RESOLUTION NO. 220763

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Congratulating KC Shepherd's Center for 50 continuous years of serving older adults in Kansas City.

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WHEREAS, the KC Shepherd’s Center was founded with common purpose in Interfaith collaboration in 1972 by Dr. Elbert Cole, Sr. Pastor at Central United Methodist Church who realized the vibrant, talented members of Central who were nearing retirement had decades of life left, and had so much to offer and receive both from each other and the community. Dr. Cole convened a group of 25 interfaith leaders around Kansas City, and Kansas City Shepherd’s Center (KCSC) and the national movement it later inspired were born; and

WherEas, KC Shepherd’s Center is the original Shepherd’s Center under the leadership of Janet Carlson Baker, Executive Director, and is serving as the model for 55 centers across the country, as well as Shepherd’s Centers of America. Guided by the knowledge that social engagement is not a luxury but a basic human need, KCSC is dedicated to serving socially isolated, underserved, and underinsured low-income older adults 60 years and older across the greater Kansas City area; and

WHEREAS, KC Shepherd’s Center provides services to more than 2,800 older adults in Kansas City per year through a volunteer-led integrated continuum of care and peer-to-peer support. Programs and services reduce food insecurity through Meals on Wheels with the assistance of 60 older adult volunteers. Aiming to reduce the physical, emotional, and mental impacts, senior companions are matched with isolated older adults to provide direct in-home assistance and friendship; and

WHEREAS, KC Shepherd’s Center has increased social connections and activity through a 50-year-old Adventures in Learning program and the annual 70 over 70 awards lift up 70 Kansas Citians who are 70 or better and publicly celebrates them for their example of meaningful and purposeful aging; and

                     BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF KANSAS CITY:

That the Mayor and Council hereby recognize the extraordinary work of KC Shepherd’s Center for transforming the older adult community for 50 years through its mission to empower, serve and celebrate older adults, fostering independence and connection in Kansas City, Missouri; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this Resolution be spread upon the minutes of the Council in testimony thereof and that a copy hereof be presented to KC Shepherd’s Center with the appreciation of the Mayor, Council, and all citizens of Kansas City for their commitment and service.

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