Senior Connection Hosts Roundtable to Raise Awareness of Grandfamily Village of Worcester
9-8-2026
On Tuesday, September 8, Senior Connection President & CEO Dr. Moses Dixon led a press conference and roundtable discussion at the Central Community Branch YMCA in Worcester focused on an urgent but often overlooked need: safe, affordable housing and comprehensive support for grandparents raising grandchildren.
The conversation brought together local, state and federal leaders, including: U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren, U.S. Representative Jim McGovern, U.S. Representative Ayanna Pressley, State Senator Robyn Kennedy, State Sen. Mary Keefe, State Representative David LeBoeuf, Doreen Goodrich, District Director for State Senator Mike Moore, Worcester City Manager Eric Batista—grandparents raising grandchildren Brenda Jenkins and Cassandra Bensahi.
The numbers tell an important story:
- 1 in 10 U.S. children is being raised by a grandparent.
- More than half of grandparents responsible for their grandchildren are age 60 or older.
- 55% of these grandparents are also in the workforce—balancing employment with caregiving.
- 87% of the 636 grandfamilies surveyed by Senior Connection reported needing housing suitable for grandparents and grandchildren.
These families step up during times of crisis—often following a parent’s death or serious illness, substance use disorder, incarceration, or other family challenges. They deserve housing and services designed specifically around their unique needs.
That is the vision behind Grandfamily Village of Worcester, an innovative community being developed at 264 Stafford Street. The Village will provide safe, affordable housing along with a Grandparents Raising Grandkids Resource Center, community health workers, an on-site medical clinic, trauma-informed supports, workforce development, youth programming, and connections to health, wellness and social services. Construction is currently planned to begin in 2027.
The project has received $3 million in federal funding secured through a congressional earmark, with support from Senator Warren and Congressman McGovern—an important investment in keeping families together and helping both generations thrive.
Grandfamilies are stepping up for the next generation. Now, our community must step up for them. Learn more about the Grandfamily Village of Worcester and how you can support the campaign Here.
About Senior Connection
Since 1974, Senior Connection has helped older adults in Central Massachusetts to live independently at home for as long as possible. Senior Connection connects older adults to nutrition services, health, transportation, legal assistance, crisis intervention and other services.
