Formal Introduction
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It is a pleasure to formally introduce myself, I am
John Acosta. AZTECA
Project founder. This project is the fruition of an
eight-year vision. It
provides vital support and referral services to GAY
Adult Latinos/ Latinas
50+years of age.Azteca Project of is the first of its
kind in the country to
recognize this neglected community and link the cities
mainstream social
services with the elderly gay Latino community.
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AZTECA Project is committed to addressing the
concerns and challenges that face the elderly community.
AZTECA Project information services
are free and will not discriminate based on age, gender, ethnic
background, religion, or sexual
preference. A membership will never be required AZTECA Project
will show
that a person who is Elderly, Gay
and of Color does not ask or want special Treatment, Special programs
nor
Special Rights.
This Project provides free information which is available
in both English and Spanish, regarding
social services available in and
out of the gay community. These services includeinformation on:
discounts for
medications, living assistance,
housing, legal, income tax assistance, transportation, employments,
meals
delivered to their homes, home repairs,
and information how to get discounted utilities. This is a vital
service
that is necessary for the reason
that there is a large population that includes GAY Latinos entering
their senior
years. However, presently many social
services are neglecting this fast growing population by not addressing
the needs of the aging gay community.
In addition the aging gay community has limited resources because
they
don't go outside their comfort zone
in search of services that could benefit them. The problem is
now
identified.
We must address the needs of this
fast-growing segment of the population. In California, we have
a law that is
strictly enforced "three strikes
and your out" concept. Let us not include the particular
group of people who
are (1) elderly (2) of color (3)
and gay in this concept.
"It's not how LONG we manage to live, but HOW we manage to
live that becomes more important"
John Acosta
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