A ribbon-cutting and grand opening ceremony was held for the nonprofit Bridgeport Pride Center on Thursday.

The first-of-its-kind center in the city will provide social services, youth programming and homelessness assistance.

“We're creating a network of support that addresses housing, mental health and other crucial needs,” said interim executive director Marcus Brown. “We're not treating symptoms, we are working towards systematic change in our community.

The center's staff says they are grateful to have received a $100,000 grant from Leonard-Litz Foundation, which helped the nonprofit open.

Brown added that the center represents hope and acceptance, and that the facility is vital to the community.

“The stats I know paint a challenging picture, but today as we open these doors, we're changing that picture,” he added.