Tim Jones, DDS
Community Service and Social Groups
The following organizations and groups are active in the Springfield and/or Decatur areas. For each entry, you can find a short summary describing the organization along with their contact and social media information. If your organization's information needs to be updated or is missing, please don't hesitate to let us know by emailing coral.springfield@gmail.com.
Coalition of Rainbow Alliances
CORAL is a non-profit, volunteer group that facilitates networking and community for the Central Illinois lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community, all other sexual and gender minorities, their families, friends, and the organizations that support them.
Meetings: second Sunday of the month at 5:00 PM
Location: Zoom and First Church of the Brethren
(Please RSVP if attending in person)
AIDS Walk Springfield
Awaiting Information...
Meetings:
Location:
Brothers and Sisters Together
Brothers and Sisters Together is a dinner group that meets at various restaurants around central Illinois on Fridays throughout the entire year.
Meetings: Fridays at 7:00 PM
Location: Varies from week to week
PFLAG - Decatur
PFLAG is an organization for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) people, their parents and families, and allies
Phone (helpline): 217.875.5119
PFLAG - Springfield
PFLAG is an organization for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) people, their parents and families, and allies. To be added to the email distribution, send an email with your request.
Meetings: Every third Monday at 7:00 p.m. via Zoom (Meeting ID: 864 5766 1986)
Location: 745 Woodside Road, Springfield, IL
Phone: 217.481.0136 or 217.801.2698
LGBTQ+ Women
LGBTQ+ Women is a social group for women who identify somewhere in the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and/or Queer spectrum and reside within a one-hour radius of Springfield, Illinois. The group has been formed to promote social interaction among women in our community in a safe and welcoming environment.
Springfield Transmasc Support Group
This group is for adults who do not identify with the gender they were assigned at birth and are masculine leaning. We strive to provide an inclusive environment to safely share our experiences, promote our values, and celebrate our diversity.
PrideLinc
PrideLinc, delivered by AgeLinc, is a program to provide equitable services, support, social connection, and education to LGBT+ older
adults in order to help them maintain dignity, health, and
independence. As a part of this program, every Thursday at 11:30 a.m., they will provide lunches, free to those over 60 years of age.
Lunches: Every Thursday at 11:30 a.m.
Location: 2731 S MacArthur Blvd, Springfield, IL
Phone: 217-787-9234 or 800-252-2918
Faith Communities
Abraham Lincoln Unitarian Universalist Congregation
The Abraham Lincoln Unitarian Universalist Congregation is a religious community of individuals coming together for spiritual growth and fellowship.
Services: Sundays at 10:30 AM
Address: 745 Woodside Road, Springfield, IL
Phone: 217.585.9550
First Church of the Brethren
In a culture driven by consumerism, we try to live simply. In a world constantly at war, we strive to live peacefully. At a time of deep political, social, and economic division, we worship together.
We, at First Church of the Brethren, welcome and affirm all members and congregational participants without exclusion. According to the gospel of Jesus Christ, we affirm all loving relationships and all family units, and we open our congregation to all who choose to embrace our community of believers regardless of sexual orientation, race, age, gender, abilities or status in life. We strive to be a loving and inclusive community where all are eligible to participate in the rites, ordinances, and blessings of the church.
Adult Bible Study: Sundays at 9:30 AM
Worship Services: Sundays at 10:30 AM
Address: 2115 Yale Boulevard, Springfield, IL
Phone: 217.523.5212
First Presbyterian Church
God’s doors are open to all – no exceptions. At First Presbyterian Church we believe that:
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All are fearfully and wonderfully made.
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All are created in the image of God.
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God loves all – unconditionally.
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Love is love and is faithful when expressed in ways that are mutual, respectful, healthy and just.
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LGBTQIA+ people are no more broken than anyone else and do not need to be fixed, converted, or rescued because of identity or orientation.
We hope every person, regardless of sexuality or gender identity, will find First Presbyterian Church to be a place of sanctuary. (Church Q+ Page)
Worship Services: Sunday Mornings Onsite Worship at 10:45 AM; Sunday Morning Online Worship (Zoom) at 9:00 AM; Wednesday Worship in the Garden at 5:30 PM.
Bible Study: Tuesday on Zoom at 6:00 PM
Address: 321 South 7th Street, Springfield, IL
Contact Pastor Susan at RevSusan@LincolnsChurch.org
Contact Chaplain Tim at Tim@LincolnsChurch.org
Heartland Metropolitan Community Church
Awaiting information...
Worship Services: Sundays at 10:30 AM
Address: TBD
Phone: 217.726.8411
Douglas Avenue United Methodist Church
We are a church of love, acceptance, and graciousness. We welcome all people, as they are, with arms wide open. We work together to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world!
Worship Services: Sundays at 8:15 and 10:30 AM
Online Worship: Sundays at 10:30 a.m. on Facebook and You Tube
Address: 501 S Douglas Avenue, Springfield, IL 62704
Phone: 217.546.4631
Holy Family Inclusive Catholic Community
Holy Family was established on June 8, 2014. Today, Holy Family Inclusive Catholic Community continues to celebrate mass weekly, welcoming all to the table regardless of race, religion, creed, marital status, sexual orientation, or sexual identity. Once you attend, you are considered part of our Holy Family! Holy Family is where all families are considered holy.
Worship Services: Saturdays at 4:30 PM
Address: 2939 Stanton Street, Springfield, IL 62701
Phone: 217.415.1850
Parkway Christian Church
Parkway Christian Church welcomes all ages, races and sexual identities. One of the more unique aspects of our worship experience is a very strong lay leadership. Members of the congregation are involved in every worship service, from the opening prayer, to reading the gospel, to stewardship moments, to running the sound system, to delivering communion, and more.all families are considered holy.
Worship Services: Sundays at 8:00 and 10:30 AM
Address: 2700 Lindbergh Blvd, Springfield, IL 62704
Phone: 217.787.3445
Philanthropy
Acorn Equality Fund
Established in 1999, Acorn Equality Fund in Peoria, Illinois, is a grassroots nonprofit organization that provides financial support for the advancement of education, health, and civil rights of gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender persons and their allies. We raise funds in order to give out grants and scholarships to promote higher education. Together we can build a bright, united future. Acorn Equality Fund is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization. We provide scholarships and organization grants to LGBT persons, organizations, and allies to impact lives in a positive fashion.
Address: PO Box 6286, Peoria, IL 61601
News Sites
Illinois Eagle
The Illinois Eagle is a community e-newspaper covering the LGBTQ communities of Illinois, plus news of fandom and politics. The mission of the Eagle is to serve as a forum and voice for these communities at the local level and to inform the community of events and issues across the state.
Advertising is accepted and the Eagle is always looking for reporters across Illinois. It is also open to columnists from all areas of the state. If you would like to advertise in or write for the Illinois Eagle, please email publisher Tom Wray at editor@illinoiseagle.com.
Pridefests
Decatur Pride
Decatur Pride is an annual celebration of LGBTQIA+ art, culture, history, education, and advocacy.
Springfield Pridefest
Springfield Pridefest is a day of embracing diversity and celebrating the Central IL LGBTQ community. It is an event with something for everyone – a kids area, a large stage with live entertainment, lots of great vendors selling goods and giving out information, great food & drinks, tons of fun, and time spent with family & friends. Springfield PrideFest is organized by the Phoenix Center. This street fair is held the 3rd Saturday of May.
Logan County Pridefest
Logan County Pride is a non-profit organization promoting awareness and support of the LGBTQ+ communities by hosting a yearly Pride event each June in Lincoln, IL. June 26th of 2021 was the first Pride event held in Logan County.
Service Providers and Testing
Fifth Street Renaissance/SARA Center
Fifth Street Renaissance provides transitional housing, HIV testing and support, life skills programs, and community outreach to individuals around central Illinois. The Springfield AIDS Resource Association, SARA Center, mission was centered around prevention, education, comprehensive care and support, housing and advocacy services for individuals, families and the community in Central Illinois.
Location: 1315 North 5 Street, Springfield, IL 62702
Phone: 217.544.5040
Make sure to check each provider's website for the most accurate service dates and times.
Illinois HIV Care Connect
Illinois HIV Care Connect is a statewide network providing medical case management, health care and support services to persons living with HIV (PLWH). Through the Illinois HIV Care Connect network, persons can receive eligibility information and enroll in services such as, the Illinois AIDS Drug Assistance / Medication Assistance Program (ADAP/ MAP), Ryan White Part B medical and case management services, health insurance coverage premium assistance, and Housing Opportunities for Persons Living With AIDS (HOPWA) among other services. Contact the Illinois HIV Care Connect regional office to enroll confidentially at no charge.
Location: 500 W. Monroe, Suite 1E, Springfield, IL 62704
Prairie Center Against Sexual Assault (PCASA)
PCASA offers confidential and comprehensive sexual assault services for victims of assault or sexual abuse. They provide the support and care needed to take back control of one's life. They are "client centered," meaning that the victim's needs come first no matter what phase in the recovery process. Services offered include: In-person counseling, legal and medical advocacy, community education, professional training, information/referrals, and a 24-hour hotline.
Location: 3 W Old State Capitol Plaza, Springfield, IL 62701
Phone: 217-744-2560
Phoenix Center
The mission of the Phoenix Center is to support Central Illinois’ LGBT Community with programming for promoting equality, health & well being, and social and educational growth. The Phoenix Center offers various groups, services, trainings, social and educational events, and transitional housing.
Location: 109 E. Lawrence Ave, Springfield, IL
Phone: 217.528.5253
Fax: 217.528.5260
Statewide Groups
Equality Illinois
Equality Illinois builds a better Illinois by advancing equal treatment and social justice through education, advocacy and protection of the rights of the LGBT community. Equality Illinois envisions a fair and unified Illinois where everyone is treated equally with dignity and respect and where all people live freely regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity or expression.
Address: PO Box 1313 Chicago, IL 60690
Phone: 773.477.7173
LGBT Chamber of Commerce of Illinois
The LGBT Chamber of Commerce of Illinois is an organization that seeks to promote economic opportunities for the LGBT community by being an advocate and resource for all member businesses that encourage equality.
Address: 3179 North Clark Street, Chicago, IL 60657
Phone: 773.303.0167
ruralHarmony
ruralHarmony is a collection of individuals interested in health and risks as experienced by people living in rural Illinois. We hope to perform work and outreach that matters to you! We’d love to hear from you about what might be a good topic of study.
University Groups
LLCC - Gay-Straight Alliance
The goal of the GSA is to assist and provide support for individual who have coming out or sex related health issues and the education of Gay/Lesbian/Bisexual/Trans (GLBT) and others about sexual and sexuality related issues; stand in support of justice for people of all sexual orientations; promote awareness of the GLBT population on campus and to provide a safe zone for the GLBT and supporters to share ideas, issues and concerns.
Phone: 217.786.2394
SIU SOM Gay and Lesbian Medical Association
The Gay and Lesbian Medical Association at Southern Illinois University School of Medicine (SIU SOM) is an organization dedicated to expanding visibility, rights, and awareness of LGBTQIA+ individuals in health care and health professions through discourse, action, and policy. At SIU SOM, we aim to analyze the curriculum for bias or exclusion and create helpful solutions to address these concerns. We are proud to be actively involved with other minority student groups in the coalition known as the Marginalized Student Network to promote a stance of solidarity in defeating discrimination and hate against sexuality, gender-identity, and race. We annually participate in Springfield PrideFest to provide resources on healthcare access and education for LGBTQIA+ individuals.
UIS Gender and Sexuality Student Services
The mission of the Gender and Sexuality Student Services is to provide education, advocacy, support, mentoring, and a safe space for sexual and gender minority students at UIS including but not limited to lesbian, gay, bisexual, pansexual, transgender, genderqueer, queer, questioning, intersex, and asexuals (LGBTQIA+). We also work with heterosexual and cisgender students to become more informed and supportive allies. All students are welcome!
Location: Student Life Building 22, UIS Campus
Phone: 217.206.8316