On September 28, 2023, the City of Albuquerque announced that four senior centers in the city have achieved national accreditation from the National Institute of Senior Centers (NISC). The Los Volcanes, Palo Duro, and North Valley Senior Centers, along with the Manzano Mesa Multigenerational Center, were recognized for meeting the rigorous standards of excellence set forth by NISC.
According to a press release, the accreditation was celebrated during the Albuquerque City Council meeting on Monday, September 18, 2023, where City Councilor Isaac Benton presented a proclamation to the Department of Senior Affairs and center staff. Councilor Benton commended the staff for their dedication and commitment to ensuring that Albuquerque's senior centers are among the best in the country.
The accreditation is a significant achievement, as fewer than 2% of the approximately 11,000 senior centers across the country meet the stringent NISC standards, as stated in the press release. NISC, a division of the National Council on Aging, has been conducting peer reviews and accreditation for senior centers since 1998, effectively setting a benchmark for senior center capabilities.
In addition to the national accreditation, the Department of Senior Affairs was also awarded a NISC Program of Excellence Award in Technology, Virtual, and Hybrid Programming for its 50+ Senior Tech Fair event. This event aimed to teach technology skills to older adults. The City of Albuquerque expressed pride in their staff for continually going above and beyond to achieve these accomplishments.
Anna Sanchez, the Director of Senior Affairs, highlighted the challenging process of achieving NISC accreditation and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to learn from other senior centers across the United States. Sanchez stated, "It's also been a great opportunity for us to learn from other senior centers across the U.S. as we work to meet the evolving needs of Albuquerque families as they age."
The national accreditation and the Program of Excellence Award demonstrate the commitment of the City of Albuquerque and the Department of Senior Affairs to providing exceptional services and programs for older adults. These achievements serve as a valuable roadmap for senior centers nationwide to enhance their operations and prepare for future growth and development, according to NISC.