On Lok was thrilled to be honored as the recipient of the Openhouse Trailblazer award in recognition of our commitment to creating safe and inclusive services for LGBTQ+ seniors. The award was presented at the Openhouse Spring Fling, a celebration of 25 years supporting San Francisco Bay Area LGBTQ+ seniors.
Working in close partnership, Openhouse and On Lok have co-designed the nation’s first community-based adult day program with and for the LGBTQ+ community. Openhouse + On Lok Community Day Services, affectionately called “Club 75” by community members, combines Openhouse’s expertise in developing and delivering services for LGBTQ+ seniors with On Lok’s 50-year history of supporting older adults to live in the community and avoid nursing home placement.
"I am delighted to recognize the trailblazing work On Lok has embarked on to truly arrive in service to our LGBTQ+ elders,” said Ephraim Getahun, Director of Strategic Partnerships & Training at Openhouse. “Club 75 was co-created to significantly reduce isolation, provide respite to isolated caregivers of aging partners or chosen family, and usher our elders through an entryway toward holistic care; embedded within a campus at Openhouse that our elders trust.”
On Lok CEO Grace Li and John Blazek, Executive Director, On Lok Day Services, accepted the award on behalf of the entire On Lok community, and especially those who have worked so hard to establish this new and much needed program.
“It has been an honor to join in partnership with Openhouse and to be acknowledged with this incredible award,” said Grace. “We look forward to our continued work together as we address the needs of LGBTQ+ seniors and create more safe, inclusive and supportive services for all older adults in our community.”
In the photo, L-R: John Blazek, Executive Director, On Lok Day Services; Ephraim Getahun, Director of Strategic Partnerships & Training, Openhouse; Maite Echaniz, Co-President of the Board, Openhouse; Grace Li, CEO, On Lok; Bill Lowell, Co-Chair of the Board, Openhouse.
