Update

[BenL]

I thought it would be a good time to update folks on what's happening in my life since I retired with a buyout a year ago.

I have become active in an emerging organization called Worcester LGBT Elder Network. It is a loose organization of providers, allies and advocates who are attempting to reach out to LGBT elders to connect them with the services they need and to which they have the same right as anyone else. Often LGBT seniors age in isolation because of fear of discrimination. Others, who may have been open about their orientation or gender identity or expression, go back into the closet because they think services will be withheld if people knew they were gay, bi or trans. We are trying to create a safe environment for LGBT elders to access services and to be able to meet others their age for socialization. We are developing curricula to train providers and their staffs to meet and welcome gay seniors. We are also trying to do an assessment of the needs of our target population.

All this came from a grant from a local foundation. I have been hired 10 hours a week at minimum wage by Elder Services of Worcester Area Inc. as a so-called stipendiary volunteer. I work far beyond my paid time (hence the volunteer part) and hope to get out into the community and to reach out to needy elders. It has been a very fulfilling occupation of my time.

[Poetic Awakening]

Sounds great! Good luck

[u-dog]

Good for you Ben! That sounds like really important work for your community and like it will be really good, creative work for you as well. I hope everything unfolds as you want

[Jennifer5]

Sounds wonderful Ben! Hope to hear more about it over time.

[Pablo Rafael]

Good to hear from you, Ben.
Your organization sounds like a very worthwhile endeavor, (particularly worthwhile since I am finding myself in the latter half of life. ) Sometimes volunteer work can be the most rewarding I have found.

Tu Amigo, Pablo