Empowering Aging
1974
The Legacy Begins
Incorporated under authority of the “General Not for Profit Corporation Act” of the State of Missouri as the Mid-America Resource and Training Center on Aging.
1976
Volunteer to Live Documentary
CBS televised documentary “Volunteer to Live,” features the Shepherd’s Centers model and work of the national office. The nationally viewed program creates fury of national and international interest and visitors.
1983
International Impact
International interest increases, especially from England, Canada and Australia. The name of the organization is changed to Shepherd’s Centers International.
1985
Aging Network News
One of the first national organizations to publish articles on empowerment.
Shepherd's Centers of America
Name changed to Shepherd’s Centers of America, reflecting national focus with the purpose of being a “benevolent, educational organization” for all Shepherd’s Centers.
1989
The Search for Meaning
Dr. Elbert Cole addresses the International Congress of Gerontology at Acapulco, Mexico (June 1989). The title of his speech was “The Search for Meaning.”
1991
Senate Recognition
Senate Bill S. 1476, a bill to recognize the organization known as the Shepherd’s Centers of America, Inc. introduced into the United States Congressional Record.
Senate Bill S.1476
Senate Bill S.1476, introduced in the 102nd Congress (1991-1992), was a legislative proposal aimed at recognizing the organization known as Shepherd’s Centers of America, Inc. The bill was introduced by Senator John C. Danforth (R-MO) on July 16, 1991, and referred to the Senate Committee on the Judiciary. The bill itself sought to formally recognize the work of Shepherd’s Centers of America, which provides various services to seniors through a network of community and faith-based centers across the U.S., including programs like volunteer caregiving, transportation, and social activities.
1992-1995
National Interfaith Advisory Council
Emphasis placed on communities developing Shepherd’s Centers through interfaith support reflective of the make-up of their community. This looked different for each community; the vast majority included Judeo-Christian communities with a mix of Jewish, Catholic, and Protestant congregations.
Board of Directors establishes National Interfaith Advisory Council
Initial members included representatives from the national offices of African Methodist Episcopal Church, American Baptist Churches in the USA, The Assemblies of God, Catholic Charities USA, Christian Methodist Episcopal Church; Church of the Nazarene, Episcopal Church USA, Evangelical Covenant Church; Evangelical Lutheran Church of America, National Baptist Convention of America, Presbyterian Church (USA); Reformed Church in America Southern Baptist Convention, Union of Hebrew Congregations (Reform), United Church of Christ.
2007
Elder Leadership Award
Elder Leadership Award from the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA) honors Elbert Cole for his work founding Shepherd’s Centers of America.
2010
SCA Summit
SCA Summit held to reorganize as an affiliate driven network; the bylaws were amended to include more center representatives on the board of directors.
2012
First Network Impact survey undertaken
Estimated value of services provided is more than $7 million, based on the Independent Sector’s value of $21.36 per hour for volunteer time.
34,830
Older adults were helped through informal caregiving services at no cost to the individual.
26,514
Older adults participated in Adventures in Learning.
9,720
Volunteers gave 328,860 hours of service.
2014
National Visionary Award
Rusty and Nancy Ryan National Visionary Award is established and Dr. Rusty Ryan is recognized as the first honoree. The Donald Owen Smith National Volunteer Leadership Award is established and James Weikel, Shepherd’s Center of Greensboro, NC, is recognized as the first honoree.
2014
Elbert Cole Society
Established the Elbert Cole Society as a way for donors to make a lasting legacy by designating SCA in one’s will.
2019
IMPACT Model
Enhanced start-up packet and process for communities and leaders to learn more about starting a Shepherd’s Center by elaborating on the IMPACT model.
IMPACT Model
I = Inclusion of all people and all faiths
M = Meaningful programs designed by, with, and for older adults
P = Philanthropic volunteers reflecting generosity and concern for others
A = Aging well in community through empowerment
C = Collaborative community partnerships
T = Ties that bind individuals together, creating a sense of belonging
2020
Better Together
With the height of the pandemic, the first Virtual National Conference, “Better Together,” held in October with more than 100 participants.
2022
Top-Rated Nonprofit
Earned Top-rated nonprofit seal for 10th consecutive year
2022
Volunteer Driver
Turnkey Kit
Published the revised Volunteer Driver TurnKey Kit in collaboration with Helen Kerschner, expanding access to the most comprehensive resources on volunteer driving services.
2024
To The Next
50 Years
Rebranded to Aging Forward in celebration of the 50th Anniversary of empowered aging.
2024
National Gallery of
Volunteer Excellence
National Volunteer Leadership Award restructured as the Donald Owen and Katherine Horridge Smith National Volunteer of Excellence Award, representing an expansion to recognize annually one exceptional volunteer from each affiliate with the National Gallery of Volunteer Excellence.