Aiming to help seniors “age in place” for as long as possible, Shepherd's Center provides life-enriching services at little or no cost. Last year, volunteers dedicated over 5,000 hours to transporting older seniors to doctors' offices, grocery stores, and vital appointments, as well as making calls and visits to homebound individuals for reassurance and friendly chats. An especially handy volunteer corps assists with minor home repairs, downsizing, and de-cluttering. For those with medical needs, the Center's staff provides referrals and helps navigate the healthcare system. And to ensure that life stays interesting, retired professionals and other volunteers offer enrichment classes in everything from t’ai chi to world affairs. Support groups for caregivers are available as well. Through the Center, seniors can not only age in their homes but also stay connected and involved outside of them – for years to come.

Headquarters: VA-Fairfax County

Where They Operate: VA-Fairfax County; Vienna; Oakton; Merrifield; Dunn Loring; Fairfax; Reston; Great Falls; Herndon

Age Groups Served: Seniors (50+)


  • Number of volunteer hours since 2015:   60,000
  • Number of one-way rides given since 2015:   10,788
  • Average age of clients served:   77 years old
  • Total dollar value of volunteer hours since 2015:   $1,760,000
  • Total annual volunteer hours for educational programming (Adventures In Learning):   100 hours

Awards & Recognition

Volunteer Mike Mulreany won the 2021 Fairfax County Volunteer Services Award in the Education and Literacy category

Bill Farrell, BOD Chair, received the 2020 Fairfax County, Hunter Mill District, Community Champion Award

Tom Portman, BOD member, received the 2019 Donald Owen Smith Leadership Award from the Shepherd’s Centers of America

The 2018 Dr. Patrick “Rusty” Ryan National Visionary Award was presented to BOD member John Tate by the Shepherd’s Centers of America

Received 2018 Fairfax County Volunteer Service Award

Volunteer Toni Letaw received the Outstanding Senior Older Adult Volunteer Award from Fairfax County

Recognized as an outstanding volunteer organization by the Town of Vienna on April 17, 2018

BOD member emeritus, Julius Hankin, received the 2016 Donald Owen Smith National Leadership Award from the Shepherd’s Centers of America

Volunteers recognized in the Congressional Record for their contributions to the Northern Virginia community

Recognized as 2014 Outstanding Volunteer Caregiving Program by the National Volunteer Caregiving Network2018,

Press

Budget (FY2023)

  • $3 million or higher
  • $1 million to $3 million
  • $500k to $1 million
  • The current budget for Shepherd's Center of Northern Virginia is: Less than $500k

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