Recognizing that everyone has the right to quality services and care, our mission is to reach out to those in need with an emphasis on the economically disadvantaged, marginalized youth, senior adults, people of differing abilities and those with life-challenging health conditions in the greater South Florida metropolitan area.

• SunServe will be a model social service agency, serving the gay* community with compassionate and progressive care that understands and respects the individuality of each client, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identification.
• SunServe’s services will be of the highest quality for all clients served, especially those in financial need, minorities, youth, seniors, people of differing ability, and those with life-challenging physical, behavioral and emotional conditions.
• SunServe will help build a stronger, healthier community one person at a time, reaching beyond race, ageism, ethnic differences, sexual orientation and socio-economic classes.
• SunServe will meet the unique needs of the South Florida LGBT community through collaborative partnerships with individuals and agencies from the greater South Florida area.

* For us, “gay” = all those who self- identify as other than heterosexual.

The following is a brief history and background of the services we provide here at SunServe, designed to offer an overview of where we came from and where we are going:

In this unique environment, client and caregiver needs can be openly and frankly discussed and shared. The Center is committed to creating opportunities for social interaction, sharing, mutual support, education and a fun, warm atmosphere, where all clients are respected by caring staff who work with our clients to develop and maintain their independence and their sense of self-worth and dignity. Our program also focuses on the needs, concerns, and well being of the Caregiver; to provide support, learning and relief to these people who devote themselves to the care of their loved ones.

The Center is housed on the campus of the Sunshine Cathedral, just South of Davie Blvd. in Fort Lauderdale, and is focused on the needs of the elderly and frail seniors in our community. With Federal, State and local funding through the Older Americans Act, the Florida Department of Elder Affairs, the Area Agency on Aging, the City of Fort Lauderdale, and individual donations, we are able to provide day care to any senior wishing to attend our program. No eligible senior will be turned away, regardless of ability to contribute to the cost of our services. An incredible team of dedicated and experienced professional staff operates the Center, maintaining a ratio of at least one staff to every six clients. The center will serve up to 32 clients per day, and is well equipped and staffed to accommodate diverse client needs. The Staff includes a Registered Nurse, Social Worker, Activities Coordinator, Certified Nurses Assistants, Senior Aides and other Volunteers.

After nearly 2 years of construction, preparation and furnishing, the Noble A McArtor Adult Day Care finally opened our doors for service on February 19, 2004. The Center continues to enjoy an ever growing and diverse clientele and is eagerly seeking new seniors to join our program.

Click here for a list of the Sunserve's Staff, Board Members and Noble A. McArtor's Advisory Council Board members

* Education and Outreach Program:

These are programs designed to provide up to date information and skills acquisition on topics that directly affect the functional quality of LGBT families and individuals.

Programs include, but are not limited to: Conference and workshops for “consumers” i.e. LGBT persons, their friends, families and allies as well as clinical and professional training programs designed to meet the continuing education needs of services professionals, especially mental health and addictions treatment professionals.

These conferences and workshops focus on providing information and enhancing practical skills for a full spectrum of self help needs especially relevant to the LGBT community. Examples include: The recently successful annual Valuing Our Families Conference, and the self help activities of the Gay Male Empowerment Project. SunServe also provides state licensed continuing education units for professionals who serve or may serve LGBT clients.

* Counseling and Psychotherapy Programs:

This program provides a full range of out-patient mental health services including individual, couples, family and group treatment both on site at the SunServe offices and at the offices of the various clinicians who make up the Therapists’ Collective. Most services on site are provided by Florida registered mental health interns and/or volunteer licensed clinicians. SunServe provided over 3000 mental health service hours to clients in 2008

SunServe also offers peer counseling and support services. These services include support and/or prevention groups targeting the special needs of LGBT persons.
Since 2003, SunServe has grown a solid and respected Counseling and Psychotherapy Program to meet the needs of the LGBT community here in Broward County. Our thriving Therapists’ Collective has provided therapy to hundreds of members of the local LGBT community over the past year alone. With numerous programs, groups, and councils, SunServe has its finger on the pulse of the LGBT community here in Broward. The evolution of the Center for Community Services and Family Development is a natural progression of SunServe’s understanding of, involvement in, and commitment to our community. Click here to view therapist names and practice descriptions.

* Family and Youth Programs:

The Youth Program operates the only Youth Group for LGBTQ youth in Broward County, has created the SunServe Socio-Drama Youth Ensemble to bring out discussion on sexual orientation in schools and local community organizations, and has teamed up with the Fort Lauderdale Gay Men’s Chorus to form a Youth Chorus. All these programs are geared to build social and professional support systems for LGBT and Questioning youth.

SunServe’s Family Support Programs offer individual, group and family support systems for parents of LGBTQ children, children of LGBT parents, and LGBT parents. Our Annual Valuing Our Families series of programs reaches out to the entire community to educate, advocate for and empower our LGBT families of every size and shape. At our Annual Awards Gala, we honor national, State and local individuals who have contributed to promoting equality and respect for our LGBT youth and families. Sharon Gless, our National Spokesperson, joins us each year to present our National Award. Past recipients have included Sharon herself, Rosie & Kelly O’Donnell, Arimstead Maupin, Barney Frank, Peter Paige, and most recently, Brad Alteman and George Takei.