GLSS HEALTHY LIVING PROGRAMS SEEKING VOLUNTEER LEADERS

Wellness Pathways at GLSS seeks new leaders to deliver evidence-based wellness workshops in the community. These workshops help participants build practical skills to manage chronic conditions, reduce fall risk, improve wellness, and increase confidence in managing their health day to day.

We are currently offering leader training opportunities for the following programs:

• Chronic Disease Self-Management for adults living with ongoing conditions
• Chronic Pain Self-Management for individuals living with persistent pain
• Healthy Eating for Successful Living, a workshop focused on supporting healthier eating habits
• Diabetes Self-Management for individuals with diabetes and pre-diabetes
• Cancer: Thriving and Surviving for individuals living with cancer, whether in treatment or post-treatment, and their caregivers.
• Diabetes Self-Management for individuals living with diabetes and pre-diabetes
• HIV Self-Management, for individuals living with HIV
• A Matter of Balance, an evidence-based fall prevention workshop for older adults


For more information about becoming a workshop leader (training and ongoing support provided) or to register for a workshop, visit the link below or contact Jousette Anaya, Program Supervisor/Master Trainer SMRC (janaya@glss.net) or call 978-398-9115.

For many years, GLSS has been a presence at the North Shore Pride Parade and Festival. We are proud to support this organization and its efforts to support the LGBTQIA community. Thanks to all the staff who participated and stopped by to say "hello!".

GLSS and Phoenix Food Hub are excited to announce this summer's Farmer's Market Coupon Distribution Day!

FREE $25 Farmer’s Market Coupons will be distributed:

When:
Thursday, July 23, 2026
9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Where:
Phoenix Food Hub/Greater Lynn Senior Services
8 Silsbee Street, Lynn

Who:
Must be 60 years or older, Lynn residents with low income. Please bring your ID.
Limit one booklet per person. Booklets contain five $5 coupons.

Coupons can be used at the Lynn Farmer's Market and at over 40 other markets and farm stands throughout the North Shore.
Coupons will be distributed on a first-come, first-serve basis. If you have questions about coupon distribution, please call Greater Lynn Senior Services at (781) 599-0110

Click here to download a flyer in English and Spanish.

GLSS CELEBRATING 50TH ANNIVERSARY IN 2026

Greater Lynn Senior Services (GLSS) is pleased to announce that it is celebrating its 50th anniversary. Established in 1976, GLSS delivers critical services through multiple programs to families and individuals of all ages. In fulfilling our fundamental mission of promoting community livability for all, GLSS programs are designed to address the social elements of health that undermine the well-being of the most vulnerable among us. The agency celebrated with a community event on April 30 and a staff event on May 13.

 GLSS, which employs a staff of over 225, regularly supports 8,000 individuals and families in its role as an Aging Services Access Point and Area Agency on Aging, delivering critical resources to 5,000 elders and their caregivers in Lynn, Lynnfield, Nahant, Saugus, and Swampscott. The agency’s Population Health programs serve 2,800 younger individuals and families throughout the North Shore, North Suburban, and Merrimack Valley regions, including nutrition-related services to over 800 residents of all ages in Lynn and surrounding communities.

In essence, GLSS plays a vital role in building healthier and more livable communities by providing a wide array of services that empower individuals to maintain their independence, safety, and well-being.

“I am truly humbled to be at the helm of this agency to celebrate this milestone anniversary,” said Kathryn Burns, GLSS’ CEO since 2020. “GLSS is just one of the critical non-profits that support Greater Lynn and communities throughout the North Shore, but our special connection to serving the needs of older adults is unprecedented.”

Since its inception, GLSS has responded to the changing needs of consumers by providing a continuum of community health and human services to help people age 60 and older live independently, safely and with dignity, for as long as possible. Over time, that mission has grown to include adults of all ages living with disabilities and, more recently through several programs, children as young as age 3.

GLSS provides access to services through information and referral; home care services; nutrition programs; mobility management; housing supports; clinical and protective services; programs designed to promote consumer engagement and better health and well-being; and new initiatives aimed at creating stronger, more livable communities for all.

The roots of GLSS date back to 1960 when a group of concerned citizens established the Lynn Council on Aging, initiating services such as advocacy, home-delivered meals and nutrition sites, mental health and nursing clinics, adult day health, transportation, outreach, and other activities. In 1975, the Council on Aging joined the four other Councils on Aging in Lynnfield, Nahant, Saugus, and Swampscott to develop a completely integrated service system for older adults in the Greater Lynn area.

“I have served on the GLSS Board of Directors for over 25 years,” said Nelson Chang, a Saugus attorney. “I have seen the transformation of this organization from a senior services agency to one that that now serves all—children living with autism, young people living with disabilities, and, of course and always, older people in keeping with its original mission.”

Although many of GLSS’ programs are funded in whole or in part by federal and state funds, we depend on – and welcome – community support to help us cover the gap. To learn more visit https://www.glss.net/Join-Us/Donate-Now.

KITCHEN FOR ALL

A Collaboration with the Lynn Disability Network

June 23, June 30, July 7, and July 21 from 5:00–6:00 p.m.

RSVP to elopez@glss.net

These classes are open to all children ages 4-12, especially those with special needs, accompanied by a parent or guardian. Please note that space is limited and registration is required.

GLSS' RAINBOW ALLIANCE TO HOLD AN ITALIAN-THEMED COOKING CLASS ON THURSDAY, MARCH 26

 

Local chef Michel Chamsarian will lead this event for people age 50 and older who identify as LGBTQ+. Participants are invited to bring a significant other, a

family member, friend, or ally.

 

Thursday, March 26, 2026 – 2:00 P.M.

Phoenix Food Hub

Greater Lynn Senior Services

8 Silsbee Street, Lynn, Mass.

Download a copy here.

GLSS RECEIVES SAGECARE CREDENTIAL FOR WORK WITH LGBTQ+ COMMUNITY

Greater Lynn Senior Services’ Rainbow Alliance Committee is proud to announce that the Agency has achieved the prestigious SAGECare credential. The certification from SAGE signifies that GLSS’ employees have completed training in LGBTQ+ cultural competency for providing care to older adults and a commitment to creating a respectful, affirming, and inclusive environment for all. GLSS was able to participate in SAGECare’s nationally recognized training program for free.

“Becoming SAGECare credentialed supports our commitment to being an inclusive provider and employer,” said Kathryn C. Burns, GLSS’s CEO. “In order to achieve the certification, at least 50 percent of our staff needed to complete a training module offered by SAGECare, and. I am pleased to note that we exceeded that number by quite a bit.” The trainings offered by SAGECare include topics such as “Supporting LGBTQ+ Older Adults,” “Asking Inclusive Intake Questions,” and “Guidance and Grace: Preparing LGBTQ+ Older Adults for End of Life.”

“SAGECare trainings address the challenges and discrimination faced by the LGBTQ+ community at large with special focus on understanding the unique circumstances experienced by older adults,” said Holly Jarrell-Marcinelli, Senior Director of Consumer Services at GLSS. She notes that many individuals may not have children or may be estranged from family members and, as a result, may be more reliant on services and supports from organizations like GLSS to help them remain safe and independent as they age.

The SAGECare training initiative is a project of GLSS’ Rainbow Alliance, a committee of GLSS employees interested in supporting LGBTQ+ consumers, employees, and community members. “Knowing we work with so many people who are willing to learn about each other and to be helpful in this way makes a huge impression on me,” said Jerrod Webb-Gaudian, GLSS’ Meals on Wheels Supervisor and member of the Rainbow Alliance. “This achievement makes GLSS an even more caring and supportive place for all of us—consumers, staff, and allies alike.”

The Rainbow Alliance is planning a number of upcoming events and activities to engage with LGBTQ+ older adults in an effort to provide meaningful opportunities to connect with others. If you are interested in receiving more information, please contact mgilligan@glss.net.

SAGECare provides training and credentialing to help healthcare and elder care providers deliver culturally competent and affirming care to LGBTQ+ older adults. Its parent, SAGE—founded in 1978—is the largest and oldest American organization dedicated to improving the lives of LGBTQ+ older people.

GLSS is the Aging Services Access Point and Area Agency on Aging serving people age 60 and older in the Greater Lynn area. The agency offers information and referral; in-home services; meals and nutrition; clinical counseling and support; elder protective services; mobility and healthy living workshops; and long-term services and supports. Several of its programs reach beyond the Greater Lynn area, serving people of all ages throughout the North Shore and Merrimack Valley.

SCHOLARSHIP AVAILABLE TO AREA HIGH SCHOOL

SENIORS THROUGH GREATER LYNN SENIOR SERVICES

 

Greater Lynn Senior Services is accepting applications from high school seniors through the Lique Human Services Scholarship. A total of $10,000 will be awarded to up to five students who have an interest in or are considering a career in human services and who have made an impact in their community or the world through service.

The Lique Human Services Scholarship will be awarded to seniors who attend one of the eight high schools located in GLSS’ service area of Lynn, Lynnfield, Nahant, Saugus, and Swampscott. These schools include Lynn English and Lynn Classical High Schools; Lynnfield, Saugus, and Swampscott High Schools; Kipp Academy Lynn Collegiate; Lynn Vocational Technical Institute; and St. Mary’s High School. The scholarship is named in memory of Vince Lique, who served as the Agency’s Executive Director for nearly 25 years and who devoted his career to helping others, particularly vulnerable senior citizens and people of all ages with disabilities, demanding that all people be treated with dignity and respect.

“Vince’s legacy is firmly rooted in his compassion for people. He measured success by the quality of his service to and advocacy for others,” said Kathryn C. Burns, GLSS’ Chief Executive Officer. “I believe in Vince’s theory that one’s individual success is directly related to the benefits received by those around us. The Lique Human Services Scholarship honors the man and his service by encouraging others to do the same.” She noted that this is the scholarship’s 20th year assisting young people in our area.

Applications are available through each high school’s guidance office or can be downloaded at www.glss.net. Applications are due on or before Friday, April 3, 2026.

More information is available at www.glss.net. If you have any questions, please contact scholarships@glss.net.

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