On September 14th, Affinity Community Services‘ Trailblazers Who Care hosted a FREE Medical Advocacy workshop facilitated by The Care Plan, at our new location located in the historic Bronzeville community on Chicago’s southside. This senior programming workshop discussed advocacy for yourself and or a loved one in a medical setting. The Care Plan facilitator, Jacqueline Boyd, provided information on senior wellness and securing the maximum service from your health-care providers. The workshop series began in May and has covered senior advocacy for caretakers and families alike. The Care Plan provides consultations for managing and mapping successful senior health and aging. Our constituents have found the services offered by The Care Plan to be compassionately helpful and timely in the struggle for affordable and adequate healthcare.

Affinity Executive Director Imani Rupert-Gordon, middle, with two Affinity Trailblazers

Affinity recently moved to the Bronzeville neighborhood in order to provide an office that works for our programs and participants. The fight for racial justice and LGBTQ equality is woven throughout Bronzeville’s history, and Affinity couldn’t be more proud to be serving our community and becoming a part of this legacy. This new location boasts over 3200 square feet, is accessible by public transportation, has a free parking lot and gender neutral bathrooms. This move represents a new beginning for Affinity. For the first time in several years we have the room to support the events and activities that we currently offer, while still having space to create new and exciting programs. In this new space, Affinity will continue its important social justice work with and on behalf of Black LGBTQ communities.

Upcoming Affinity community events include the presidential debate viewing party on September 26 at 8pm and an open house for the new offices on October 11 at 7pm. The ongoing senior programming with the Trailblazers Who Care will continue on October 12 at 6pm for LGBTQ+ health and aging resources. All programming is open to the public. For more information and updates, please visit Affinity’s website at www.affinity95.org.

The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of the Diverse Elders Coalition.