Welcome!
June 13, 2007
Welcome to The Shepherd’s Center of Charlotte Web Blog! This will be a constant feature on our Web site and will be updated as often as I have something to say. Those who know me will expect to see something new daily, since I’m not usually at a loss for words. This Web Blog is new to me, so we’ll be learning all the intricacies together. First and foremost, I invite comments, questions and suggestions on how my staff and I can make The Shepherd’s Center of Charlotte the best it can be for you.
All is well as I sit here in my office on the lower floor of Trinity Presbyterian Church. We’ve just finished a successful Adventures in Learning session with close to 200 participants; a trip to Flatrock Playhouse in the NC mountains last week was a huge success; our Introduction to Computers class graduated 30 new, competent computer users this week - and summer has just begun! What more can an Executive Director wish for?
Since assuming the leadership of The Shepherd’s Center of Charlotte in April, each day has been filled with gratitude and surprise. From unexpected donations to volunteers going above and beyond the call of duty.
I have been involved with volunteerism on a personal basis for years, so I know what it takes to take time out of your personal life to drive into an office and answer the telephones for a few hours. Or to drive someone to a medical appointment, wait for them, and drive them back home. Many of our workers treat their jobs as if they were paying jobs. They continually work with a dedication and resolve that is astounding. So it is with sincere gratitude that I thank The Center’s many volunteers for their continued service.
I’d also like to thank our program participants. The Center has a dedicated following in our program area, whether it’s our Adventures in Learning Program, our Computer Program or our Travel Program. The Center’s staff and volunteer committees continually strive to keep these programs vital, interesting and affordable. Please spread the word to your friends and relatives. Participation is the key and the more these programs grow, the more we are better able to serve the community.
One of our special services that I would like to highlight is our Companion Aide Program. This program matches qualified aides to clients in need of help in their homes. The clients may have had recent surgery and need a little help getting around or they may be failing in health due to advancing years; whatever the case, our pre-screened aides are available to help them through the tough times so they may stay in their homes as long as possible. The aides are paid directly by the clients. Our service is a referral service. At this time, we have a long list of aides available. If you know of anyone who needs help, please give us a call and we will do everything possible to find the right fit.
And last, but certainly not least - I’d like to congratulate the winners of our recent raffle. The raffle drawing was held on June 4 at our last Adventures in Learning session. The winners are: Priscilla Griffin who won the grand prize of $500 and the beautiful fresh-water pearls from Perry’s at South Park were awarded to Ellie Roberts. Our third prize was a Kodak digital camera and the winner was so excited that she came by the afternoon of June 4th and picked up the camera. She also took her ticket as a souvenir and we didn’t realize we hadn’t written down her name until she had already left. So, if the winner of the Kodak camera happens to read this, please call us and give us your name again so we can give you proper recognition.
Thank you to all who participated in our annual raffle. We made approximately $11,000 this year, which is a substantial increase over the $9,100 from last year. And a big thank you to those of you who don’t participate in raffles, but who donated to the cause anyway. We certainly appreciate your continued support.