It always helps to speak with someone who “just understands.” No matter the point you are at along your journey, Julie can provide you with just a listening ear, referrals to events and supports that you would feel comfortable with, as well as suggested reading and information.
Springwell strives to provide the very best information, resources, and supports to Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender, Queer (LGBTQ+) older adults and their allies living in our communities.
LGBTQ+ seniors face the typical challenges of aging; however, because of their sexual orientation and gender identity, they are at higher risk for abuse, isolation, discrimination, and exploitation.
Fearful of mistreatment, LGBTQ+ seniors are five times less likely to access services than non-LGBTQ+ seniors. Many LGBTQ+ seniors are estranged from their family of origin and do not have children, so they face the challenges of aging without support that many people take for granted.
Springwell’s LGBTQ+ Initiative has staff available to answer questions, provide information and referrals, and offer programs and events for LGBTQ+ older adults, their family members, as well as trainings for local professionals in greater Boston and MetroWest.
*SOFFA = Significant Others, Friends, Family or Allies
Virtual Coffee Hour1st, 2nd, 4th Tuesday of each month @ 11 a.m.
Join us FREE on zoom for coffee (or tea) and a chat about this ‘n that! LGBTQ+ folx and SOFFAs of all ages are welcome! Learn more or RSVP here.
Pathways Cafe3rd Tuesday of each month @noon.
Intergenerational Conversation in The Epicurian Room of the Assabet Valley Regional Technical High School. RSVP for more information here.
The Dune Shack, Virtual Art SpaceThursdays @ 11 a.m.
Make art or just chat! This is a welcoming space! Enjoy a creative, supportive, stress-melting hour in your day! RSVP to get link here.
Springwell announces when public trainings are scheduled. You can also arrange a private session within your organization. Please fill out the contact form or email Julie Nowak, the LGBTQ+ Initiative Coordinator to express your interest in being notified.
GRAY PRIDE: Welcoming & Working with LGBTQ+ Elders Springwell provides this cultural competency training, mandatory for all of our employees, to ensure that we can give a welcoming, informed, and thoughtful approach to care for LGBTQ+ elders who contact us seeking support and services. Springwell can bring this training to your group/organization/congregation in greater Boston or MetroWest.
MODERN PRONOUNS: THEY is correct!Using “they and them” in the singular may seem to go against what you learned about grammar in grade school, but you’ve probably been noticing a lot of people using the pronouns they/them instead of he/him or she/her. In fact, Massachusetts now offers M, F, and X gender markers on driver’s licenses, and terms such as non-binary and genderfluid have made it into mainstream media. Learn more about how using affirming language and pronouns can help you create a more inclusive community. Join Julie Nowak (she/they/xe), LGBTQ+ Initiative Coordinator at Springwell for this informative training session.
LGBTQ&ASpringwell is developing and maintaining a resource guide of local LGBTQ+ inclusive resources. A print version is available on request, and an online version will be available soon for download.
Interested in the LGBTQ+ Initiative Program, attending an event, or setting up a training session?
You can either fill out the Contact Us form, or call Julie Nowak, LGBTQ+ Program Manager, confidentially at (508) 573-7288.
