Linda’s Musings

As we embark on a new and exciting year, for many of us, it’s a time of reflection on what we’ve experienced over the past year and what we hope to accomplish during the coming year. It’s a time when we resolve to overcome the negative and embrace the positive.

Resolutions always play a part in our plan, but sometimes fall to the wayside after a couple of weeks.  A good incentive is to pubilsh your resolutions.  So, here are my top five resolutions for The Shepherd’s Center for 2008!

1.  Continue to research ways to make The Shepherd’s Center more vital to the older adults in the community.

2.  “Spread the Word” about The Shepherd’s Center through area church and senior groups.

3.  Keep the Summits coming!  Organize and present at least three Summits in 2008 to keep seniors informed on topics such as finance, health, insurance, fraud and legal issues.

4.  Listen!  The best way to learn what is needed is to listen to input from those you serve.

5.  Learn!  Continue to seek out new programs and services for seniors which may add depth to the organization.

I’m going to count on you to help me keep these resolutions.  I welcome your thoughts and suggestions.  Together, we can make this organization one of the leading senior organizations in this community.

On a personal note, 2007 has been an interesting year for me.  I’ve worked in non-profit for nearly 20 years and in 2007 I left a job that I had planned on keeping until I retired.  Why did I do that?  Because becoming the executive director of The Shepherd’s Center of Charlotte offered me the opportunity to reach out to more people in a more meaningful way.  This organization has so much potential and a strong, vibrant base making the possibilities endless.

As with any change in management, there have also been changes in the way The Shepherd’s Center does some things.   Our newsletter has a new name and a new look, making it difficult for some of you to find information. Some of our programs have expanded; some of our policies have changed.  It’s all new to you and for some of you - it’s disconcerting.  I apologize for that, but in order for this organizationto embrace the 21st century, we have to look forward and not back.

We implemented the Senior Choices Summits with our inaugural event on November 13, 2007.  It was a very successful event, with over 125 attendees, who learned more about the legal issues facing seniors.  Our next summit will be held on Tuesday, March 11 at Pritchard Memorial Baptist Church and the topic will be “Financial Issues for the Older Adult.”  All in time for tax season!

We’re expanding our Adventures in Learning Program in 2008 to include a summer session, which will fill in the gap between our Spring and Fall Sessions.  No more three-month wait over the summer months.

I recently had to face my own mortality when my aortic heart valve ceased to function properly due to a congenital condition.  Within the span of a short few days, I entered Carolinas Medical Center and had my valve replaced.  Thanks to my terrific surgeons at Sanger Clinic, my recovery is going well and I should be back in the swing of things within a week or two.  As a matter of fact, I’ve been keeping up with things by telecommuting from the comfort of my home.  I’ve been able to do this thanks to a very dedicated staff and volunteers.  They have kept The Center running smoothly in my absence and have done an excellent job.  I mention this only becuase sometimes it takes somthing like this for you to really appreciate your family and friends.  I have been overwhelmed by the cards and e-mails from those wishing me a speedy recovery.  You never really know how many lives you touch until something like this happens.  I am truly grateful for the friendships I’ve developed through The Center.

As 2008 stretches before us and as The Shepherd’s Center family continues to grow, I’m excited about all the possibilities and opportunities available to us.  The board of Directors, staff and volunteers of The Shepherd’s Center wish you a very Happy 2008!

The Shepherd’s Center staff continues to be here for you from 9:00-5:00 each weekday.  Please feel free to call if you have any questions or concerns or if you would like to register for a class or trip, 704.365.1995.