Virtual Senior Center Launches New Partnership with Stonewall Community Development Corporation 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: The Virtual Senior Center (VSC) announces a new partnership with Stonewall Community Development Corporation (CDC), a leader in serving LGBTQ older adults. This partnership will help bring outcomes-based programming to older LGBTQ adults that are socially isolated, including homebound. This is part of the initiative to expand the VSC’s existing LGBTQ platform program offering.
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 11 years ago as an offshoot program at a Senior Center in NYC, the program now spans across multiple states and communities.
With Stonewall CDC, the VSC is able to support the 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 lack support networks, our partnership creates a safe space for the population to engage in the overall community.
The benefits of this new partnership will include:
Specialized programming curated by Stonewall CDC and VSC
Opportunities to collaborate on older adult tablet pilot program
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 about the partnership: “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.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 2022Ana Semedo, Business Development Manager
Virtual Senior Center
718-559-4460
asemedo@selfhelp.net