Elder Pride Services
Established over 20 years ago, Friendly House Elder Pride Services works to enhance the lives of LGBTQ+ older adults, change systems that don’t serve them, and address decades of homophobia and transphobia. Through programming, community building, education, advocacy, outreach, and resource development, we are dedicated to creating a supportive community where LGBTQ+ older adults can thrive!
Social Events
At Elder Pride Services, we build community through regular programming that brings people together. We offer both in- person and virtual ways to connect that focus on creating community and combating isolation. EPS events are held throughout the year and across the metro area, providing a consistent opportunity for engagement.
Our diverse range of events ensures there’s something for everyone! From cultural events like museum visits and our popular Dr Bill monthly lectures to coffee socials and weekly virtual social circles, we strive to ensure LGBTQ+ older adults are engaged and informed.
Pride season is our busy time, and you can find EPS at Pride events throughout the metro area. Our events calendar is filled with a variety of events, from weekly virtual social circles to monthly cultural outings. Check it out for up-to-date information on how and where to find us!
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+ older adults.
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 older adult 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. Available for our case managed clients, our staff will match you with a thoroughly screened and vetted volunteer who will meet with you for conversation, coffee, and activities of your choice—however you’d like to spend time with a friend.
Please contact the Information and Referral specialist for more information: Referral@fhpdx.org • (503) 224-2640
Advocacy
Friendly House Elder Pride Services advocates for LGBTQ+ older adults in local and national issues, strongly emphasizing safety, health, and well-being. We are committed to this cause, engaged with state aging departments, county Area Agencies on Aging, legislative and community leaders, and the SAGE National network. Our focus on advocacy for issues and policies impacting LGBTQ+ older adults’ quality of life underscores the importance of these issues in our work.
Housing
LGBTQ+ older adults frequently face serious challenges in finding safe housing. Discrimination and cultural insensitivity from providers can lead to unwelcoming and unsafe homes. At EPS, we are committed to advocating for safe, inclusive housing. We believe that by partnering with senior housing providers and facilities, we can foster culturally competent communities that respect and celebrate diversity, bringing hope and optimism to the housing situation for LGBTQ+ older adults.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Training
Since 2001, Elder Pride Services has been a driving force for social change in the LGBTQ+ older adult community. We educate a diverse range of service providers—future healthcare professionals, social service staff, first responders, and care facility personnel—on the unique needs of this population. Our presentations foster understanding and empathy by blending academic research with real-life experiences, ensuring that LGBTQ+ older adults receive the compassionate and informed care they deserve.
What’s included?
Explore a variety of engaging training options, from elder panels to dynamic lectures and discussions. No matter if your team includes healthcare professionals, housing providers, legislators, students, or academics, or if you’re simply eager to understand the experiences of LGBTQ+ older adults, our training will provide you with crucial insights and enhance your awareness. Don’t miss this opportunity to enrich your perspective and foster inclusivity!
Please contact us for information on upcoming workshops or about scheduling one for your organization.
Your team will:
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- Enhance your skills in serving the LGBTQ+ older adult community with our comprehensive training.
- Cultivate a workplace that prioritizes cultural inclusivity and equitable services for all individuals.
- Gain insight into the unique challenges that LGBTQ+ older adults encounter, particularly in housing and healthcare settings.
We proudly present our specialized training curriculum to Area Agencies on Aging, college classes, social service organizations, long-term care providers, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and other groups upon request. Don’t hesitate to reach out for pricing and to learn more about how we can help you develop a culturally competent and compassionate team.
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!
Ways to Reach Out
The Safe + Strong Helpline at (800) 923-HELP (4357) offers emotional support and resources to anyone who is struggling and seeking support. Callers do not need to be in a crisis to contact this line. Help is free and available 24/7. Language interpreters are available. If you are in danger, thinking of harming yourself or others, or need help right away, call 911 or a support line listed below. Someone will be there to listen and support you.
Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: 988
Trans Lifeline (Trans-led support): (877) 565-8860
LGBT National Elder Hotline: (888) 234-7243
NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Health):
(800) 343-6264
National Domestic Violence 24-Hour Hotline:
(800) 799-7233
Alcohol & Drug Helpline: (800) 923-4357
BlackLine for BIPOC, LGBTQ+, femme-led support:
(800) 604-5841
ASSISTANCE FOR VETERANS:
Military Helpline for service members, veterans
and their families: (888) 457-4838
Veterans Crisis Line: 988, then press 1 after dialing
WARM LINES:
Senior Loneliness Line: (800) 282-7035
David Romprey Oregon Warmline: (800) 698-2392
OREGON DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE:
Bias Response Hotline: (844) 924-2427
StandAgainstHate.oregon.gov
SAGE USA HEAR ME MENTAL HEALTH APP:
For sign-up info: sageusa.org/hearme