Grand opening of Thornhill Lopez Center on 4th for LGBTQ Youth

SOUTHERN ARIZONA AIDS FOUNDATION ANNOUNCES OPENING OF

THORNHILL LOPEZ CENTER ON 4TH

 “ The Southern Arizona AIDS Foundation (SAAF) is proud to announce the opening of Tucson’s newest youth center, the Thornhill Lopez Center on 4^th. To mark the grand opening, SAAF invites the community and media representatives to attend a Ribbon Cutting and Open House on January 18, 2018 from 11:30-1pm at the Thornhill Lopez Center on 4^th, 526 North 4^th Avenue.

 The objective of the Thornhill Lopez Center on 4^th is to serve youth through programming, direct client services, and community engagement, with a direct focus on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ) youth. The central program of the Thornhill Lopez Center on 4^th is Eon, a safe space for LGBTQ & allied youth. At Eon, youth can work on homework, access art programming through a collaborative with the Museum of Contemporary Art, participate in peer-to-peer education opportunities and harm-reduction, empowerment-driven programming. In addition to Eon, SAAF will collocate other youth programming at the Thornhill Lopez Center on 4^th in order to best serve the community.

 The center is named after Curtis Thornhill, originally from southern Arizona. Mr. Thornhill said: “I am very excited to be part of a project giving youth, especially LGBTQ youth, a safe space in southern Arizona. The Thornhill Lopez Center on 4^th will remind our whole community that our youth are loved and welcome.”

 SAAF’s Executive Director, Wendell Hicks, added: “SAAF has always been driven by transformative action. The Thornhill Lopez Center on 4^th will change and save the lives of many, many youths and I couldn’t be prouder of that.” Adam Ragan, SAAF’s Associate Director of LGBTQ Initiatives noted: “What started a couple years ago as a dream of a few in the community is now a reality. Youth will have a safe space to access programs, education, art, and most importantly, each other. We know the power of peer-to-peer programming can really impact the lives of youth for years to come.”

 SAAF started a $2-million capital campaign in early 2016 to undertake the funding necessary to purchase a building and undertake renovations. The Thornhill Lopez Center on 4^th is located on both Streetcar and bus routes, providing access across the community. Eon Lounge hours are Monday-Friday, 3pm-7pm and every 3^rd Saturday evening.

 SAAF’s mission is to cultivate a healthy & stigma-free society through transformative action.”

 Event Information
January 18, 2018 from 11:30am-1pm

Featured speakers: Curtis Thornhill, District 5 Supervisor Richard Elías, Ward 6Councilmember Steve Kozachik

**Media are invited to attend this event

 For more information about the programs and services of the Southern Arizona AIDS Foundation (SAAF), the Thornhill Lopez Center on 4^th, or to schedule a tour of the Thornhill Lopez Center on 4th, please visitwww.saaf.org or call (520) 628- SAAF (7223).

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 Adam Ragan

Associate Director of LGBTQ Initiatives

Southern Arizona AIDS Foundation

aragan@saaf.org

(520) 547-6171 (office)

(520) 500-7811 (cell)