WHAT IS THE SHEPHERD’S CENTER?
The Shepherd’s Center of Richmond (TSCOR) is not a place or a building. It is a non-profit, service and education organization for people around 50 and over who participate in programs of mutual interest and help their neighbors through volunteer service. Founded by Bob Seiler and incorporated in 1984, TSCOR is a successful and inspiring model of just how resourceful a group of older men and women can be in making Richmond a more caring community for older people.
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Our Mission is to encourage older adults to remain active and independent through enrichment programs and volunteer service to their peers.
Programs & Services:
LIFELONG LEARNING — The Center’s Open University (OU) offers almost limitless opportunity for intellectual challenge and social interaction. Classes and lectures are held at churches in three areas of Richmond. Programs at the three sites differ. Eight-week terms in the fall, winter, and spring feature well-qualified lecturers or instructors, many of whom are faculty or retired faculty members of area colleges and universities. All instructors volunteer their time. We are one of the best bargains when it comes to lifelong learning in our area. Take a look at our Spring 2017 class schedule to see the subjects offered.
Open University begins again in the fall, on September 18, 2017.
To register for classes, you can either print a copy of the schedule and mail a check and the registration sheet on the back page or just sign up the day of classes at the OU location. Pre-registration is not required.
Open University courses include foreign languages, literature, history, political science, art, music, religious studies, philosophy, science, writing, estate planning, Feldenkrais and yoga. Each term averages 400 registrants, and more than 70 people give their time and expertise as teachers, hospitality team members, and organizers to make it all happen. The Shepherd’s Center Education Committee is completely responsible for planning and carrying out the myriad of details each term. Many people have attended the Open University for more than 10 years, citing the friendships and continued learning keeps them happy and eager to return each year.
CLIENT SERVICES— The Shepherd’s Center volunteers provide transportation to medical appointments and to grocery stores to those over 60 in our community who, for numerous reasons, are unable to drive themselves. Transportation has been recognized as one of the most important and under-addressed needs for older adults and the demand will only increase as Baby Boomers continue turning 65 in record numbers. Keeping our older adults and seniors healthy and well fed is essential and is at the core of our mission. Each year, the Center’s volunteers provide more than 1,500 round-trip rides. Volunteer drivers are always needed and it’s an easy way to give back. And now it is even easier. We have a web-based program where volunteer drivers can go online and select assignments that fit into their schedule themselves.
Other services such as light handyperson help and friendly calls are also available. There are no fees for services and membership is not required. We do gladly accept donations!
TRAVEL– The Center offers an exciting array of travel opportunities each year, from local one day tours to several day excursions. Click the travel tab to see upcoming trips.
VOLUNTEER LEADERSHIP- The Shepherd’s Center is exceptional in its capacity to engage volunteers in leadership roles. The Richmond center employs only two full-time and two part-time people. Volunteers carry out all other work, giving more than 10,000 hours of service annually. This work ranges from teaching to volunteer services to organizational planning, committee work, and board leadership. – The Shepherd’s Center’s programs and services are all carried out by volunteers – people like you! We need your help to get seniors in Richmond to medical appointments and to grocery stores. We need your teaching and hospitality talents. We need your expertise on our Board and its many committees & teams. If you live in the Richmond area and are 50 and beyond, this is the community for you! Look at our list of volunteer opportunities.
For over 30 years, we have been a vital and successful organization that works in the Richmond community. As the Baby Boomers grow into retirement, the numbers of people wanting meaningful service opportunities, as well as those needing help themselves, will continue to grow. The Center is not an “agency”. It receives no government or United Way funding. It is a group of caring people who have developed a neighbor-helping-neighbor approach in solving many of the issues of growing older – lack of transportation, isolation, loneliness, and the need to “give back” in order to find meaning and purpose.
