After 10 years of operating as a community collective, we at the LGBTQ Consortium are excited to reveal our transition to QuRC, the Queer Resource Collective.
QuRC (pronounced “quirk”) isn’t just a fancy new acronym, it’s a chance for us to grow into a statewide, nationally-recognized organization that creates a stronger, more vibrant LGBTQ community through collaboration. Along with our change in name, QuRC is seeking 501(c)3 nonprofit status in Arizona, to better manage and formalize our activities and services.
What is QuRC and what do you do?
What we will not change is our focus is on the wholistic health of the LGBTQIA community of Arizona. Our mission to serve the gender and sexual minority groups in Arizona stem from four principle services:
- as a referral agency for individuals seeking services and networks in the state;
- as a consultant and training entity for health and human service agencies, hospitals and providers seeking to make their spaces more accessible;
- as a case management resource for individuals in the LGBTQ community whose needs are not yet being met by any single organization.
“I believe we are taking on a unique set of goals,” said QuRC board member, Jason Vail Cruz. “No other LGBTQ provider is doing anti-violence, health promotion and social justice work all at once.”
How can I be a part of this?
QuRC, as a collaborative agency, will always retain our grassroots nature. Our digital door is always open and we will seek to hold events in communities throughout the state to listen and understand how to best serve the state’s population. This includes groups, individuals and organizations, as our collaborative nature means that we aim to organize and unite with other service providers or nonprofits in the state. Please provide us feedback so we can better understand and campaign for the needs of LGBTQ Arizonans. Email (insert email address here) and join our Facebook to keep up to date on our organization, events and the events LGBTQ organizations around the state are doing.
What’s next?
With the establishment of our nonprofit status, we will be seeking out locations to host community conversations, to participate in existing relevant community events and will be seeking out ways to support our existing network of organizations as we all work together on the improvement of health and human services for LGBTQ people in Arizona.
QuRC will continue to co-host the only healthcare summit for LGBTQ people in Arizona, Let’s Get Better Together, which will take place in June of 2020. This year, our eighth annual summit saw more engagement and attendance than ever with people joining for our two-day series of workshops, speaking and collaboration sessions.
Who is QuRC?
QuRC currently is managed by 5 board members. If you are interested in joining our board or creating a subcommittee, please contact Trey Jenkins at trey.jenkins08@gmail.com. Our board consists of:
Jason Vail Cruz (he, him) – Jason has worked in LGBTQ+ health and human services since 2005. Due to his passionate belief in health and wellness for all, he has worked directly with the community in behavioral health, prevention of illness, recovery from trauma, and legislative advocacy. Jason works widely with other LGBTQ+ focused health initiatives across the state and is excited to be part of the Queer Resource Collective.
Mandee Bahadar (she, her) – Mandee is a licensed professional counselor practicing in Tempe. She is a native of Arizona and lives with her wife and son in Tempe (Sun Devils 4 life!). Mandee is excited to continue to take an active role in strengthening the LGBTQ+ community in AZ through the connection and collaboration that QURC offers.
Sarah Mason (she, her) – Sarah is a marketing and communication professional at ASU and lived in Arizona since 2011. Sarah is grateful to have volunteered for nonprofits in the state supporting and holding space for LGBTQ youth and young adults. As a board member, looks forward to continuing to understand and tell the story of people in the GSM community who are not always represented in order to unite, celebrate and galvanize Arizona into positive forward momentum.
Shane Sangster (he, him) – Shane is an Arizona native with a passion for helping out grassroots organization. He has been working professionally with the LGBTQ+ community since 2012. Currently, he works to help end the HIV/AIDS epidemic through community outreach and policy reform. He is excited for the future for the LGBTQ+ community and works toward equality for all.
Trey Jenkins (he, him) – Trey is a researcher at Arizona State University’s Center for Applied Behavioral Health Policy. Trey lives in Phoenix with his wife and 7 year old son since 2013. Trey’s curiosity and passion are central to his desire to be of service to his community. As co-chair, Trey looks forward to teaming up with other LGBTQ and allied organizations to lift the voice of QTPOC and their families. Join us on our journey to learn more about our communities’ health and wellness needs.