A first-of-its-kind community center has opened its doors in Sioux Falls.
The Prism Center in Sioux Falls is a welcoming community space provided by the Transformation Project, a local LGBQT+ support network.
Susan Williams is the executive director of the Transformation Project. She said this is a first for the organization and the community.
“We have never had a space where all of us can be working in the same building and have our free clothing closet and just a space for people to gather together," Williams said. "We’ll have drop-in hours, we’ll have game nights, we’ll have the space available to rent out.”
It’s not just community space though. It’s also a place to find assistance.
“They’ll also be able to get resources or meet with somebody if they need our services," Williams said. "We have an amazing grant that gave us computers for the space, so they’ll be able to access forms online if they need to work on name change paperwork or anything like that. We’re really excited for the possibilities of what we can offer.”
Williams said it’s the kind of place South Dakota is short on.
“The space is absolutely beautiful, and just feels so warm and welcoming," Williams said. "I think that’s something the community needs right now. It’s very much – tensions are high – with the way legislators have targeted the queer community in South Dakota.”
An open house and ribbon cutting with the Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce is scheduled for Nov. 8.
