NISC Programs of Excellence 

• Year Awarded: 2026
• Programs of Excellence Name: Unleash Your Joy
• Hosting Organization: Colchester Senior Center, Colchester, Connecticut

About Unleash Your Joy: 

Unleash Your Joy was a monthly program developed by Colchester Senior Center after discussion with several senior center members that the world felt heavy, more negative, and that there was a feeling of overall sadness given the political climate and economic uncertainty. They stated that they wished they had more joy in their lives.

The monthly series that started in January of 2025 focused on various life skills, tips, and tricks that was aimed at adding joy to the lives of older adults which would in turn have a significant benefit to their overall quality of life, ranging from enhanced mental health to better physical, cognitive, and social outcomes, helping them live life with joy and happiness. This program focused on some standard topics such as:

• Mindfulness and meditation
• Effective social media use
• Goal setting
• Maintaining positive relationships
• The art of effective communication

It also focused on some unique topics such as:

• The power of play
• The effects of gossiping
• Dopamine dressing (the art of wearing clothing or accessories that bring you joy)
• The use of vision boards

Each monthly session included slide presentations, short videos or documentaries, and handouts. "We also included creative group and individual activities allowing members to practice the topic of focus such as games, group discussions and moments of personal reflection," said Colchester Senior Center's Jodi Savage. "The idea that even short daily micro acts or practices of joy can yield positive results for everyone."

Once the program started, several members came up with their own topic ideas that they were willing to lead themselves. The senior center was able to tap into their expertise without any additional cost. The program soon gained a following, and attendance grew each month.

The program required very little financial resources. Each workshop featured PowerPoint presentations, YouTube videos, TED talks and other free, web-based materials. Items were purchased for the small group and individual activities done at each session such as playdough and children's boardgames for the Power of Play program, journals for the journaling/gratitude program and meditation cards created and printed as part of the center's Art of Meditation program. There was also a nominal cost to print handouts for each workshop so  participants could have a resource to look back on after each workshop.

"Many members reported using the skills they learned in each session at home, in the grocery store checkout line and with their grandchildren," Savage said. "Members reported hanging their handouts up in areas of their home to remind them to use these skills on an ongoing basis. Members were reporting feeling less sadness, anxiety and loneliness."

Key takeaways from Unleash Your Joy:

• Program participants reported having improved mood, reduced anxiety and greater satisfaction with their everyday lives
• The program also brought in members who had not previously participated in senior center activities before. 
• Volunteers boosted the program's reach and success.

About the Colchester Senior Center

The Colchester Senior Center mission is "to support older adults (55 years+) by providing programs and services designed to promote their independence, health, wellness and overall quality of life." Their vision: "A community resource dedicated to engaging, enriching and empowering the lives of seniors."