Find Businesses & Organizations in South Bend, IN

Since its inception in 2004 as a small bookstore and coffee bar called Another Bookstore, The LGBTQ Center has grown into a vital community institution serving South Bend, Indiana. What began as a response to dozens of weekly inquiries from community members seeking LGBTQ+-welcoming businesses, lawyers, doctors, and churches evolved into a formal nonprofit organization in 2005 as The GLBT Resource Center of Michiana. After more than a decade of successful community work, the organization underwent its most recent transformation in 2016, officially becoming The LGBTQ Center. The Center's physical space on Mishawaka Avenue reflects its welcoming philosophy, with volunteers having invested in accessibility improvements, functional office space, and a bright, inviting environment. The organization's founding principle, declared at the Center's ribbon-cutting ceremony in 2016, remains central to its identity: "All are welcome." The LGBTQ Center's mission focuses on promoting equality, building community, and increasing understanding of LGBTQ+ experiences through educational resources, support groups, social events, and enriching programming. Guided by principles of safety, celebration of diversity, community advocacy, collaborative partnerships, financial responsibility, and continuous education, the organization works toward a vision where everyone is valued, respected, and empowered. For nearly two decades, The LGBTQ Center has served as a beacon of inclusivity and support for the South Bend LGBTQ+ community and its allies.

Founded on a simple yet powerful act of maternal love in 1972, PFLAG has grown into the nation's largest family and ally organization, and the South Bend, Indiana chapter carries forward that legacy of compassion and advocacy. Established in 1992 by two mothers determined to create change in their community, PFLAG Michiana has become a cornerstone of support for LGBTQ individuals and their loved ones throughout the Michiana region. The chapter's founding members understood the challenges families face when supporting LGBTQ loved ones, and they built an organization dedicated to creating spaces where questions, concerns, and hopes could be openly explored in a supportive environment. What began as a grassroots effort has blossomed into a thriving community resource. PFLAG Michiana members were instrumental in establishing The LGBTQ Center in South Bend, which opened its doors in 2005 and continues to serve as a vital community resource. Today, the organization brings together multiple generations of American families in an inclusive, welcoming community committed to advancing equality and understanding. Monthly meetings at The LGBTQ Center in South Bend, available both in-person and virtually, provide opportunities for connection, learning, and mutual support. PFLAG Michiana represents more than just an organization—it embodies a commitment to recognizing the dignity and worth of every person, to standing with families through their journeys, and to building a more equal and accepting South Bend community for all.

Founded in 2009 by community leaders including Arnold Sallie and Barrett Berry, 100 Black Men of Greater South Bend emerged from a grassroots effort to address challenges facing African American males in the South Bend area. What began as conversations among concerned community leaders about graduation rates and community conditions has grown into a chartered organization with over 30 active members representing diverse professions and backgrounds. The organization's mission centers on improving quality of life and expanding opportunities for the African American community through intellectual development of youth and economic empowerment initiatives. Operating in South Bend, Indiana, 100 Black Men of Greater South Bend serves as a beacon of leadership, utilizing its members' collective expertise and commitment to create sustainable change. The organization is built on the premise that what young people see is what they will become, driving its focus on mentoring relationships that provide positive role models and guidance. By empowering individuals to become self-sufficient contributors to the economic and social fabric of South Bend, the organization works toward systemic community transformation. Members are deeply involved in various community initiatives, from mentoring programs to civic engagement, demonstrating a commitment that extends beyond organizational boundaries. The organization's approach reflects a holistic understanding of community development, recognizing that educational achievement, economic stability, spiritual grounding, and strong family structures are interconnected foundations for thriving communities in South Bend.

Since its founding in 1959, the German American National Congress has remained committed to bringing German-Americans together in pursuit of cultural pride and community connection. The South Bend, IN chapter represents this longstanding tradition of heritage preservation and cultural celebration in the local area. DANK, as the organization is commonly known, works diligently to introduce its members to the rich customs, traditions, and educational opportunities rooted in German culture. The South Bend chapter operates as part of a broader mission to ensure that German heritage remains vibrant and accessible to current and future generations of German-Americans. What distinguishes this organization is its dedication to community-driven cultural work—fostering genuine relationships among members while maintaining strong connections to German language, education, and traditions. The chapter provides a welcoming environment for individuals and families seeking to celebrate their German-American identity and connect with others who share their cultural background. Through its calendar of events, membership programs, and volunteer opportunities, the German American National Congress South Bend chapter demonstrates a deep commitment to preserving German heritage while building meaningful relationships within the South Bend community.