Find 83 innovative ideas in our new 2011 Programs of Excellence Awards guide. 

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Out of the Recliner and into Helping Others

When she retired, Kie Ann Kirk, 66, found herself spending lots of time in her recliner. Then a friend asked her to help out at the local senior center—a NISC member. Now, she's part of a highly organized team of older volunteers that runs a food pantry to help people struggling in this economy.

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Senior Nutrition Services in the Community

In discussions about the upcoming reauthorization of the Older Americans Act, one area spurring a great deal of conversation is the funding of nutrition programs. In a recent NCOA/NISC survey of senior centers, over 75% of respondents spoke to what’s currently happening in their own centers regarding meal programs.

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Fitness Event Nets $20,000 for Meals on Wheels

The Isabella County Commission on Aging won a NISC 2011 Programs of Excellence Award for its Annual Keep Meals-on-Wheels Rolling Fitness Event. The fundraiser generated $20,000 for its home-delivered meals program. It included activities for all levels of competitors, and a local private foundation matched donations dollar per dollar up to $10,000.

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Great Ideas to Recognize Your Long-Time Members

On NCOA Crossroads, Tori Eaton, co-director of the Springville Senior Center, UT, asked: “Does your organization offer awards for long-time members?” She wanted to honor a woman on her 95th birthday who had been a member for the past 45 years, the same year the organization was founded. Tori received many helpful suggestions from her senior center peers around the country.

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