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The Network for Social Justice and Winchester News are pleased to announce the soft launch of a Resource Guide aimed at providing residents with a current, “one-stop-shop” list of organizations in a variety of areas, from youth support and advocacy groups to legal help, elder care, and mental health resources.
The list includes entities in Winchester and in the region.
Whether you’re searching for guidance or hoping to uplift someone else, these resources are here to help you build connection, confidence, and community.
To coincide with PRIDE month, we are focusing on resources for LGBTQ+ individuals and families with the goal of making it easier to find options that are affirming, supportive, and accessible. Below are excerpted examples from the guide.
The full Resource Guide will soon be available on the website of the Network for Social Justice. It is meant to grow and evolve with the needs of our community. We welcome your feedback, suggestions, and additions as we continue to expand it together. Please email office@nfsj.org if you know or learn of any resources to add to the list.
LGBTQ+ Resources in Winchester and beyond
In Winchester:
Spectrum Club at Winchester High School is a student-led club that provides a safe, welcoming space for LGBTQ+ students and allies, promoting acceptance, education, and visibility within the school community.
The Network for Social Justice offers year-round programming and advocacy that centers LGBTQ+ voices while promoting equity, inclusion, and understanding around gender and sexuality. Through educational workshops, speaker events, and youth-led initiatives, the Network creates spaces for learning, dialogue, and celebration within the local community.
Regional & Statewide:
PFLAG Greater Boston is part of a national organization dedicated to supporting the families and allies of LGBTQ+ individuals. They offer confidential, welcoming support groups for parents, caregivers, families, and friends who are navigating the journey of understanding and affirming their LGBTQ+ loved ones.
GLSEN is a statewide organization committed to creating safe, supportive, and inclusive school environments for LGBTQ+ students. They provide comprehensive educator training to increase awareness and equip teachers and staff with tools to address bullying, harassment, and discrimination.
NAGLY (North Shore Alliance of LGBTQ+ Youth) is a nonprofit organization based in Salem, MA, dedicated to creating a safe, welcoming, and affirming space for LGBTQ+ youth ages 14–23. They offer weekly drop-in programs, support groups, and wellness workshops that focus on identity, mental health, and community-building.
GLAD (GLBTQ Legal Advocates & Defenders) is a New England-based legal organization committed to advancing the rights of LGBTQ+ people and people living with HIV through strategic litigation, public policy advocacy, and education. GLAD provides free and confidential legal information, referrals, resources, health care access, family law, and more.
COLAGE (Children of Lesbians and Gays Everywhere) is an organization that connects people with LGBTQ+ parents and caregivers, creating spaces where youth and adults can share their experiences, celebrate their identities, and build lasting community.
Transgender Emergency Fund of MA provides financial support for low-income transgender individuals, including help with housing, transportation, and emergency needs. In addition, the organization advocates for long-term solutions to trans homelessness and poverty by offering programs that promote stability and empowerment.
MA Trans Political Coalition IDA Network assists trans and nonbinary people with legal name and gender marker changes on identity documents. Their goal is to help community members obtain accurate and affirming identification, which is essential for accessing healthcare, employment, housing, and other vital services.
GLASS (Gay and Lesbian Adolescent Social Services) is a Boston-based organization dedicated to supporting LGBTQ+ youth of color and young people living with HIV. GLASS offers a wide range of direct services, including counseling, healthcare navigation, HIV prevention and treatment support, and case management tailored to meet the unique needs of its community.
For LGBTQ+ Older Adults:
The LGBT Aging Project is a program within Fenway Health, is dedicated to promoting equitable, culturally competent care and services for older LGBTQ+ adults and their caregivers. The project works to address the unique health disparities, social isolation, and discrimination that many LGBTQ+ elders face.
The National Resource Center on LGBTQ+ Aging is a leading organization dedicated to providing education, advocacy, and policy resources that improve the lives of older LGBTQ+ adults across the United States. The center offers training programs, research, and tools for service providers, policymakers, and community organizations to create more inclusive, affirming environments for LGBTQ+ elders.
Stay tuned for future months’ highlights!
