A Special Need for Our LGBTQ+ Adults Ages 55+

Our Senior Peer Counselors (SPC), a diverse and inclusive group of volunteers, show compassion for our community members ages 55+ who request peer counseling. This group of specially-trained volunteer counselors provide weekly one-on-one visits or facilitate a support group for older adults. The counseling helps older adults manage transitions and life changes including health concerns, mobility issues, caregiver needs, loss, and grief. All counselors have completed over thirty-six hours of training to learn active listening skills; recognize and respond to grief, depression, and anxiety; and to work with diverse cultures.

They also attend ongoing clinical supervision sessions for in-depth learning, or to share a particularly difficult or moving situation a volunteer counselor has encountered with a participant.

Our Senior Peer Counselor program has been operating for more than thirty years, and the dedicated volunteer counselors have deep connections to our diverse community in San Mateo County. The counselors are paired with participants who might share similar life experiences and perspectives that will build lasting relationships. Our program offers services to participants in a variety of languages including English, Mandarin, Spanish, Tagalog, and to our LGBTQ+ community.