SAGEConnect

As of June 30, SAGE will be evolving the SAGEConnect program from its current format and exploring new avenues for its future. Whether you are a long-time user or someone new, we are so thankful for all your support. 

During the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, SAGEConnect emerged as a vital tool to alleviate the loneliness felt by countless LGBTQ+ elders confined to their homes, yearning for companionship and understanding and those who wanted to volunteer. As we have managed the program through the years, we’ve realized that we need to recalibrate and find sustainable solutions to better meet the needs of our community. 

That’s why in January of this year, SAGE partnered with HearMe, an LGBTQ+-founded mental wellness app that allows clients to text one-on-one with trained empathetic listeners, 24/7. In this partnership with SAGE, HearMe offers exclusive, round-the-clock access to culturally competent, empathetic LGBTQ+ and allied listeners who understand your life experiences. Our listeners are trained in LGBTQ+ and aging issues. They’re here to provide you with the support, understanding, and connection you deserve.  

We believe that both SAGEConnect clients and volunteers will enjoy this new way of building community and finding connections. To sign up as a HearMe user, please click here. To register as a volunteer, please click here.

While the app is currently text-based, we are exploring options to do telephonic support, and ensure LGBTQ+ elders get the support they need and volunteers continue their involvement. One of these options is a new telephone pilot with our friends at HearMe.

This pilot will provide LGBTQ+ elders with a friendly caller weekly. Here’s how it works:

• By signing up for the program, you will get a half-hour phone call, every week for six weeks with a trained MSW (Masters of Social Work) student.
• Participants can use their telephone or Zoom video to talk 1-1 with their friendly person.
• Participants agree to participate in surveys to gauge satisfaction of the pilot, as well utilize anonymized call data for research and educational purposes. This is crucial to provide support for this program and future iterations!

Participation is limited to the first 75 people who choose to participate. Sign-up and learn more here: http://sageusa.org/hearmepilot.

How does HearMe work?

HearMe, an LGBTQ+ founded company, is an on-demand mental wellness app that allows you to text one-on-one with trained empathetic listeners to get things off your chest, be seen, heard, and validated. SAGE x HearMe is compassionate support at your fingertips.

The app provides a safe and inclusive space to talk with a real person when you’re feeling lonely, stressed, anxious or just need someone to talk with about your day. Choose from a number of topics such as: I Just Want to Talk; Friends, Family and Relationships; Emotional Support; and Physical Health and Mental Well-being. There is no wait or scheduling – receive instantaneous support the moment you need it. HearMe is always confidential and anonymous. Empathetic listeners are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Conversations with a HearMe Listener can foster a sense of connection and understanding; combat loneliness, anxiety, depression, and burnout; and provide an immediate outlet during times of stress, which has been proven to reduce escalation into more serious health issues. We believe that mental health and wellness support shouldn’t be complicated. HearMe is here for you. Be yourself. We’ll listen.

Sign-up is Quick & Easy! Simply click SIGN UP below, enter your name and email to the form, and within the hour, you will receive an email from HearMe with instructions on how to download the app and create your account. Please do not download the app or create an account until you receive this email.

SIGN UP