SAGE Wilmington is now OWLS: OUT Wilmington LGBTQ+ Seniors

     In December 2021, SAGE USA’s Board of Directors approved a new strategic plan that includes a restructuring of current affiliate  relationships from a centralized model to a collaborative model. This new model seeks to meet the unique needs of current affiliates and to continue to grow impact. SAGE’s new partnership model offers the flexibility to respond to or invest in local and marginalized community  needs while continuing to support valued and long-term partners. In particular, the new partnership model will engage more organizations –  particularly organizations led by and geared towards BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color), transgender and non-binary (TGNB)  elders, and those living in rural areas. These organizations will now have the opportunity to partner with SAGE in new and strategic ways.

     The Center will continue to partner with SAGE USA and support the national program during this time of transition. With SAGE USA eliminating the affiliate model, Center staff were notified that moving forward the organization would no longer use the SAGE name and logo. Looking forward, the decision opens the door for the program to partner with more organizations without the rules and restrictions that came along with co-branding.

     As of December 2022, the group formerly known as SAGE Wilmington will cease usage of all SAGE branding. In its place, the new program name, OWLS, was selected to represent this core program for LGBTQ+ individuals aged 50 and above. The name was voted upon after a series of constructive discussions with current program members and Center staff. A new logo for the program was designed and adopted for future use. Our hope is that our community continues their fervent support and will help spread the word that while former SAGE affiliates are changing their names, the LGBTQ Center of the Cape Fear Coast is still partners with SAGE USA and remains committed to supporting our collaborative work in building community.