Senior Outreach Program (SOP) |
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Our mission is to improve the quality of life of older lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender residents of Contra Costa County through outreach, advocacy and education. As a community, we honor LGBT people over the age of 50. In their lives, many LGBT Seniors have faced discrimination, harassment, loss of friends and family, and even loss of jobs or housing. Some have been imprisoned, hospitalized, or beaten up. Today, we honor these survivors who changed society be refusing to believe that their sexuality was a crime or a sin. We are grateful for those who teach us how to survive and thrive in so many different ways! Some LGBTQ seniors understandably remain fearful and isolated. This is another reason SOP was created: We still need to support each other, especially those who are forced to be closeted, or those who have recently come to terms with their sexuality and may face difficult circumstances. Even those who are out and visible in our community continue to face discrimination, harassment, or other unfair treatment. Finally, SOP exists to educate service providers. We are lucky in the state of California that recent legislation requires care facilities and senior service programs to be trained to provide fair and equitable treatment to LGBT Seniors. Like anyone who faces the need for greater services as they age, LGBT people deserve respectful, high quality medical and social services, as well as a vibrant and caring community. The Rainbow Community Center’s Senior Outreach Program (SOP) helps to build community and support among LGBT seniors and elders. We also address isolation associated with closeting and/or disability, as well as work with health, social service, and housing providers to increase sensitivity to the needs and concerns of LGBTQ seniors. The Senior Outreach Project is a program of the Rainbow Community Center for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning seniors in the Contra Costa County. We host twice monthly community meals, a weekly "Shop & Socialize" food program for qualifying Seniors, and a home visitor volunteer program in which we match volunteers for social visits to those who are unable to attend events at the Center. Contact Wade Meyer at the RCC for more info at (925) 692-0090 ext. 303 or wade@rainbowcc.org |
Whether you are in the closet or out of the closet, new to your identity or always have known, with a partner, lost a partner, or single, retired or still working, shy or Come Join Us and Be Who You Are! RCC offers a warm, welcoming and accepting place to gather. Our Senior Outreach Project (SOP) includes:
For more information, contact the Center at: Phone: 925-692-0090
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