ELDER CARE
Growing Old with the Kindness of Strangers

By:  The Shepherd's Center

The Shepherd’s Center of Annandale Springfield (SCAS) is a non-profit interfaith organization sponsored by area congregations and community groups to serve seniors aged 50+ in the Annandale, Springfield, and a few areas in Alexandria, Virginia. Our primary purpose is to provide services to assist senior adults aged 50 and above to continue to live independently in their homes and to offer programs which supply opportunities for enrichment, learning and socialization. 

The majority of Board members and volunteers are seniors and have been helping seniors in our community since 2003. Consequently our motto is quite appropriately, Seniors Helping Seniors. We are fortunate to be one of five Shepherd Centers in the Northern Virginia area helping our senior citizens in so many ways.

Our primary service is to provide transportation to those seniors who no longer drive or have no transportation support. In 2015 the Annandale Christian Community for Action (ACCA) joined SCAS to make it a joint program. (see p. 30) Our drivers, who are community volunteers, generously give their time and effort to provide services such as transportation to and from medical appointments during the week, and to shopping and banking on weekends. In 2016, the drivers provided 816 rides averaging over 11,000 miles. We currently have 164 riders and 43 drivers.  

We receive ride referrals from Fairfax County, local doctor and dentist offices, dialysis centers, and friends and relatives of people that no longer drive. Since new senior riders are signing up every week, a growing demand for additional drivers exists as well.

Our services also include a Handy Helper program. Handy Helpers perform minor home repairs to keep homes safe for seniors. Services are available to seniors in our community free of charge, and we continue to welcome any new Handy Helpers that wish to volunteer.  

Regular programs, sponsored by the Shepherd’s Center, provide socialization as well as continuing education as noted below.

Lunch N’ Life: luncheons are held regularly with guest speakers or musical programs. This is a social event that provides good programs, good food, and good company.

Special Events: Oktoberfest at the American Legion Bicentennial Post #1976 in Annandale

Adventures in Learning: Six weeks of interesting and educational seminars and discussion groups. Classes are offered in the Spring and Fall. The day starts with seated yoga to get the mind and body relaxed. This is followed by speakers on topics such as health, history, community, personal development, finance, and more. United Baptist Church in Annandale has generously provided the use of their Fellowship Hall for this event for many years.

Day Trips and Outings: Local excursions provide opportunities for enjoyment, learning, and fellowship.

Annual Events: just to name a few are:

¨ AARP Smart Driving Course, which we host to provide a refresher course of motor vehicle skills to seniors and to help them save money on their auto insurance

¨ Volunteer Luncheon, we provide a free lunch and fun entertainment to honor our volunteers

¨ Fund Raising Events such as concerts at NVCC with the Reunion Music Society

All events open to the public and are posted on our website at www.shepherdscenter-annandale.org.

The Shepherd’s Center is supported from both in-kind and financial donations from faith communities, civic groups, and local businesses, as well as donations from many individuals. These provide a firm foundation for all that we do. We thank Greenspring Village Retirement Living for printing our bi-monthly newsletters and First Presbyterian Church of Annandale for our office space.

We are always looking for volunteers to serve on our Board and Committees, to become drivers, and to serve as office staff. Contribution are most welcome as they will make a real difference in the life of someone in your community, and someday, quite possibly in your own.

Whether to volunteer or to contribute, or for more information about our services, please call or email.

Shepherd’s Center of Annandale-Springfield
7610 Newcastle Dr., Annandale, VA 22003
703-941-1419 Mon– Fri. 10 am to 1 pm

Shepherdscas@vacoxmail.com www.shepherdscenter-annandale.org