Louanne Bakk came to the University at Buffalo School of Social Work in 2013 after serving at the Area Agency on Aging 1-B in Southfield, Mich. for nine years, first as the director of access and benefits assistance, then as a research specialist. Her interests include aging; health disparities; health access; social welfare policy; community-based intervention programs and services; and technology and older adults. Her research and community service focus on racial, ethnic and gender disparities in access to programs and services designed to maintain independence within the community.  She is currently investigating the impact of the Town Square for Aging. This integrative model of care provides frail, older adults with an array of services designed to maintain their health, independence and quality of life.