LGBTQ Archives

Helping older adults help other older adults

By Theresa Myers in LGBTQ, Older Adult Services, Spanish, Success Story, Thought Leadership, Volunteers | Posted September 22, 2022

This opinion piece was published in the Daily Journal on September 21, 2022: The U.S. population is growing older, and that is especially apparent in our local community. According to California Department of Finance population projections, San Mateo County will grow by more than 150,000 residents 65 and older by 2050. As the population increases, their needs increase as well, specifically those related to housing, transportation, social isolation, mental and physical health, and employment. Unfortunately,…

LGBTQIA+ book club for older adults, 5 years of success

By Theresa Myers in LGBTQ, Newsletter, Older Adult Services | Posted July 6, 2021

Five years ago, the Senior Peer Counseling program at Peninsula Family Service (PFS) hosted the first meeting of the LGBTQ+ Book Club in San Mateo County. Senior Peer Counseling staff and volunteers believed the book club would create a sense of community for all who participated. Membership was open to all in the LGBTQ+ community, including allies and advocates, and the books selected were as diverse as the members of the Book Club. During those…

A Special Need for Our LGBTQ+ Adults Ages 55+

By Theresa Myers in LGBTQ, Older Adult Services, Volunteers | Posted September 10, 2019

Our Senior Peer Counselors (SPC), a diverse and inclusive group of volunteers, show compassion for our community members ages 55+ who request peer counseling. This group of specially-trained volunteer counselors provide weekly one-on-one visits or facilitate a support group for older adults. The counseling helps older adults manage transitions and life changes including health concerns, mobility issues, caregiver needs, loss, and grief. All counselors have completed over thirty-six hours of training to learn active listening…

The Fall Senior Peer Counseling Training is Here!

By Theresa Myers in LGBTQ, Older Adult Services, Volunteers | Posted September 24, 2018

Have you ever felt lonely? Or perhaps needed someone to talk to? Friends are always there to listen and to help us feel better. Unfortunately for many older adults, there are no friends left to turn to. Difficult life changes and the loss of their loved ones push many older adults deep into depression. But you can make a difference in their lives. If you live in San Mateo County and are 55 years or…

Companionship for aging well: The Senior Peer Counseling Program

By Theresa Myers in LGBTQ, Older Adult Services | Posted March 19, 2018

About 28% of the population 65 years and older live alone. Eight out of ten have a chronic condition or illness, and one in four experience some form of mental disorder. Often overlooked, older adults who experience loneliness and social isolation have a serious health risk, equivalent to smoking 15 cigarettes a day. In our community, older adults have a chance to fight against the negative impact that aging alone may have in their lives:…

Join us for the PRIDE Center opening!

By Theresa Myers in Events, LGBTQ | Posted May 25, 2017

Come celebrate with us the grand opening and ribbon cutting of the PRIDE Center in San Mateo! You will be part of a historic moment as we open the doors of the first ever LGBTQ+ Center in San Mateo County. The meeting is next Thursday, June 1st from 4 to 7 pm at 1021 S El Camino Real in San Mateo. To get your FREE tickets, check out the center’s Event page. The PRIDE Center is a collaborative effort…

Change a life, it only takes to listen

By Theresa Myers in LGBTQ, Older Adult Services | Posted April 18, 2017

The Senior Peer Counseling training starts this week. For information about training, contact us at 650-403-4300 Ext. 4389 or via email. Isolation is more than being alone. It is the result of feeling detached physically, psychologically, or being disconnected from support groups or family. Prolonged social isolation can equal the health risks of smoking 15 cigarettes a day, according to a report from the AARP Foundation. Here at Peninsula Family Service, we believe that nobody…

The LGBTQ Book Club has started!

By Theresa Myers in LGBTQ, Older Adult Services | Posted February 16, 2017

The Senior Peer Counseling program at Peninsula Family Service and the Reach & Teach educational center invite you to join the first LGBTQ Book Club in San Mateo. We firmly believe that everyone can make a difference in the world, and that is what has brought us together. We invite you to come read, share and learn with us in an open and judgement-free environment! Who can join? Everyone is welcome! LGBTQ Community members, friends and allies.…

Category: LGBTQ