Please know that a little goes a very long way and we are so grateful for anything you are able to give.

Your donation could help stock our Care Package Station, pay for snacks and drinks for groups meeting at the center, improve our space through projects, like the recent addition of audio panels in the backroom, or cover the costs of programming, like Prom and Queer Scouts.

Other monthly operational costs that a larger donation could help support include:

1 month stipend for a support group leader - $100/each

1 month of utility bills - (roughly) $300

1 month of rent for our building - $1,400

There are many ways you can donate - visit the center during our resource hours with the Gender Affirmation Project happening Thursdays, 9 am - 1 pm and Sundays 1 pm - 3 pm, or attend a support group or event we offer at the center and contribute to our donation box. Visit our website and click the ‘Donate Now’ link at the very top of the homepage. Check with your employer and ask if they offer a direct charitable donation option (and please let us know if Salus isn’t an organization on their list!). We are also extremely grateful and lucky to partner with some amazing organizations and businesses in our area - keep an eye out for fundraisers happening!

At Salus, we are completely transparent about our finances. If you didn’t know, we post our treasury summaries and Form 990s on our website, along with archived reports. Please visit our website and click the ‘Donate’ page if you would like to view these!

Again, we are so grateful for this amazing community and all of the outpouring support you have given us. We cannot do this without you.

Help us make 2025 the year we are able to expand our programming, resources, and outreach to our community. Please consider making a donation today!

In Solidarity,

KC Garcia

Salus Board President

Donate to Support Lansing's 2SLGBTQIA+ Community

Events at Salus

We’re partnering with the Gender Affirmation Project to host their one-on-one meetings! The GAP offers financial and logistical support for trans and nonbinary people looking to change their names and/or gender markers. Go to http://trans-ilience.com/gap to learn more and to request services.

We'll be offering this Gender Affirmation Project hours (meetings are by appointment through the GAP) and Resource Hours (just come by!) on Thursdays from 9am-1pm and Sundays from 1pm-3pm!

What are Resource Hours?

The best time to come to Salus if you have questions for us, want to drop off donations, pick up resources, or if you want to hang out for a little while.

What resources can I get?

We currently have condoms, lube samples, emergency contraception, OTC birth control, at-home HIV test kits, Narcan, Sharps boxes, Hormone Injection Kits, Covid-19 tests, drug disposal kits, menstrual products, hygiene products, dental hygiene kits, and some new and gently used binders.

What can I donate?

Packaged/new menstrual products, packaged/new n95 or kn95 masks, hygiene products,

makeup/cosmetic products, new or gently used binders, and other gender affirming items like breast forms. We also take monetary donations through our CashApp ($SalusCenter) and donation link (above).

What else happens during Resource Hours?

Lot’s of wonderful services – our website and social media posts will include specific days/times for:

Additional harm reduction resources (injection kits for hormones and IV drug injection, safe smoking kits, sharps boxes, snorting kits, etc.)
support for applying and renewing passports
appointments for free tax preparation services
legal advice and more monthly guests and services to come!

What special guests are coming up at the Resource Hours?

February 6th- VITA Free Tax Prep (make an appointment here!)

February 13th- Lansing Syringe Access Pop-Up (drop in, 11am-1pm)
Passport Services (make an appointment here!)

February 20th- Legal Support with Angela Tripi, (drop in, 12pm-1pm)

The Salus Center and Lansing Syringe Access now have hormone injection kits available!

Each kit includes 12 weeks of needles for subcutaneous or intramuscular injections, syringes, alcohol swabs, bandaids, and a sharps box.

Stop by the Salus Center Resource Hours or ask your support group leader to pick up a kit!

United Way of South Central Michigan's VITA program offers high-quality, no-cost tax preparation services for folks in our community with moderate-to-low income. VITA's new mobile unit provides free tax prep appointments to community members in their community spaces.

The VITA Free Tax Prep mobile unit will be at the Salus Center during our Resource Hours (9am-1pm) on February 6, March 6, and April 3!

Make an appointment: VITA Mobile Unit - Salus Center: Free Tax Prep

What to bring to your appointment: What-to-Bring-to-Your-Free-Tax-Preparation-App.pdf

Program parameters:

Services are limited to folks with a yearly income of 67k or less (with flexibility for folks close to but above the limit and folks facing other barriers/situations)
The following situations fall out of the scope of our program:
- Business: Loss, depreciation, employees/hired contract labor, inventory, business use of home, expenses 35k or more
- Rental income

Come into the Salus Center to apply for your passport: Thursdays, February 13, March 13, and April 10, 9AM-1PM. You can make an appointment or walk-in.

Emery, an employee of the Lansing City Clerk's Office, will be onsite to assist in the application process.
To apply for a passport, you need forms, proof of US citizenship, photo ID, and a check or money order to send with the application.

You can book an appointment here: https://calendly.com/emery-drever-lansingmi/30min

Questions? email emery.drever @ lansingmi.gov

Angela Tripi is an attorney from Legal Services of South Center Michigan (LSSCM) and she will be present to answer questions regarding the processes involving legal name and gender marker changes. There will be the opportunity to screen or be scheduled to screen for free legal representation.

Additionally, there is an opportunity to screen or be scheduled to be screened regarding free legal services offered in housing, family law, consumer matters, or other areas of law being offered by LSSCM.

Drop by on Thursday, February 20th from 12pm-1pm for assistance!

Are you ready to take your sexual encounters to the next level but unsure about where to start?

Alley Cat will discuss the ins and outs of the oohs and aahs as we deep dive into the nuances of foreplay on Thursday, February 13th from 6-8pm. This presentation is intersectional, trauma informed, and intended for audiences of all gender identities and expressions.

Presenter: Alley Cat (she/her) is a professional romance consultant and Indiana University student of Sexual Health. She is passionate about education, entertainment, and destigmatizing sexuality and pleasure.

Upcoming Sex Ed for Everyone Presentations:

March 13th: Sexuality and Fat Bodies

April 10th: Allyship is Messy

May 8th: Risk Profiles

Groups at Salus

Support group meetings are for folks identifying or questioning within the stated identity group. Aside from TRUE, our teen group, support groups are for adults (18+) only.

Interest group meetings (anything activity-based, rather than identity-based) are open to allies and to all ages, but minors should have a trusted adult with them.

Fiber Arts for Everyone

1st and 3rd Fridays, 6-9pm

Next Meetings: 2/7, 2/21

Fiber Arts for Everyone is a safe space for queer knitters and crocheters to gather, work on projects, make connections, share ideas, and chat! Open to knitters and crocheters of all skill levels, including complete beginners.

Contact fiberarts @ saluscenter.org for any questions!

Gayme Nights

1st Wednesdays and 3rd Saturdays, 5-7pm

Next Meetings: 2/5, 2/15

We'll provide board games to play and help with learning the rules. Come make some friends and learn some new games! Everyone is welcome and we'll provide snacks and drinks. You can also bring your own games to play and teach others!

Gayme Nights are sponsored in partnership with Tabletop Gaymers. Go to tabletopgaymers.org to learn more.

Here for You

1st Thursdays, 6-7:30pm

Here For You is a supportive space for the important adults in the lives of 2SLGBTQIA+ youth and young adults.

Join us as we share the celebrations and challenges we experience showing up and holding space for the queer kids in our lives. Here for You is for any parent, grandparent, guardian, teacher, mentor, or important adult of 2SLGBTQIA+ youth who is looking for an opportunity to be in conversation and community with others facing similar experiences. All are welcome!

Contact hereforyou @ saluscenter.org for any questions.

Neurodivergent & Queer

2nd Tuesdays, 7:30-9pm

This group is for anyone with Autism, ADHD, OCD, Tourette's, Dyslexia, or any other diagnosed, self-diagnosed, or undiagnosed neurodivergent status who also identifies as 2SLGBTQIA+. We'll be meeting for general support and to discuss ways to advocate for ourselves and battle executive dysfunction as we navigate through a world that isn't designed for us. This will be a safe space for stimming, tics, and quirks!

Contact Aly at neurodivergent @ saluscenter.org for any questions

Nonbinary Support Group

2nd Wednesdays, 6:30-8:30pm, online

The Nonbinary Support Group is a place to get together with other nonbinary folks to chat, chill, vent, socialize, and get and give advice and support. Anyone who identifies outside the gender binary (nonbinary, genderqueer, genderfluid, agender, etc.) or is questioning whether they might, and is at least 18 years old, is welcome, whether they're out of the closet or not. Not for allies/family.

Meeting Zoom Link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/8480...
Meeting ID: 848 0151 2160
Passcode: salus

Email Kaspyr at nonbinary @ saluscenter.org for more information.

QTBIPOC Community Space

2nd Sundays, 3:30-5pm and last Mondays, 7-8:30pm

Join Salus's LGBTQIA2S+ people of color community space! This bi-monthly gathering space centers joy and community connections for queer and trans people of color. Topics are group negotiated and will include self and community-care, dating, making friends as an adult, daydreaming, hobbies, and crafting. There will also be dedicated time to "get things off your chest"! Bring your hopes for our community and let's do some scheming together!

For questions, contact QTBIPOC @ saluscenter.org

Queer Nature Club

Monthly: dates, times, and locations vary

Next Meetings: Wednesday 2/19, 1-2:30 pm at Central
Park South

Sunday 3/9, 5:30-7pm at Crego Park

Queer Nature Club is a group for connecting with nature - together! We meet about once a month year-round, sometimes focused on certain themes or attending events, other times just hanging out at a local park.

This group is open to 2SLGBTQIA+ folks and allies of all ages, anyone under 18 must be with an adult at all times.

For questions/comments/concerns/suggestions: natureclub @ saluscenter.org

Queer Women's Support Group

3rd Tuesdays, 7:30-9pm

All LGBTQIA+ women are welcome to join to share experiences, make connections, and support one another.

Contact hilari @ saluscenter.org to learn more!

Questioning and Coming Out Support Group

1st Tuesdays and 3rd Wednesdays, 6-7:30pm

In person with a hybrid option for the 1st Tuesdays

The Questioning and Coming Out Support Group is a conversation-based group for individuals who are questioning or recently embracing their 2SLGBTQIA+ identities. The group is a share-space to encourage self-reflection and self-love in a community setting. Whether you're recently self-identifying as queer, or questioning your gendered or sexualized identities/labels, this space is a welcome space for you to come, make community, and explore.

Hybrid option available on the first Tuesdays: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81508551709

Contact questioning @ saluscenter.org for any questions

Sober & Out: Queer Lansing AA

Saturdays, 10-11am

Queer Lansing AA meets every Saturday at 10am at the Salus Center in Downtown Lansing. This is a closed meeting of Alcoholics Anonymous for anyone who has a desire to stop drinking.

For questions, please contact Brian at lansing.lgbtq.aa @ gmail.com

Transfem Support Group

1st Mondays, 7-8:30pm

2nd Wednesdays, 7-8:30pm

3rd Thursdays, 7-8:30pm

Last Tuesdays, 7-8:30pm

The Transfem Support Group is a peer support group created by and for trans women and transfem-identifying people. We hope to grow our sense of community to share connection, belonging, and support.

For more information: https://linktr.ee/LansingTrans...

Email: transfemsupport @ saluscenter.org

Learn More

Transmasc+ Support Group

2nd Mondays, 6-7:30pm, in person

4th Tuesdays, 6-7:30pm, online

Join us for monthly conversations and connections with trans men, non-binary trans masculine folks and folks who may be questioning their gender. This peer support group is meant to explore important topics like self & community care, gender euphoria, arts/creativity, toxic masculinity, transitioning, love & dating while centering the importance of Trans Joy.

Bring your good vibes, energy, and positive intentions as we cultivate a meaningful community of care & self-exploration. Meetings are for ages 18+.

Contact: Layne @ saluscenter.org

Zoom: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82057031474

T.R.U.E.

Tuesdays, 4-5:30pm

**Meets bi-weekly, upcoming meetings: 2/4, 2/18

T.R.U.E. is co-facilitated by two adult mentors skilled in supporting young people as they explore their gender identities/expression and sexual orientation.

To sign up for the group, please contact the group facilitator at 725-222-TRUE (8783) or true @ childandfamily.org

TTRPG Gayme Night

Last Thursdays, 6-9pm, in person

LGBTQIA+ friends and allies are welcome to our table top role-playing game night! Whether you want to run a table or are brand new to playing, join us on the last Thursday of every month and let your imagination run wild. We'll be playing TTRPG classics like Dungeons and Dragons as well as independent games.

Vintage Pride 45+

2nd Saturdays, 2-3:30pm

Join the Salus Center for a meeting of our support group for 2SLGBTQIA+ adults ages 45 and older.

Write Hear 4 Queer

Sunday, February 2nd, 11am-12:30pm

Write Hear is a generative writing workshop open to all levels who interested in literature, poetry, journaling and expressing themselves through writing.

Write Hear is an act of creating community through stopping time together to write from prompts and optional sharing. All are welcome.

Community Bulletin

If you have something to add to our community bulletin board, email Frank at [email protected] with a flier and a description of the event or opportunity!

On Tuesday, March 18 from 12pm-4pm, the Lansing Area AIDS Network will be hosting a Sexual Health Clinic in partnership with Ingham County Health Department. We will be offering testing for :

HIV
Hepatitis C
Syphilis
Gonorrhea
Chlamydia

No appointments are needed; services will be provided on a first come first serve walk-in basis. No insurance is required for this free/confidential testing event. It will be taking place at the LAAN offices located at 913 W. Holmes Rd. Ste. 115, Lansing, MI 48910.

MDRC's Leaders for Inclusion Program (LFI) is excited to announce that we are accepting applications for our Spring 2025 Ambassador Leadership Development Program!

LFI Ambassadors must be a young adult (age 18-26) with a disability and live in Michigan. LFI provides ambassadors with the tools and skills they need to develop disability pride, community, advocacy, leadership, and employment skills. LFI’s goal is to connect ambassadors to paid leadership opportunities or employment in their areas of interest.

Applications are Due by: March 10th, 2025

Application Link: https://forms.gle/A6gnZd3cE2EMckhV6

About the Program

The Program begins with a 3-day retreat from March 28th - March 30th at Crowne Plaza Lansing in Lansing, MI. During the in-person retreat we will cover topics such as: Disability History, Leaders in the Disability Justice Movement, Understanding and Challenging Ableism, Leadership Styles, Self Advocacy and Cause Advocacy. Lodging and meals during the retreat are covered by the program. Participants will be given a $100 stipend for their attendance and participation after the retreat.

After the in-person retreat, participants will engage in virtual continuing education sessions to further their learning. These 12 continuing education sessions will be held weekly starting the week of April 7th. Topics covered will include: Networking, Marketing Yourself, Public Speaking, Advocacy Issues in the Disability Community, Job Application and Interview Skills, and more. For each continuing education session attended, participants will receive a $25 stipend.

Each LFI Ambassador will receive a year of mentorship from LFI staff and other disability community advocates and professionals.

We are happy to provide support for accommodation needs. Please indicate accommodation needs on your application. If transportation to in person trainings will be a barrier, LFI will assist with travel accommodations.

Email [email protected] if you have any questions or need help filling out the application.

For more information about Leaders for Inclusion Program visit, https://mymdrc.org/lfi-program/

The Leaders For Inclusion (LFI) Program is funded by the Michigan Developmental Disabilities Council (MiDDC).

Camp Quest Michigan (CQMI) provides an educational adventure shaped by fun, friends, and free thought. Our camp features science, natural wonder, and humanist values such as empathy, creativity, critical thinking, and community. Typically, our Summer sessions are week-long, outdoor residential camps for campers ages 8-17.

Camp Dates: July 20 – July 26, 2025
Returning Camper Registration: January 20th 2025
Open registration begins January 27th 2025

We believe all children should experience summer camp! Camp Quest Michigan offers assistance if financial barriers may prevent you or your loved ones from registering for camp. Please reach out to us at [email protected] for more information.

https://michigancampquest.org/

Tri-County Office on Aging

At the Tri-County Office on Aging (TCOA) our mission is to promote and preserve the independence and dignity of the aging population. Since 1974 the TCOA has been the region’s one-stop-shop for information and services that older adults, persons with disabilities and their families need to live independently and remain active in their communities.

At TCOA, we are part of the community. We serve our neighbors, friends, and family members every day. Our mission is to promote and preserve the independence and dignity of the aging population. To accomplish this mission, we connect people who need help to service providers, volunteers, donors, businesses and governments throughout Eaton, Clinton and Ingham Counties and the Cities of Lansing and East Lansing. Although TCOA’s Meals on Wheels is our best-known program our reach goes well beyond providing nourishing meals. Many of our services are provided at no or low-cost or have fees based on a sliding scale.

Medicare Medicaid Assistance Program (MMAP)

MMAP is Michigan’s State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) and Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP). We provide local help for people with Medicare.

MMAP counselors are certified and have been trained in health care benefits counseling. This includes Medicare, Medicaid, and other insurance products. MMAP counselors are not affiliated with any insurance company, and they are not licensed to sell insurance. MMAP counselors provide free unbiased counseling at multiple sites across Michigan.

MMAP counselors can

Help beneficiaries understand health care options,
Compare or enroll in Medicare Prescription Drug Plans,
Review a beneficiary’s supplemental insurance needs,
Help beneficiary’s understand Meadicare health plans,
Assist beneficiary’s as they apply for Medicaid and the Medicare Savings Program
(MSP)
Identify and report Medicare and Medicaid fraud and scams.

If you or someone you know would benefit from Medicare counseling contact MMAP

at Tri-County Office on Aging (517) 887-1416 or [email protected]

About Our Work:

Our team is led by Dr. Brian Feinstein, a professor and researcher at Rosalind Franklin University. He directs the Sexuality, Health, and Gender Lab, where we conduct research to improve the health and well-being of LGBTQ+ youth and adults. Our team is deeply committed to this cause, and many of us are community members ourselves.

The REACH Study:

We’re currently recruiting LGBTQ+ teens across the U.S. for a study about identity, stress, and mental health. The whole study is online and just involves completing surveys. Participants are generously compensated for their involvement (up to $246).

What We’re Asking:

We’d love for you to share our eligibility survey with LGBTQ+ teens in your network. We’ll provide a link unique to your organization so we can track how many people complete the survey through your efforts.

What We’re Offering:

In the first month, we’ll give your organization a $25 Tango gift card for every 25 unique completed screeners from your link, up to $500.
If fewer than 500 screeners are completed within the first month, we may extend the incentive depending on our recruitment needs.

About Tango Gift Cards:

Tango offers thousands of e-gift card options. These can be forwarded to staff, volunteers, or members, making them a great way to show appreciation or offer prizes. You can read more about Tango Rewards here. We hope you’ll be interested in partnering with us to share this study information. I’d be happy to provide more details or answer any questions you may have.

Learn more about the study here: https://resilience.uccs.edu/healthy-families-bright-futures-information-page

Penn State’s Physical Activity and Public Health Lab is conducting a survey to understand some of details about individual, social, communal, and environmental factors that influence physical activity, exercise, and sport participation among sexual and/or gender diverse (SGD) adults (i.e., lesbian, gay, transgender, etc.). We would like to use this information in the future to develop opportunities for promotion and advocation of meeting physical activity guidelines in SGD populations. Below you will find a link to an online survey. The survey takes 10-15 minutes to complete and asks about your current physical activity levels and why you choose to be active. Please note that if you like, repost, or comment on this post, you may be publicly associated with this project, regardless of whether or not you choose to participate.

If you are interested in participating and/or have any questions about the survey or project, please email Keegan Peterson (PI) at kvp5394psu.edu.

Follow this link to the Survey:

https://pennstate.qualtrics.co...

Attached please find a flyer describing a study examining life experiences of transgender

and gender nonconforming (TGNC) individuals aged 18 and above across the United

States. The aim of the study is to gather one of the largest nationwide samples of TGNC

folks and their experiences to ensure that the research reflects the diverse voices within

our community. The online survey takes approximately 20 minutes to complete and

participants can enter a raffle for $100 gift cards. The study has been approved by the

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Institutional Review Board.

https://pletgnc.wixsite.com/st...

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