SAGE-LI
Our programs and services
Mission
SAGE-LI addresses the unique needs of the Long Island LGBT senior community through education, advocacy, and social support services.
SAGE-LI is committed to providing high-quality, life-enriching programs and events that value participants’ age, gender, racial, ethnic, religious, and economic backgrounds. SAGE-LI aims to foster a greater understanding of the rights and needs of LGBT older adults.
History
The population of LGBT people age 50 and up has grown exponentially on Long Island in the past few years: SAGE-LI was formed to offer critical support and resources.
In 2005, after years of planning and a growing call from the community to have a home for LGBT seniors, SAGE-LI was formed. Immediately, Long Islanders of all ages rejoiced that LGBT older adults could finally access life-saving supportive services, create rich social networks, and share their legacy with one another. SAGE-LI has helped to bring together LGBT adults from all walks of life.
Our programs and services
Mingle Series
SAGE-LI Mingles are the perfect opportunity for LGBT older adults to meet in a relaxed, co-ed environment. Light refreshments are served, and sometimes the group watches and discusses movies, plays board games, or participates in a community potluck. The Mingles take place weekly at four locations across Long Island.
OUTdoors Program
The SAGE-LI OUTdoors program provides older adults with the opportunity to decrease social isolation, meet their peers, and experience what Long Island has to offer in efforts to enhance well-being. Trips range anywhere from museums to live performances, wine tastings, East End excursions and much more.
For more information on upcoming OUTdoors trips, call 631.665.2300 or e-mail programs@sageli.org.
SWAN
SWANS is a discussion group held in a supportive atmosphere for lesbian, bisexual, and transgender women as well as women questioning their identity. SWANS is a place where women can come and make friends, talk about women’s issues, get support from other women, feel safe, laugh, and have fun. If you would like to recommend a topic, there will be a suggestion box where you can “drop your topic” SWAN meets every 1st and 3rd Thursday of the month. Please note that SWANS is a program of SAGE-LI, which is an organization that serves older adults 50+, but adult women of all ages are welcome to attend!
Senior Focus Group
You asked for it, you got it! SAGE-LI members and the SAGE-LI Advisory Board requested a topic-based discussion group open to men and women that didn’t interfere with the casual conversation of the Monday Mingle. So, join us at these monthly coed peer-led discussion groups immediately follow the Monday Mingle to share your thoughts on topics.
These discussions are led by SAGE-LI volunteer, Roberta K, who has extensive experience in running groups. However, she cannot do it alone, so be sure to show up, share your thoughts, and help decide the topic for the following month’s discussion group.
For more information, call 631-665-2300 or email programs@sageli.org
HIV/STI Services
Free and confidential HIV/STD testing is available at all LGBT Network Centers. Testing is available for HIV, syphilis, chlamydia, gonorrhea, and Hepatitis C. See more information, scheduling, and appointment information at lgbtnetwork.org/testing
Workshop & Training
The goal of the Community Education and Training Program at The Long Island Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender (GLBT) Services Network (The Network) is to create safer, more supportive GLBT-affirming spaces for GLBT people. This goal is accomplished by delivering educational workshops and trainings for a variety of audiences.
Through three of The Network’s organizations, Long Island Gay and Lesbian Youth (LIGALY), The Long Island GLBT Community Center (The Center), and Services and Advocacy for GLBT Elders – Long Island (SAGE-LI), The Network has been creating and facilitating GLBT sensitivity workshops and trainings for the greater Long Island community for more than 20 years. Last year alone, The Network delivered hundreds of workshops to thousands of people.
Workshops and trainings are designed for a variety of audiences, including:
- Youth and students
- Educators and school staff
- Health and human service providers
- Social workers and counselors
- Government service personnel
- Medical professionals
- Law enforcement personnel
- Corporate professionals
- Faith-based organizations
- General Long Island community
To schedule a workshop or training, or to learn more, visit
www.lgbtnetwork.org/trainings and fill out the online request form.
Get Involved
The LGBT Network relies on the support of their many volunteers to serve Long Island’s LGBT community. As a volunteer, you will join the ranks of other kind, compassionate, generous, hardworking individuals who have affected tremendous and far-reaching change for our community.
If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, please fill out this application. This is not an employment form; the information being requested in this application enables The Network to continue to provide a safe space for the LGBT community and its allies. It will also help to better match you with a volunteer position that best utilizes your time, skills and interests.
Please fill out all the information to the best of your ability. Certain items are marked as optional, so if you do not feel comfortable sharing that information, you may leave it blank.
All information disclosed is kept strictly confidential.
For more information, call 631.665.2300 or email info@lgbtnetwork.org
LGBT Senior Housing
The LGBT Network announces the first inclusive senior housing development in the New York tri-state area. It will be built on the current site of the LGBT Network Center at Bay Shore. The development will have 75 affordable housing units and will be anchored by a brand new 8,000 square foot state-of-the-art community center. The new center will provide health, recreational, nutrition, social, cultural and other programs and initiatives.
If you are a homebound LGBT older adult and would like to seek these services, or if you are someone who would like to volunteer for the Friendly Visitor Program by visiting individuals at their residence, please call 631.665.2300 or email programs@sageli.org
It is a great way to get involved and give back to the community.
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How your can help
The LGBT Network relies on the support of their many volunteers to serve Long Island’s LGBT community. As a volunteer, you will join the ranks of other kind, compassionate, generous, hardworking individuals who have affected tremendous and far-reaching change for our community.