WASC Senior Center Accreditation

In 1978 The National Institute of Senior Center developed national standards for senior center operation and management. The Wisconsin Association of Senior Centers took those standards and in 1987 adapted them for senior centers in Wisconsin. This became one of the first senior center accreditation programs in the nation. The WASC accreditation program is designed to allow all senior centers to go through the process, enabling even the smallest and most rural centers to strive to operate at the highest level of service.

The self-assessment guides senior centers to review 9 areas of management to ensure the program is operating at the highest of standards. The assessment can be invaluable in developing and implementing programs and services for older adults. This review also involves staff, participants, volunteers and community members in the review of the senior center. This is a critical step in building ties to the community and educating stake-holders about the senior center. Once the self-assessment is complete a peer review is conducted through the WASC Accreditation committee. The accreditation self-assessment takes place every five years.

Accreditation Chairperson: Tammy Derrickson tderrickson@cityofmiddleton.us 608-662-7684 Middleton Senior Center

Wisconsin Senior Centers Accredited or Re-accredited (R)

2019  Beloit (R), *Stoughton (R), Manitowoc

2018  Lincoln Center/Stevens Point (R), Colonial Club/Sun Prairie (R), Menomonee Falls Community Education                 and Recreation (R)

2017  Columbus, Fitchburg (R), The Gathering Place/Milton (R), Janesville (R), Verona (R), Waupaca (R), Columbus Area Senior Center (R)

2016  *Beaver Dam (R), Deforest (R), Fort Atkinson, Jefferson (R), Monona (R), L. E. Phillips/Eau Claire (R)

2015   Oshkosh (R), Seniors in the Park/Whitewater (R), Baraboo (R), Menasha (R), *Middleton (R) (pictured above) Two Rivers (R) (Right)

2014  North/Eastside Coalition/Madison Area (R), Oregon (R), *Madison (R) 

2012 Pickett (R)

2010 Lowell Center/Wisconsin Rapids (R), Plymouth (R), Chetek,