About Us
Our Organization
The Center for Sexuality & Gender Diversity, we developed our Community-Defined Evidence Practice
(CDEP) is the Reducing Isolation through Support and Empowerment (RISE) program
Our Mission
The Center is an easy access hub providing safe, supportive spaces and services to the Gay,
Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender, Queer/Questioning (LGBTQ+) community, and serving as a bridge to
the greater community in Kern County.
Approach to programming
Using community feedback as a guide, we have instituted these
components:: 1) one on one (1:1) advocacy services, 2) a series of seven-week support workshops, 3)
providing cultural competency training to outside agencies, 4) connecting individuals with existing
affirming and non-judgmental medical and mental health providers, and 5) supporting LGBTQ
individuals with educational and social connections through Center events and activities. The purpose of
our program is to offer prevention and early intervention techniques, to teach healthy coping skills,
increase support through groups and 1:1 interventions, and decrease negative responses to
environmental stressors.
Who We Are
Our team
Anne-Natasha Pinckney, Executive Director
Jan Hefner, Administrative Manager
Dani Muñoz, Youth Outreach Coordinator
Stephanie Heart, Client Advocate
Reyes Arreola, Client Advocate
Shay Dowdle, Administrative Assistant
Contact Us
Principal Contact person
Anne-Natasha Pinckney
Executive Director
execdirector@thecenterbak.org
general contact information
Website: www.thecenterbak.org
Email: info@thecenterbak.org
Phone: 661-404-5209
Social media
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