ABOUT WISE - An Evidence-Based Wellness Program For Older Adults
The WISE Program is a wellness and prevention program for older adults, teaching them to celebrate healthy aging, make healthy lifestyle choices, and avoid using substances. WISE provides invaluable insight on topics ranging from medication misuse and management, stress management, depression, loneliness and substance use. Since the program was launched in 1996, prevention programs presented by WISE facilitators have reached over 40,000 individuals!
The WISE Program has been awarded a 2009 National Exemplary Award for Innovative Substance Abuse Prevention Programs, Practices, and Policies by The National Association of State Alcohol and Drug Abuse Directors (NASADAD). The curriculum is listed on the Results First Clearinghouse Database, Administration for Community Living’s Aging and Disability Evidence-Based Programs and Practices (ADEPP) and was approved on SAMHSA’s National Registry of Evidence-based Programs and Practices (NREPP).
Learn more about the WISE program on NJPN's YouTube!
UPCOMING TRAININGS
January 20 & 21, 2026
10AM - 3PM EST
Virtual on Zoom
March 23 & 24, 2026
10AM - 3PM EST
Virtual on Zoom
May 18 & 19, 2026
12PM - 6PM EST
Virtual on Zoom
June 29 & 30, 2026
10AM - 3PM EST
Virtual on Zoom
BECOMING A WISE FACILITATOR
Why should I bring WISE to my community?
Older adults are an often overlooked population when it comes to receiving prevention and behavioral health programming.
Covering a range of topics from stress management and strategies for healthy living to medication management and prescription drug use, WISE uses an interactive approach to help seniors celebrate aging, make positive lifestyle choices, and feel more confident and in control of their lives.
Improved Wellbeing
Older adults report a greater sense of social guidance and social integration.
Increased Knowledge
Seniors gain crucial knowledge about aging, medication metabolism, and early signs of depression.
Behavioral Changes
Over 84% of older adult participants report making positive lifestyle changes within six weeks of program start.
What is required to become a facilitator?
A two-day training course is mandatory for any organization looking to offer the WISE Program. This facilitator training is offered either as an on-site customizable training at the program provider's location or as a standard training scheduled by NJPN in New Jersey.
Upon completion of training, facilitators will be prepared to guide program participants through the WISE program using a mixture of small group activities, group discussions, and individual exercises.
Facilitators will also be equipped to properly market the program, recruit program participants, and utilize NJPN’s evaluation tools to help their organization assess the program's impact at the end of the six-week program.
The two-day training will guide facilitators through:
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The history and development of WISE
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Theory behind the program
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Evaluation results and testimonials from past WISE participants
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The six sessions of the WISE Program, with small group trial sessions, followed by a chance to facilitate activities with the larger group
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Ideas for marketing the program and recruiting attendees
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Evaluation tools
CURRICULUM
Download the PDFs for more information.
NJPN has trained staff from organizations in several states outside of New Jersey, most recently in Nevada, Kentucky, Ohio, and New York. Contact us to learn more about how you can bring the WISE Program to your community.
For more information, call NJPN at 732-367-0611 or email wisetrainings@njpn.org.
PRICING
Facilitator Training (Per Person): $675
Includes two-day training, WISE curriculum binder, technical assistance.
Facilitator Training (Agency/Organization - Up to 25 Participants): $8,250
Includes two-day training and technical assistance. Curriculum binders billed separately.
Updated WISE Curriculum Binder: $125 + shipping.
Spanish Curriculum Flash Drive: $250 + shipping.
Dondago Bellamy
Prevention Specialist
Children's Aid and Family Services
WHAT OUR FACILITATORS SAY
WISE is important because participants find the class informative, leading to the empowerment for individuals to have more agency over their health. The activities and reflective questions create a safe space for our older adult population to share their experiences without judgement. A lot of them are going through the same things which creates opportunities to make genuine connections with each other.
- Dondago Bellamy