Area Agency on Aging 3 Named Recipient of Prestigious Award

Area Agency on Aging 3 recently announced that its DISH Dining Club initiative received a USAging 2025 Aging Innovations Award, one of the highest honors presented by USAging to its members. The DISH Dining Club, which  is Dining to Improve Socialization and Health in older adults through the congregate meal program, was among 15 local aging programs to receive Innovations honors during USAging’s 50th Annual Conference and Tradeshow, July 20–23 in Chicago, IL. An additional 26 agencies received Achievement Awards.

The 2025 USAging Aging Innovations & Achievement Awards, supported by Caregiving.com and Cumulus.care, recognizes USAging’s Area Agency on Aging and Title VI Native American Aging Program members that have found new and innovative ways to support older adults, people with disabilities and caregivers as they live in their homes and communities.

“At USAging, we are proud to celebrate the exceptional accomplishments of the 2025 Aging Innovations & Achievement Awards recipients—especially as we mark the 50th anniversary of USAging and our Annual Conference and Tradeshow,” said USAging CEO Sandy Markwood. “These award-winning programs exemplify the creativity, dedication and impact that define our Aging Network. They are not only improving the lives of older adults and caregivers today, but also shaping a stronger, more supportive future for aging in every community across the country.”

“This award demonstrates the innovation, dedication, and hard work of the Area Agency on Aging 3 team.  They work hard to meet the needs of our community through this award winning program and our other services. This award belongs to our employees, it was their vision and perseverance that made it work!” Jacqi Lucke, Chief Executive Officer at Area Agency on Aging 3 stated.

DISH Dining Clubs are events our participants truly look forward to, serving not just as a way to reduce isolation, promote wellness, provide education, and build lasting relationships, but also as a joyful experience filled with laughter, companionship, and meaningful moments.

“We are honored that USAging has recognized the DISH Dining Clubs program with an Aging Innovations Award. We are incredibly proud of the staff at Area Agency on Aging 3, who have worked diligently to reimagine how we support older adults—focusing not only on nutrition, but on connection, engagement, and community. Most of all, we are proud of the powerful impact these events have had across our region,” Dre White, Vice President of Community Living Services at Area Agency on Aging 3 stated.

The 2025 USAging Aging Innovations & Achievement Awards honored traditional and new strategies in a range of categories, including caregiving, community planning and livable communities, health–social care integration, healthy aging,

housing and homelessness, information and referral/assistance, intergenerational programs, nutrition, social engagement, and workforce development and volunteerism.

All winners are highlighted in the USAging Aging Innovations & Achievement Awards Showcase.