National Council on Aging Honors the Madison Senior Center

Innovative Peer-to-Peer Computer Training

Award Highlights Outstanding Program for Madison Seniors
Washington, D.C. (February  16, 2015) – Madison Senior Center in Madison, WI, was recognized by the National Council on Aging (NCOA), receiving the “Honorable Mention in the Education Category” for its highly successful Peer-to-Peer Computer Training. The award was presented as part of NCOA’s National Institute of Senior Centers 2014 Programs of Excellence.
 
This Computer Training targeted volunteers who monitor the computer lab during open hours. The staff developed a four-week class to cover changing technology, equipment maintenance, software updates and social media. The trained volunteers help weekly lab visitors when they have questions about the Internet, email, finding one’s credit report and filling out online applications, to name a few.
 
The Madison Senior Center is a member of the National Institute of Senior Centers (NISC), the nation’s only program committed to supporting and strengthening the country’s 11,000 senior centers. NISC is setting the standard for the future of senior centers by promoting cutting-edge research, promising practices, professional development, and advocacy. NISC also offers the nation’s only National Senior Center Accreditation Program.
 
“Senior centers act as an important gateway, connecting older adults to crucial services that help them stay active and engaged in their communities,” said James Firman, president and CEO of NCOA. “We congratulate the Madison Senior Center for its outstanding efforts to improve the lives of Madison area seniors and hope that Peer-to-Peer Computer Training can serve as a model for senior centers nationwide.”
 
“The Madison Senior Center strives to offer training opportunities for professionals and professional level volunteers that serve senior organizations and senior leaders,” said Christine Beatty, Senior Center Director, “And we are grateful for the support of a Leck Grant from the Dane County Area Agency on Aging to advance this effort.”

For more information about Madison Senior Center and its programs for older adults, please visit www.MadisonSeniorCenter.org or call 608-266-6581. For more information on the National Institute of Senior Centers, please visit www.ncoa.org/NISC.
 

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• Innovative Programs at Madison Senior Center

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