About Us
History
History of the Shepherd's Center in providing older adult programs and services:
We are one of 75 Shepherd Centers started by Shepherd Centers of America which began in 1972 through
the inspiration of Rev. Elbert Cole in Kansas City, MO. He proposed a new image of positive aging that
incorporated providing opportunities for continued purpose and meaning. The genius of the Shepherd's
Centers is that they are created by and with older adults. They are not designed for older adults and
administered to them. Volunteers at Shepherd's Centers have the authority to make decisions, and are in
charge of implementation. The result is participants who have a strong sense of ownership and commitment.
The Shepherd's Center of Webster/Kirkwood Inc. was started in 1998 through the leadership of the three
congregations on the corner of Berry Road and Lockwood Avenue. The pastors realized that there was
not an organization like the Shepherd's Center in St. Louis. They also saw the opportunity to join hands with
several denominations to support an interfaith common cause which was offering services to senior neighbors.
As of August 2008 there are seven sponsoring congregations. Webster Hills United Methodist Church, Mary
Queen of Peace Catholic Church and Webster Groves Christian Church, Concordia Lutheran Church, The
Lutheran Church of Webster Gardens, Webster Groves Presbyterian Church and First United Methodist
Church of Webster Groves that help to sustain the six programs of service to senior neighbors which are:
Overall we have 160 volunteers who provide 220 services. The volunteers carry out the mission of the Shepherd's Center
and it is to their credit that we have become known as a welcoming place with wonderful programs. The Shepherd's
Center is known as a dependable and trustworthy organization because of these volunteers. The volunteer respond to do
something small but meaning each time they say yes to a request. They help in important ways every time we serve an
elderly neighbor who needs help in remaining independent. The Shepherd's Center is not a senior center, it is a center
where neighbors help neighbors.
The Shepherd's Center is a place where people come to learn, laugh and lend a hand.
We are one of 75 Shepherd Centers started by Shepherd Centers of America which began in 1972 through
the inspiration of Rev. Elbert Cole in Kansas City, MO. He proposed a new image of positive aging that
incorporated providing opportunities for continued purpose and meaning. The genius of the Shepherd's
Centers is that they are created by and with older adults. They are not designed for older adults and
administered to them. Volunteers at Shepherd's Centers have the authority to make decisions, and are in
charge of implementation. The result is participants who have a strong sense of ownership and commitment.
The Shepherd's Center of Webster/Kirkwood Inc. was started in 1998 through the leadership of the three
congregations on the corner of Berry Road and Lockwood Avenue. The pastors realized that there was
not an organization like the Shepherd's Center in St. Louis. They also saw the opportunity to join hands with
several denominations to support an interfaith common cause which was offering services to senior neighbors.
As of August 2008 there are seven sponsoring congregations. Webster Hills United Methodist Church, Mary
Queen of Peace Catholic Church and Webster Groves Christian Church, Concordia Lutheran Church, The
Lutheran Church of Webster Gardens, Webster Groves Presbyterian Church and First United Methodist
Church of Webster Groves that help to sustain the six programs of service to senior neighbors which are:
- Adventures in Learning - Lifelong Learning which includes
- Exercise
- Watercolor
- Discussions
- Tai Chi
- Book Reviews
- Travel
- Shepherd's Travelers - Day trips or excursions
- Resource Center - Referral for elder care
- Transportation Ministry - Non emergency medical rides
- Handy Hands - Minor home repair
- Chores Galore - Seasonal yard clean up
Overall we have 160 volunteers who provide 220 services. The volunteers carry out the mission of the Shepherd's Center
and it is to their credit that we have become known as a welcoming place with wonderful programs. The Shepherd's
Center is known as a dependable and trustworthy organization because of these volunteers. The volunteer respond to do
something small but meaning each time they say yes to a request. They help in important ways every time we serve an
elderly neighbor who needs help in remaining independent. The Shepherd's Center is not a senior center, it is a center
where neighbors help neighbors.
The Shepherd's Center is a place where people come to learn, laugh and lend a hand.
National Organizations
The Shepherd's Center of American is the national parent of 75 individual centers which offers guidance and
input to centers nation wide. The Faith in Action National Network is more broad in scope in their programs
and activities and includes senior program and services.
input to centers nation wide. The Faith in Action National Network is more broad in scope in their programs
and activities and includes senior program and services.
SHEPHERD'S CENTER
of Webster-Kirkwood, Inc.
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