If you’ve been unsuccessful at finding your Mr. or Ms. Right, then perhaps you might want to give the Single Black Seniors Network (SBSN) a try. The organization is a socialization network of like-minded African American seniors who come together to interact and enjoy planned activities. The good news is that the network is expanding beyond the Chicagoland region.
Since its launch in 2016, SBSN has successfully connected African American singles via their socials, speed-dating events, outings, discussion groups, and workshops. As a matter of fact, the organization has become the primary network for connecting countless single Black seniors in the Chicagoland area. As a result of their overwhelming success rate, SBSN is looking to expand into other cities across the country. As the network’s CEO, I receive inquiries from all over the country on a regular basis, asking if Single Black Seniors Network is available in other cities. Now is an ideal time to expand this dating model so the entire country can enjoy the excitement, benefit, and overall success rate of the network.
In this country, 63% of Black seniors are single and sadly, living their retirement years alone. Previous studies have linked loneliness to a range of health problems, from high blood pressure and a weakened immune system to a greater risk of depression, heart attack, and strokes. Statistics also show that seniors who live alone and do not have regular interaction with others, live an average of eight years less than those who have a mate and who socialize regularly.
Creating opportunities for people to socialize and possibly make lasting connections is a part of SBSN’s mission. Whether it’s through getting out and enjoying fun activities or socializing with a group of like-minded seniors, it is imperative to the network’s mission to help seniors stave off the urges to remain isolated. SBSN is helping folks to make connections through socials that include dances, card playing, food, outings, discussion groups, speed-dating, and just overall engaging adventures. The organization also publishes a monthly newsletter showcasing photos from the previous month’s activities and always includes an informative article on how to live a healthier lifestyle.
Skip LeMay, 66, decided to give SBSN a try and is having the time of his life. “I was one of three men who showed up for the first event back in December 2016; it was the coldest day of the year. I am so pleased to see so many more men participating in SBSN these days. SBSN is a real jewel for Black seniors, offering opportunities to socialize with warm, friendly, approachable folks in comfortable surroundings. Even for a guy like me who doesn’t really dance, there is always something fun to do and good conversations to be had,” LeMay enthuses.
Just recently, SBSN celebrated the first marriage to come out of the network. The married couple is one of at least six committed couples that met during activities hosted by SBSN. According to Charles Williams, 77, SBSN has injected fun factor into his life. “Single Black Seniors Network is the best way to meet Black single seniors. I enjoy interacting with the variety of women within the network. The activities (socials and speed-dating in particular) are fun and allow for really great interactions. SBSN has effectively changed my life and has brought me an increased level of confidence and excitement in my life that I thought was long gone; it is a fresh, innovative group that truly addresses the needs of single seniors,” says Williams.
If you are a single 60-plus-years-young senior who wants to experience a network of new and friendly faces, then Single Black Seniors Network is for you or for perhaps another loved one in your life. If you want to learn more about how to participate in the network, go to SingleBlackSeniorsNetwork.net to sign up to receive emails and the monthly newsletter about activities for seniors in the community.
If you are interested in helping to bring Single Black Seniors Network to your area, please contact Gerri Norington 773-405-9020, [email protected], SingleBlackSeniorsNetwork.net or follow on Facebook at www.facebook.com/singleblackseniorsnetwork
