Members of Full Spectrum Community Outreach step down
Questions surrounding the future of Full Spectrum Community Outreach are circling after a number of resignations among the group's board.
The founder of Full Spectrum acknowledges there have been some snags, but says the work they do for the LGBTQ community will go on.
A statement that was posted on Facebook from Full Spectrum Community Outreach last month said the group lost many of its members. It reads:
"Unfortunately, during all the events of the past week, several other directors and coordinators have stepped down. It has been a difficult week for us at Full Spectrum."
The group has since postponed multiple events. While some events have been postponed, the group is still moving forward with others, including Pride in the Valley.
A former board member who asked to be anonymous said almost the entire board stepped down over questions regarding the group's finances.
“We wanted to see the bank activity for the last 12 months, and every time we asked, we got the runaround. And that had been going on for a couple of months, but just recently, we had pushed just a little more for it,” said the former board member.
21 News looked into the group's status and history. The last tax form shown on the IRS website is from 2021. The Attorney General's site shows Full Spectrum as not current.
It's important to note that extensions are common and would not necessarily be reflected online.
“I don't want to volunteer for an organization that is going to be irresponsible enough not to maintain their nonprofit status, be current with the IRS. It was just a very thing for all of us,” said the former board member. “That’s what concerned us. Our reputations being involved with an organization like that. And the main reason we stayed so long was for the clients”
Full Spectrum sent 21 News a statement, saying they are working to solve the problem. The group also said All other events, including Pride in the Valley, are all being planned as normal
Here is the full statement from Full Spectrum Community Outreach:
“We are in the process of rebuilding and reorganizing our outreach center. We were made aware by a former director that some of our state paperwork and taxes were approaching being out of compliance. We are taking steps to make sure we are in compliance with all state/federal taxes and regulations. We have brought in an outside team that is working to address any and all government forms and financials to bring us current.
All of the Full Spectrum Community Outreach Executive Board members are still a part of the organization. Including other community volunteers. As of right now we have had to postpone a few events that we have listed on our website. All others including Full Spectrum Pride in the Valley Festival are all being planned as normal.
As for all the other events and programming we will update the website when new dates are scheduled. We are currently doing a shoe drive donation program and all information is listed on our website for donations. Full Spectrum is still accepting donations. Please feel free to reach out if you would like to contribute to our continued mission.
For the moment, we are providing services to our LGBTQIA+ clients by appointment only and ask that clients please text or call our number at: 330-718-1859. We apologize for all of the interruptions to programs and events for our community.
Full Spectrum Community Outreach has always been focused on improving our community that will never change. We will always be here for the LGBTQIA+ population in the Mahoning Valley.”