About Us

Our Mission

The Senior Agenda Coalition is an independent and diverse coalition of agency and individual members. Our mission is to mobilize people to achieve power in order to implement an agenda that improves the quality of life of older Rhode Islanders. We accomplish this through community organizing, public education and legislative advocacy.

Our History

Founded in 2002 as a program of the Gray Panthers of Rhode Island, the Senior Agenda Coalition has been a leading organization for seniors in Rhode Island . The Coalition prioritizes issues that help older Rhode Islanders maintain choice and dignity in their living and social environments. It is a voice for the protection and promotion of public and private programs that protect seniors' quality of life.

Our Work

The Coalition's research and public education efforts have helped win a number of victories for seniors, including increased funding for home and community-based care programs, support for senior centers, a wrap-around prescription drug program to help seniors on Medicare Part D, and improvements for public transportation.

Our Strength

One of the Coalition's greatest strengths is our ability to engage our coalition members in our mission and work collaboratively with other organizations. Our intent and core purpose is to create and sustain this collaborative effort. The Senior Agenda Coalition conducts ongoing research on local and nationwide "best practices and policies" in senior-specific topics such as long term care.

Our Focus on Policy Change

The Coalition monitors federal and particularly state legislation affecting seniors. Our members attend hearings, provide testimony, and attend meetings to educate legislators about our views on legislation that directly affects them. We also monitor the implementation of legislation and work with state agencies on the development of regulations relevant to senior programs.

board & staff

Board members Jack Indeck, Jack Reinholt, Susan, George, Virginia, and Bob.

Board of Directors

George Neubauer, Chair
Virginia Neves Gonsalves, Co-Chair
Jeanne Gattegno, Treasurer

Bob Cox, Director

Carmen Diaz-Jusino, Director

Erin McAndrew, Director

Maureen Maigret, Director

Vincent Marzullo, Director

Robert Rock, Director

Susan Saccoccia-Olson, Director

Diane Santos, Director

Bill Flynn, Leadership Training Advisor

Bill Flynn has worked as a community center director, VISTA supervisor, public policy advocate, and development director for nonprofit agencies throughout New England.

Before joining the Senior Agenda Coalition he was Director of Community Programs for the R.I. Community Food Bank, and served for nine years as the Executive Director of the George Wiley Center.

Bill holds an MSW degree from the University of Michigan School of Social Work.

Maureen Maigret, Policy Advisor

Maureen Maigret, RN, BS, MPA, is a consultant to the Senior Agenda Coalition on long term care and elder services policy. Maureen brings a wealth of both policy and political expertise to her work. She has served as Director of the RI Department of Elderly Affairs, a 5-term elected State Representative from Warwick, and Policy Director for former Lt. Governor Charles Fogarty.

Ms. Maigret worked as a registered nurse in various health care settings for twenty years prior to her positions in state government. She has received awards from numerous organizations for her leadership in public policy and advocacy. Maureen also consults with a number of other organizations on matters of long term care.

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