LYNN– The disability commission met earlier this week and received an update from Lisa Tobin on a pilot program at the senior center that provides job training and employment support through the organization Triangle Inc.
“I did have the opportunity this past Friday to go down to the Lynn Senior Center to observe the workers from Triangle,” Chair of the commission, Richelle Waterman-Williams, said. “Their supervisor gave me a great overview of what happens there on a daily basis, and how the workers are doing there, and how the senior citizens feel about it.”
According to Tobin, the eight-week pilot program has been successful so far. The program currently includes participants who assist with meal service and other tasks at the senior center.
“It’s working out well,” Tobin said. “We are getting ready to enter into an annual contract with Triangle.”
While four trainees initially participated, the program is shifting to two participants working at a time.
“What Triangle is going to do is rotate, two people one week, and two the next week,” Tobin explained.
Staff members and seniors at the center have responded positively to the program.
“I think the workers really like it. I think the seniors really like it,” Tobin said. “We’ve gotten some really nice feedback on how the Triangle employees are doing, and they’re coming along really well.”
Participants are typically young adults in their 20s who are preparing for supported employment.
“They’re really taking it — their responsibility,” Tobin stated. “The seniors are very happy to have them there.”
The work also helps staff at the busy senior center manage daily operations. Tobin noted the program has been especially helpful as attendance can reach around 85 seniors per day during meal service.
“It’s been very helpful because it frees up the staff during the day to give them a chance to get to the administrative stuff,” Tobin shared.
Program organizers are also exploring the possibility of a volunteer component that would allow individuals to spend time at the senior center before transitioning into a formal job placement.
Tobin said the center is preparing to move forward with a one-year contract with Triangle, with an estimated cost of just under $30,000 annually.
Funding will come primarily from the senior center’s state “formula grant,” which is based on the city’s senior population and distributed in installments throughout the fiscal year.
“I just wanted to thank you for your original funding,” Tobin said. “It helped us get through those eight weeks (to) see if it was going to work out.”
Following the presentation, commissioners discussed whether the board should contribute additional funding to help sustain the program.
“I like the relationship. I like the purpose of this. I like the connection,” Clerk Patricia Capano said. “I like the community involvement.”
Capano proposed that the board contribute $10,000 toward the program for the upcoming fiscal year.
Vice chair Tracie Lindsey noted that the commission could revisit funding later once the senior center knows how much it will receive through state grants.
Others expressed support for helping the program continue while maintaining flexibility for future funding decisions.
Capano moved to support the Triangle program with $10,000 for the 2026 fiscal year, which commission member Megan Gonzalez seconded.
“I would really like to see the program continue,” Lindsey said.
