Sojourn is a proud community partner of Dutchess County Pride Center!
About DCPC
DCPC is a safe space for LGBTQ+ individuals and their families, including youth to meet and socialize. Their goal is to improve the health, safety, and well-being of the entire LGBTQ+ community in Dutchess County. They support, educate, and advocate for all members of the LGBTQ+ community, including LGBTQ+ youth and young adults through outreach, support groups, and social events.
Founded in 2018 by three families, (the Rubinstein, Johns, & Sangurima families) they realized there was a glaring issue in their community– there was no safe space for individuals in the LGBTQ+ community to gather, encourage, and support one another.
About Karen Marder
Karen Marder is the Executive Director and currently supervises DCPCs community outreach, programs, and operations, and works directly with program facilitators and volunteers. She is also responsible for overseeing the Youth Board and co-chairs Poughkeepsie Pride.
Karen received her Master’s Degree in Social Work from Wurzweiler University. She has spent the majority of her career working to better the lives of youth (particularly LGBTQ+ youth) and their families. Karen has many years of experience in the non-profit sector. She previously held the position of Executive Director at My House, a center which aids previously incarcerated women and those recovering from addiction or domestic violence in obtaining employment skills, training, and GEDs. While there, she also helped create an after-school program for at-risk youth.
Karen’s son came out as transgender in 2015. As her son began his transition, she looked for resources for LGBTQ+ youth in Dutchess County. Unfortunately, she was not able to find anything local. Knowing that her son and many other LGBTQ+ folks needed support and acceptance, the Dutchess County Pride Center went from an idea to a reality.
Sojourn x DCPC
This year marks the 6th annual Poughkeepsie Pride Parade, and we are so excited to be celebrating with them! We will be donating 10% of all Rainbow Stack sales, as well as attending the parade as a vendor. We’re looking forward to reconnecting with everyone from last year and meeting some new faces! If you’re in the area don’t hesitate to drop us a line or stop by the booth.
You can also support DCPC directly by using this donation link.
Cheers!
Alex