Chicago, IL–(ENEWSPF)– Congressman Mike Quigley announced on Tuesday, February 16, that SAGE Center on Halsted (Services and Advocacy for GLBT Elders) is to receive a grant from Health and Human Services. This one-year, $475,000 grant will fund special projects designed to enhance the lives of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) older adults.
Congressman Quigley stated “I firmly believe that federal dollars should not be used to curry political favor with private companies but rather have a direct impact on local families by funding worthwhile public or non-profit projects,” said Congressman Quigley. “That’s why I’m proud to be able to provide support for critical community programs like Services and Advocacy for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Elders at the Center on Halsted. SAGE directly addresses the unique challenges of LGBT seniors by seeking to assist and improve their quality of life, which has often been marked by discrimination and inequity. I will never stop fighting for equality and treasure the opportunity of representing SAGE in my district.”
The special projects funded will include; aging with HIV and HIV prevention programs targeted toward a senior LGBT population, constituent advocacy and LGBT cultural competency training for service providers.
There are an estimated 562,000 adults over 55 years of age in Chicago and approximately 40,000 are lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender. According to Modesto Tico Valle, Chief Executive Officer of Center on Halsted, “The Center is well equipped to meet the unique needs of Chicago’s fast-growing LGBT senior community and this grant will assure that LGBT seniors are given the best opportunity to lead safe, healthy, dignified and fulfilling lives.”
“This grant is a tremendous affirmation of the great work that SAGE at Center on Halsted has accomplished in its 12 plus years serving LGBT older adults. This is the third largest federal grant awarded to an LGBT aging program in the United States.” said Serena Worthington, Senior Director of Public Programs at Center on Halsted.
SAGE Center on Halsted is a program of Center on Halsted, the Midwest’s premiere LGBT community center. SAGE Center on Halsted is a 12 year old program serving LGBT older adults and seniors. Every week 125 LGBT elders come to Center on Halsted for an array of programming based on the well established holistic wellness model of care which includes social, educational, recreational, and vocational opportunities. In addition to the many programs and events on site, SAGE has monthly outings and a free Friendly Visitor program which matches volunteers with isolated LGBT seniors. Also, SAGE Center on Halsted is a City of Chicago congregant meal site providing federally funded meals two times weekly. For more information, please see www.centeronhalsted.org.
For more information about Center on Halsted, please visit our website, www.centeronhalsted.org.
Center on Halsted is the most comprehensive Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender (LGBT) and Allies community center in the Midwest. View an art exhibit, see a theatrical performance, use the free WI-FI or take part in one of our social services programs. Perhaps just relax with a cup of coffee in the glass lobby of the Center’s “green” certified building. Find YOUR Center at Center on Halsted. www.centeronhalsted.org, 773.472.6469, open 8am – 10pm daily.
