Expanding Virtual Community Access Available to LGBTQ Older Adults
Stonewall Community Development Corporation Announces New Partnership with Virtual Senior Center to Expand Virtual Community Access Available to LGBTQ Older Adults
Partnership Assists in Positively Affecting Social Determinants of Health Outcomes for LGBTQ Older Adults Through Intentional Programming
New York, NY: Stonewall Community Development Corporation (Stonewall CDC), a leader in creating housing and healthcare solutions for LGBTQ older adults, announces a new partnership to bring its LGBTQ virtual programs to The Virtual Senior Center (VSC), powered by SelfHelp Community Services. This is part of Stonewall CDC’s efforts to reach more socially isolated LGBTQ older adults and allows the organization to benefit from health-based outcomes assessments that are embedded in the VSC platform.
With Stonewall CDC, the VSC is able to support its own LGBTQ community, which often faces additional challenges that are not addressed by typical older adult programming and services. Recognizing that this group is often the most isolated and may lack support networks, the partnership creates a safe space for the VSC’s population to engage with the LGBTQ community.
With the VSC, Stonewall CDC expands its growing programming partnership roster and will be able to demonstrate, through data, the efficacy of programming and activities in promoting positive health outcomes. The Virtual Senior Center is a long-time leader in providing virtual programming to older adults and empowering them to live independently while staying connected to community. First started over 12 years ago as an offshoot program at a Senior Center in NYC, the program now spans across multiple states and communities.
The benefits of this new partnership will include:
· Specialized programming curated by Stonewall CDC and VSC
· Opportunities to collaborate on other programs that expand access
· Health & Wellness program series specifically addressing health outcomes
Ana Semedo, Business Development Manager of the VSC shares: “We are so excited to be partnering with Stonewall CDC and build a virtual community on the VSC that addresses the needs of LGBTQ older adults.
As a community building platform, we recognize the importance of collaborating with community partners, such as Stonewall CDC, that have expertise in creating culturally competent, inclusive programming that addresses the needs and interests of the LGBTQ older adult population.”
Paul Nagle, Executive Director of Stonewall Community Development Corporation shares: “We’re all about partnerships, sharing resources and helping to ensure that LGBTQ older adults have access to the solutions we are creating. We look forward to sharing our LGBTQ-welcoming programs and activities with the VSC community and looking for new ways to collaborate with Selfhelp.”
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About the Virtual Senior Center: Created in 2010 as a solution to combat social isolation in older adults, the Virtual Senior Center (VSC) is an outcomes-based, community-building, open platform that allows for the customization and sharing of content. Staffed by social workers and supported by metrics, the VSC promotes growth and positive outcomes on the social determinants of health through live interactive online programs, virtual events, and virtual chats.
About Stonewall Community Development Corporation: Stonewall Community Development Corporation's mission is to see New York City's LGBTQ older adults in safe, welcoming housing they can afford, with access to health and mental health services that meet their unique needs. Visit www.stonewallcdc.org for more information.
Paul Nagle, Executive Director
Stonewall Community Development Corporation
929-2094070, ext. 103
Ana Semedo, Business Development Manager Virtual Senior Center 718-559-4460 asemedo@selfhelp.net
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