Riverton Senior Center earned National Accreditation from the National Council on Aging and National Institute of Senior Centers (NCOA/NISC). There are 11,000 senior centers in the United States and just over 200 centers have received national accreditation status. 

On Tuesday, February 24, the Riverton Senior Center celebrated the accomplishment with a special luncheon. Entertainment by the western trio “One Wagon Three Wheels” was followed by the presentation of the accreditation plaque, lunch and cake for everyone. 

Riverton City Mayor Bill Applegarth was asked to speak. He discussed the collaboration between Riverton City and Salt Lake County in building and sharing operational cost of the new senior center which opened four years ago. Mayor Applegarth also mentioned Herriman City and Bluffdale City, because of financial contributions received from both cities towards operational cost of the handicapped accessible van used to transport seniors to and from the center. 

The accreditation process requires the assessment of nine key areas of the senior center operations, by a peer reviewer assigned by NCOA/NISC. The Riverton Senior Center received the highest rating possible of “Best Practice” for two of the nine areas of the accreditation review. 

The “Best Practice” honors and highlights the collaboration between Salt Lake County and Riverton City and the self-assessment process Riverton Senior Center implemented in examining the nine areas required by NCOA/NISC. The self-assessment committee reviews and identifies the strengths and weakness of the senior center. The volunteer committee assigned to this task included local community council members, business and community partners affiliated with the senior center. 

 Volunteers play an integral part in the daily operations of the center. The peer reviewer mentioned her surprise and excitement regarding the amount of volunteer involvement in the operation of the senior center. Currently they have 98 active volunteers that help with a variety of center operations. The volunteers and the senior center staff were credited as creating a warm and welcoming environment at the center for all participants. 

Congratulations to Riverton Senior Center, Salt Lake County Aging & Adult Services and Riverton City for providing a place where any adult over 60 years of age can be supported, remain independent, be engaged and receive access to services and resources. To find out more information about the Riverton Senior Center visit them online at http://slco.org/aging-adult-services/riverton-senior-center/