BROOKLINE, MA — An annual Pride Month tradition returned to Goddard House at 165 Chestnut St. as residents, family members, and staff gathered for the assisted living community's eighth annual Pride flag-raising ceremony earlier this month.
The event marked the beginning of a month of Pride celebrations at the Brookline senior living community. Attendees gathered to celebrate diversity, inclusion, and the LGBTQ+ community while watching the Pride flag raised outside the facility.
Goddard House's commitment to LGBTQ+ inclusion expanded in 2019 when the community partnered with SAGECare. This organization helps senior living communities better understand and support the unique experiences and needs of LGBTQ+ older adults. That same year, Goddard House became the first assisted living community in Massachusetts to earn SAGECare accreditation, a designation recognizing LGBTQ+ friendly care and services.
Goddard House has also partnered with ETHOS, a Boston-area nonprofit that supports older adults and caregivers, on programs serving LGBTQ+ seniors. The organizations have hosted events and outreach efforts aimed at creating welcoming spaces for LGBTQ+ elders throughout Massachusetts.
Laura Singer, CEO of ETHOS, served as the event's keynote speaker. Singer, who spoke about her experiences as both an LGBTQ+ community member and supporter of Goddard House's mission, emphasized the importance of honoring those who have fought for equality.
“Today, we honor the courage and resilience of those who paved the way,” Singer said. “We also look to our youth reminding them that they are the future. They are never alone, and they stand on the shoulders of giants who have fought fiercely for them to live authentically.”
Goddard House's Pride events this month also include a themed dance party film festival as part of its celebration of the community's diversity.
“We feel really successful in developing this culture here, being a leader in the state of Massachusetts and assisted living, the kindness that we've attributed, and the outreach that we've done to the older gay community here in Massachusetts,” Assistant Executive Director Lance Chapman said.
Founded in 1849, Goddard House is a nonprofit assisted living community in Brookline. The organization traces its roots to what it describes as the first charitable home for older adults in Massachusetts.
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