Two women smiling at each other on a couch

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.

LGBTQIA+ Initiative

Springwell strives to provide the very best information, resources, and supports to Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, and Asexual (LGBTQIA+) older adults and their allies living in our communities. 

OVERVIEW

LGBTQIA+ 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, LGBTQIA+ seniors are five times less likely to access services than non-LGBTQIA+ seniors. Many LGBTQIA+ 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.

WHY SPRINGWELL

Springwell’s LGBTQIA+ Initiative has staff available to answer questions, provide information and referrals, and offer programs and events for LGBTQIA+ older adults, their family members, as well as trainings for local professionals in greater Boston and MetroWest.

COST

This is a free service.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

  • For those who reside in or care for a resident of Ashland, Belmont, Brookline, Dover, Framingham, Holliston, Hopkinton, Hudson, Marlborough, Natick, Needham, Newton, Northborough, Sherborn, Southborough, Sudbury, Waltham, Watertown, Wayland, Wellesley, Westborough, and Weston.

LGBTQIA+ and SOFFA* Friendly Events

*SOFFA = Significant Others, Friends, Family or Allies

 

Virtual Coffee Hour

Every Monday @ 11 a.m (in case of a Monday holiday, coffee hour will be on Tuesday). ​​

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 Cafe

1st Tuesday of each month @noon.

Intergenerational Conversation in The Epicurian Room.

RSVP for more information here.

 

 

The Dune Shack, Virtual Art Space

Thursdays @ 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.

Training Sessions

Springwell offers free training sessions as part of our commitment to creating safe spaces to learn and ask questions. These trainings are geared toward care management professionals but are open to any and all who are interested.

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 LGBTQIA+ 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&A

LGBTQ&A is a FREE, safe space for your questions to better understand the LGBTQ+ community. Parents, grandparents, Allies and other seniors can feel comfortable asking about unfamiliar pronouns or how best to support and affirm an LGBTQ+ loved one. The sessions can last 1-2 hours as needed. 

Springwell 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. 

Contact Us

Interested in the LGBTQIA+ Initiative, attending an event, or setting up a training session?

You can either fill out the Contact Us form, or call Julie Nowak, LGBTQIA+ Initiative Coordinator, confidentially at  (508) 573-7288.

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