TREES (Transgender Resource, Education & Enrichment Services)

🌳 🏳️‍⚧️We are rooting for you to join us at Spencer Pride on October 5th! 🏳️‍⚧️🌳

We’re branching out and can’t wait to leaf a lasting impact on the community! Stop by the Trees Inc. table to see what we’ve been up to, pick up some fresh resources, and *spruce* up your look with our awesome Trees Inc. swag—available for a suggested donation. Your support helps us keep growing strong!

Spencer Pride is going to be tree-mendous, and we’re excited to plant seeds of change with you. So bring your friends, come chat, and let’s make this Pride celebration one for the books!

Wood love to see you there! -Shelli and Kelly ✌️💜🏳️‍🌈

Spencer Pride is “Ready to Soar” – Spencer Pride Spencer Pride is “Ready to Soar”by JohnSeptember 15, 2024FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE SEPTEMBER 11, 2024 Spencer, IN — On Saturday, October 5 from 12-7 PM the annual Spencer Pride Festival returns to downtown Spencer in celebration of the rural LGBTQ+ community. This year’s event is the 17th in-per...

New hangout alert!

We're excited to hear about the new monthly q***r hangout at Cloud Walking! First meet up September 27.

Even in the toughest of times, our roots run deep, and we find strength in our community and each other. Storms may shake us, but they don’t last forever. Let’s keep growing together, supporting one another, and face every day with courage and hope. Just like trees weather the seasons, we’ll stand tall and get through this too.

Last year, in response to an increased community need and a capacity-building grant, The LGBTQ Center grew to an extent that has proven to be unsustainable. We are now in a position where we must draw down our capacity to match our resources. Our Executive Director is no longer with the organization and, for the foreseeable future, we will be operating on an entirely volunteer-run basis led by increased time commitments from our Board of Directors.

The board is conducting a comprehensive review of its finances and policies in concert with professional advisors to identify and remedy any gaps in oversight and governance that brought us to this point. To focus on those efforts, we will be pausing programming and events through the end of September, with the intention to resume services as it becomes possible to do so responsibly and sustainably. We will contact community members who lead programming at the center to determine ways we can support them in continuing to meet during this time.

We remain committed to supporting LGBTQ people in the greater Michiana area. We recognize the need for consistent, reliable support of this community, and deeply regret the impact of this reduction in services.

As we approach the center's 20th Anniversary and consider its future, we are centering stewardship, sustainability, and—as we always have—community. We look forward to sharing our revitalized vision with you in the near future, and returning to service stronger than ever.

It’s hard to believe a year has passed since we lost Meghan, a true force of nature and a beloved friend. Her absence has been deeply felt, yet her spirit and energy continue to inspire and guide us.

Meghan was more than the founder of TREES, Inc. She was a visionary who dedicated her life to fostering understanding and support for the transgender community. Her work at The Tree House provided countless individuals with the resources and compassion they needed to navigate their journeys.

But Meghan's influence extended far beyond her professional achievements. She was a remarkable human being whose kindness, wisdom, and relentless positivity left an indelible mark on everyone she met. Whether she was sharing her story, offering support, or simply enjoying a round of golf, Meghan brought a unique energy and warmth that could light up any room.

Over the past year, I’ve often found myself reflecting on the countless moments we shared – her infectious laughter, her insightful conversations, and her unwavering commitment to making the best of the worst puns I have ever heard. Meghan taught us the power of authenticity and the importance of standing up for what we believe in.

As we continue to navigate life without her, let’s carry forward Meghan’s legacy by embodying the values she held dear: kindness, courage, and unwavering support for one another. Her memory will forever be a source of strength and inspiration.

Meghan, you are missed more than words can express. Thank you for everything you gave us and for the light you continue to shine in our hearts.

Missing Miss Meghan

Thank you so much to Valparaiso Democratic Committee for their incredibly generous donation from the raffle at Paws for Pride! Your support means the world to us at Trees Inc. It's through thoughtful contributions like yours that we can continue our mission. 🏳️‍⚧️

🌟Thank You, Everyone🌟

Raffle items have all been awarded and we are excited to say that with all of your help, we have raised $317 which we have donated to TREES (Transgender Resource, Education & Enrichment Services) Learn more about them here: https://www.webetrees.org/

Trees vision statement: "𝐵𝑦 𝑖𝑚𝑝𝑟𝑜𝑣𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑡𝑟𝑎𝑛𝑠𝑔𝑒𝑛𝑑𝑒𝑟 𝑒𝑑𝑢𝑐𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛𝑎𝑙 𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑜𝑢𝑟𝑐𝑒𝑠 𝑖𝑛 𝑢𝑛𝑑𝑒𝑟 𝑠𝑒𝑟𝑣𝑒𝑑 𝑐𝑜𝑚𝑚𝑢𝑛𝑖𝑡𝑖𝑒𝑠 𝑤𝑒 𝑠𝑡𝑟𝑖𝑣𝑒 𝑡𝑜 𝑒𝑛𝑟𝑖𝑐ℎ 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑙𝑖𝑣𝑒𝑠 𝑤𝑖𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑛 𝑒𝑎𝑐ℎ 𝑐𝑜𝑚𝑚𝑢𝑛𝑖𝑡𝑦 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑟𝑒𝑑𝑢𝑐𝑒 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑟𝑖𝑠𝑘𝑠 𝑖𝑛ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝑤𝑖𝑡ℎ 𝑖𝑑𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑖𝑓𝑦𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑎𝑠 𝑡𝑟𝑎𝑛𝑠𝑔𝑒𝑛𝑑𝑒𝑟 𝑎𝑛𝑑, 𝑎𝑠 𝑎 𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑢𝑙𝑡, 𝑠𝑎𝑣𝑒 𝑙𝑖𝑣𝑒𝑠."

We are absolutely thrilled and deeply grateful to everyone who participated in our raffle at PAWS for Pride 2024. Your generous support helps create a more inclusive and supportive community for all. Thank you for standing with us and showing that love and kindness always win. 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️

Beleaf it or not, but we'll be at Paws for Pride in Valparaiso today! Come by our tent and say hi!
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Less than two weeks until Paws for Pride. Valparaiso, we can't wait to see you! Come stop by our table and say hello!
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Whiting Pride - A Celebration for the LGBTQ+ community and friends was hoppin! What an excellent day! We had our very own board member, Whiting native and Meghan's sibling, Lee, with us today
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