You are never without help here in South Florida because Sunserve, the largest LGBTQ social service agency in the area, is only a stones-throw away with a location in Wilton Manors and another on the campus of Sunshine Cathedral. It’s amazing what this mid-size organization with only 30 employees is able to offer.

Want a safe and reliable senior center for your mother while you’re at work? Reach out to Senior Service about their respite care. Want to talk with someone about personal concerns and work toward developing the best person you can be? Check with Mental Health Services for counseling. Struggling to secure a new residence? See if you qualify for their Housing Assistance program.

The organization has four other departments as well: Youth Services, Transgender Services, Training and Education Services and an Administrative Department.

Sunserve’s commitment extends beyond just working within the LGBTQ community but also provides the general public, care providers and the business community the education they need to effectively engage with LGBTQ people.

LGBTQ Cultural Proficiency Training is available to businesses and their employees. Certification courses for nurses and social workers provide continuing education units or credit. They also have an internship program, which assists mental health students in fulfilling the necessary requirements for professional licensing.

“Whether we have a service that caters to you or not, we always find a way to help,” said Bryan Wilson, administrative director of Sunserve.

This year, Sunserve is putting together Florida’s first Caribbean LGBTQ Pride Festival, which was spawned by a woman’s phone call married with Sunserve’s desire to represent the whole community equally.

The event will be held on March 7, 2015 at Eucalyptus Gardens between 4:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. and will feature Caribbean food and music.

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