CARTERET COUNTY, N.C. (July 22, 2025) – The Leon Mann Jr. Enrichment Center, home to Carteret County Senior Services, has again been designated a Center of Excellence by the North Carolina Division of Aging and Adult Services (NCDAAS), the highest recognition available to senior centers in the state. This certification is valid for five years.
“This certification reflects the dedication of our staff to serve older adults in Carteret County with high-quality programs and services,” said Senior Center Director Shelly Ashley. “We’re committed to creating a place where older adults feel supported, connected, and empowered. This top state honor shows we’re meeting that goal.”
The Carteret County Senior Center has held the Center of Excellence designation for more than a decade, demonstrating a long-standing commitment to quality care and programming for residents 50 and older. It is one of just 84 centers in North Carolina to currently hold the designation, out of more than 171 across the state.
Certification is based on NCDAAS’s Senior Center Operations and Program Evaluation (SCOPE). This review process evaluates a center’s performance in key areas such as outreach and access, programming, staffing, planning and evaluation, and facilities. The assessment is conducted by a certification team that includes representatives from NCDAAS and the local Area Agency on Aging.
Participation in the SCOPE evaluation is voluntary, but completing the process signals that a center meets key benchmarks for quality and sustainability. It also strengthens the center’s ability to secure funding and serve as a trusted resource for aging populations.
“The Senior Center is a vital part of our community,” said County Manager Sharon Griffin. “This recognition speaks to the effort the staff puts in every day to meet the needs of older adults, including meals and wellness programs, social activities, and outreach. It’s work that matters, and we’re proud to see it acknowledged at the state level. This continued recognition ensures the center can pursue innovative new programs and maintain its high standard of care for years to come.”
The Carteret County Senior Center offers a range of recreational, educational, social, and health-related programs for adults 50 and older. To learn more, visit https://www.carteretcountync.gov/168/Senior-Services.
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