Media Contact: Katie Migliazzo
For Immediate Release
October, 2023
MiGen, Michigan’s only nonprofit for LGBTQ+ Elders will provide UPCAP with culturally responsive training until the end of 2024
FERNDALE, MI (October, 2023) – MiGen (Michigan’s LGBTQ+ Elder’s Network), is partnering with the Upper Peninsula’s Commission for Area Progress (UPCAP) to to bring free, culturally responsive training, education and technical assistance to the Upper Peninsula after UPCAP’s annual plan was rejected by rogue members in the board of commissioners, who objected to any mention of LGBTQ+ seniors or DEI efforts.
UPCAP serves as the Upper Peninsula’s Area on Aging, and rolled out their 2024 annual implementation plan earlier this year. The plan outlined DEI requirements, put emphasis on improving access of services to Black, Native American, people of color, and LGBTQ+ seniors, and advocated to increase the number of staff, caregivers and volunteers in implicit bias training. This was publicly criticized and voted against by the Delta County Board of Commissioners, who claim to support UPCAP but are outspokenly uncomfortable with the reality that non-white and LGBTQ+ seniors also need and deserve competent care.
Standing in solidarity with UPCAP, the LGBTQ+ community, and Michiganders across the state – especially in some of the most rural areas, MiGen has brokered a special plan to provide no-cost LGBTQ+ cultural responsiveness training for all UPCAP members and partner agencies. UPCAP and their partners will have unfettered access to MiGen’s training, education and technical assistance throughout 2024.
“We had to step up to provide this vital service to Michigan’s caregivers. As our state’s only community-based organization focused exclusively on LGBTQ+ older adults and those that love and care for them, we represent more than 300,000 community members and 500,000 caregivers. MiGen provides culturally responsive training for facilities, businesses, and service providers focused on working with adults and caregivers. What’s happening to UPCAP happens too often. LGBTQ+ elders get forgotten, and LGBTQ+ elder voices are silenced. Our elders’ wants and needs don’t have to be overlooked. MiGen provides the training people need to make sure our older adults are not left behind or forgotten.”
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About MiGen: Formally Sage Metro Detroit, MiGen provides services, advocacy, fun, and connection to LGBTQ+ folks ages 45+. MiGen believes we have all earned the right to Age Out Loud and offers an array of programs and services intended to make the lives of LGBTQ+ folks ages 45+ safer, more connected, more vibrant and more FUN. For more information, visit www.migenconnect.org