About

The Shepherd’s Center of Richmond is a nonprofit, volunteer organization of older adults who stay active, independent, and engaged through lifelong learning and volunteer service. Founded in 1984, we are the local affiliate of Aging Forward, (formerly The Shepherd’s Center of America), a national network that empowers older adults to enrich their lives and the lives of others by sharing their wisdom and skills.

VISION: Older adults helping one another stay active, independent, and engaged.
MISSION: The Shepherd’s Center of Richmond encourages older adults to remain active and engaged through enrichment programs and volunteer service to their peers.
VALUES: We believe in the potential of older adults to teach, learn, grow and give back to our community. We recognize the significant health benefits of remaining  active and avoiding social isolation. We serve the aging community with respect and compassion. We value the bonds we form with others through classes, travel and volunteering. We manage our resources efficiently and effectively. We seek to be welcoming, inclusive, and diverse.

The Shepherd’s Center of Richmond was founded in 1984 by Rev. Robert S. Seiler, who was inspired by a broader movement that began a decade earlier. In Kansas City, Missouri, Dr. Elbert Cole, a minister, observed that individuals entering retirement still had a strong desire to grow, contribute, and stay engaged. He recognized that older adults, driven by compassion, a thirst for lifelong learning, and a commitment to improving their communities, represented a powerful force for good—one that simply needed to be activated.

In response, Cole founded the Shepherd’s Centers of America in 1974 (now known as Aging Forward), introducing a revolutionary model for aging. This model empowered older adults to use their wisdom, skills, and talents to create meaningful opportunities for themselves and others. The first Shepherd’s Center officially opened its doors in 1975. Designed by, with, and for older adults, the initiative quickly gained momentum, inspiring similar centers in neighboring communities.

Cole’s visionary approach to aging has received national recognition and continues to influence the conversation around positive aging today. His legacy lives on through Shepherd’s Centers across the country, which remain committed to helping older adults lead vibrant, purpose-driven lives. You can learn more about Elbert Cole’s inspiring, compassionate vision in this video.

We are a vital and successful organization that has worked in the Richmond community for 40 years. Using a neighbor-helping-neighbor approach to address common challenges of growing older – such as lack of transportation, isolation and loneliness – The Shepherd’s Center of Richmond provides opportunities for meaning and purpose. Board leadership is integral to our success.

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TSCOR is largely powered by volunteers. We maintain a small staff of one full-time and three part-time employees who provide guidance and direction to our volunteers and perform the day-to-day functions of TSCOR’s programs and services.

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TSCOR respects your privacy and the privacy of all our volunteers, members, students, clients and donors. We collect the contact information you voluntarily provide through our website, mailings, contributions, volunteer applications and Open University registrations.

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