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Local LGBT-inclusive nonprofits compete for technology makeover grants

The Georgia Voice Editors
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Atlanta-based business technology solutions company Milner opened up voting today for the “Technology Jumpstart Your Nonprofit” contest, which will award two Georgia nonprofits a complete technology makeover valued at $20,000 and $15,000. The contest is grouped into two categories, organizations with 15 or less staff and organizations with 16 or more.

The Health Initiative, an Atlanta-based LGBT health services organization, is one of more than 60 organizations vying for one of the two makeovers in the “15 or Less” category, while Atlanta no-kill animal shelter PAWS Atlanta and AID Atlanta, the state's largest HIV prevention and testing organization, are among entrants to the "16 or More" category.

Each week, GA Voice features a pet up for adoption in partnership with PAWS Atlanta.

Health: Health Initiative strives to meet LGBT Georgia’s needs

The Georgia Voice Editors
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Atlanta Health Initiative's Garden Party

At its annual Fall Garden Party in September 2011, the Atlanta Lesbian Health Initiative announced it would expand its mission to encompass all of the community — becoming The Health Initiative, “Georgia’s voice for LGBTQ health.”

In the year since its re-branding and expansion, the biggest change has been the number of individuals that utilize Health Initiative’s services, said Executive Director Linda Ellis.

“The most significant shift has been the overwhelming expansion in the number and types of people who are accessing our services, particularly the health fund,” Ellis said. “We’re seeing an increase in trans individuals and gay men who access the fund. That’s a shift for us and that’s exactly what we wanted to happen.”

Week of events honor transgender community

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Transgender Day of Remembrance

For the past decade or more, people have gathered on the steps of the Georgia Capitol to remember transgender people who were killed or died because of who they are. This year, the day will also celebrate life.

The annual Transgender Day of Remembrance, facilitated by Tracee McDaniel and her organization, the Juxtaposed Center for Transformation, is also moving indoors for the first time and will be held at the Phillip Rush Center on Nov. 20.

“In addition to the vigil we’ve added a new component this year,” McDaniel says.

Health Initiative celebrates ‘Sisters’ at Sunday’s Garden Party

The Georgia Voice Editors
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Inclusiveness is the biggest change in this year’s Garden Party fundraiser, hosted by the Health Initiative on Sunday, Sept. 23. Since changing its name from the Atlanta Lesbian Health initiative to The Health Initiative last year, the focus has also changed. The Initiative is no longer exclusively a lesbian health organization but now address the health needs of all in the LGBT community.

“Since we have broadened our mission to include everyone, we have had some new challenges that we knew we might face when we planned to make these changes almost two years ago. Mainly, we want to ensure that we cover the full continuum of the lives of our clients,” said Jo Giraudo, Health Initiative board co-chair.

That continuum includes a new support group for senior citizens called SAGE (Services and Advocacy for GLBT Elders). 

Health Initiative to recognize Atlanta Sisters at Fall Garden Party

The Georgia Voice Editors
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The Health Initiative today announced plans for its annual Fall Garden Party fundraiser. The event, now in its 17th year, will again be held at Midtown's Einstein's on Sept. 23 from 4 - 8 p.m.

Among the festivities this year, the Health Initiative will honor the Atlanta Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence for their work in the community with the Healing Angel Award.

Linda Ellis, executive director of Health Initiative, said the Atlanta Sisters were deserving of the honor for their work in LGBT advocacy across Atlanta.

“The Sisters are extremely deserving of this honor," Ellis said in a statement. "They spend countless hours working for the well-being of the community and we are excited to offer them this type of recognition for their efforts.”

Health Initiative prepares for Spring Health Fair

The Georgia Voice Editors
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The Health Initiative

The Health Initiative, Georgia’s voice for LGBT health, will host a Spring Health Fair on April 28 at The Rush Center. The event is being held in partnership with Grady Medical.

Doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals will be on-hand to offer a variety of free health screenings and consultations ranging from blood pressure to cholesterol and glucose checks.

Also included in the health fair are short (30-45 minute) health and wellness information sessions that will focus on a variety of topics specific to LGBT participants. These sessions will occur throughout the day, according to the Health Initiative’s James Parker Sheffield.

Atlanta Pride seeks new head as Health Initiative expands

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Atlanta Pride Executive Director James Parker Sheffield stepping down from position

James Sheffield steps down as Atlanta Pride’s executive director Feb. 4 to become the Health Initiative’s new director of organizational development. His goal in the new position is to help expand the agency that is transitioning from being known as the Atlanta Lesbian Health Initiative.

Atlanta Pride organizers said they won’t rush into hiring a new executive director and will conduct a national search for the person best to lead the largest Pride festival in the Southeast.

Sheffield began volunteering as an intern for Atlanta Pride in 1999 at age 19. In 2001, he started earning an hourly wage with Atlanta Pride. He took the helm of the event after then-Executive Director Donna Narducci resigned in 2008 and was officially named executive director after the 2009 festival.