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BROOKLINE, MA– On Tuesday, June 2, Goddard House began their Pride Month festivities at their eighth annual flag raising ceremony. Friends, family, and residents gathered together to celebrate the month that they believe represents diversity and love, while watching the flag proudly wave. 

Goddard House’s involvement with pride really took off in 2019 when they partnered with SAGECare, an organization that helps assisted living communities become more knowledgeable about the unique needs, identities and experiences of LGBTQ+ seniors. Goddard House became the first assisted living community in Massachusetts to earn the SAGECare Accreditation, formally recognizing them as LGBTQ+ friendly.

Keynote speaker Laura Singer, CEO of senior caregiving organization, ETHOS, shared her experiences both as a supporter of Goddard House’s inclusivity mission and a member of the LGBTQ+ community herself. 

“Today, we honor the courage and resilience of those who paved the way. We also look to our youth reminding them that they are the future. They are never alone, and they stand on the shoulders of giants who have fought fiercely for them to live authentically,” said Singer in her speech. 

This flag raising ceremony is just the beginning of the community’s month-long celebrations. Later in June, Goddard House will host a pride dance party and weekly pride film fests to recognize and celebrate the diversity that makes up the community.

“We feel really successful in developing this culture here, being a leader in the state of Massachusetts and assisted living, the kindness that we’ve attributed, and the outreach that we’ve done to the older gay community here in Massachusetts,” said Goddard House Assistant Executive Director, Lance Chapman. 

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Goddard House embraces the aging experience for seniors living in the Boston area by operating a high-quality assisted living community and by creating innovative programs which support our need for purpose, engagement, autonomy and choice as we age. Learn more at www.GoddardHouse.org.