NCOA’s National Institute of Senior Centers (NISC) 2026 Programs of Excellence honors outstanding efforts made by senior centers across the nation who offer creative, innovative, and impactful programs.
The Social and Support Services category recognizes programs and approaches that address economic security and basic needs, including benefits access, housing, food security, case management, transportation, legal or financial navigation, and systemic strategies that expand reach and access to services. In this webinar you will hear from the following programs:
Top program:
Solon Senior Center – Safe & Sound
The Solon Senior Center is a vibrant multi-service facility for older adults over the age of 60. It offers a wide array of activities, group fitness, as well as supportive services to assist Solon residents in remaining active and engaged members of the community. The Solon Senior Center is located in a park like setting, along with the Solon Community Center. The campus of the two facilities includes attractive meeting space, exercise facilities, indoor and outdoor pool, gym, outdoor sports courts, walking path and a grille.
Honorable mentions:
Edina Senior Center – Books & Brews
Edina Senior Center operates as part of the City of Edina Minnesota Parks & Recreation department. Hosted activities include the annual Earth Day Community Clothing Swap, educational classes on such topics as estate planning, home safety, and advance care planning, and meals. Other offerings include tech help classes, caregiver support groups, health insurance counseling, and day trips.
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Programs of Excellence – Social and Support Services Live Webinar
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Jill Frankel
Director, Active Adult & Senior Services, Department of Social Services, City of Solon
Jill Frankel is the Director of Senior Services for the City of Solon, Ohio, where she leads the Solon Senior Center and is passionate about building a community that empowers people to age with purpose, connection, wellness, and independence.
A registered nurse with experience in community-based care, healthcare leadership, and clinical research, Jill brings a broad perspective to aging. She envisions senior centers as vibrant spaces where people engage in meaningful experiences, discover new opportunities, and access trusted resources and practical support. Energized by the power of partnerships, she believes collaboration turns ideas into action and creates opportunities for meaningful impact.
Jill serves on the Board of Directors of the Ohio Association of Senior Centers, is a member of the National Institute of Senior Centers Leadership Collaborative, and holds regional leadership roles advancing aging services.
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Yvette Hasan
Community Services Manager, Department of Social Services, City of Solon
Yvette G. Hasan, LSW, is a licensed social worker with a background in social services and a passion for helping older adults and their families. As Community Services Manager, she connects individuals with resources, support, and guidance while developing programs and services that promote well-being, independence, social connection, and an enhanced quality of life. Yvette is dedicated to creating opportunities for older adults to stay engaged, feel supported, and continue to find purpose and enjoyment in their lives. For her, making a difference means not only helping people navigate life’s challenges but also finding new ways to enrich their lives and strengthen their sense of community.
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Nicole Gorman
Recreation Supervisor, City of Edina, Minnesota
As a Recreation Supervisor for the City of Edina’s Parks and Recreation Department, Nicole Gorman has dedicated the last decade to managing and enhancing the Edina Senior Center. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Parks, Recreation and Leisure Services with an emphasis in Therapeutic Recreation from Minnesota State University, Mankato and a Master of Education from the University of Minnesota. With two decades of experience within the field of aging, Nicole is committed to empowering older adults and cultivating meaningful opportunities that strengthen and enrich her community.