Posted on

Mental Health Resources and Opportunities

A  roundup of local resources and opportunities related to queer mental health.

Gender Journey Teen Therapy Group at Mandala House

This online therapy group offers support and skill building for teens (ages 14-19) who are transgender, nonbinary, gender expansive, or questioning their gender. Topics covered include assertive communication, self-advocacy, coping skills, peer and family relationships, and accessing gender affirming healthcare. Much of group’s content comes from The Gender Quest Workbook, and individuals joining the group are encouraged to have access to their own copy.

The group meets virtually on Wednesdays at 4 PM and is led by Ariel Brooks, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker at Mandala House. For more information, contact [email protected] or call Mandala House at 502-309-2408.

 

IDEA Study: Free Program for LGBTQ People with Memory Loss

Are you an LGBTQ+ person experiencing or caring for someone with dementia? This program may offer resources for you. Aging with Pride: IDEA (Innovations in Dementia Empowerment and Action) is a study about the quality of life for LGBTQ+ people who experience memory loss or care for someone experiencing memory loss. The program offers 9 free coaching sessions for the person with memory loss and their caregiver. Coaching will focus on building skills around communication, problem solving, and using exercise as a coping tool. Participants will also participate in 5 interviews and be compensated with a total of $125 for their participation in the study.

For more information, visit https://ageidea.org/. You can also contact Amy Cunningham, MS, at [email protected].

 

LGBTQ+ affirming counselor job opening at Deer Park

Do you know an LGBTQ+ affirming counselor looking for a new work opportunity? Baptist Health Medical Group has an opening at their Deer Park location for a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) or licensed professional clinical counselor (LPCC). Interested applicants must be licensed, have the ability to provide clinical supervision, and have knowledge of cognitive and behavioral therapy concepts.

Click here for more information. You can also reach the practice manager, Nicholas Martin, at [email protected].

Posted on

Metro Savings Progeram

Louisville Metro Government offers a free savings program that connects you to a financial coach who can help you to achieve your goals. Not ready to save? Behind on bills? Stuck at step one? AcceLOUrate Savings can help! Contact a coach to work with you on your financial plan. Offices are at South Central Neighborhood Place, Bridges of Hope Neighborhood Place, and Ujima Neighborhood Place, but coaches can serve anyone. All appointments are virtual during COVID-19.

Learn more about Accelourate savings

 

Posted on

Metro Financial Navigators Can Help You Access Benefits

Do you need help managing your money or accessing public programs because of COVID-19?

Louisville Metro Government, in partnership with The Louisville Housing and Opportunities Micro-Enterprise Community Development Loan Fund (LHOME) has launched a no-cost Financial Navigator Program. You can receive assistance and guidance over the phone to help you manage the financial impact of COVID-19.

Trained Financial Navigators are available to help you manage financial issues, identify actions steps, and make referrals to other programs and services. To sign up for Financial Navigator assistance, go to https://finnav.org/lou or email [email protected]

What Does a Financial Navigator Do?

During your free 30-minute session, Navigators can help you address concerns including:

  • Prioritizing daily expenses like housing, utilities, and food
  • Maximizing income through accessing benefits, emergency cash assistance, and emergency loans
  • Managing debt including credit cards, student loans, and child support
  • Avoiding predatory scams
  • Budgeting for future loss of income

The Navigator will help you prioritize concerns and expenses and identify next steps. Please note—Financial Navigators do not provide financial assistance.

Posted on

Scientific American: Trans Girls Belong in Girls Sports 

Scientific American debunks the argument that trans girls should not be allowed to play on girls teams. From the article: “There is no epidemic of transgender girls dominating female sports. Attempts to force transgender girls to play on the boys’ teams are unconscionable attacks on already marginalized transgender children, and they don’t address a real problem. They’re unscientific, and they would cause serious mental health damage to both cisgender and transgender youth.”

Posted on

A violent society hurts everyone

There is too much hate and violence in America, and the Louisville Pride Foundation joins others in our community in honoring the victims of the Atlanta shooting.

Violence against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (often abbreviated as AAPI) has seen a massive increase during COVID-19.

Violence against women remains a major problem that society won’t fully recognize and address.

Violence against people who are (or who are perceived to be) sex workers is unacceptable and targets some of the most vulnerable people.

Violence against anyone is an LGBTQ+ issue, for two simple reasons. First, LGBTQ+ people come in all shapes and sizes, including AAPI, women, and sex workers. Secondly, if one minority group can be targeted, then all minority groups can be targeted.