SAGE Miami Services for LGBTQ+ Elders launches to offer direct support to older LGBTQ+ people in the Miami area
[New York, NY] SAGE, the world’s largest and oldest organization dedicated to improving the lives of LGBTQ+ elders, is excited to announce the launch of SAGE Miami Services for LGBTQ+ Elders. The program will provide critical services and support to LGBTQ+ elders in Miami-Dade County. Thanks to a generous gift by SAGE supporter Alfred Allan Lewis and his late husband, Ralph Lutrin, the program will ensure that LGBTQ+ elders have the practical and financial supports they need to live with dignity and companionship.
The program is made up of case management services, which includes enrollment benefits and entitlements, development of care plans, referrals to additional support services, and direct emergency financial aid for elders in need. Many factors leave LGBTQ+ elders without anybody to turn to, unable to cover the expenses of daily living, unable to access the care and services they need, and at serious risk as they grow older. The monetary aid portion of the program will help alleviate the severe financial burden faced by low-income LGBTQ+ older people face in Miami. SAGE Miami Services for LGBTQ+ Elders also seeks to address social isolation among LGBTQ+ elders in Miami by forging social connections and companionship. SAGE welcomes referrals from the community, including other agencies, family, friends, and potential participants.
“I am thrilled that SAGE is expanding our work in in order to provide essential services and supports to LGBTQ+ elders in need in Miami,” says SAGE CEO Michael Adams. “With the visionary and generous support of Alfred Allan Lewis and his late husband Ralph Lutrin, we will make a life-changing difference for many of our community’s elder pioneers.”
To celebrate the introduction of SAGE’s essential elder services in Miami, SAGE will host a launch event on Thursday, October 27th, from 6 pm – 8 pm at Pridelines at 6360 NE 4th Ct. in Miami, Florida. The event is free and will be an opportunity for the community to learn more about the program and introduce SAGE Miami Services for LGBTQ+ Elders staff. Register for the event here.
For more information, questions, or to make a referral, call (786) 604-0082 or email miami@sageusa.org
SAGE’s Miami Services for LGBTQ+ Elders Program expands SAGE’s programs and services in South Florida. In Fort Lauderdale, SAGE operates a Friendly Visitor program, located at Sunshine Cathedral, that provides volunteers to help LGBTQ+ older people with companionship, errands, meals, medications, technical assistance and establishing connections in the community. SAGE’s work in Miami is championed by three local members of SAGE’s National Board of Directors – Darrell Burks, Teresa Verges, and Drew Werner.
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SAGE is the world’s largest and oldest organization dedicated to improving the lives of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer and/or questioning (LGBTQ+) older people. Founded in 1978 and headquartered in New York City, SAGE is a national organization that offers supportive services and consumer resources to LGBTQ+ older people and their caregivers. SAGE also advocates for public policy changes that address the needs of LGBTQ+ elders, provides education and technical assistance for aging providers and LGBTQ+ community organizations through its National Resource Center on LGBTQ+ Aging, and cultural competency training through SAGECare. Learn more at sageusa.org.
