My Nonprofit Reviews

In January, 1999, my congregation sent me to Kansas city for a four day leadership training session led by Dr. Elbert Cole, founder of the Shepherd's Center of America. I can say it was a life changing experience. Dr. Cole, a retired Methodist minister,was the most dynamic man I ever met. During my training he was 82, but more energetic than many men half his age. I have often said the training sessions was as good in the last hour on Friday as the first hour on Tuesday. This from someone who has attended many seminars and training sessions in both academia and the business world, I assure you is high praise.

Our Shepherd's Center of Webster/Kirkwood celebrated it 15th year last month. SCA provides vital support to us and the other Shepherd's Centers throughout the country

Dr. Cole's goals for the Shepherd's Centers were LIFE ENRICHMENT (learning), LIFE MAINTENANCE (independence), LIFE REORGANIZATION (health & exercise) and CELEBRATION (acknowledge events with meaning & purpose).

As a nation we have always celebrated youth. The vast majority of today's seniors (85%) are in relatively good health and vigorous. Society has tended to ignore this population, focusing on the senile and decrepit. The work of SCA is vitally important. Aging is an opportunity, not a problem. The mission of SCA is to change America's view on aging - to recognize the value of an aging population. The genius of the program is that it is a ministry being done by older adult volunteers rather than a ministry to them.

Bill German
Board Member, Shepherd's Center of Webster/Kirkwood

America needs more Shepherd's Center and SCA can help this to happen.

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