Michele D'Amato

Michele D’Amato is the Program Manager, SAGEWorks at Services & Advocacy for GLBT Elders (SAGE), the country’s largest and oldest organization dedicated to improving the lives of LGBT older adults. SAGEWorks is an employment assistance and work readiness program for LGBT adults ages 40 and older. The mission of SAGEWorks is to improve the capacity of LGBT older adults to remain productive, vital and contributing members of the nation’s workforce.  Since its launch in June 2010, 428 LGBT older adults have participated in SAGEWorks programming and 77 participants have been placed in jobs. SAGEWorks programs exist at SAGE affiliate sites in Chicago, Denver, Philadelphia and Palm Springs, CA. 

Michele oversees the day-to-day implementation of the program, which offers training, skill-building resources and support services in an age-appropriate, LGBT-affirming environment. She also serves as the primary liaison for participating affiliates as well as community, business and educational partners. 

Before managing SAGEWorks, Michele was the dedicated staff person for SAGE’s Friendly Visitor Program, a volunteer service involving over 100 clients and volunteers. In addition, she was responsible for creating and producing SAGE programming for women, handling constituent relations and facilitating a women’s support group.  Prior to coming to SAGE, Michele provided one-to-one client advocacy and trainings at GMHC.