ROCKVILLE, Md. – Charles E. Smith Life Communities (CESLC) has achieved Platinum-level certification from SAGECare, a division of SAGE, the nation’s oldest and largest nonprofit dedicated to improving the lives of LGBTQ+ older adults.
Platinum certification indicates that more than 80% of CESLC’s employees have successfully completed LGBTQ+ cultural competency training. SAGECare provides this training, along with consultation on LGBTQ+ aging-related issues.
“This certification is a tribute to the leadership and staff of our organization,” says Jeffrey Puretz, Chair of the CESLC Board of Governors. “We are pleased to receive this certification, demonstrating our commitment to our values and mission to deliver quality care and meaningful life experiences to older adults, with dignity and compassion rooted in Jewish values.”
“I am very proud that our associates in all of our campus residences now have additional tools and training to competently care and support our residents and better serve the LGBTQ+ community. We are grateful to SAGE for helping us on this important journey,” says Bruce J. Lederman, CESLC President/CEO. “The receipt of this certification is particularly meaningful during Pride Month as we highlight and celebrate the history and achievements of LGBTQ people.”
The training included listening to and acknowledging the stories of LGBTQ+ older adults, particularly how their lives have intersected with societal changes around LGBTQ+ people and the issues that affect them.
A nonprofit organization, CESLC serves more than 1,100 older adults in Rockville, Maryland. Additional information is available at www.smithlifecommunities.org.
