Representative Berrios Joins VIDA/SIDA In Honoring Rick Garcia
March 25th, 2011
 Representative Berrios and Rick Garcia CHICAGO – On March 25th Representative Maria A. Berrios joined with Vida/SIDA to honor Rick Garcia for his work in the LGBTQ community. For over thirty years Mr. Garcia has been a staunch advocate for LGBTQ rights and was a strong proponent of the newly passed civil-union legislation.
“During the years that I have known Rick Garcia I have been moved by his dedication to the LGBTQ community in the Chicagoland area and nationally. Mr. Garcia has fought to secure equal rights and fair treatment under the law for an important group of our community that went without a voice for far too long. Mr. Garcia’s work has been a critical and invaluable element which aided the passage of the long needed civil-union bill. I look forward to our continued partnership in addressing the many LGBTQ issues that still need legislative advocacy,” said Representative Berrios.
Vida/SIDA, an arm of the Puerto Rican Cultural Center (PRCC) focuses on providing HIV/AIDS education and services, community outreach, and LGBTQ initiatives. El Rescate, a LGBT youth targeted shelter is Vida/SIDA’s newest endeavor and the event honoring Mr. Garcia also served as a fundraiser for the shelter. In recognition of Mr. Garcia’s work in the LGBTQ community, Roberto Sanabria, a board member of the PRCC announced that one of the floors in the El Rescate shelter will be named after Mr. Garcia.
Representative Berrios said, “I am committed to the development and success of the El Rescate shelter program. Too many young people who identify as LGBTQ find themselves in mainstream homeless shelters where they are exposed to harassment and abuse. I believe that El Rescate will provide a stable and supportive environment aiding the resident’s growth.”
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