Working to Create Safer, Stronger Communities
Beyond the Margins Collective hopes to create an inclusive, affirming community where people can connect through literature, art, creativity, and shared experiences while accessing meaningful resources, support, and opportunities.
Community Care
We believe that belonging is easier when people have access to the practical support they need to get through everyday life. Community Care is our vision for a resource hub where people can find information, assistance, connections, and a helping hand without judgment.
Our goal is to make it easier to find support for people who may have difficulty navigating existing systems or who have nowhere else to turn.
What we hope to provide
Community Food Pantry
Free groceries and basic food supplies for community members experiencing food insecurity.Emergency Assistance
A community-supported fund intended to provide limited emergency financial assistance when someone is facing an immediate need.Tutoring & Homework Help
Free educational support, study assistance, and a welcoming place for students to learn.LGBTQ+ Resource Navigation
Help finding local and regional resources related to housing, healthcare, legal services, mental health, employment, education, and other needs.Clothing & Hygiene Supplies
Free access to donated clothing, personal hygiene products, and other everyday essentials.Transportation Support
Resources and assistance aimed at helping people get where they need to go, including transportation and gas assistance when funding allows.Basic Vehicle Support
Partnerships with qualified local mechanics to provide basic vehicle inspections or help identify maintenance needs for people who may not otherwise be able to afford an inspection.Employment Support
Resume writing, job-search assistance, application support, and other practical tools for finding and maintaining employment.Community Workshops
Free or low-cost workshops covering practical skills, creative interests, education, financial literacy, employment, and other topics identified by the community.Case Management & Professional Support
As the organization grows, we hope to partner with qualified social workers and other professionals who can provide appropriate case management, navigation, and support.
Arts & Culture
Music, writing, theater, illustration, photography, crafts, and other creative work can bring people together, tell stories, challenge assumptions, and give people a way to express who they are.
Beyond the Margins is envisioned as a place where local creatives can share their work, find an audience, collaborate with one another, and become part of a larger creative community.
What we hope to provide
Local Artist Marketplace
Opportunities for local artists and makers to display and sell their work through consignment, markets, and other community-based opportunities.Live Music & Performances
A welcoming space for musicians, singers, performers, and other artists to share their work.Theater & Performance
Opportunities for theatrical performances, staged readings, spoken word, and other forms of live performance.Writing & Literature
Readings, writing groups, author events, poetry, zines, and opportunities for local writers to share their voices.Exhibitions & Showcases
Rotating displays that give local artists opportunities to exhibit their work and introduce community members to new creators.Creative Workshops
Hands-on opportunities to learn from local artists and explore different creative practices.Collaboration
A place where artists, musicians, writers, performers, and community organizations can meet and create things together.
Books and Coffee
At the heart of Beyond the Margins is the idea of a welcoming independent bookstore and café. We want books to be accessible, diverse, and connected to the community around them.
What we hope to provide
New & Used Books
A curated selection of new and pre-owned books across genres, interests, and reading levels.LGBTQ+ Literature
A strong selection of queer fiction, nonfiction, memoir, poetry, children's books, and works by LGBTQ+ authors.Local Authors & Independent Writers
Opportunities for local and independent writers to have their work featured, sold, or celebrated.Zines & Independent Publications
Space for small-press publications, zines, local writing, and creative work that may not have a place in traditional bookstores.Coffee & Café Space
Coffee, tea, and simple food in a comfortable environment designed for lingering, not rushing people out the door.Study & Work Space
A welcoming place to read, study, write, work remotely, or simply spend time around other people.Community Book Exchange
Future opportunities for book swaps, donations, community collections, and ways to keep books circulating.
A Place to Land
Housing insecurity can affect every part of a person's life. For people who have been pushed out of their homes, rejected by family, or struggled to find housing where they can be themselves safely, finding a place to live can be about much more than having four walls.
Our long-term vision includes developing transitional housing programs for LGBTQ+ people experiencing housing instability, with separate programs designed around the distinct needs of different age groups.
These programs would be developed carefully and responsibly, with appropriate licensing, professional oversight, safeguarding, partnerships, and individualized support.
Our vision includes
Transitional Housing
Safe, stable, on-site temporary housing designed to help residents move toward long-term stability and independent living.Separate Age-Appropriate Programs
Distinct programs for minors, young adults, and adults rather than treating every resident's needs as identical.Case Management & Support
Connections to qualified professionals who can help residents navigate housing, employment, education, healthcare, benefits, and other needs.Employment & Education
Support and connections that help residents work toward financial independence, educational goals, and sustainable employment. As well as on-site work in the building in the cafe or bookstore to offset living costs.Independent Living Skills
Opportunities to develop practical skills related to budgeting, cooking, household management, transportation, employment, and other aspects of independent living.Community & Belonging
A supportive environment where residents can build relationships and experience community without having to hide who they are.A Path Forward
The goal of transitional housing isn't simply to provide a place to stay. It's to help create a path toward stable, independent, sustainable housing.
This part of our vision is still in its earliest stages and hopes to establish much farther down the line. We believe it is important enough to build carefully rather than quickly.
Community Events
A community needs opportunities to come together simply because we're human beings who enjoy doing things with other people.
Beyond the Margins is envisioned as a place where there is almost always something happening; whether that's a quiet book club on a Tuesday evening, an open mic on Friday night, or a free workshop on a Saturday afternoon. Our events will be shaped by the people who actually participate in them.
What we hope to host
Book Clubs & Reading Groups
Conversations around books, authors, genres, and ideas with groups for different interests and reading levels.Open Mics & Live Performances
Music, poetry, comedy, storytelling, theater, and other forms of live expression.Art & Maker Nights
Casual creative gatherings where people can make things, learn something new, and meet other creatives.Writing Groups
Dedicated time and space for writers to work, share, collaborate, and encourage one another.Workshops & Classes
Free or affordable educational and creative workshops led by community members, professionals, and local organizations.Community Gatherings
Low-pressure opportunities to meet people, make friends, and spend time together without needing a specific reason.Artist Markets & Pop-Ups
Opportunities for local artists, makers, authors, and small businesses to share their work.Community Celebrations
Seasonal gatherings, special events, fundraisers, cultural celebrations, and opportunities to simply celebrate one another.Resource Events
Community-centered events that connect people with organizations, services, information, and practical support.
Our Vision
Filters
No results found
No results match your search. Try removing a few filters.
Ready to Start Making a Difference?
Send us a quick note and let’s plan how we can help you reach your goals—no pressure, just a friendly chat.