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Making a Difference for LGBTQ Older Adults in Union County

Union County, NJ – On Tuesday, Union County Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados attended the LGBTQ “Pledge and Protect” workshop at the County’s Warinanco Sports Center in Roselle, hosted by the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders.

The free workshop was presented by Garden State Equality Health and Wellness Coordinator Bianca Mayes in collaboration with the Union County Office of LGBTQ Services and the Division on Aging and Disability Resource Connection, to educate service providers on issues affecting LGBTQ older adults.

“Pledge and Protect is a good example of the difference County government can make, by helping non-profit organizations, businesses and other stakeholders connect in the common goal of ensuring that LGBTQ older adults have access to services that enable them to live with equal dignity and respect,” said Chairman Granados. “On behalf of the Freeholder Board, I thank all of our Pledge and Protect participants for reaching out to be part of the change.”

The Pledge and Protect workshops are part of a national movement to ensure equal rights for LGBTQ older adults. In the workshops, service providers learn about issues affecting LGBT older adults. They also pledge to take affirmative steps that make their programs more welcoming, including raising awareness among both staff and volunteers.

Established as part of Chairman Granados’ 2018 Moving Union County Forward initiatives, the LGBTQ office is the first County government office of its kind in the State of New Jersey. It provides a platform for leadership and collaboration to support equality, serving as a catalyst for advocacy, awareness and action.

For more information about the Office of LGBTQ Services, contact Danni Newbury, coordinator, at 908-527-4742 or dnewbury@ucnj.org.

Photo caption (photo attached): Union County Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados (c.) attended the LGBTQ “Pledge and Protect” workshop at the County’s Warinanco Sports Center in Roselle, organized by (l-r) Union County Office of LGBTQ Services Coordinator Danni Newbury, Garden State Equality Health and Wellness Coordinator Bianca Mayes, Department of Human Services Division of Outreach and Advocacy Directory Maureen Segale Glenn, and Division on Aging and Disability Resource Connection Assistant Director Natalie Zarillo.

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For all Union County programs and services visit ucnj.org, call the Public Info Line, 877-424-1234, email info@ucnj.org or use the online Contact Form.

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