SCNOVA provides such a wonderful service to seniors in our community. The medical rides provided by a pre-screened, caring volunteer make such a difference to our clients with limited means. Many don't have the funds or technology to use taxi or ride share services. Knowing they have a safe ride can ease their stress and anxiety when dealing with medical issues. Rides also provide companionship and are fulfilling for the volunteer drivers. Also, social, educational, and support programs provide social connection and personal growth opportunities. Further, volunteering in the office or supporting events provides additional chances to get involved and make new friends. The staff are wonderful and caring and the programs are enriching. It's great to be a part of this community.
Shepherd’s Center of Northern Virginia is the first Shepherd’s Center in the region. Their success was immediate, and they quickly helped neighboring communities establish a Shepherd’s Center. This growth is a shining example of the value of community collaboration to advance services designed by, with and for older adults. And now 25 years later, Shepherd’s Center of Northern Virginia continues to lead the way to engage more generations to experience the joys of aging.
Shepherd’s Center of Northern Virginia is a vital part of a larger community--a national network of 55 centers in 17 states across America connecting with 165,000 older adults annually and more than two and a half million people since inception. Together, this network is creating meaningful opportunities for older adults to live healthier, happier lives.
The Shepherd's Center of NoVA is topnotch! Carolyn and her team are always so helpful and able to guide people in any direction!
The Shepherd's Center is a wonderful organization that plays a very important role for many seniors in the area. You don't realize how dependent you are on the car until you don't have one so the volunteer drivers fill a big hole for people who need to go to a doctor's or dentist's appointment, and run errands like going to the bank , grocery store or even just a haircut. As an office volunteer, I hear the gratitude in our clients' voices. I am so glad to be associated with the Shepherd's Center, knowing we make a difference.
I thoroughly enjoy partnering with the Shepherd's Center of Northern Va. to offer fun, social events for the community. The staff are fantastic to work with and the volunteers are energetic and reliable.
About 15 years ago at retirement, I noticed this nonprofit's activity in local papers and decided to volunteer. Helping drive clients to doctor appointments or grocery shopping was like making new friends and feeling good about helping out at the same time. I transitioned to working with certain people who had more significant disability--cutting bushes, changing light fixtures, and getting their medications so they could remain comfortably in their homes. My dogs ' hair messed up my car, so I decided to help in the SCNOVA office and from there into fundraising work with local businesses. All of these activities involve working side by side with clients/volunteers and a very limited but talented staff. It is very rewarding helping in many ways on your own choice of time, and is a truly outstanding service for folks who need support and companionship. SCNOVA supplies opportunities for get-togethers and educational speakers for interested seniors as well. It is truly a valuable community resource for Northern Virginia.
I recently became a volunteer on the SCNOVA board of directors as the first client representative. I have had the blessing of volunteer drivers to medical visits and to purchase food since a violent car accident when I was hit from behind . I sustained a traumatic brain injury and severe low back injury. As a former physical therapist, I found myself in the role of client/ patient rather than clinician.
Every volunteer including staff and drivers are excellent, kind and empathic. I appreciate my new role on the BOD so I can serve the clients as an advocate with the same dedication as the team!
I have been a volunteer with this organization since it was created. I have served as board of directors Chair, for 16 years, Treasurer for one year, and in several other volunteer positions and projects. I still serve on the board. We are celebrating our 25th year in operation this year, an important milestone for the SCNOVA. This organization operates with a very small staff and several hundred volunteers. We serve a large area of Fairfax County, Virginia which has an aging population. We serve clients over 55 with such items as rides to Dr. appointments, home visits & calls to those that are homebound, educational programs, social gatherings and other activities to help avoid loneliness and promote living a life with meaning.
SCNOVA was founded in 1998 under the umbrella of the Shepherd's Centers of America. We provide free services to older adults who are attempting to age in place in their homes throughout areas of Fairfax County, Virginia (Vienna, Oakton, Dunn Loring, Reston, Herndon, Great Falls, and some parts of Fairfax). Our vetted older adult volunteers provide free transportation, companionship, and handy helper services (for minor home or yard repairs/maintenance). We also provide social and educational programs for older adults. We provide services to all those in need with no income limits. We serve older adults regardless of race, ethnicity, gender identity, or religion. We welcome older adults who wish to serve their community as volunteers and those whose seek our services as clients to empower them to live a life of meaning. Over the past 25 years we have served thousands of individuals in our region, led by an all-volunteer board of directors and a small, dedicated professional staff.
I joined SCNOVA as a volunteer driver and office assistant in 2017. I joined the Board of Directors in 2018. This opportunity to serve my community brings joy and fulfillment to me in a way that almost no other organization can.
As a professional in the field of healthcare and senior related care, I consistently refer people to the Shepherd Center of Northern Virginia. The passion and love behind their mission and their services is what sets them apart as a leader in the field.
Amazing people run the Shepherd's Center of Northern Virginia. I have volunteered for several events and have enjoyed my experience immensely. I am proud of the work they are doing for our older adults and the opportunities it provides me to give back to my community.
As a professional who has worked with thousands of older adults in the Northern Virginia over the last three decades I am incredibly impressed with the model of support and community building provided by Shepherd's Center of Northern Virginia.
Their team of staff and volunteers implements the concept of neighbors helping neighbors better than any organization that I am aware of.
The only problem is this needs to be in every community across the country! Fortunately we have them in Northern Virginia!