Greater Springfield Senior Services, Inc

We will be closed on Friday, June 19, 2026, in observance of the Juneteenth holiday.

Juneteenth commemorates the end of slavery in the United States and serves as a time to reflect on freedom, equality, and the ongoing pursuit of justice.

Our office will reopen and resume normal business hours on Monday, June 22, 2026.

We wish everyone a safe and meaningful holiday.

Western Massachusetts has long been a place where people can find community, connection, and belonging. From Springfield to Holyoke, Northampton to Amherst, LGBTQ+ older adults continue to enrich our region through their leadership, advocacy, volunteerism, and wisdom.

At GSSSI, we believe every older adult deserves to age with dignity, respect, and the support of a welcoming community.

Happy Pride Month from all of us at GSSSI.

🧠 June is Alzheimer's & Brain Awareness Month

When someone develops dementia, it affects more than memory. It changes routines, relationships, and daily life for the entire family.

This month, we recognize the millions of individuals living with Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia, as well as the caregivers who provide support, compassion, and care every day.

If you are caring for a loved one with memory loss, know that you are not alone. Resources, education, and support are available.

To learn more about caregiver support and dementia resources, contact us at 413-781-8800 or visit www.gsssi.org

𝐌𝐲 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲. 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲. 𝐎𝐮𝐫 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲.

Today, we wear purple in recognition of World Elder Abuse Awareness Month.

By learning the warning signs, checking in on older adults, and speaking up when something doesn't seem right, we can all help create a safer community for older adults. Because protecting older adults isn't just someone else's responsibility. It's all of ours.

If you suspect an older adult may be experiencing abuse, neglect, self-neglect, or exploitation, please call the Massachusetts Elder Abuse Hotline at 1-800-922-2275 (available 24/7)
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🌈 𝐒𝐩𝐨𝐭𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐨𝐧 𝐎𝐮𝐫 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐧𝐞𝐫: 𝐎𝐮𝐭𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐋𝐢𝐟𝐞 🌈

Did you know there is an online community created specifically for LGBTQ+ older adults?

OutstandingLife - A Free Online Community for LGBTQ+ Seniors provides opportunities for social connection, friendship, peer support, and engaging programs in a welcoming and affirming environment. Through virtual events and activities, LGBTQ+ older adults can build meaningful relationships and find community from the comfort of home.

Social connection is important at every age, and organizations like OutstandingLife help ensure that LGBTQ+ older adults have spaces where they can connect, belong, and thrive.

Learn more about OutstandingLife and their upcoming programs at www.outstandinglife.org.

What does dementia feel like for individuals, families, caregivers, and communities?

Presented by the Springfield Dementia Friendly Coalition and Dream Studios, Inc., 𝗗𝗮𝘆𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗗𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗮 is a powerful original theatrical production exploring the emotional, spiritual, and communal impact of dementia through storytelling, performance, and shared experience.

This meaningful community event will also include audience engagement, resources, and the unveiling of the 2026 Dementia Quilt.

We encourage community members, caregivers, professionals, and families to register to attend and be part of this important conversation.

𝗔 𝗠𝗲𝗮𝗹 𝗜𝘀 𝗡𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗝𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗔 𝗠𝗲𝗮𝗹

For many older adults, Meals on Wheels provides more than nutrition. It provides connection, safety, and the ability to remain independent at home.

Last year, GSSSI funded more than 528,000 home-delivered meals throughout our region.

Massachusetts legislators are currently finalizing the FY27 State Budget, and an additional $500,000 for senior nutrition programs is at stake.

Please take two minutes to contact your legislators and ask them to support nutrition funding for older adults.

Our friends at Mass Aging Access have made it easy to take action: https://agingaccess.org/take-action/

Every message matters.

Dementia impacts not only the individual, but also caregivers, families, and entire support systems.

Through the GUIDE (Guiding an Improved Dementia Experience) Program, we are helping connect eligible older adults and caregivers with local, person-centered dementia support services designed to improve quality of life and reduce caregiver stress.

The program includes comprehensive assessments, personalized care planning, caregiver education, ongoing support, and respite services. Participants also benefit from working with local GSSSI Care Navigators who understand the community resources available throughout the region.

GUIDE services are available at no additional cost for eligible participants and can complement other existing supports and services.

To learn more, contact GSSSI at 413-781-8800 or [email protected].

We are pleased to announce that we have been awarded a $50,000 Community Resilience Grant from the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts in support of our Meals on Wheels program.

In FY25, GSSSI provided more than 528,000 meals to older adults in our community. For many participants, these deliveries represent a critical source of nutrition and support.

As the costs of food, packaging, fuel, and labor continue to rise, investments such as this help ensure that essential services remain available to those who need them most.

We extend our sincere gratitude to the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts and the anonymous donor whose generosity made this funding possible. Their support will help strengthen our ability to serve older adults across the region.

Together, we are helping older adults maintain their health, independence, and dignity.

💜 𝐉𝐮𝐧𝐞 𝐢𝐬 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝 𝐄𝐥𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐀𝐛𝐮𝐬𝐞 𝐀𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐡. 𝟒,𝟏𝟔𝟒 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐏𝐚𝐲 𝐀𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧. 💜

Elder abuse is often hidden, but it is happening in our communities every day.

During Fiscal Year 2025, our Protective Services Department received 4,164 reports of concern involving older adults across Hampden County.

These reports involved concerns such as self-neglect, financial exploitation, emotional abuse, physical abuse, and neglect. Behind every report is a person who deserves to live safely, independently, and with dignity.

If you notice unexplained injuries, sudden financial problems, isolation, poor living conditions, or other signs that an older adult may be at risk, trust your instincts and speak up. One call could change or even save a life.

📞 Massachusetts Elder Abuse Hotline: 1-800-922-2275 (available 24 hours a day)