News

Honorable Mention

Meet Me Program Earns Statewide Accolades

We are excited to announce that our Meet Me: Community Outings program received an honorable mention from the Commonwealth Council on Aging's 2025 Best Practices Awards. 

The Commonwealth Council on Aging advises the governor and General Assembly on issues affecting Virginia’s 1.9 million residents age 60 and older. It recognizes organizations with innovative programs that can be replicated statewide. The council evaluates nominees based on seven criteria, including community impact, innovation, outcomes and promotion of aging in the community.

“This year’s nominated and winning programs truly demonstrate the power of community and connection,” said Carla Hesseltine, chair of the Commonwealth Council on Aging. “As we become more aware of the profound impact of loneliness and social isolation, it’s critical to highlight and celebrate creative initiatives that bring people together—whether through the arts, cultural programs, or services that help individuals age in place with dignity and support.”

Meet Me: Community Outings are free, and designed for both the diagnosed individual and a care partner or friend to participate together, and meet new friends in the process! Outings give families living with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or early stage memory loss an opportunity to connect and stay engaged in the Northern Virginia community, in a safe and supportive way.

Meet Me: Community Outings have been chosen with brain health principles in mind, including visits to museums, gardens, creative arts centers and performances. All outing locations have been researched by Insight Memory Care Center, and venues have been vetted to be both engaging and dementia-friendly. Additionally, Insight staff participate in each outing to provide extra support for the group. As you come together with others on a similar journey, we hope that you’ll find new friends, share in new discoveries, and be able to confidently continue to explore the community!

Many thanks to I'm Still Here for providing funding for the Meet Me program so that families can participate for free!

Learn more about Meet Me: Community Outings.

For more information about this year’s Best Practices Award winners or the Commonwealth Council on Aging, visit https://vda.virginia.gov/boardsandcouncils.htm.