WHO WE ARE

The South Coast LGBTQ+ Network (The Network) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit established in 2014 by seven LGBTQ agencies and allied organizations with help from The Community Foundation of Southeastern Massachusetts.

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OUR VISION

​Our vision is to create and support a thriving LGBTQ+ community on Massachusetts’ South Coast where members can freely, safely, and joyously celebrate their true selves and realize their full potential. We want our community to benefit from local services that rival the ones they would otherwise have to travel to Boston or Providence to receive.

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​Our Mission

Every day we strive to build and maintain a comprehensive support network for LGBTQ+ individuals and families across the age spectrum by:

• Working with governmental, community-based organizations, and private entities to eliminate homophobia in our communities through education, advocacy, and outreach.
• Creating inter-generational opportunities for LGBTQ+ individuals to learn from one another through social, educational, and community project interaction.
• Assessing, advocating, and supporting programming needs to ensure the safety and well-being of LGBTQ+ individuals in our community, such as housing, education, employment, and mental and physical health.
• Ensuring that LGBTQ+ individuals are treated with respect and dignity.
• Providing a central organizational home for the exchange of ideas and collaboration to improve the lives of LGBTQ+ South Coast residents

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FUTURE PROJECTS

In order to better serve the growing South Coast LGBTQ+ community, we are always looking for ways to create bigger and better-equipped spaces where members, allies, and partners can interact. Currently, we are targeting an historic building in downtown New Bedford for a future Community Center. Stay tuned for updates.

​Board of Directors

2020 LEADERSHIP

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Andrew Pollock, President​
Rebecca McCullough, Vice President
Traci Welch, Secretary
​Brian Costa, Treasurer

​Lenny Amaral, Director
Marlyn Barros, Director
Michele Berube, Director
Gerry Buckley, Director
John Masson, Director
Connie Mayer, Director
John Silva, Director
Joan Stratton, Director
​Seth Thomas, Director
Kerry Zeida, Director

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

ANDY POLLOCK

Andy Pollock is president of The South Coast LGBTQ+ Network. A civil rights advocate who was among the first to marry when Massachusetts legalized gay marriage, Andy brings many years of experience as a service provider for the Coastal Neighbors Network and as the owner of a 300-year-old farm in Dartmouth and developer of Farm Share Programs to cultivate new relationships within the South Coast LGBTQ+ community.

EILEEN DUGAS

Eileen Dugas is network coordinator for The South Coast LGBTQ+ Network, where she writes grants and proposals, provides educational training to local-area agencies and businesses, and serves as community liaison and volunteer coordinator. Eileen also co-hosts and produces "The LGBTQ Voice," a weekly Facebook Live broadcast. Eileen is a licensed social worker specializing in child and family services. She holds a bachelor's degree in Psychology and a master's degree in Human and Social Services.

REBECCA MCCULLOUGH

Rebecca McCullough is a founding member of The South Coast LGBTQ+ Network, where she now serves as vice president of development. Her extensive background in community service, fundraising, and public relations includes a six-year term as Waltham city councilor, as well as leadership positions for the Town of Mattapoisett, the YMCA Southcoast, and the Women's Center in New Bedford.​

TRACI WELCH

Traci Welch is secretary and Event Committee chairperson for The South Coast LGBTQ+ Network. She also currently co-hosts and produces the Network's weekly "The LGBTQ Voice" broadcast. For decades Traci has been a staunch supporter of the LGBTQ+ community and has provided leadership and support to Cape Cod Pride, A.I.D.S., Inc., South Coast Equality, South Coast Pride, and the New Bedford Alliance of Gay and Lesbian Youth.

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