In response to the announced closing of New Leaf Services for Our Community, Openhouse Executive Director, Seth Kilbourn, made the following statement:

The closure of New Leaf Services for Our Community is a devastating loss for the LGBT community.  For over 30 years New Leaf has provided critical mental health services to middle and low-income individuals and families who cannot afford private therapy or support services.  Through its Outreach to Elders Program, New Leaf has also provided clinical and program support to LGBT seniors.   Now is the time for the LGBT community to come together with our allies and funders to ensure that people in need get the services and support they need.  Openhouse stands ready to work with all of our partners to address this community challenge.  Openhouse is committed to providing the housing, services and community programs that all LGBT seniors need and deserve.

Sonoma County Settles Gay Elders Lawsuit

On Friday, July 23, Sonoma County agreed to settle a lawsuit filed on behalf of Clay Greene who was forcibly separated from his partner of 20 years, Harold Scull, after Harold suffered a fall.  Having lost their home and all of their belongings, Harold died three months later without Clay by his side.  Sonoma County will pay Clay and Harold’s estate $600,000 for its role in their ordeal.  The nursing home where the County sent Clay against his will is to pay $53,000.  Thanks to the incredible work of the National Center for Lesbian Rights which represented Clay in the lawsuit, a measure of justice was achieved.  But this egregious case of LGBT elder abuse and discrimination is a chilling example of why LGBT seniors remain reluctant to reach out for the help they need as they age.  Read More….

Openhouse at SF Pride

On Sunday, June 27  openhouse, On Lok Lifeways, The Institute on Aging (IOA) and Northern California Presbytarian Homes and Services (NCPHS), joined forces to create a contigent to participate in the annual San Francisco Pride Parade.  Many seniors enjoyed  the cheers and applause of the crowd from the comfort of the festively decorated trolley and several others marched along side. After the parade, seniors were invited to lounge in the exclusive Elder Section of the Pride festival.  A great day was had by all! To see pictures from the day, click here.

Open LGBT Issues Forum in Mission/Noe

This month’s discussion topic:  “HOW TO BOOST YOUR BRAIN POWER.” Worried you’re losing it? Join the club.  Reaction time often slows with age. Studies show that, with practice, older people can improve their mental speed by more than 50 percent. With a few easy changes, you can stay at your sharpest. We’ll discuss the science that shows us how.

WHEN: Thursday, September 9; 10-11:30am (Every 2nd Thursday of the Month)
WHERE: 30th Street Senior Center
225 30th Street @ Dolores (3rd Floor, Rm. 316)

For more info: Call Michelle Alcedo at openhouse 415.296.8995 or email her.

South of Market LGBT Discussion Group

This month’s discussion topic: “HOW TO TAKE CHARGE OF YOUR HEALTH.” We will be introduced to Western Allopathic Medicine juxtaposed with the Holistic Health approach to promoting all facets of our well-being. At the end of our discussion, we will examine our individual preferences.

WHEN: Friday, September 10; 10-11:30am (Every 2nd Friday of the Month)
WHERE: Canon Kip Senior Center
705 Natoma Street @ 8th Street 

For more info: Call Michelle Alcedo at openhouse 415.296.8995 or email her.

Bernal Heights Discussion Group

This month’s discussion topic: “DEATH & DYING:  DISEASES THAT PROMISE THE GREATEST MEDICAL ATTENTION and COMFORT in DYING.” Participants will share their experiences and those of others as they discuss: 

1. The need for a health advocate;
2. Hospice vs. No Hospice;
3. Where do you prefer to die, at home or at the hospital; 
4. How do you prefer to die, with heroic interventions or naturally;
5. What wishes do you want carried out; and, 
6. What are you doing now to prevent your premature death?

Join Larry Cruz and Njoroge (Jah-Row-Gay) Tho-Biaz for this lively and informational discussion.

WHEN: Thursday, September 16, 1-2:30pm (Every 3rd Thursday of the Month)
WHERE: Bernal Heights Neighborhood Center
515 Cortland Ave.

For more information call Michelle Alcedo at openhouse 415.296.8995 or email her.

Castro LGBT Discussion Group

This month’s discussion topic: “WHAT’S YOUR TAKE ON SOCIAL NETWORKING?” This discussion will have a Double Feature:  The Facebook Effect and Is Google Making Us Stupid?  We’ll look at an insider’s scoop on Facebook, then find out what the Internet is doing to our brains, for better or worse.

WHEN: Tuesday, September 21; 12:30-2pm (Every 3rd Tuesday of the Month)
WHERE: Castro Senior Center
110 Diamond Street @ 18th.

For more information call Michelle Alcedo at openhouse 415.296.8995 or email her.