Recent
U.S. Census data indicate there are more than 52,000 people between
the ages of 50-64 who reside in Lexington County; there are more than
32,000 people 65 years old and over. More than 84,000 people
over the age of 50 live in Lexington County or about 32% out of a
total population of 262,391. The Shepherd’s Center of
Lexington can be a “key player” and resource in serving the needs
of this large and growing population.
All
Shepherd’s Centers have a commonly understood mission to empower
older adults to use their wisdom and skills for the good of their
communities. Lifelong learning opportunities and social
services are provided through partnerships with many faiths and the
community at large. Volunteers are the leaders in providing
in-home and community based services for their neighbors. The
vision is that individuals will experience
meaningful lives
through all phases of their mature years.
Funding
for the work of the Shepherd’s Center of Lexington is generated
from congregations, program fees, individual donors, grants from
corporations and foundations, and fund raising events. Shepherd’s
Centers are unique in their capacity to engage volunteers from area
congregations in leadership roles.
Here’s
a sampling of what we’ve accomplished as of November 2012:
· Received approval to operate out of the outstanding facilities of the
Lexington United Methodist Church;
· Set up a Board of Directors and wrote bylaws;
· Submitted our application to the IRS to obtain 501(c)3 non-profit
status;
· Registered as a charitable organization and Received a
“Certificate of Incorporation” from the SC Secretary of State;
· Planned an exciting series of lifelong learning courses to offer
Thursday mornings between January 10 and March 14, 2013;
· Received a $1000 grant from the Central Carolina Community Foundation
to train our Board of Directors in nonprofit board management and
fundraising;
· Obtained $6000 in sponsorship funds and donations:
· Joined the Greater Lexington Chamber of Commerce;
· Retained consultation through the University of South Carolina School
of Law Nonprofit Organizations Clinic to work out details with the
IRS to obtain 501(c)3 designation;
· Initiated a strategic planning process;
· Launched a website through ClubExpress;
· Became an official affiliate of the Shepherd Centers Of America;
· Visited The Shepherd’s Center of Winston Salem to share and learn
ideas about enhancing our lifelong learning and service programs;
· Finalizing strategies to develop a service outreach program that
especially helps home bound elderly such transportation for medical
appointments and grocery shopping;
· Hosted a Belgian waffle breakfast fundraiser, Chamber ribbon cutting,
and celebration of our opening on November 2nd
. We raised
approximately $1200.