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Better Living For Seniors

Pinellas Chapter

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Advocating for inclusive futures for LGBTQ+ older adults

Is your organization ready and well-equipped to offer support and services to LGBTQ+ older adults?

WHAT S.P.A.R.K. OFFERS YOUR ORGANIZATION

S.P.A.R.K. works directly with organizations to build more inclusive environments for LGBTQ+ older adults. Here's what that looks like in practice.



    • Review your policies and materials to identify gaps in LGBTQ+ inclusion
    • Update intake forms and procedures to use language that works for everyone 
    • Bing on-site cultural competency training to your staff - practical, 60 minutes, and tailored to your sector
    • Connect with key dates and events that matter to the LGBTQ+ community
    • Work with leadership to build internal policies that support LGTQ+ employees and clients alike
    • Access follow-up support after training as your organization continues to grow

ELEVATE YOUR TEAMS CULTURAL COMPETENCY

LGBTQ+ older adults live in every community and use every type of service. When they encounter staff who don't know how to serve them well, many simply stop coming back.

S.P.A.R.K.'s cultural competency training gives your team practical tools for more respectful, inclusive interactions. No prior knowledge required, and no perfect language expected. Sessions are 60 minutes, delivered on-site, and tailored to your sector.

Organizations that complete training are recognized through the S.P.A.R.K. Trained Partner designation, with a pathway to Affirming Provider status for those that take additional steps.






Click here to watch the Official Trailer


The LGBT Aging Documentary:

Host or attend a transformative screening of the acclaimed documentary "Gen Silent"

Gen Silent is a documentary that follows LGBTQ+ older adults navigating care systems where they don't feel safe being themselves. It's a starting point for real conversation.

Hosting a screening is a low-barrier way to open the door to this work at your organization. S.P.A.R.K. can support your screening with facilitated discussion and follow-up resources.

Screenings are a good fit for staff teams, community groups, and organizational leadership.


Connect with us at Spark.BLSPinellas@gmail.com to learn more about cultural competency or schedule a screening! 


PARTNER DESIGNATIONS


Trained Partner

The Trained Partner designation is earned by organizations that complete the S.P.A.R.K. cultural competency training. It reflects that your team has taken time to understand the experiences and needs of LGBTQ+ older adults and is working toward more respectful, inclusive service delivery.

Trained Partners have:

  • Participated in foundational education on LGBTQ+ aging
  • Gained understanding of the historical and current barriers LGBTQ+ older adults face when accessing care and services
  • Learned practical, everyday language and interactions that build trust
  • Expressed intent to apply inclusive best practices within their organization

The designation is valid for two years and is awarded upon completion of trainings post-follow up. It reflects education and commitment, not certification or regulatory approval.

Trained Partners may publicly reference their status and display S.P.A.R.K. Trained Partner recognition during the validity period.


Affirming Provider

The Affirming Provider designation is the next step for organizations that have completed training and taken additional, documented action to integrate inclusive practices into how they operate day to day. It recognizes organizations that have moved beyond education into implementation.

To be considered for Affirming Provider status, organizations submit documentation that may include:

  • Review of relevant organizational policies and procedures
  • Evidence of additional staff training or education completed outside of the S.P.A.R.K. Initiative
  • Demonstrated practices that support inclusive, respectful, and affirming environments for LGBTQ+ older adults

Affirming Provider status is valid for two years. Organizations may publicly reference their designation and display S.P.A.R.K. Affirming Provider recognition during that period.

Both designations renew through continued engagement with the S.P.A.R.K. Initiative, including a refresher training, an updated learning module, or attendance at an approved S.P.A.R.K. event. If a designation lapses, re-engagement restores status without penalty.

Apply Here

GET INVOLVED

Ready to bring training to your organization or learn more about what S.P.A.R.K. offers? Get in touch and we'll find the right starting point for you!  

LET'S CONNECT!


Resources

The following organizations provide additional research, guidance, and

support for serving LGBTQ+ older adults:

American Society on Aging

National Resource Center on LGBT Aging

SAGE: Advocacy & Services for LGBT Elders


‘BE CURIOUS, NOT JUDGMENTAL.’ -TED LASSO



DISCLAIMER:

BLS does not promote or vouch for the services provided by any of its members.  Members wishing to do business with one another are strongly encouraged to do their own public records searches and background screenings before entering into any business relationship.  BLS accepts no liability for any information identified from those searches/screenings or any claims arising from any verbal or written agreements members may engage in with one another.

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