New initiatives coming to Shepherd Center this year
Did you know the Shepherd Center of Sumter has been in our community for 42 years? Few people are aware of its existence or recognize the unique services it offers. The center is open to all those who are 50 years of age and older. It is an all-volunteer-operated nonprofit organization which offers classes, social gatherings and fellowship, lunches, recreational activities and trips to places throughout South Carolina and beyond. Annual dues are minimal.
The Shepherd Center can help you stay connected, grow your social network and keep you active. It is a known fact that spending time doing something you enjoy with people you like enhances your quality of life.
The Shepherd's Center concept and ideas for programs began with Elbert Cole in Kansas City, Missouri, when Pat Bynum and Helen Propst heard Dr. Cole's ideas. They returned to Sumter, and in 1982, Bynum, Propst and 11 sponsoring churches opened its doors at Trinity United Methodist Church. Mary Garland Roddey was elected its first director, and from that day forward, the center has provided services to more than 15,000 seniors. However, in the last five years, many residents have forgotten what the Shepherd Center has to offer, and the COVID-19 pandemic caused huge reductions in membership. With new life and a strong commitment, it is now time to rejoin the center and find the activity that excites you. Jeanette Rivera-Smith, volunteer director, has been at the helm for 16 years, and with her board of 10, they expect to revitalize the organization with your help.
Adventures in Learning is just one focus of the program. It provides an array of classes, such as gardening and flower arrangements, crafts, exercise, current events, retirement planning and health information. Anyone with talent who would like to volunteer in an activity is welcomed; classes are usually held each Thursday for eight weeks. After the Adventure in Learning classes, lunches are offered each Thursday followed with fun entertainment, games or special speakers.
Recreation is available based on your interest. For example, if you enjoy eating out, weekly lunches are arranged. If you like bowling or pickleball, groups are formed, and if games are your choice, then you will find them at the Shepherd's Center. Of course, there are always line dancing and exercise classes as part of Adventures in Learning.
Because travel is often difficult for older residents, both day trips and long tours are available. The day trips include visits within a two-hour radius (the Statehouse, Mepkin Abbey, Billy Graham Museum, Francis Marion Planetarium, Brookgreen Gardens) where you get to learn more about your state while enjoying fellowship and a delicious lunch. Longer trips provide you a climate-controlled coach while visiting specific areas of the United States. Some highlights have been four to seven days in Asheville, Savannah, New York City, the Amish country, Vermont, Boston and Niagara Falls.
Long-time members have voiced accolades about the center and encourage others to join. With the 2024-25 program year, new initiatives are being implemented, making it easier for participation and hopefully volunteerism. Anyone interested in learning more about the Shepherd's Center is asked to pick up a newsletter at Sumter County Library, Parks and Recreation Center, Swan Lake Gardens or your local church.