Elder Pride Services
Friendly House Elder Pride Services (formerly SAGE Metro Portland) works to enhance the lives of older lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBTQ+) community members through education, advocacy, outreach and resource development. As of 2023, in accordance with SAGE National’s new partnership structure, our program has adopted the name Elder Pride Services to reflect our programs, advocacy, support, and community-building services for LGBTQ+ older adults.
Social Events
We build community through social events, holiday parties, wellness events, outdoor activities and more. By scheduling educational presentations about legal and medical issues, providing cultural and creative outlets, and supporting LGBTQ+ elders at the Portland Pride Festival, Elder Pride Services is able to create a sense of safety and community.
Elder Pride Services hosts social events in order to have a safe space for LGBTQ+ seniors and allies to gather, recreate, socialize, and learn about resources. Activities include monthly socials, educational presentations about legal and medical issues, cultural events, and creative outlets like writing workshops.
Support Services for Individuals
Integration with Friendly House’s Senior Services program allows Elder Pride Services to provide support in finding and accessing crucial resources and services tailored to the needs of LGBTQ+ elders.
Information & Referral
Contact us for assistance with accessing support services, such as legal support, end of life planning, health and wellness classes, housing, social and support groups, and many other resources that support independence and dignity in aging.
Care Coordination
We take a strengths-based approach to developing and accessing resources to assist seniors ages 60+ in remaining independent in the communities of their choosing. A Friendly House care coordinator will meet with you in your own home, and coordinate services that meet your needs.
Friendly Visitor Program
If you’re looking for companionship, our Friendly Visiting program could be perfect for you. Our staff will match you with a thoroughly screened and vetted volunteer who will meet with you for conversation, coffee, activities of your choice—however you’d like to spend your time with a friend.
Please contact the Information and Referral specialist for more information on these programs: (503) 224-2640
Advocacy
Friendly House Elder Pride Services advocates for all LGBTQ+ seniors, locally and nationally. This includes involvement with legislative and community leaders, partnerships with senior housing providers, and a connection to the SAGE National network. We focus on advocacy for individuals as well as on issues and policies impacting LGBTQ+ older adults and your health and well-being.
Advocacy
Friendly House Elder Pride Services advocates for all LGBTQ+ seniors, locally and nationally. This includes involvement with legislative and community leaders, partnerships with senior housing providers, and a connection to the SAGE National network. We focus on advocacy for individuals as well as on issues and policies impacting LGBTQ+ older adults and your health and well-being.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Training
Since 2001, Elder Pride Services has been able to effect social change for LGBTQ+ elders by educating a range of service providers, from future health care workers in universities to current retirement home staff. Through these presentations, we are able to increase awareness of the unique needs and concerns of the LGBTQ+ elder community, by incorporating both academic materials and personal experiences.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Training
Since 2001, Elder Pride Services has been able to effect social change for LGBTQ+ elders by educating a range of service providers, from future health care workers in universities to current retirement home staff. Through these presentations, we are able to increase awareness of the unique needs and concerns of the LGBTQ+ elder community, by incorporating both academic materials and personal experiences.
What’s included?
Many options are available for trainings, from elder panels to single presenter lectures and discussions. Whether your team is a group of healthcare professionals, housing providers, legislators, students, academics, or you are simply interested in the experience of LGBTQ+ elders, you will gain perspective and awareness from our training.
Please contact us for information on upcoming workshops or about scheduling one for your organization.
Your team will:
- Learn best practices for working with the LGBTQ+ elder population.
- Develop an awareness of how to make your workplace and services more inclusive and equitable.
- Understand the specific challenges LGBTQ+ older adults face regarding housing and medical care.
We present our training curriculum to college classes, social service agencies, long-term care providers, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and other groups upon request. We encourage you to contact us for pricing and more information about training for your team today.
We have trained future and current professionals from:
- Linfield College
- George Fox University
- OHSU School of Nursing
- Multnomah County Aging and Disability Services
- Washington County Aging and Disability Services
- Immigrant and Refugee Community Organization (IRCO)
- Portland State University
- University of Portland
- Portland Community College
- Home Instead Senior Care
- Lane County Council of Government
- NW Housing Alternatives
- Providence Health and Services
Friendly Thoughts
I’m involved in activities through Friendly House that I found out about through my case manager. The writing workshop began this past weekend at the Q Center. It was pretty fabulous… I am so grateful you provided me with real, solid leads into my community, to my people!
SAGE National LGBT Elder Hotline
877-360-LGBT (5428)
Talk and be heard at the SAGE LGBT Elder Hotline. We connect LGBT older people who want to talk with friendly responders who are ready to listen. If you are an LGBT elder or care for one, call the free SAGE Hotline, toll-free. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, in English and Spanish, with translation in 180 languages.