docEnhancing Services to LGBTQ Seniors: CENTER OF WESTERN
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Enhancing Services to LGBTQ Seniors: CENTER OF WESTERN
Enhancing Services to LGBTQ Seniors: A partnership between Erie County Department of Senior Services and Pride Center of WNY Matthew Crehan Higgins- Senior Director, The Pride Center of WNY Adina Garfinkel- Case Manager, Erie County Senior Services Dan Szewc- Community Planning Coord., Erie County Senior Services PRESENTED BY CENTER OF WESTERN NEW YORK Erie County Department of Senior Services About Pride Center Established in 2003, The Pride Center is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization and an affiliate of the Evergreen Association. OUR MISSION The Mission of Pride Center of Western New York, Inc. is to work with the community to make western New York a safe, healthy, and satisfying place for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer people to live, work, and establish their families. LOCATION & HOURS OF OPERATION The Pride Center is located at 200 S Elmwood Avenue Buffalo, NY Regular Business Hours are: Monday, Wednesday – Friday 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Tuesdays and Third Thursdays 12:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. SERVICE AREA The Pride Center serves Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, Genesee, Niagara, Orleans, and Wyoming Counties. Edith Windsor Born in 1930 In 1954 the McCarthy Trials target “sexual perverts” for harassment and termination from government jobs. Edith is 24 In 1969 the Stonewall Riots begin the gay rights movement. Edith is 39 In 1973 the American Psychiatric Association removes homosexuality from its list of mental disorders. Edith is 43 Slide provided courtesy of Tim Johnston, PhD. SAGE. Services and Advocacy for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender Elders Edith Windsor In 1997 Ellen DeGeneres comes out publicly as a lesbian. Edith is 67 In 2007 Edith marries Thea Spyer, her partner of 43 years, in Ontario Canada. Edith is 77 In 2013 United States v. Windsor repeals section three of the Defense of Marriage Act. Edith is 83 Slide provided courtesy of Tim Johnston, PhD. SAGE. Services and Advocacy for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender Elders Understanding LGBTQ Identities Understanding LGBTQ Identities Training needs 13-PI-07 Understanding LGBTQ Identities Case Management Staff had considerable concern about asking the new required questions Ethical Legal Comfort Level Why? Understanding LGBTQ Identities Erie County Senior Services connected with the Pride Center for training Sensitivity training Need to collect information Appreciation Understanding, welcoming agency Develop a partnership to reach the LGBTQ community with trust A Case Study Building Trust Shawn –age, early 20’s Silver Pride Project The Silver Pride Project was started in 2014 as an informal group to address social isolation with goals to Provide friendly, supportive, and affirming events and activities for LGBTQ seniors Help LGBTQ seniors gain access to resources Help LGBTQ seniors to live openly and independently in their own home Work for increased awareness of the unique needs of LGBTQ people by non-LGBTQ businesses, health, and human service providers. Silver Pride Project Planning and Activities The Silver Pride Project meets the first Tuesday of each month at the Pride Center. Members discuss current events of concern to LGBTQ elders, their experiences past and present, and discuss activities that the group is interested in persuing. Silver Pride Project Planning and Activities The Silver Pride Project meets the first Tuesday of each month at the Pride Center. Members discuss current events of concern to LGBTQ elders, their experiences past and present, and discuss activities that the group is interested in pursuing. Activities have included garden party and theater outings. Silver Pride Project will host Paint Nite in July. Silver Pride Project Coffee Hour LGBTQ Coffee Hour takes place the second Saturday of each month, attracting approximately 20 people per month. The focus is on socialization: “There’s no agenda. Sometimes we may have a guest or pick a topic to discuss. Most of the time, we just enjoy friendly conversation in a relaxed and welcoming environment.” The Center provides a baked good item for the group to pass and members buy their own drink of choice. Silver Pride Project Coffee Hour Opportunity for education, informal discussions, benefits Information and Assistance Partnership With Erie County Department of Senior Services In December 2015, Erie County Department of Senior Services placed one of their case managers on site at the Pride Center twice a week. This novel partnership was covered by the Associated Press and appeared in news outlets nationwide. Partnership With Erie County Department of Senior Services Working with clients unlikely to step foot into our door Reaching those who would not have thought to ask for help John Partnership With Erie County Department of Senior Services Case Manager Roles Case Management/IA for Older Adults Caregiver expertise NYConnects – options counseling Professional interest A Case Study NYConnects, Caregiving and Case Management Gay caregiver in his twenties Trust Questions Contact Information Matthew Crehan Higgins 716/852-7743 x3411 [email protected] Adina Garfinkel 716/858-7759 [email protected] Dan Szewc 716/858-6070 [email protected]
