SAGE/Milwaukee. 

ACCESS RESTRICTIONS: There are no access restrictions on the materials, and the collection is open to all members of the public in accordance with state law. However, the researcher assumes full responsibility for conforming with the laws of libel, privacy, and copyright which may be involved in the use of this collection (Wisconsin Statutes 19.21-19.39).

SCOPE AND CONTENT: This collection contains the organizational records of SAGE/Milwaukee, including annual reports, grant files, meeting minutes, and newsletters. Many records series date from the founding of the organization in 1993. These records were compiled by Eldon Murray in his roles as the organizer's founder and member of the board of directors.

ADMINISTRATIVE HISTORY: Eldon Murray founded SAGE/Milwaukee in December 1993 after attending a conference sponsored by SAGE/New York. SAGE stands for "Senior Action in a Gay Environment."

SAGE/Milwaukee began with five members on its board of directors, two co-presidents, a secretary, and treasurer. The organization was incorporated in April 1994, at which time it added a board of advisors. In February 1997, SAGE/Milwaukee began renting space at Lake Park Lutheran Church and joined the Coalition of Wisconsin Aging Groups. In January 1999, the organization became a tenant of the Milwaukee LGBT Community Center, which at that time was located on S. 2nd Street.

In 2000, the Milwaukee County Department on Aging (MCDOA) provided SAGE/Milwaukee with funds for two needs assessment surveys: one for older LGBT persons and another for professionals working with the elderly. In 2001 SAGE/Milwaukee became an official provider of services to MCDOA and received $10,000 to provide services to older LGBT persons in Milwaukee County during the year. The funds enabled SAGE/Milwaukee to continue its outreach advertising program, hire a part-time social worker, and sponsor a training program for professionals working with the elderly. With a special grant from The Non Profit Management Fund in 2001, SAGE/Milwaukee hired a professional consultant to help prepare a strategic plan. The plan was completed in mid-2002. The organization moved to the new site of the Milwaukee LGBT Community Center at 315 W. Court Street in October 2001.

In 2002, SAGE/Milwaukee received a second grant of $10,000 from MCDOA. A substantial bequest enabled SAGE/Milwaukee to establish the SAGE Milwaukee Endowment Fund for LGBT Seniors, which is managed by the Greater Milwaukee Foundaton.Through a 2004 Helen Bader Foundation grant, SAGE/Milwaukee hired a full-time executive director. In March of that year, the organization relocated to 1845 North Farwell Avenue. In 2005, SAGE/Milwaukee expanded the board of directors to eleven members, including two member representatives. As a result of strategic planning in 2006, the organization further defined its role in the community by documenting its essential functions and guiding principles.

COLLECTION CITATION: This collection should be cited as:

SAGE/Milwaukee. SAGE/Milwaukee Records, 1993-2007. UWM Manuscript Collection 256. University Archives. UWM Libraries. University of Wisconsin--Milwaukee.

ACQUISITION:  With the support of SAGE/Milwaukee, the Estate of Eldon Murray donated this collection in June 2007 (accession 2007-001). SAGE/Milwaukee regularly gifts a copy of its newsletter to the Archives Department.

PROCESSING:  Rachel Arndt processed the collection at the Archives in September 2007.

RELATED MATERIALS:

• Cream City Foundation Records (UWM Manuscript Collection 203)
• Senior Action Coalition Records (UWM Manuscript Collection 23)

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URL: http://www.uwm.edu/Libraries/arch/findaids/uwmmss256.htm
Last edited on September 18, 2007.
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