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Better Living For Seniors

Pinellas Chapter

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    WHO ARE WE?

The S.P.A.R.K. Initiative (Supporting Pride, Advocacy, Respect & Knowledge) — formerly the LGBTQ+ Elder Initiative — is a committee of Better Living for Seniors members under the Area Agency on Aging, Pasco-Pinellas.

S.P.A.R.K. partners with business organizations and community service providers to build inclusive services for our underserved LGBTQ+ older adult population, 55+. 

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"EQUALITY MEANS MORE THAN PASSING LAWS. THE STRUGGLE IS REALLY WON IN THE HEARTS AND MINDS OF THE COMMUNITY, WHERE IT REALLY COUNTS."

- BARBARA GITTINGS

    MISSION

The S.P.A.R.K. Initiative builds bridges between the services market and the LGBTQ+ older adults community to advocate, inform, and educate on behalf of LGBTQ+ elders.  

LGBTQ+ older adults are a forgotten generation despite there being 4 million. 
LGBTQ+ Adults over the age of 50 and that number is estimated to grow to 7 million by 2030

LGBTQ+ older adults are more likely to delay or avoid care when they don't feel safe.

S.P.A.R.K. partner designations help identify organizations that have done the work to change that — and give LGBTQ+ older adults a clearer picture of where they can expect respectful, informed service.


PARTNER DESIGNATIONS

S.P.A.R.K. offers two designations for organizations that complete our cultural competency training. Both are valid for one year and renew through continued engagement with the Initiative.

Trained Partner

A Trained Partner has completed the S.P.A.R.K. Cultural Competency Training. This designation reflects that an organization has invested time in understanding the experiences and needs of LGBTQ+ older adults and is working toward more inclusive, respectful service delivery.

This designation reflects education and commitment, not certification or endorsement.

Affirming Provider

An Affirming Provider has completed the training and taken additional, documented steps to integrate inclusive practices into their policies, procedures, and daily operations. Vetting may include policy review, evidence of additional staff training, or demonstrated practices that support affirming environments for LGBTQ+ older adults.

This designation reflects intentional action, recognizing organizations that move beyond education into implementation.

Renewals

Designations are valid for two years. To renew, organizations may complete a refresher training, participate in an updated learning module, or attend an approved S.P.A.R.K. event. Lapsed status restores without penalty.

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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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