CIADE's Mission

CIADE's Mission

To educate and inform the general public and community about the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) community for the purpose of fostering a greater understanding and tolerance of the LGBT community and their contributions.

CIADE's plans for the future include:

• CIADE will develop in-house programs as well as programs throughout the greater Peoria vicinity. These programs will include Speakers and training programs, seminars and forums to organizations, employers, governmental agencies, schools and individuals to educate and inform them of factual information about the LGBT community and their important role in the community and of the importance of diversity and acceptance of all persons, regardless of their individual sexual orientation, race, gender, culture, religion, age or other individual “traits.”


• The primary focus of CIADE’s energy is the LGBT community and issues, but we intend to make our services available to any and all persons who have a need for and interest in our services and programs, regardless of their individual sexual orientation. We will actively seek out the participation of the “non-LGBT” community to assist with our programs and services.


• To provide a comprehensive range of services and programs to educate the LGBT community, as well as the general community, on health and medical issues specific to the LGBT community such as HIV/AIDS and STD prevention and treatment programs, social and mental health concerns, youth and senior citizen issues, and other vital LGBT concerns.


• Programs will be conducted by CIADE volunteers and staff, as well as through partnerships with other local organizations.


• To provide a centralized resource and referral center for all types of issues which may affect the health and well being of the LGBT community.


• To provide a physical location where various groups (ie, youth programs, AA programs, support groups, etc) can meet in a safe location.

CIADE's planned programs and services include:

• Programs and services will be dictated by current needs. CIADE will remain flexible to allow us to add new programs and services when possible and needed.
• Support groups, counseling, mentoring and tutoring for LGBT youth
• Support groups and counseling services for seniors, youth and other specific “sub groups” who can benefit from these services
• Support groups for families and friends of LGBT persons
• Educational programs for senior centers and nursing homes to teach them about issues specific to their LGBT clients
• Substance abuse counseling and support groups
• Domestic violence and abuse education programs
• Provide free HIV and STD education, prevention and outreach programs
• HIV+ Support groups
• Free condom distribution
• Housing assistance programs for disadvantaged and disabled persons
• Food bank to provide assistance to disadvantaged, disabled and unemployed persons
• “Safe Haven” and assistance for those persons affected by domestic violence and discrimination
• Formation of a library of historical information, documents and data about the LGBT community in Central Illinois
• Organize regular small and large events such as Peoria Pride, Retroflections, group travel, etc to afford multiple opportunities for members of the LGBTQA community to get together in a variety of fun, safe and entertaining environments.