News
May 14th, 2026
A Place to Belong: Honoring Lifelong During Older Adults Month
Reflecting on our partnership engagement visit to Lifelong in honor of Older Adults Month, I left feeling appreciative of the care, intention, and vision that lives within the center. Lifelong is more than a service provider—it is a community anchor that meets older adults where they are and walks alongside them with dignity and respect. This is evident in their intentional program building and the voice of their staff and leadership.
They are making a clear and powerful statement by offering a sliding scale: everyone deserves to belong here and we welcome everyone. That kind of openness removes barriers and creates real opportunity for connection, wellness, and joy.
Lifelong is also thinking creatively and intentionally about who is not yet in the room. Their efforts to reach rural residents and BIPOC older adults reflect a deeper understanding that equity doesn’t happen by accident—it requires focus, relationships, and trust-building. They are doing that work with care and purpose.
The atmosphere itself tells a story. It is warm, welcoming, and full of life. That feeling is strengthened by the many collaborations they’ve built across the region—partnerships that expand their reach and deepen their impact.
We are grateful for the opportunity to learn from and alongside Lifelong. Their work is a reminder of what’s possible when community, access, and intention come together. Thank you to all who attended and shared this experience with me!
~written by Gloria Coicou, VP for Engagement, Equity & Grants