We’re inspired by efforts underway to enhance the lives of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer/questioning (LGBTQ) people in Boulder County.
As we take stock of 2016 and reflect on the impact of our grantees across Boulder County, we’re inspired by efforts underway to enhance the lives of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer/questioning (LGBTQ) people in Boulder County.
Current grantees of the Community Foundation’s Open Door Fund address the strengths and needs of the LGBTQ community – from youths to seniors, to victims of domestic abuse.
Nancy Grimes – soon-retiring LGBT Program Specialist for the Boulder County Area Agency on Aging – is especially proud of the Rainbow Elders senior outreach program and Project Visibility, which aims to create awareness and systems change in senior care environments.
“With support from the Open Door Fund, we hired a Project Visibility trainer to prepare managers and employees of assisted living and home health care agencies,” says Nancy. “Our goal is to establish an aging services community that is informed and sensitive to LGBTQ elders.
“We’re seeing a sea change as older Baby Boomers who are out increasingly rely on senior services – but senior care providers often haven’t considered the unique needs of LGBTQ elders. We’re offering cultural competency training and tools to create more welcoming and inclusive environments.”
Meanwhile, on the opposite end of the age spectrum, Attention Homes is strengthening its efforts to support LGBTQ, runaway and homeless youths.
“We provide street outreach, daytime drop-in and overnight emergency shelter for youths in crisis,” says Claire Clurman, Executive Director. “Our programs aim to reduce youth homelessness and facilitate stability, safety and housing for abused, neglected and otherwise troubled young people.
“We’ve learned that 32% of the youths we serve identify as LGBTQ, and 5% of those are in the trans population, which is consistent with national averages. They often face family rejection, anxiety and depression, and there can be a risk of suicide. Being an LGBTQ youth often adds another layer of trauma and rejection.
“We’re working to train our staff to provide strength-based, culturally competent services so that every young person who comes through our door enters a safe zone where they receive the compassion and support they deserve.”
Attention Homes also provides individual counseling, substance abuse counseling, support for family engagement/reunification, and more.
And for LGBTQ victims of domestic abuse, the Safe Shelter of St. Vrain Valley is similarly focused on staff training to better meet the needs of an increasingly diversified population.
“We’ve created bilingual materials that visually describe our services, and our commitment to inclusivity,” says Jackie List, Executive Director. “Whether or not they’re out, we know the LGBTQ population is there, and we want folks to know that they’re welcome here, regardless of gender or sexuality.”
Additionally, the shelter is working to expand its partnerships with other LGBTQ-serving organizations and agencies to ensure consistency in how we provide inclusive programs and services countywide. Learn more about the 13 grantees of the Open Door Fund who are catalyzing community around LGBTQ issues.
