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.