Philanthrofund Foundation Helps Meet Needs of GLBT Seniors

Philanthrofund Foundation (PFund), Minneapolis, the endowed community foundation serving the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender (GLBT) and allied communities in the Upper Midwest, has awarded grants from the Paul Marystone Fund to address the special needs of GLBT seniors - a growing but often overlooked segment of the GLBT community.

"Twenty percent of GLBT elders say that there is no one they can turn to in a time of crisis," says Kit Briem, Pfund executive director. "That's 10 times higher than the general population. Seventy-five percent live alone, two and one half times that of the general population. This year's PFund grant recipients will decrease the isolation of GLBT seniors by increasing their visibility and by educating existing independent-living, assisted-living and long-term care providers about the needs of GLBT seniors."

The Paul Marystone Fund for GLBT Senior Initiatives was established in November 2002 through a bequest. Marystone lived most of his life being openly gay. However, during his final years he lived a fairly modest and closeted life. Marystone felt isolated and disconnected from the GLBT communities and culture. His concern that he would lose assistance if he were to be open about his identity is one shared by almost all GLBT seniors, according to Briem.

To help address these concerns, this year PFund awarded grants from the Paul Marystone Fund to two organizations dedicated to the needs of seniors and the GLBT community.

GLBT Generations received a $5,000 grant to support a strategic planning process to help build on its work over the past four years to lay a foundation for GLBT senior advocacy in the Twin Cities. The organization's mission is to ensure that GLBT persons are able to achieve a satisfying quality of life in later years.

FamilyMeans received $1,000 to help strengthen its Caregiver Support Program by increasing GLBT elders' access to services such as education, counseling, information/referral, support groups and in-home respite to caregivers of people with disabilities, chronic illness and elders. The organization strengthens communities by helping families, including GLBT families, learn, work and nurture healthy relationships in Washington and St. Croix counties.

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