Written by Crystal A. Proxmire | Oct. 21, 2026
Detroit, MI – MiGen, an organization dedicated to supporting LGBTQ+ older adults and caregivers, is expanding its reach with a second location at Corktown Health in Detroit.
MiGen, also known as the Michigan LGBTQ+ Elders Network, already operates a location within Affirmations in Ferndale. The new Corktown location will offer similar services, making it easier for Detroit residents to access resources, participate in activities, and build connections.
Services include Medicare counseling, Person-Centered Options Counseling, assistance with food delivery, and enrollment in the organization’s Friendly Caller program, which helps reduce isolation through regular check-ins.
MiGen also uses shared spaces at Corktown Health for special events and activities, including an upcoming Day of the Dead celebration. Volunteers use the location to prepare deliveries and support other services.
Executive Director Angela Gabridge, who has been with MiGen for more than five years, is excited about the new location.
“I have watched the organization grow in just about every way an organization can grow,” Gabridge said. “Annually, we now serve thousands of LGBTQ+ aging adults and caregivers across Michigan, work with dozens of partners in all areas of the state and have grown our team, our relationships, our budget and, most importantly, the trust the community places in us to deliver safe, affirming services across Michigan.”
According to MiGen’s annual statistics for July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026, the organization provided more than 2,000 meals, supported 1,080 people with basic needs such as food, housing and utilities, and held 114 events focused on social connections, support groups, arts, culture and community activities.
During that same period, MiGen made 150 friendly calls, provided training to 844 people, and trained 24 organizations in LGBTQ+ cultural responsiveness.
The partnership with Corktown Health is an important part of the organization’s approach to serving the community.
“Partnerships are at the heart of how MiGen operates,” Gabridge said. “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.”
“We are so grateful for our friends at Corktown Health as we launch this second location. We are so excited to connect our community with all Corktown has to offer, as well as to support Corktown’s clients and patients with the aging adult and caregiver services MiGen has to offer.”
MiGen’s work goes beyond providing practical assistance. The organization also creates opportunities for LGBTQ+ older adults to build friendships and share experiences.
One example was a Reminiscence and Aging study hosted at Corktown Health in partnership with Wayne State University. Participants gathered for group discussions about their life experiences. One participant shared that although he had known some of the others for years, it was the first time they had engaged in such deep, meaningful conversations.
MiGen is also challenging traditional ideas about what a senior center should look like.
“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,” Gabridge said during the ribbon cutting.
While its physical locations provide important access to resources, MiGen sees community gathering places throughout the region as opportunities to help older adults remain active, connected and supported.
The new Corktown location is another step toward that goal, providing a welcoming space where LGBTQ+ older adults and caregivers can find assistance, companionship and community. Learn more about MiGen at https://migenconnect.org
Read the original article.