Cultural & LGBT Resources

New Jersey seniors are amongst the most diverse with regards to culture, race, religion, language and sexual orientation. However, accessing culturally appropriate services and supports that are sensitive to individual life experiences can sometimes be a challenge.  Here are some specialized resources that can provide assistance.

• New Jersey Office of Minority and Multicultural Health
  This NJ Department of Health office works to reduce and ultimately eliminate racial and ethnic health disparities by fostering equal access to programs that promote, support and enable all populations in NJ to achieve optimal health, dignity and independence.
  609-292-6962
  
  
• Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum
  This national organization works to influence policy and strengthen community organizations to achieve health equality for Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders.
  415-954-9988
  
  
• Catholic Charities – Hispanic Older Adult Services
  This program assists Hispanic older adults challenged by language and cultural barriers in identifying and using social services and community resources for which they qualify. The program provides information about community services, referrals, translation, interpretation and advocacy counseling.
  Cranford, NJ
  908-497-3950
  
  
• FOCUS Hispanic Seniors Program
  FOCUS offers specialized programs for Hispanic seniors in the community.
  Newark, NJ
  973-624-2528
  
  
• Morris County Organization for Hispanic Affairs
  MCOHA offers a Senior Citizen Program (Corazones Contentos) that includes opportunities for socialization, health education, case management and transportation.
  
  Morristown, NJ
  973-644-4884
  
  Dover, NJ
  973-366-4770
  
  Butler, NJ
  973-838-3885
  
  
• Hispanic Information Center of Passaic – Catholic Family and Community Services
  This Catholic Charities division offers Passaic County seniors with social service information, case management, counseling, translation and interpreters.  
  Passaic, NJ
  973-737-2077
  
  
• Jewish Family Service of Central New Jersey
  Jewish Family Service offers Kosher Meals on Wheels, counseling, case management and information about community resources for Holocaust survivors in Union County.
  Elizabeth, NJ
  908-352-8375
  
  
• Jewish Family Service of MetroWest NJ
  Jewish Family Service offers counseling, case management, socialization and a variety of community resources for Holocaust survivors in English and Russian throughout Essex, Morris, Hudson and Sussex counties.
  973-765-9050
  
  
• Jewish Family Service of Somerset, Hunterdon and Warren Counties
  Jewish Family Service offers counseling, case management and information about community resources for Holocaust survivors in Somerset, Hunterdon and Warren counties.
  908-725-7799
  
  
• Jewish Vocational Service – Émigré Resettlement, Citizenship & Immigrant Services
  More than 25 nationalities are served in this multi-national, multi-ethnic program that provides a variety of services including information and referral to community resources, English as a Second Language (ESL) tutoring, citizenship preparation, health literacy assistance and translation services for those in Bergen, Essex and Morris counties. Also provides help for job seekers age 50+.
  
  East Orange, NJ
  973-674-6330
  
  Livingston, NJ
  973-674-6330
  
  
• Literacy NJ
  Literacy NJ connects volunteers with those who would like assistance with speaking, reading or writing English. ESL classes and tutoring for all ages offered throughout New Jersey.
  Metuchen, NJ
  1-800-848-0048
  
  
• National Asian American Pacific Islander Mental Health Association
  Promotes mental health awareness and well-being of the Asian American and Pacific islander communities.
  
  
• National Resource Center on LGBT Aging
  The National Resource Center on LGBT Aging is the country's first and only technical assistance resource center aimed at improving the quality of services and supports offered to lesbian, gay, bisexual and/or transgender older adults.
  
  
• Services & Advocacy for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Elders (SAGE)
  SAGE offers innovative services and programs to LGBT older people nationwide. The SAGE LGBT Elder Hotline is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, in English and Spanish, with translation in 180 languages.
  24/7 SAGE LGBT Elder Hotline – 877-360-LGBT (5428)
  
  
• Hudson Pride Connections Center
  An affiliate of Services & Advocacy for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Elders (SAGE) in New York City, this center provides social avenues for LGBT older adults within northern NJ along with access to information about healthcare, social services and community activities within the region.
  Jersey City, NJ
  201-963-4779
  
  
• Gay Activist Alliance in Morris County (GAAMC)
  GAAMC is a not-for-profit volunteer-run organization that provides social, educational, and outreach programs throughout Morris County. 
  
  
• The Pride Center of New Jersey
  Center provides a safe place for LGBT individuals and offers a multitude of support and social groups for all ages, including a Late Bloomers support group.
  Highland Park, NJ
  732-846-2232