Peninsula Shepherd Center History
A community that honors, respects and cares for older adults.
Shepherd's Centers idea was conceived in 1972 by Dr. Elbert C. Cole, Pastor of the Central Methodist Church in Kansas City, Missouri, as a concept of linking older people together so that identified needs can be met and life can be sustained with meaning and dignity. The concept is based on the whole body-mental, physical, and spiritual- and we seek to utilize seniors, along with community resources to provide elderly participants with "life maintenance, life enrichment, life reconstruction and life celebration.
Each center in various parts of the United States, provide specific programs and services designated to fit the need of seniors within the neighborhood it serves, relying on its volunteers to listen and respond to the needs of the elderly.
Although Shepherd's Centers employ and executive director and have a board, it is the volunteers who decide what programs and services are needed. The board and director are there to organize and develop the programs. Careful not to duplicate services within the community, Shepherd's Centers often serve as facilitators, working with existing organizations to enhance programs or fill in where things have "fallen through the cracks."
A non-profit organization, Shepherd's Centers receive their funding from foundations, grants, and donations. Currently there are approximately 100 Shepherd's Centers in the US- only two in California.
The San Diego, Peninsula Shepherd Center started in Point Loma in the early 80's when Minister William McCellan, at the Point Loma Presbyterian Church, was studying aging and discovered the Shepherd Center Concept. He originally brought it to this community. John Tisdale was the first director in 1985. Jeanne Durgan took it over in 1992. Mary Polonitza is now the current director. It was formed and remains a coalition of civic organizations, which includes local churches.
Dr. Elbert C. Cole, Pastor of the Central Methodist Church in Kansas
City, Missouri.
