Since 2019, Pomona Valley Pride has existed to provide safe and inclusive spaces for the LGBTQIA+ community in the Pomona Valley region. Pomona Valley Pride is one of the very few LGBTQIA+ spaces in the Pomona Valley Area and the Inland Empire. Since the global pandemic, the efforts of Pomona Valley Pride have grown, taking us to new heights and growing an organization that works to support and empower, while providing service and programs to the community

In 2019, Pomona Pride Center was founded and operated out of a donated space at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in North Pomona. We conducted our programs and services at this location through February 2022. During the pandemic, we continued to serve the community through virtual platforms and programming. This was a time that our community needed us most, and we continued to grow the organization despite the global shutdown.

In March of 2022, we were awarded funding to implement a yearlong grant that allowed us to create a substance use disorder program that focused on prevention and abuse through the arts. We grew partnerships, programming, hired staff, and leased our first storefront location in Downtown Pomona. With a new space in a prime location, there was no shortage of need in our community. We launched our gender-neutral clothing closet, food pantry, and provided support to our community. We continue to apply for additional funding to create a space where the community feels welcome, respected, and can live authentic lives in inclusive spaces.

Seeing the growth before our eyes, sent a message to our board that we barely scratched the surface, and the need is real. We continued to press forward but knew we could do more and set out to do just that. In mid 2023, the board provided direction to the Executive Officer to find a larger space to increase programming and services, with stability as a priority for a future location. The board decided to rebrand the organization, changing our name from Pomona Pride Center to Pomona Valley Pride and adopting a new logo.

In September of 2023, we decided to move forward with our new location – a space that had been vacant for over 7 years and an eyesore in the community. On January 6, 2024, we opened the doors at our new location, creating a safe and inclusive space. Since transitioning into our new location with a new name and logo, the community has continued to embrace Pomona Valley Pride with open arms.

With your support, we will continue to provide our community with a range of experiences, activities, and opportunities and cost should never be a barrier or burden for them. Your financial contribution and or sponsorship will allow the organization to continue our upward trajectory in providing safe and inclusive programming, services, and opportunity for the LGBTQIA+ community.