Nonprofit LGBTQ+ Elders Organization Forges Strategic Partnership for Greater Inclusivity and Support
Media Contact: Katie Migliazzo
For Immediate Release
December 26, 2023
FERNDALE & DETROIT, MI (December, 12 2023) – MiGen (Michigan’s LGBTQ+ Elders Network) is excited to announce the establishment of Michigan’s first ever LGBTQ+ Senior Centers- one in Ferndale, another in Detroit. In 2024, MiGen is establishing physical locations within trusted LGBTQ+ organizations Corktown Health Center (Detroit) and Affirmations (Ferndale) to foster an even stronger sense of inclusivity and support for LGBTQ+ seniors.
This strategic partnership marks a significant milestone for MiGen as it continues to champion the well-being and authenticity of LGBTQ+ elders. Since the pandemic, the organization’s work has been almost exclusively remote, without a designated physical presence of their own. Through the creation of embedded Senior Centers within Affirmations and Corktown Health, MiGen aims to create more accessible and expanded programs and services, ensuring that LGBTQ+ seniors have access to a welcoming environment to connect, engage, and access essential resources, programming, health and other services.
“As we continue on this exciting journey of collaboration with Affirmations and Corktown health, we are energized by the boundless potential to strengthen LGBTQ+ inclusive spaces,” said Angela Gabridge, MiGen’s executive director. “The partnership not only amplifies our commitment to their well-being but also signifies a shared dedication to building a community that celebrates aging out loud and authenticity at all ages.”
“Affirmations is excited to be entering into this partnership with MiGen to expand our senior programming and services. Housing MiGen’s exceptional elder programming at our center will create even more accessibility to these valuable services,” said Cheryl Czach, Executive Director of Affirmations.
The collaborative effort and shared spaces will provide MiGen with an extended platform to host events and programs, strengthen a presence within the Detroit and Ferndale communities, and provide each organization with ‘built-in’ LGBTQ+ senior services. Both Affirmations and Corktown Health will supply the physical space for MiGen, as well as working with MiGen to develop collaborative programming which serves LGBTQ+ older adults and those who care for them.
“We are thrilled to announce Corktown Health’s partnership with MiGEN coming together in 2024 to significantly enhance the spectrum of health services available to our older LGBTQ+ community members,” said Anthony Williams, President and CEO of Corktown Health. “This collaboration marks a milestone in our commitment to provide a sanctuary of wellness that not only understands but celebrates the uniqueness of each journey. Together, we are paving the way for a healthcare environment where every elder walks in with dignity and leaves with their health needs comprehensively met, surrounded by a community that respects and supports their full life story.”
Stated Gabridge, “These senior center locations will not only enable MiGen to serve LGBTQ+ older adults across southeast Michigan at a much more impactful level, but it allows us to pilot effective strategies and programming we can support other interested organizations in bringing to LGBTQ+ older adults statewide. We ended 2022 launching our new name and brand, and we are thrilled to be able to close out 2023 with even more good news for one of our most vulnerable communities. MiGen continues to work hard for our LGBTQ+ older adults, and we could not be more proud to take this next step.”
For more information on MiGen’s programming and services, visit migenconnect.org.
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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
About Affirmations: Affirmations LGBTQ+ community center has been the hub for southeast Michigan LGBTQ+ communities and its allies for the last 30 years. They provide a welcoming space where people of all sexual orientations, gender identities & expressions, and cultures can learn, grow, socialize and access the vital support they need.
About Corktown Health Center: Corktown Health Center is the first medical center focused on serving the LGBTQ community in Southeastern Michigan. They offer primary care, behavioral health services, comprehensive HIV care and treatment, cancer screening, health insurance navigation and more.