MiGen, also known as the Michigan LGBTQ+ Elders Network, is expanding its support for LGBTQ+ older adults and caregivers by opening a second location in Detroit. This new site is situated within Corktown Health, making it easier for city residents to access a range of resources and community activities. MiGen already operates a location in Ferndale, at Affirmations, and the Corktown expansion aims to replicate and extend these vital services directly into Detroit neighborhoods.
The Corktown location will offer several key services designed to meet the specific needs of older adults and their caregivers. These include Medicare counseling, providing guidance on healthcare options, and Person-Centered Options Counseling, which helps individuals plan for their future care. The network also assists with practical needs such as food delivery. To combat social isolation, MiGen operates a Friendly Caller program, ensuring regular check-ins that help foster connections and reduce loneliness among participants.
Beyond direct assistance, MiGen uses shared spaces at Corktown Health for various special events and community activities. For instance, the organization plans an upcoming Day of the Dead celebration, utilizing the location for cultural engagement. Volunteers are also active at the Corktown site, preparing deliveries and coordinating other services to support the network's mission. The organization actively creates opportunities for LGBTQ+ older adults to build new friendships and share their life experiences. An example of this community-building focus was a Reminiscence and Aging study conducted at Corktown Health in partnership with Wayne State University. This study brought participants together for group discussions, allowing them to engage in deep and meaningful conversations about their shared histories, even among those who had known each other for years.
Executive Director Angela Gabridge, who has been with MiGen for more than five years, expressed enthusiasm for the new Corktown location and the organization's trajectory. Gabridge noted that she has “watched the organization grow in just about every way an organization can grow.” She highlighted that MiGen now serves thousands of LGBTQ+ aging adults and caregivers across Michigan annually. The organization has also expanded its network to include dozens of partners throughout the state, cultivated its team and relationships, increased its budget, and, significantly, deepened the trust the community places in it to deliver safe, affirming services statewide.
MiGen's impact is further demonstrated by its annual statistics for the period spanning July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026. During this timeframe, the organization provided over 2,000 meals to those in need. It supported 1,080 individuals with essential basic needs, including assistance with food, housing, and utilities. The network hosted 114 events focused on social connections, support groups, arts, culture, and various community activities. Additionally, MiGen made 150 friendly calls to members, provided training to 844 people, and trained 24 organizations in LGBTQ+ cultural responsiveness, extending its educational reach and impact.
Partnerships form a fundamental part of MiGen's operational strategy. Gabridge emphasized this approach, stating, “There’s very little that we do that’s not in collaboration with another partner or organization because we feel this enables us all to do our highest and best work.” She conveyed gratitude for the collaboration with Corktown Health, acknowledging their support in launching this second location. The partnership aims to connect MiGen’s community with the offerings available at Corktown Health, while also extending MiGen’s specialized aging adult and caregiver services to Corktown Health’s clients and patients.
MiGen is actively challenging conventional perceptions of what a senior center should be. Gabridge articulated this broader vision during the ribbon-cutting event, explaining that a senior center is not confined to a single building. She suggested, “A senior center could be Belle Isle. A senior center could be St. Andrew’s Hall. A senior center is wherever it is that you’re gathering with people you’re caring about and experiencing and living your life.” This philosophy underpins MiGen’s approach, viewing various community gathering places across the region as vital opportunities to help older adults remain active, connected, and supported. The establishment of the new Corktown location is presented as a concrete step towards achieving this expansive goal, offering a welcoming environment where LGBTQ+ older adults and caregivers can find assistance, companionship, and a strong sense of community.
