Wednesday, November 04, 2009

It's Thunderdome Wednesday

Alrighty I've just about had it! Just when I though I had it all together, I realized that it was going to take some more "getting together" to keep it all together. Its' that feeling that you never seem to be in total control of what's really going on. How does this happen to such a organizing fool like myself? Well, it just does and when it does, you stop, re-think it all and start again. Yeah, start again is the part that sometimes get's me in the most sour way. However, I've subscribed to a new personal motivational service that is scheduled to hit me over the head each day with "you can do it," "get busy," stay focused," "do it now," messages to keep me out of that pitty party of one mind field. O.K. now that we said that, let's get to today's spin down of more of what I hope that you are searching for from this forum.

DSRA Royalty Show: Here it comes, the DSRA Royalty Team's first show out of shoot number one! It's going down December 5, 2009 pm, doors open at 8 p.m. with show time 9:30 p.m. As planning has begun, the show will also feature a Silent Auction with great items for your holiday shopping considerations in conjunction to a Variety show featuring area entertainers and surprises that you've got to be present to believe! Stay locked and loaded to this forum and dont' forget to check out the newly updated DSRA website. You can find the link in the margins. If you are interested in participating, volunteering, donating items or inkind services contact us TODAY at nealix101@comcast.net

PFLAG Thanksgiving Potluck: The local PFLAG organization is asking all allies and community members to bring your favorite holiday dish to the monthly meeting, November 19th, Thursday @ 6:00-7:30 pm Pulaski Heights Baptist Church—Rec Hall 2200 Kavanaugh Blvd, Little Rock During the evening the topic: Safe Schools/Safe Spaces will be discussed. Drinks, ice, utensils and paper products will be supplied According to organizers PFLAG is seeking board members and volunteers. Got some time to give then, Email or call for an application today! You can reach PFLAG at 501-244-9690 or mailto:pflaglr@gmail.com

Department of HHS to Create National Resource Center for LGBT Elders & HUD offer new policies
Health & Human Services Secretary, Kathleen Sebelius has announced plans to establish the nation's first national resource center to assist communities across the country in their efforts to provide services and supports for older lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) individuals. At first I didn't know what to make of it, then I was pleasantly elated that this center would be developed as well as this type of funding would be available. I wonder how this move resonates with all those lavender Obama haters that belive that the President is moving to slow for their taste. Furthermore, I wondered if their were any agencies in this state that would be so motivated or capable to explore seeking the funding. According to experts, it's estimated that as many as 1.5 to 4 million LGBT individuals are age 60 and older. Arkansas' SGL community is reflective of this assessment and the issue of LGBT indiviudals finding receptive senior services hasn't been sufficently explored. Thusly, this TARC funding opportunity highlights the fact that agencies that provide services to older individuals may be unfamiliar or uncomfortable with the needs of this group of individuals. Recently their was a case of a senior HIV positive male being denied LTC after his status was revealed. However, HUD has also announced new policies banning discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity. "The evidence is clear that some are denied the opportunity to make housing choices in our nation based on who they are and that must end," said HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan. "President Obama and I are determined that a qualified individual and family will not be denied housing choice based on sexual orientation or gender identity." Under the new guidelines, the term “family” will now include all eligible lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people, couples and families and subsidized housing will be made available to those in need. HUD also announced it will begin a nationwide investigation into the discrimination LGBT people face in housing, a first for the federal government. Consequently that announcement adds synergy to the new Resource Center for LGBT Elders which will provide information, assistance and resources for both LGBT organizations and mainstream aging services providers at the state and community level. As I understand it will be designed to assist them in the development and provision of culturally sensitive supports and services. The LGBT Center will also be available to educate the LGBT community about the importance of planning ahead for future long term care needs. The LBGT Resource Center will help community-based organizations understand the unique needs and concerns of older LGBT individuals and assist them in implementing programs for local service providers, including providing help to LGBT caregivers who are providing care for an older partner with health or other challenges.The Administration on Aging will award a single Resource Center grant at approximately $250,000 per year, pending availability of funds. Eligible entities will include public-private nonprofit organizations with experience working on LGBT issues on a national level. The funding announcement cites the deadline date for submission of applications is 11:59 p.m., Eastern Time, on January 6, 2010. The deadline for submission of a letter of intent is December 4, 2009. Check it at www.a0a.com

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

I hate to throw salt on that but... They are doing that because most places already have housing for lgbtq/sgl youth. We, unfortunately, need both.

DLV