Seniors are invited to a free, kick-off reception for the countywide LGBT Senior Outreach Project, sponsored by Sonoma County Human Services Department Adult and Aging Division, on Friday, March 24, 2-4 p.m., at the Person Senior Wing of Finley Community Center, 2060 West College Avenue, Santa Rosa.

One goal of LGBT Senior Outreach Project is to identify new opportunities for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender seniors living in Sonoma County to socialize and form supportive connections. At the kick-off reception, the City of Santa Rosa Recreation & Parks Department will showcase current programs offered at local community centers and for LGBT seniors to suggest other programs the City could offer.

City of Santa Rosa Recreation & Parks Department staff recently completed an LGBT cultural competency training made possible by a grant from the LGBTQI Giving Circle Fund of the Community Foundation Sonoma County. The training focused on the difficulties LGBT seniors experience in their communities and strategies for how to ensure they feel welcome at their local senior centers.

“We are excited to host the kick-off event for the LGBT Senior Outreach Project at the beautiful Person Senior Wing. Staff look forward to listening to our citizens discuss additional ways the Recreation & Parks Department can provide programming and activities that encourage and excite participation amongst our diverse community,” said Department Director Nanette Smejkal.

The staff at two other senior centers that will host LGBT Senior events will also attend LGBT cultural competency training — Sebastopol Area Senior Center and Vintage House Sonoma. “We want to ensure that all seniors, including LGBT seniors, feel welcome and valued in Sonoma County,” said Adult & Aging Division Interim Director Gary Fontenot.

For more about the March 24 reception at the City of Santa Rosa Person Senior Wing, contact Joanna Moore at (707) 543-3745 or email jmoore@srcity.org.