Session 1:  8 a.m.-9:30 a.m.
"New Easy to Use Tool for Senior Center Evaluation"

• Amy Cummings-Leight
  Executive Director, The Peak Center, Lansdale, PA
• Jay Morgan
  Office of Aging Manager, St. Petersburg, FL
• Laura Koburger
  Planning Unit Supervisor, Florida Department of Elder Affairs

Evaluation is essential to improve, promote and get your senior center & its programs funded. You will get information on free, practical tools you can use to begin or enhance the evaluation of your senior center management & programs.

Session 2: 10 a.m.-11 a.m.
"A Wellness Model for Senior Centers "

• Jill Jackson-Ledford
  Vice President, Health Promotion, NCOA
• Elizabeth Bernat
  Executive Director, Lowcountry Senior Center, Charleston, SC

This workshop examines in-depth the evidence-based health promotion program from the national movement to local level sustainability. The presenters will lay out the business case for implementing evidence-based programs and how it can be a solution for the problems faced by senior centers and their communities. Learn how to self-assess your senior center's readiness to adopt evidence-base programs and the key components to implementing and administrating these programs at the local level.

Session 3: 1:00 - 2:00 pm
Self Directed Teams: Beyond the Center Walls

• Constance Todd
  Associate Director, Civic Engagement Initiatives, NCOA
• Christine Beatty
  Director, Madison Senior Center, WI

Senior centers are among the various organizations working to refine their missions, re-tool and re-image their perception to appeal to the changing demographics of the 55+ population and for addressing the needs of its vulnerable population. As your leadership considers various strategies, keep self-directed teams of volunteers on the short list. This option has proven to recruit younger, highly skilled volunteers to help you address important needs beyond the senior center walls.

Session 4:  2:30 - 3:30 p.m.
Self-Assessment - A Growth Opportunity

• Denise Niese
  Executive Director, Wood County Committee on Aging, OH
• F. Stephen Schnabl
  CEO, Partners in Prime, Hamilton OH
• Robin Richter
  Director of Senior Programs - WSOS

Nationally accredited senior centers meet standards that our older adults expect. Learn how to conduct the self-assessment of your facility, while embracing the skills and support of staff, Board/Advisory Committee, and your community. Recognize how the self-assessment process will strengthen your operation and the credibility of your organization. Staff, Board/Advisory Committee, and the community will take pride in the process and your successful Accreditation.

Session 4 B: 4:00 - 5:30
NISC Accreditation Review and Accomplishment

• K. Jean Williams
  Consultant
• Dianne Stone
  Director, Newington Senior and Disabled Center, CT

Whether a senior center wants to become NISC accredited or just improve their management and delivery systems this workshop will help accomplish either goal. It will examine the NISC Standards and the rationale behind them. Participants will be provided with examples of best practices from accredited senior centers.   Many competing organizations will see the increasing population of people over 50 as a target audience. Organizations that practice the standards of excellence as spelled out in the Accreditation Standards for Senior Centers will stand a better chance of succeeding for the long term.

Session 5:  4:00 - 5:30
Senior Employment: A Bridge to the Boomers

• Bob Pitman
  Executive Director, Senior Center Services of Bartholomew County, Columbus, IN

Boomer surveys consistently indicate that 75% plan to work beyond retirement age, but in situations that offer flexibility and address other lifestyle preferences. Labor force projections warn of major shortages in the workforce as Boomers retire---unless they can be enticed to work longer or re-hired in encore careers. This session will describe a recent temporary employment partnership between the largest private staffing service in Indiana, and a multipurpose senior center with a 48 year old senior employment program. You'll learn the details of the partnership agreement, and its potential to greatly expand employment opportunities for seniors and a flexible, responsive workforce for employers.

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