Following our August 12, 2026 statement regarding continuity of care and services, the Board of Directors would like to directly address the letter we received from current and former staff, volunteers, and community members raising serious concerns about organizational leadership, workplace culture, and accountability.
We acknowledge and appreciate the individuals who came forward to share their concerns, experiences, and feedback. Raising concerns is an important part of organizational accountability, and everyone should have appropriate opportunities to be heard. The Board takes these matters seriously.
In response to concerns brought to our attention, the Board took steps to better understand and address the issues raised, including holding a staff listening session, conducting an organizational climate survey, and commissioning investigations through Insperity, our Professional Employer Organization (PEO), and an independent investigator. These processes included interviews with staff and community members, reviews of documentation, and fact-finding assessments of allegations concerning management practices, human resources processes, and workplace conduct.
The investigations and reviews have concluded. Based on the findings presented to the Board, the allegations of misappropriation of funds, bigotry, harassment, favoritism, and discriminatory conduct were not substantiated.
While these allegations were not substantiated, the review process identified opportunities to strengthen organizational development and provide additional training and support for the Executive Director and staff in leadership, crisis management, conflict resolution, communication, escalation procedures, and accountability. The Board is taking steps to address these opportunities through training, strengthened organizational practices, and ongoing leadership development to reinforce expectations and promote continuous improvement.
We recognize that organizational accountability extends beyond the conclusion of an investigation. We remain committed to listening, strengthening our practices, and demonstrating accountability through meaningful action and follow-through. We remain committed to finding creative and sustainable ways to protect, strengthen, and expand the services, programs, and staffing that support our community.
Fiscal Transparency
Like many nonprofit organizations, the Center has navigated significant financial challenges amid a changing funding and political landscape. In fiscal year 2023, the Center’s net assets declined by approximately $474,000. Subsequently, our staff, leadership, Board, and community partners have worked together to strengthen the organization’s financial position and long-term sustainability.
In fiscal year 2024, the Center increased its net assets by more than $1 million, and annual revenue reached $4.3 million, nearly double its 2022 level. These improvements reflect the collective efforts of our team and community partners to sustain the Center’s mission and services. In recent years, state and federal funds have declined leaving us at $3.4 million. Our audited financial statements and Form 990 filings dating back to 2018 are publicly available at centerlb.org/about-us/financial-documents.
At a time when LGBTQ+ rights, HIV services, and the legal protections of our communities face significant challenges nationally, the Center’s stability and continued service to our community matter more than ever.
Call to Action
We cannot do this work alone. We invite our community to continue supporting the Center through donations, sponsorships, partnerships, volunteering, internships, and planned giving. Learn more at centerlb.org/support-the-center.
We are grateful to everyone who continues to invest in the Center, including those who have raised difficult concerns and called for greater accountability. Our responsibility is to the people who rely on the Center, the staff who make our services possible, and the broader community we serve.
We remain committed to strengthening the organization, supporting our staff, maintaining community trust, and ensuring that The LGBTQ Center Long Beach continues to serve our community for generations to come.
— The LGBTQ Center Long Beach Board of Directors
