5 questions with Mike Hardy
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Mike Hardy is a student and one of two program coordinators for Fuse, the Resource Center of Dallas’ social organization that brings together young gay and bisexual men, ages 18 to 28. The group offers social events, community service opportunities and outreach activities. The group meets each Saturday from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Resource Center, 2701 Reagan St.
How did you get involved with Fuse?
My best friend talked me into coming to Dallas to work with Americorps. When I got here, he introduced me to the Fuse program. Fuse really helped us get plugged into the LGBT community in Dallas. Sometimes that’s hard to do on your own.
What other things do you do in the LGBT community?
Before my class and work schedules got crazy, I volunteered with the youth ministry and Cathedral of Hope. They really have a great youth group and very dedicated ministers.
What’s your favorite part of your job?
It’s definitely the people. The clients, volunteers and staff are so warm and open. They have all this great life experience that helps me constantly shape and define my vision of how I want to live my life. And more importantly, it’s fun.
What are Fuse’s short-term goals?
Fuse’s short-term goals include strengthening our connections to local university LGBT groups and becoming an even more diverse group. We’d also like to increase our visibility in the community.
What’s a service that is under-utilized at the Resource Center that people should know about?
I’d like to see more people support the food pantry. I think it’s an excellent way for people to have a direct impact on the lives of under-served people in our community.
Soundout is a weekly column featuring people whose jobs and interests have an impact on the daily lives of members of the LGBT community. It features those who often go unnoticed by the press and community. If you’d like to recommend someone to cover in this column, editor@dallasvoice.com.