By KRWG News
Las Cruces – The City of Las Cruces Munson Senior Center has been the first accredited senior center in New Mexico. The accreditation comes from the National Institute of Senior Centers (NISC), part of the National Council on Aging (NCOA).
The Munson Senior Center becomes the 197th senior center nationwide since 1998 to receive the accreditation. Accreditation status is good for five years and is unique, demonstrating outstanding leadership and commitment to quality programs and services to older adults.
Centers must meet nine standards of excellence in order to receive the recognition. The standards include purpose, community, governance, administration and human resources, program, evaluation, fiscal, records & reports and facility. They include having a mission statement, goals objectives & action plans, community involvement, staff & volunteers, programs, fiscal planning, using facilities for the program, and providing health, safety & comfort of participants.
"This was a year-long process that was well worth it. Being the first accredited senior center in the state is a huge accomplishment and it shows that we really care and strive to offer nothing but the best for our seniors in this community," says Shelley Modell, Senior Programs Administrator. "I am proud of this status and thank all those who have made this possible."
The Munson Center, located at 975 S. Mesquite, is one of the four centers available to Las Cruces residents who are 50 years old and over. The center serves to assist and improve life for the elderly in the areas of good health maintenance, education, recreation, home care, mobility, community service and related informational services. A ceremony to recognize the accreditation will be held in March.