The Stephen Palmer Senior Center provides a place to socialize and we offer a variety of on-going recreational, health, educational and informational programs and activities. The Center also houses the Council on Aging offices and staff to include the Executive Director the Associate Director the Transportation and Volunteer Coordinator, the Social Work Department and the S.H.I.N.E. program (Serving the Health and Information Needs of the Elderly) program.

In 1999, the Stephen Palmer Senior Center was the first Center in Massachusetts, and the 19th in the country, to be accredited by the National Institute of Senior Centers (NISC).  The Center was reaccredited in 2004. The rigorous accreditation process involved over sixty-five volunteers, in addition to the board and staff, working together on nine committees. The committees evaluated all aspects of the Center’s operations and developed a set of recommendations for further strengthening the programs and services. NISC peer reviewers visited in 1999 and 2004 and enthusiastically endorsed our application for accreditation.   The National Council on Aging is a part of the federal department of Health and Human Services.

The Needham Council on Aging is a department within the Diversified Community Social Services (DCSS) along with the Youth Commission and Veterans Services.