Callahan Senior Center 1 of 200 Centers Accredited Nationally

is having an accreditation reception to celebrate its achievement of national accreditation and recognize those who have made this possible on Wednesday, Sept. 14 from 5 to 7 p.m.

The Framingham center is one of only nine accredited centers in the Massachusetts and one of 200 nationally with this distinction.

The event will feature Mary Parcher, director of elder services and staff, accreditation committee members, town officials and state representatives. The public is invited.

Accreditation is a two-phase process. 

The Community Self-Assessment phase is based on nine national senior center standards of senior center operation: purpose, community collaboration, program planning, evaluation, financial management, governance, administration/human resources, record keeping and facility.  Key questions are addressed by members of Board of Directors, staff, participants, community stakeholders, etc

The Accreditation phase involves compiling supporting documentation related to the National Senior Center Self Assessment and National Accreditation Manual, an on-site review of documentation and the Center by a certified Peer Reviewer, and a review of the Peer Reviewers’ findings and recommendation by the National Institute of Senior Centers Accreditation Board.

National accreditation status is good for five years, at which time centers revisit the accreditation process.