I recently met with the team from OutstandingLife (OsL), the state’s first – and only - virtual LGBTQ+ senior center, to learn about their new initiative to improve senior center/COA and ASAP connectivity to local LGBTQ+ elders and caregivers through collaboration with OsL. 

OsL was recently awarded a three-year grant from the state’s Healthy Aging Fund, to assist COAs and ASAPs in the development of regular, on-going, culturally-competent programming pitched to local LGBTQ elders and broadcast through OutstandingLife’s free, virtual platform.  

OutstandingLife will consult with COAs and ASAPs on the development of this programming, assist with local outreach and marketing, facilitate connections with local LGBTQ+ leaders and organizations, promote leadership development among local LGBTQ+ elders and caregivers, and create a supportive learning/ problem-solving environment for participating organizations and individuals.  

The goal of this initiative will be to utilize OutstandingLife’s free, safe, virtual platform and programming to reduce LGBTQ+ elder isolation by increasing their connectivity to local COAs, ASAPs and other elder service providers, as well as LGBTQ+ peers, community leaders and allies. 

OsL will prioritize work with COAs, ASAPs and LGBTQ+ groups in the Gateway Cities ofChelsea, Lynn, Brockton, New Bedford, Fall River, Worcester, Springfield, Lowell, and Lawrence, Pittsfield, as well as Cape Cod. OsL hopes to ensure this initiative fully represents the diversity of local LGBTQ+ communities, especially people of color, non-English speakers, immigrants and nonbinary, transgender, disabled and homebound elders.   

The initiative will be led by a Strategic Partnership Manager, who will report directly to the OsL Board of Directors. OsL will soon post this position and hopes Councils on Aging and ASAPs will circulate it widely. 

Reducing isolation and loneliness is a critical need among all MA elders – urban and rural, ‘of color’ and white, immigrant and native born, male and female, nonbinary and cisgender. However, because LGBTQ+ elders are much more prone to be single, alienated from blood relations and closeted to their neighbors and service providers, their isolation and loneliness can be particularly acute. A significant and meaningful reduction in LGBTQ+ elder isolation is at the core of OutstandingLife’s mission and purpose. 

The initiative will include a statewide Advisory Council. Both Mass Home Care and MCOA have been asked to designate a representative. Meetings are expected to be quarterly and encourage qualified candidates to apply. If you have any questions or are interested in serving on the Advisory Council, please contact Dale Mitchell from OsL’s Board of Directors, mitchming@yahoo.com or 617-592-1931.  



I, along with the MCOA Board of Directors, hope that you and your COA will lend your full support to this initiative.

Thank you, 

Betsy Connell

Executive Director