The Connection

The Shepherd’s Center of Oakton-Vienna [SCOV] has announced its continued recognition as one of Greater Washington’s best community-based charities by the Catalogue for Philanthropy: Greater Washington. Being re-featured online by the Catalogue reflects the Shepherd’s Center’s status as an effective local charity dedicated to promoting and supporting purposeful independent living for mature adults.

Michelle Scott, ED, SCOV, said, “It is truly an honor to receive the ‘Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval’ from the Catalogue for Philanthropy.”

SCOV was selected to be re-featured online in the 14th annual Catalogue for Philanthropy, which has, since 2003, connected caring citizens with worthy community causes and raised more than $33 million for featured nonprofits. SCOV had previously been honored with acceptance into the 2012-2013 Catalogue print edition.

The Catalogue's vetting process is rigorous: members of a 130-person review team, made up of foundations, corporations, peer nonprofits and the philanthropic advisory community, evaluate charities on the basis of program impact and fiscal soundness, and each featured charity is visited on-site by at least one member of the review team.

“Donors know they can trust the Catalogue to help them make smart decisions about local nonprofits where their contributions will really make a difference,” notes Catalogue President Barbara Harman. “The Washington, D.C. region has one of the greatest wealth disparities in the nation – one of the most affluent [and well-educated] populations in the country, and also one of the poorest. We are in a unique position to help our neighbors by connecting donors and volunteers to worthy, local nonprofits working to strengthen the D.C. region.”

Founded in 1997, the Shepherd’s Center of Oakton-Vienna is a volunteer-based nonprofit organization dedicated to providing opportunities for adults [50+] to seek rewarding lives and to live independently in their homes for as long as possible. The unique approach employed by the agency also allows for mature adults to volunteer their time providing vital services to the more vulnerable seniors needing assistance.

As the country’s population is living longer and oftentimes isolated from family support, “aging in place” becomes a challenge. The concept of “Seniors Helping Seniors” truly defines the spirit and purpose of the Shepherd’s Center of Oakton-Vienna. Their personal enrichment and volunteer opportunities reached more than 3,000 older adults in the region.

Each year more than 250 volunteers at SCOV serve as medical drivers, companion drivers, friendly callers and visitors, health and wellness educators, office assistants, fundraisers, and grant writers. Volunteers also run programs such as SCOV’s Lunch n’ Life, Adventures in Learning, trips and outings, special events, and the caregivers’ support group.

Their signature fundraiser “What to Expect When You’re Electing” with the Capitol Steps is slated for Oct. 23, 2016, 3 p.m. Tickets are $30 in advance or $35 at the door. Organizers are suggesting tickets be purchased early as this show is expected to sell out. Tickets: Visit www.scov.org/fundraiser-tickets or call 703-281-00538

To volunteer, donate or learn more about how you can help, visit their website at www.scov.org or contact Michelle Scott, Executive Director at 703-281-5088, director@scov.org.