NISC Programs of Excellence 

• Year Awarded: 2026
• Programs of Excellence Name: Veterans Peer-to-Peer Luncheon and Rural Access Hub Model
• Hosting Organization: The Gathering Place 50 Plus Community Center, Cobleskill, New York

About Veterans Peer-to-Peer Luncheon & Rural Access Hub Model

The Veterans Peer-to-Peer Luncheon model was developed by the Gathering Place 50 Plus Community Center in rural upstate New York to address a growing and often under-recognized challenge: isolation among aging veterans and limited access to centralized services.

"Many veterans in our tri-county region face transportation barriers, reduced mobility, and long travel distances to access VA healthcare and supportive services," said Kimberley Witkowski, Executive Director and CEO of The Gathering Place 50 plus. "Additionally, we observed that older men were significantly underrepresented in traditional senior center programming. In response, we created a structured monthly Veterans Peer-to-Peer Luncheon designed not simply as a meal, but as a veteran-led engagement and connection model.

"Now entering its fourth year, the program served over 960 veterans in 2025, with average monthly attendance of 50–70 participants. The luncheon is open to all veterans regardless of branch, era of service, or center membership status.

"The model centers on peer connection. Gatherings encourage veteran storytelling, camaraderie, recognition, and mutual support in a trusted, informal environment. Resource information is shared organically, and partnerships with local veteran organizations strengthen outreach and credibility.

Importantly, the program intentionally reduces institutional barriers by prioritizing dignity, belonging, and shared experience.

"Outcomes have extended beyond the luncheon itself," Witkowski said. "Since implementation, we have seen a measurable increase in male membership and crossparticipation in other health, wellness, and social programs at the Center. Veterans who initially attended only the luncheon are now participating in exercise classes, educational programs, and volunteer leadership roles.

"In 2026, the program is expanding through collaboration with the Albany VA Medical Center to establish our site as a rural Veteran Access Hub. This expansion will support telemedicine appointments and resource navigation services onsite, reducing travel burdens and improving continuity of care.

"This model demonstrates how senior centers can engage aging male populations more effectively while simultaneously serving as trusted community-based access points for veterans. Replication requires: consistent scheduling, veteran-centered leadership, strong local partnerships, intentional outreach to underserved men, and an environment that fosters respect and peer identity," Witkowski said. "By integrating social connection with healthcare access pathways, the Veterans Peer-to-Peer Luncheon & Rural Access Hub Model strengthens both individual resilience and the senior center’s role as a vital community anchor."

Key takeaways from :

•  Participants report reduced feelings of isolation, renewed purpose, and meaningful social connection through consistent peer engagement.
• Intentionally designing programming that resonates with veterans increased male participation at the senior enter.
• The model demonstrates how senior centers can evolve beyond social programming to become  trusted access points for healthcare and resource navigation.

About Gathering Place 50 Plus Community Centers

The Gathering Place 50 Plus Community Centers in Cobleskill and Oneonta, New York, "is operated by The Schoharie County Council of Senior Citizens, Inc., a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization. Our Mission is to provide healthy and active lifestyles for people who are 50 plus. Our Vision is to support the 50 Plus Community and inspire friendships, social engagement, and stimulating active living."