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Jewish Senior Life Earns LGBT Care Platinum Level Designation

Jewish Senior Life Earns LGBT Care Platinum Level Designation

SAGECare certification shows commitment to improving the lives of LGBT older adults

Rochester, N.Y., December 8, 2021 — Jewish Senior Life has earned the SAGECare Platinum Credential through SAGE (Services and Advocacy for LGBT Elders). SAGE is a national advocacy and services non-profit organization providing training and consulting on LGBT aging issues in order to improve the lives of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender older adults.

The Platinum Credential, the organization’s highest level, demonstrates Jewish Senior Life’s commitment to LGBT elders, with in-depth ongoing staff sensitivity training that helps offer meaningful ways to best support its LGBT community and create truly inclusive services.

“A cornerstone of Jewish Senior Life’s culture of person-centered care is respecting and celebrating diversity in all forms,” says Michael King, President and CEO of Jewish Senior Life. “We understand that many LGBT older adults have experienced prejudice, social stigma, and discrimination. Our partnership with SAGE enables our staff to understand the unique issues LGBT older adults face, and meaningful ways to support the LGBT community.”

“Studies show that LGBT older adults often do not access aging services out of fear of discrimination,” says Christine Van Vessem, Vice President of Staff Development and Quality Management, and one of the leaders for Jewish Senior Life’s diversity and inclusion initiatives. “It is very important to us to emphasize our inclusiveness related to gender identity, gender expression, and sexual orientation. We are honored to partner with SAGE in this work so that we all thrive in an environment of compassion and acceptance.”

Contact: Jane Knickerbocker

585-784-6366

jknickerbocker@jewishseniorlife.org

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