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LGBT Senior Center In The Bronx Gets Funding Boost On National Coming Out Day

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Some extra support is on the way for a senior center in the Bronx to make sure LGBT New Yorkers have what they need in their golden years.

LGBT seniors report higher rates of loneliness and isolation, and a third of the population live in poverty, WCBS 880's Alex Silverman reported.

"A lot of LGBT seniors have not had children, a lot of their families threw them out years ago," said Tim Shaw.

That's why places like the SAGE (Services and Advocacy for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender Elders) Center, which opened on 188th Street last year, are so important.

"Where they can live their lives as proud gay Americans in an open way," said State Sen. Jeff Klein.

In honor of National Coming Out Day, Klein presented the center with $150,000 on Tuesday to expand its services.

Joyce Banks said the center saved her after her partner of 32 years died in 2013.

"It means everything to me," Banks said. "I have a place to go."

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