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"Do Tell"
The LGBT Aging Project's Monthly Newsletter |
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Dear
I seem to always begin our newsletters by saying "we have a lot to tell you this month." And although that has always been true, this month we have the lion's share of news.
There is never an idle moment at the LGBT Aging Project and we have a number of exciting projects to share with you. So sit back, grab a cup of tea and get ready to share in our excitement.
Highlights for this month's Do Tell include:
- White House Announces 1st Federally Funded National Resource Center On LGBT Elders.
- Population Study in MA To Be More Inclusive Of LGBT Elders.
- Somerville Cambridge Area Announces Plans To Develop A Meal Site For LGBT Seniors, Caregivers and Friends.
- News, Community Announcements and information on the LGBT Senior Meal Program And Our Ongoing Support Groups.
Best,
Bob Linscott
Assistant Director, LGBT Aging Project
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| A Message From The Director |
February is an exciting month for the LGBT Aging Project!
On a national level we are thrilled to announce that we are partners in a grant award for the first ever, federally funded national resource center for LGBT aging issues! This is a groundbreaking opportunity to work with colleagues from SAGE and other organizations around the country to establish comprehensive and interactive resources for mainstream aging organizations, LGBT organizations and LGBT individuals themselves (more on this below).
On a local level the Aging Project is looking forward to previewing selected scenes from Gen Silent, Emmy-Award winning filmmaker Stu Maddux's documentary about LGBT aging and caregiving filmed here in Boston. We are sorry we can't accommodate everyone at the February 18th reception but did not expect to have over 400 RSVPs for a room with a 120 person capacity! We hope you will join us at one of the other two events: The first is Wednesday is February 17th at Stonewall Communities (click here for more info and to RSVP). The second event is planned for Harvard Business School on Monday Feb 22nd. If you would like more information, please contact Barrie Atkin, Barrie@AtkinAssociates, 781-788-6600. Be well,
Lisa Krinsky, LICSW
Director, LGBT Aging Project
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| LGBT Aging Project part of Ground Breaking Federally Funded Project!! |
The White House announced the award of the first-ever, federally funded, national resource center devoted to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) aging issues, awarding a 3-year $900,000 contract to a coalition that includes The LGBT Aging Project.
The LGBT Aging Project is one of ten organizational partners that will assist lead agency Services and Advocacy for GLBT Elders (SAGE), the country's oldest and largest agency devoted to serving LGBT elders, in carrying out the duties of the U.S. Administration on Aging's new Technical Assistance Resource Center: Promoting Appropriate Long Term Care Supports for LGBT Elders (Resource Center).
The LGBT Aging Project will contribute its expertise in LGBT cultural competency training for mainstream aging services as well with LGBT caregiving to the Resource Center training and technical assistance materials. The Aging Project's Director, Lisa Krinsky will also serve as part of the core training staff that will be deployed throughout the country.
The Resource Center has three mandates:
- Educate mainstream aging services organizations about the existence and special needs of LGBT elders;
- Sensitize LGBT organizations about the existence and special needs of older adults;
- Educate LGBT individuals about the importance of planning ahead for future long-term care needs. >> Read more
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| Center for Population Research in LGBT Health Works with Elderly Coalition for Inclusiveness in MA BRFSS |
From Making Life Healthier, a publication of The Fenway Institute (January 2010 issue)
As healthcare organizations seek to provide culturally competent care to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) individuals and communities, there is a growing need for scientifically sound data about these population groups. The lack of such information and the need for addressing gaps in our knowledge base has become a major concern across the country, as the general population becomes more and more aware of the unmet needs of LGBT people. Despite this awareness, almost no publicly supported data sets capture information on LGBTs. This is a critical issue, as without data, government programs cannot be designed to address our needs, nor can funding be justified.
In conjunction with partner organizations that provide services to LGBT elders, The Fenway Institute's Center for Population Research in LGBT Health participates in the M'LANA (Massachusetts LGBT Aging Needs Assessment) Coalition. M'LANA individual and organizational members recently urged the MDPH to ask sexual orientation and transgender identity of ALL BRFSS respondents, thus ensuring that LGBT people 65 and older have an opportunity to identify as sexual and gender minorities (answering these questions is voluntary).
On behalf of M'LANA and all individuals and organizations that provide services to LGBT people, we are glad to report that the Massachusetts Department of Health will begin in 2010 to ask sexual orientation and transgender identity of all BRFSS respondents. As this information becomes available, advocates and service providers will better understand the needs of LGBTs elders and be able to create and implement services to meet these needs.
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| Somerville Cambridge Planning Event For LGBT Seniors, Caregivers & Friends |
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| In The News |
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Retirement Community for Gays Struggles to Get Off the Ground
By GEOFFREY A. FOWLER, The Wall Street Journal
SANTA ROSA-A hillside development in this Sonoma Valley city was supposed to become one of the nation's first retirement communities specifically for gays and lesbians.
That was in 2005. Today, the project, called Fountaingrove Lodge, is still months away from city approval and has stopped marketing and selling units.
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| Community Announcements |
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Boston Primer Timers announce new website. The group's remodeled website allows you to read 1) Current and latest editions of The Prologue 2) Calendar of Events 3) Minutes of the last Board Meeting 4) The Boston Prime Timers Roster 5) Membership Application. For privacy, the Roster and the Board & Committee Contacts and some other features will require a password.
WLEN (Worcester LGBT Elders Network) February Social. On Saturday February 13th, WLEN will meet at the New Ping Gardens (508/791-9577) in Madison Place in Worcester at 11:00 AM for a lunch to celebrate Valentine's Day and The Chinese New Year. Cost: $7.79 per person.
Wellness Workshop for LGBT Seniors & Caregivers: Pathways to Wellness, Inc. a local
nonprofit organization committed to providing equal access to high quality holistic care, will be offering two workshops that include free acupuncture. RSVP required (for meal).
Research Project: Companion Animals (pets) in the Lives of Older Lesbian Adults
Please consider participating in a study that seeks to learn more about the bond between aging lesbian women and their pets.If you are 65 or older, identify as a lesbian, have a pet, and live independently, you may qualify to participate. Your participation involves an interview that will last approximately two hours. The interview will be conducted at a time and place of your convenience.
Please call Jennifer Putney, LICSW (603-387-4261) to find out more. Jennifer is a doctoral candidate at Simmons College School of Social Work who is conducting this study as part of her doctoral dissertation.
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| Information on the LGBT Community Meal Program |
Out to Brunch
First Saturday of every month 11am to 1:30pm
Roslindale House, 120 Poplar Street Roslindale, MA
RSVP to outtobrunch@gmail.com or call (617) 522-6700 x306.
Cafe Emmanuel
Every Thursday 11am to 1:30pm
Emmanuel Church, 15 Newbury Street Boston, MA
RSVP to blinscott@lgbtagingproject.org or call Bob at (617) 477-6610
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 Cafe Emmanuel and Out to Brunch are lunch and social programs for LGBT Seniors and their friends. Both cafes are part of the nutrition program at Ethos, a non-profit elder service agency in Jamaica Plain. The cafes serve a nutritious meal and offer social and educational events to anyone aged 60 and over. Cafe Emmanuel and Out to Brunch are co-sponsored by the LGBT Aging Project. Suggested donation for meals is $1.75. |
| On Going Support Groups |
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LGBT Caregiver Support Group:
Open to anyone providing care for a loved one. First Monday of every month, 6:00pm to 7:30pm in Jamaica Plain. Free. Contact Joanne Peskowitz, LICSW for more information: (617) 271-4182.
LGBT Bereavement Groups:
For LGBT people of all ages coping with the loss of a loved one. Free six-week support group. To find a group in your area contact Bob Linscott (617) 522-1292. |
| Support The Important Work Of The LGBT Aging Project |
Our mission is to ensure that lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender elders
have equal access to the life-prolonging benefits, protections, services, and institutions
that their heterosexual neighbors take for granted.
You can support our mission by making a tax deductible donation or bequest.
Help us ensure equal access and respect for ALL LGBT elders and caregivers.
>>Click here to make an online donation on our secure web site.
If someone sent you this email, click here to be added to our mailing list for future monthly newsletters from the LGBT Aging Project. | |
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