In 2009 Central Massachusetts Agency on Aging, Elder Services of Worcester, Inc, and the Worcester Senior Center got together and formed WLEN (Worcester LGBT Elder Network) to address the needs of aging lesbian, gay men, bisexual, and transgender people. We hope to provide a source of information and referral for LGBT elders and their caregivers.

The personal histories of today's older LGBT individuals often require them to receive services appropriate to their needs. Tomorrow's older LGBT could very well swamp aging services because of their numbers and because they are accustomed to receiving respect for their individual situations. Read more ...

WLEN is made up of a network of Social Workers, Administrators, providers of Aging Services, long-term care professionals, and LGBT individuals and their friends and allies. The structure is minimal and consists of an Advisory Committee, two part-time staff members, and a large group of LGBT consumers concerned about aging services for the LGBT population. WLEN’s consumer advisors have identified five working groups to help carry out the network’s mission: Organization and planning, health resources, education and training, outreach and marketing, and social events. The chairs of these groups serve on the Advisory Committee with the two staff members and the heads of the three local sponsoring agencies.

All aging clients deserve to be treated in such a way that they feel safe and secure when dealing with case workers and others involved in their care. This is especially true for gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender elders. Members of the LGBT aging population, like any other subgroup of older adults, need to be treated with respect and acceptance to feel safe ... Read More ...

WLEN is funded in part by a grant from the GLBT Partnership Fund of Greater Worcester Community Foundation.