At a time when many feel their voices aren’t heard, the Senior Agenda Coalition of Rhode Island (SACRI) provides a “collective of wisdom, experience, and outrageous transparency,” said Carol Anne Costa, Executive Director of SACRI. “Our board is robust, full-throated, and we speak our minds–with focused participation and a shared passion to connect a single voice–your voice–to the State House.”
SACRI doesn’t just speak–they listen. And the issues they raise come directly from the people they serve.
“We listen. We ask, ‘What’s really going on?’ Then we work together to problem-solve,” said Vincent Marzullo, a board member of SACRI. “There’s so much on the table right now, and a lot of people are overwhelmed. SACRI is uniquely positioned to turn that into action. This isn’t just a coalition–it’s a force. We’ve made real change that’s impacted generations.”
To understand the depth of why SACRI is uniquely positioned, it helps to remember where this movement began. SACRI’s foundation is rooted in the legacy of the Gray Panthers and their founder Maggie Kuhn, who in 1970 was forced to retire at age 65. That moment sparked a national movement that challenged ageism and demanded dignity and visibility in older adults.
“The Gray Panthers did this work when no one was talking about age,” said Marzullo. “It was a time when the War on Poverty was addressing gaps in the social safety net, but veterans and older adults went unnoticed. It was the Gray Panthers who brought aging issues–and age equality–to the fore. We owe gratitude to Bill Flynn and Dick Bidwell, and the RI leaders who carried this mantle forward and transformed it to a Senior Agenda Coalition with a more focused mission.”
So, how does SACRI’s strength affect you–and why is their microphone for your voice more important now than ever?
Costa put it this way:
“At its core, this work has always been about service–driven by the very principles this country was founded on. In our Bill of Rights, if there’s a problem, we’re supposed to bring it to our government. But over time, many of us have become overwhelmed or disconnected from that process. The constant messages and noise out there today only add to that feeling, making it even harder to believe that one voice can truly make a difference.”
Costa continued:
“People don’t become voiceless because they have nothing to say. It’s often because we’ve drifted from the basics–the civic foundation laid out in our Bill of Rights, the idea that we each have the power to shape change. But we’re not stuck–not by any means. There’s so much we can do. When someone is encouraged and supported to find his or her voice they realize participation, no matter how small, matters. Often it happens when something or someone they care about is affected. When it’s personal, that’s when things shift. That’s a turning point.”
And that’s where SACRI steps in–helping people turn their story into action, and their challenges into real change that protects dignity and independence as we age.
Here’s what amplifying voices has made possible, as Costa shared:
- We helped secure free bus passes for seniors and those with disabilities.
- We helped bring critical attention to the Medicare Savings program.
- We helped increase funding for senior centers throughout RI and we’re continuing to push for $10 per older adult.
- We supported increased funding for 211/The Point, a vital resource for aging adults and people with disabilities.
- And we continue to work alongside other coalitions to improve the aging experience and advance equity for people with disabilities.
Marzullo emphasizes the broader significance of this work:
“Legislative success isn’t just about passing bills–it’s about raising funds, building awareness and giving voice to issues that matter. We’ve advocated for transportation, Medicare Savings, senior services and nonprofit support. And, we’ve expanded our relationships beyond aging–into the business community and other sectors–because as we age, these issues touch every part of society.”
SACRI isn’t just asking for support–they’re asking for your story, and your voice.
As one board member explained, SACRI is in a stronger position than ever to help bridge voices to action and bring people together to determine how they can contribute to and shape the future of aging in Rhode Island. It’s still a work in progress, because the population continues to grow and mature, and the environment and challenges are constantly evolving. But that’s exactly why this moment matters.
We’re in a moment where we can think differently about aging. Where collective problem-solving and real progress toward aging in place is possible, with dignity, independence and a coalition that’s ready to listen.
Costa shares how you can take a step forward:
“And now’s the time to step in–whether you’re 30 and worried about your aunt, navigating care for a parent, or thinking about your own future. Call us. Follow us. Join us. Because what matters to you is exactly why SACRI is here. Your story belongs in this movement.”
Is it your time to speak your mind?
To share your story or learn more, contact SACRI Executive Director, Carol Anne Costa at 401-451-8518 or email carol.costa@sacri.org. You can also connect with SACRI on Facebook or Instagram.
Helen Hames is a Certified Senior Advisor and the Founder of Age Ambassador. She helps families across Rhode Island navigate the complex decisions that come with growing older–whether that means staying safely at home or transitioning to senior living. With deep expertise and a personal approach, Helen believes that what matters most to each person should always guide the path forward. Learn more at AgeAmbassador.com.
