2025 Programs of Excellence - Social & Support Services
Includes a Live Web Event on 01/21/2026 at 3:00 PM (EST)
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Every year NCOA’s National Institute of Senior Centers honors outstanding efforts made by senior centers across the nation to offer innovative, creative, and impactful programs for older adults. Each program is proof of the important work that happens at senior centers. And these programs serve as models for senior center staff across the country to implement in their communities. Join us for our Programs of Excellence webinar series where we highlight each category with a presentation by a subject matter expert and the winning programs.
This webinar features the Social & Support Services category. This award category highlights innovative ways senior centers have addressed economic security and basic needs in their communities. Included are programs and strategies that might be one time or systemic. Special emphasis on strategies that expanded reach in terms of new partners, new participants, or increased engagement.
In this webinar, participants will be able to:
1. Highlight best practices from Programs of Excellence programs.
2. Describe innovative, creative, and impactful programs for older adults.
3. Analyze innovative ways senior centers have addressed economic security and basic needs in their communities.
Heather Marriott
Program Specialist, Center for Healthy Aging
National Council on Aging
Heather Marriott is aProgram Specialist at NCOA's Center for Healthy Aging. She joined the team in 2022to manage the ACL funded Vaccine Uptake Initiative. Heather provides TechnicalAssistance to grantees through the Chronic Disease Self-Management and FallsPrevention Resource Centers, as well as the Falls Innovation Lab. She also worksto expand and engage NCOA’s National Institute of Senior Centers. Heather cameto NCOA from a local transportation advocacy organization back home inMissouri, where she served as the Community Engagement Director, leading theorganizations community-based initiatives.
Michelle Barrett
Program Manager for Seniors and Aging
City of Cary
Michelle Barrett serves as Cary’s first Program Manager for Seniors and Aging, leading the town’s efforts to support a rapidly expanding senior population. She began her career as an employment law attorney in Chicago before dedicating many years to advocating for children in foster care. Since stepping into her role in Cary two years ago, Michelle has focused on building innovative community partnerships and strengthening resources that enhance the well‑being, independence, and quality of life for older adults across the community.
Vicki Buckholz
Center Aide
Cary Senior Center
Vicki has worked as a Center Aide at the Cary Senior Center for over three years, where connecting with and supporting our senior community has been the highlight of her role. Even after retiring from her earlier career, staying engaged and contributing to meaningful work has always energized her.
Vicki's background includes roles in communications at the University of Maryland, member services and board support with the Raleigh Regional Association of REALTORS®, leadership of a 100‑member volunteer group, eleven years running my own business, and more than a decade in the pharmaceutical industry.
Throughout every chapter, communication, collaboration, and service have guided Vicki. Seeing how challenging it can be for seniors to form new friendships—and how deeply connection affects well‑being—inspired me to create Speed Friending. she's proud to see it thriving and expanding into other communities.
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