Linda’s Musings

It’s hard to believe that a month has already passed since my last posting. I had planned on adding to this Blog more often, but time has just flown by.

I have been the Executive Director of The Shepherd’s Center of Charlotte for three months. During those three months, I’ve had the opportunity to review our programs and services. I’m happy to report that I have found The Center to be in relatively good shape. Our staff are knowledgeable and hard-working, our Board of Directors are committed and energetic, our volunteers are dedicated and our programs and services are strong.

So, where do we go from here? It is my plan to take what we already have and build upon it so that we may offer even more within the programs and services we already have.

How do we do that? One of the first things is to change our eligibility age from 65 to 55! This one act alone will deepen our commitment to the older adult community by extending our programs and services to thousands more people.

As the “Baby Boomers” age into retirement, some of them are anxious to finally be able to give back to their community in a way that was not possible when they were working full-time. Others are finding that years of work-related stress; habits of excessive eating, drinking and smoking and lack of exercise have taken a toll on their bodies and minds. Some are in financial distress due to unforeseen hospital expenses and overuse of their credit cards. They are in need of Shepherd’s Center services to help them regain control of their lives. It might be a ride to their doctor or a request for a handyman to fix the leaking faucet. It might be a seminar on financial services or the hiring of a Companion Aide to help them with the little things around the house while they recuperate from surgery or illness. Whatever the reason, The Shepherd’s Center is here for anyone who needs assistance.