Gay Seniors Program Gets Federal Grant

The Chicago chapter of SAGE has been awarded $475K for program services by the federal government.

The program, Services and Advocacy for GLBT Elders, or SAGE, is part of the Center on Halsted, a gay and lesbian community center in Lakeview, and was profiled by the Tribune last June. Its director, Serena Worthington, said the $475,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services marks only the third time that federal money has gone to a program focusing on GLBT seniors. “It’s an affirmation of the work the center does for people of all ages, and especially for seniors,” Worthington said. “The projects it funds will be designed to enhance the lives of seniors here and, hopefully, across the country.” Rep. Mike Quigley, D-Ill., announced the award Tuesday at the Center on Halsted. The grant was part of Quigley’s appropriations request for the 2010 fiscal year.

The money will be used for computer equipment, a study of HIV-related cognitive dysfunction in gay seniors, and to produce an HIV awareness film.