Milestone Anniversary Events

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.