STRIPES GO WITH EVERYTHING

August 2021

                                              STRIPES GO WITH EVERYTHING
                                              Zebras are truly remarkable creatures, and their
                                              stripes have been talked about for hundreds of
                                              years. Are they black with white stripes? Or white
                                              with black stripes?

                                               The zebra is mostly covered in white and striped
                                               with black or dark brown stripes, but underneath
                                               their white coats is black skin. Furthermore, each
                                               species of zebra has a different general pattern of
                                               stripes. One species has very thin stripes, and
another has vertical stripes on its neck and torso, but horizontal stripes on its haunches. Some
have brownish "shadow" stripes.

Each zebra's stripes are unique. Just as no two human fingerprints or snowflakes are alike, no
two zebras have the same stripe pattern. A colleague recently compared the Shepherd’s
Centers network to a herd of zebras (also known as a dazzle of zebras or a zeal of zebras).
While we all have a common mission, each affiliate has its on stripes—that is the services
offered (from rides to friendly calls to home repairs and counseling services), how educational
classes are structured (weekly, multiple week sessions, or multiple days a week), staffing
patterns (no paid staff to 2-3 staff up to 15 or more), budget size (from $5,000 to $500,000+),
and sometimes even a different name. Each center’s uniqueness is a strength and helps us
expand our perspective on how to apply the model effectively.

Zebras are social animals that live in large groups. When faced by predators, zebras work
together to form a semi-circle and bite or kick the predators if they come close. They will also
encircle an injured family member to protect it if the need arises. Another habit of zebras is
mutual grooming, which they do to strengthen their bonds with each other.

We often talk about the bond among network affiliates. Peers and colleagues readily help one
another, whether it’s brainstorming on the phone, addressing questions at a roundtable,
imparting sample letters and surveys, or sharing fundraising ideas. It’s done with zeal. And like
a zeal of zebras, we are better when we’re working together, doing more good, more
effectively. And yet we retain our uniqueness.

Another fun fact is that a zebra animal symbol represents community, freedom, balance, and
individualism. The Native American culture refers to zebras as a symbol of balance and
sureness of path.

I like to think the Shepherd’s Centers network also symbolizes community, individualism, and
sureness of success. Participating in SCA initiatives instantly connects you to a national
network of professional support and comradery as well as innovative solutions to help your

center thrive. Together, we are creating a more caring society for all of us as we age. It’s an
honor to be part of this dazzling group!

Sarah Cheney

BOLD STRIPES AND BRIGHT STARS

Eight affiliate partners and SCA have just wrapped up a one-
year grant with the Community Care Corps to enhance and
expand volunteer driver programs. A special shout out to these
leading volunteer transportation affiliates:

Shepherd's Center of Annandale-Springfield (VA)
Shepherd's Center of Charlotte (NC)
Shepherd's Center of Fairfax-Burke (VA)
Shepherd's Center of Greenbrier Valley (WV)
Shepherd's Center of Kernersville (NC)
Shepherd's Center of Raytown (MO)
Shepherd's Center of Richmond (VA)
Mutual Adoption Pact (TX)

We know that volunteer driver programs are as varied as the communities in which they
operate. With this funding, we developed three strategies, and partnering affiliates were
encouraged to adopt one or more of these sound but creative options to strengthen services
based on the needs of their community. First, companion assistants who not only drive to
health care and other professional appointments but also attend appointments to take notes,
eliminating confusion when so much information is communicated at once, were integrated into
volunteer driver programs. We know this often happens already, and now we have guidelines
and procedures to provide this service more effectively. Check out the guide here.

Second, SCA is promoting intergenerational connections by engaging university student
volunteers through service-learning and developing a how-to guide for collaborating with
university partners. While many centers offer intergenerational opportunities, these are usually
through group service, such as yard clean-up. With so many older adults stepping back from
volunteer service during the pandemic, student volunteers proved to be a valuable source of
volunteers. By forming relationships with higher education institutions, an ongoing volunteer
stream is developed. Check out the guide here (which does focus on shopping given the
pandemic but the strategies for partnering with higher education are the same).

Finally, a comprehensive Volunteer Driver TurnKey Kit presents promising tools and practices
to ensure operational effectiveness, sustainability, and accessibility to further advance
volunteer transportation. This TurnKey Kit is a comprehensive resource based on the work of
Dr. Helen Kerschner. We will soon be sharing a link to this massive resource on our website.

Through this initiative, 595 older adults were served, 232 volunteers were recruited (exceeding
our goal in spite of the pandemic!), providing more than 6,630 hours of service with an
estimated value of nearly $170,000.

RAZZLE DAZZLE

Just like a dazzle of zebras, we humans like to hang out with
other people. Research reveals that casual relationships,
also thought of as peripheral ties, have several benefits.
These ties can cultivate a sense of belonging, provide bursts
of positive energy, motivate us to engage in activities,
enhance quality of life, expose us to new information and
opportunities, and allow us to flourish—all without the
emotional challenges that often attend close relationships with family and friends.

If this is the case, think of the role of Shepherd's Centers in fostering casual relationships —
between volunteers, between participants, between volunteers and participants, and others.
Read the full article to learn more.

This leads us to share a reminder about the value of measuring the impact of your services on
reducing social isolation. As a network, we have adopted use of the Duke Social Support
Index or DSSI. This is a short tool participants and volunteers complete initially and then 3 or
so months later. As you are restarting in-person learning and other programs, this is an ideal
time to have individuals complete the DSSI.

For those who believe these questions may feel a little invasive, read the cover note that
Christy Fitzgerald with Shepherd's Center of Orange Park (FL) uses to encourage
individuals to complete and return the questionnaire. She is getting a high response rate as a
result.

ZEBROIDS

Did you know that a zebroid is the term generally used for all
zebra hybrids? And hybrid class options are the new reality for
most. While many Shepherd's Centers are beginning to return to
in-person AIL, many are continuing to provide various options.

Shepherd's Center of Webster-Kirkwood (MO) is offering
exercise classes in-person and online. Mask wearing and social
distancing are required for in-person attendees, and Zoom links
are emailed to those participating from their own homes. Video recordings also are available.

Shepherd's Center of Orange Park (FL) is offering a computer class in person and online. But
they also are providing an array of in-person classes for those who are comfortable gathering
and an array of online classes for those who prefer to stay at home. Sometimes it's the
instructor who has a preference and the class format follows.

Shepherd's Center of St. Andrews (SC) is billing its online class offerings over the summer as
Zoom Camps. This typically includes three 45-minute class sessions each Tuesday, covering a
wide array of academic as well as general interest topics. But, some limited in-person activities
are available.

Please share what you are doing—hybrid or not—in our private Facebook group. This is a
great way to connect and learn what others are doing at their centers.

IT'S NOT ALWAYS BLACK AND WHITE

Clearly, society has not yet returned to pre-pandemic routines.
Not only have Shepherd's Center services been modified, so
have fundraising strategies.

A signature fundraising event for Shepherd's Center of
Charlotte (NC) is Chef Wars, where retirement community
chefs prepare dishes and desserts with the hope of receiving the coveted honor of being voted
the best. Last year this event was solely virtual, but this year the center is offering different
options. The main event is the in-person gathering where guests will have the chance to
sample the chef's tapas and dessert dishes and cast their votes. Guests joining virtually via
Zoom will be able to view cooking videos from each chef throughout the week, participate in a
Q&A with the chefs, and cast their votes for their favorite dish.

In the past, the venue was filled to capacity. We hope the center can attract even more
participants and friends with this hybrid special event, raising more support and greater
awareness.

RACING STRIPES

As more and more people are seeking to get back into normal
routines, there is a growing need for volunteers to provide an
array of services for Shepherd's Centers. Many affiliates, like
Shepherd's Center of Chesterfield (VA), need new volunteers.

Check out this news story that is a call to action for volunteers.
It's a great recruitment and awareness-building piece for the
Shepherd's Center.

You might also want to consider using the volunteer driver recruitment video gifted to the
Shepherd's Center network from Shepherd's Center of Richmond (VA). You are welcome to
use this in community presentations, on your website, or in other ways to assist with your driver
recruitment efforts. Thanks, again, Richmond for this wonderful video resource!

CHANGING STRIPES

Shepherd's Center of Kernersville (NC) is excited to
announce that they will soon have a new home—in their very
own building. On July 12, they signed papers for a new building
where their offices, services, and Senior Enrichment Center will
be able to come together under one roof. This building is just
the beginning of their vision. With the help of the community to
upfit and furnish this building, they hope to open the doors of
the new facility by late fall with expanded programs and services. Kernersville is the third
Shepherd's Center to purchase its building. Shepherd's Center of Greater Winston-Salem
(NC) was first, and Northland Shepherd's Center (MO) was second. Each has had a very
different journey for the purchase.

Congratulations Kernersville!

HERD INSTINCTS

With lots of space to use, Northland Shepherd's Center (MO)
is offering several new programs. They have recently opened a
Technology Center with a computer lab. Participants can make
an appointment for one-on-one consulting sessions, reserve a
private computer room for individual use, and/or attend weekly
training sessions addressing topics such as Zoom meetings,
Facebook and social media, browsing safety, and other issues.

Caring Café is a new program for caregivers and their loved ones to attend together or
separately. It is an opportunity for caregivers and the older adult they care for to do something
fun together. The Caring Café is an in-person social activity (face masks and social distancing
are required unless eating or drinking). The pilot program was held on June 18, and participants
enjoyed lunch together and an art activity. It is being offered monthly for 2 hours each time.

A WILD RIDE

As we've experienced the past 18 months, life can be a wild
ride. But that didn't stop Shepherd's Center volunteers from
helping older adults in communities across the country. And
with more opportunities for safely coming together, Kansas
City Shepherd's Center (MO) sponsored a volunteer
appreciation picnic.

The picnic was held on the lawn of their office property, providing food, music, games, and the
chance to connect and reconnect with each other. It was a great way to give back to volunteers
who give their time to the Shepherd's Center and the community.

CANDY STRIPES

It's sweet to be recognized for the work you do in the community. And
Shepherd's Center of Northern Virginia was recently named "One of
the Best" Nonprofits by the Catalogue for Philanthropy: Greater
Washington. After an intense application and selection process, the
Catalogue for Philanthropy selected the Shepherd's Center to be part
of the Class of 2021-22. SCNOVA underwent a rigorous review
process conducted by a team of 170+ local community advocates and
was found to be a critical local nonprofit. Potential donors can be confident that all the
nonprofits in the catalog are worthy of their support.

Interim Director and board member Jayne Young said, “We are extremely honored to receive
this acknowledgment – it’s like the Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval for non-profits."

The Catalogue believes in the power of small nonprofits to spark big change. And they believe
in the Shepherd's Center to continue to further that positive change, working each day to lift up,
strengthen, and enrich the community. Congratulations!

STRIPES OF HONOR

We are excited to announce that the call for nominations for the
Donald Owen Smith National Volunteer Leadership Award
is now open! Our volunteers give selflessly all year to help their
neighbors, their communities, and society. And during the
Coronavirus pandemic, they not only demonstrate unwavering
loyalty and commitment in addressing immediate needs, they
also ensure the longer-term success of your organization. Show your appreciation by
nominating your most treasured volunteers for this prestigious award.

Presented annually, this national award recognizes volunteers from across the Shepherd's
Centers network who embody our core values and advance our shared mission of aging with
meaning and purpose. Now more than ever, we are honored to celebrate our remarkable
volunteers.

Follow the link for the nomination form, or email Sarah with any questions. We look forward to
learning more about the wonderful work of your volunteers!

BE DIFFERENT AND YOU'LL BE IRREPLACEABLE

At Shepherd’s Centers of America, our goal is to help strengthen the
internal capacity of affiliates to become high-performing organizations
that are healthy, sustainable, and successful. That’s why we are
offering an in-depth diversity, equity, and inclusion training for the
Shepherd’s Centers network.

Facilitated by an experienced educator and consultant, Aimee
Bellmore will equip us with the knowledge and tools to create more inclusive cultures at our
organizations. For one hour, across 8 consecutive weeks, we will gain knowledge and skills for
creating a DEI statement and developing a DEI strategic plan, including the importance of
collaboration, tangible action, and leadership. Check out the full agenda.

We want to learn alongside our network peers, and we are motivated to undertake this work
together. We believe that when we attract more diverse volunteers, participants, leaders, and
staff we will stand out from the others as a truly collaborative and inclusive nonprofit.

Register for this important training today!

          • August 10 at 3:30 pm ET/2:30 pm CT/1:30 pm MT/12:30 pm PT
Network Roundtable, an informal time to connect with peers around the network to

ask questions and share ideas. No registration required. Join on Zoom here:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83551123399?pwd=a0YvZHVva3JPZ1M0cUdQZDdnYVRUQT09

         • August 19 at 3:00 pm ET/2:00 pm CT/1:00 pm MT/12:00 pm PT
Network Webinar speaker TBD. Stay tuned!

           • Sept 9 - Oct 28 for one hour over 8 consecutive Thursdays
We are excited to offer this Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion training, tailored to the Shepherd's
Center Network. This vital education will prepare us with the skills and knowledge to foster
greater engagement in our mission. Pre-registration is required. Individual meeting links will
be forwarded to registered participants in early September.

We welcome your suggestions for speakers and topics. Contact Sarah to share your ideas.

                     We appreciate the generosity
                          of our sponsors!