Senior Activity Center, Gather, and Portsmouth Housing Authority Receive National Council on Aging Program of Excellence Award

The National Council on Aging (NCOA) has selected the City of Portsmouth Senior Activity Center’s “Rock the Crock” program, a collaboration with Gather and the Portsmouth Housing Authority (PHA), to receive one of just seven NCOA National Institute of Senior Centers (NISC) Program of Excellence Awards. 

The Program of Excellence awards are judged by a panel of peers and NISC Affiliate members. The competition is divided into seven categories: Marketing/Public Relations; Social and Support Services; Health and Wellness; Intergenerational; Nutrition; Technology, Virtual and Hybrid Programming; and Modernizing Senior Centers Innovation.

The Portsmouth Senior Activity Center and partners were named the winners of the Program of Excellence in Nutrition for their “Rock the Crock” program. This program offers attending seniors from the Portsmouth Senior Activity Center, Gather, and PHA an engaging, hands-on cooking lesson focusing on nutritious, appetizing meals that can be made in a mini crockpot. Thanks to funding from a local foundation grant and assistance from Gather, attendees enjoy the resulting meal together and leave with their own mini crockpot, recipe book, apron, and a $25 local grocery store gift card to recreate the meal. The program also shares transportation resources with PHA residents. 

“On behalf of the ‘Rock the Crock’ team and Portsmouth Senior Activity Center staff, I am honored to accept this award that recognizes the community collaborations and creative programming which give older adults on the Seacoast a place to feel welcomed and empowered,” said Nicole Finitsis, Senior Activity Center Senior Services Supervisor. “We could not do it without the hard work and commitment to excellence our staff, the Gather, and PHA teams put into serving our seniors every day.”

Gather Culinary Director Tania Marino commented, “We know that loneliness is an epidemic in our country and it’s so satisfying to see the success of ‘Rock the Crock’ that brings people together in a fun way and gives them the tools to create their own nutritious meals at home while enjoying what we cook together. It is very gratifying, and we hope other communities will use the program as a model to build on.” 

About Gather: Headquartered in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, Gather has addressed regional hunger needs since 1816. The nonprofit organization offers innovative programs that build food security in welcoming and dignified ways. As one of the largest food access organizations in NH, Gather serves residents across 119 NH and southern Maine towns. Last year, Gather distributed fresh, healthy groceries to 125,000 people, an increase of 50% over the last two years. Gather’s food repurposing initiatives resulted in the creation of nearly 90,000 nutritious, prepared meals and a large reduction in food waste that would otherwise end up in landfills. Gather enjoys a four-star rating on Charity Navigator, with 90% of revenue spent on direct program expenses. Gather relies on grants and private donations, and the help of 40-50 volunteers each day, to serve the community. For more information, visit GatherNH.org.

About Portsmouth Housing Authority: Portsmouth Housing develops and manages quality affordable housing and provides rental assistance to families, seniors, and people with disabilities, in a manner that promotes respect for residents and builds strong neighborhoods. Portsmouth Housing is made up of two entities: the Portsmouth Housing Authority (PHA) and an affiliated nonprofit organization, PHA Housing Development, LTD. Portsmouth Housing owns and manages 12 properties in the City and a Housing Choice voucher program. For more information, visit portsmouthhousing.org.

About the Portsmouth Senior Activity Center: The Senior Activity Center is an integral part of the City of Portsmouth services, as part of the Portsmouth Recreation Department. The Portsmouth Senior Activity Center creates opportunities for healthy aging through social engagement, physical well-being, civic involvement, creativity, and lifelong learning. It is open to anyone regardless of residency and membership is free. Older adults at all stages of aging and abilities are welcome. For more information, visit: portsnh.co/seniorcenter.

For more information, visit NCOA Program of Excellence.