This paper discusses some issues and challenges faced by the Boston University Gerontology Center in providing consultation and technical assistance to community agencies serving older adults. They are: community expectation vs. center capacity to deliver, time constraints vs. agency time demands, agency standards vs. University standards, program evaluation demands vs. agency priorities toward research, expertise of the generalist vs. expertise of the specialist, and fee for service vs. service without compensation. As a result of the Center's two-year experience, the conclusion reached is that there is a very appropriate and viable role for gerontology centers in providing assistance to community service agencies. Furthermore, it is felt that these services can be provided at a meaningful yet cost-contained level if realistic objectives, good management techniques, and mutual trust and expectations between agencies and gerontology centers are established. (PFS)