Eldercare facility still on wish list
ASHEVILLE, N.C. — Lula Moon (pictured), who facilitates the Stella’s Place listserv, has been studying the feasibility and future of developing an eldercare and residential community for women in the mountain area.
In 2012, she had envisioned a 31-acre tract with easy access, near a river and south facing in the Moffitt Rd. area. She sent out a letter to potential investors to purchase the land with hopes that the income streams from nursing home fees and rentals would repay the investment. She hired an architect to draw a master plan, with easier-to-maintain dwellings. Residences consisted of apartments and an assisted living facility and nursing home.
She even went so far as to give each living space a name, mostly honoring pioneering women.
All of this came on the coattails of seeing the documentary “Gen Silent” — and she was concerned about those who would be forced back into the closet to avert abuses and discrimination by healthcare service providers and caregivers. She felt strongly that isolation was counter to what these seniors needed. And, she said that the larger community would be wealthier from the wisdom and life experience that elders have to share.
Gina Razete and Cathy Groene of CGR Development Corporation expressed interest in serving as general contractors to develop the land. They had had good success with LGBT communities with The Resort on Carefree Boulevard in Ft. Myers, Fla., as well as Carefree Cove in Boone, N.C. Moon felt her strength serving as project team coordinator would be a good fit from her professional experience in the field, along with advanced certifications in quality process and organizational management.
Moon continues her quest for creation of Harvest Haven, a sustainable residential neighborhood. The name evokes reaping and gathering, along with sanctuary or harbor. Some amenities include van transportation, access to organic meals, greenway access, dog park, social activities and others, plus vistas for enjoyment. The dining parlor would use organic and locally grown products. There is also plans for short- and long-term care. She added private homes and RV and portable tiny house parks.
For those who are interested in this initiative, contact Moon at QualityPledge@aol.com.
Organization hosts performance event
ASHEVILLE, N.C. — Just Us For All will hold a performance, visual art, drag and spoken word showcase on April 19, 8 p.m., at The Mothlight, 701 W. Haywood Rd. Organizers said that the evening will allow participants to share “how we identify” with friends and community members.
Doors open at 8 p.m. and a dance with a DJ will follow at 9 p.m. The evening’s event is intended for those 21-years-old and above. For those who are under the age limit, possible volunteer opportunities could allow access to the event. Message Just For Us All via Facebook.
Suggested contribution is $5.
info: facebook.com/events/1422912274627314/. facebook.com/JUFA.AVL. justusforall.org.
Niche orgs address key issues
HENDERSONVILLE/ASHEVILLE, N.C. — Two organizations are providing needed services for the LGBT community.
SisterCare WNC, a 501(c)3 non-profit in Henderson County, serves the “ entire community regardless of sexual orientation, age, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, veteran status, gender, or physical handicap,” President Sandra Franklin said in a supporter’s memorandum.
Board member Cindy Moors added that their initiative has gained much ground. Even though is is evolving (they used to only serve women), they have expanded their services to a larger mass. They have an active board.
One challenge they are experiencing is trying to get men involved in their work.
Currently, they provide non-health-related services, such as companionship, yard word, pet care, errands, transportation, meals at home, laundry, light housekeeping and handy work. But it does not stop there. They produce three events during the year — Springfest (slated for April 26 on Lake Julian); a Poker Run; and a FallFest.
They are always looking for volunteers and monetary contributions.
Visit them online to learn more.
LGBT Elder Advocates of WNC is an educational organization based in Buncombe County. They sponsor education opportunities, promote equity of services, provide social services and caregiver support, promote intergenerational cooperation and create social opportunities for older LGBT individuals. They operate under the Land-of-Sky Regional Council.
They partner with other associations in the area to ensure that service resources are available for the LGBT community if they need it.
On April 16, 4 p.m., they will hold a “Rights and Support: Finding Answers” caregiver forum at Land of Sky Regional Council, 339 New Leicester Hwy., in Asheville. They are co-hosting this with the Alzheimer’s Association. The event is free. However, space may not be available. Continuing education units are provided for social workers, adult care home administrators and certified nursing assistants. Email kdmoore@alz.org to learn more and check availability.
info: sistercarewnc.weebly.com. facebook.com/LGBTElderAdvocatesofWNC. landofsky.org.
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Share your news with us
Does your organization or special interest group have events or great information to share with our readers? If so, be sure to send in your information to specialassignments@goqnotes-launch2.newspackstaging.com. In the upcoming months, we’ll feature one of you in our news notes section in each issue. Are you a part of a Meetup, Yahoo or Google group and do you do something that’s really newsworthy? Do you provide a service for the community or hold fundraisers for worthy causes? Do you educate the public about LGBT issues or concerns? Of course, this is only a sampling of things we are interested in. It’s the aim of these pieces to inform, enlighten and educate our readers about what we’re doing here in the Carolinas to champion LGBT rights, as well as offer resources for those who may be interested in what your group is doing.