“Stay active” Dr. Stephen Kritchevsky told 200 volunteers at a rainy-day luncheon March 21, sponsored by Shepherd’s Center of Winston-Salem.
Dr. Kritchevsky, who is Director of Winston-Salem’s Sticht Center for Healthy Aging, offered specific advice on how older adults can live a healthier, more fulfilling life. Volunteer, develop strong social connections, exercise and eat a healthy diet were also part of his command, noting that Shepherd’s Center was already addressing these and other aspects of healthy aging. The purpose of the luncheon was to recognize the Volunteer of the Year in half a dozen programs.
Volunteer of the Year recipients are (l-r) Rev. Emily Hull McGee (First Baptist Church), Judi Bailey, Debra Norris, Emma Edsall, and John Woodmansee. Susan Riley was absent.
John Woodmansee was recognized as the Faith In Action Care Program Volunteer of the Year. A former university professor and home inspector, John responded to 260 home repair requests in 2016. He views his role as one of building relationships and providing education to homeowners in equal measures.
Emma Edsall was recognized as both a Faith In Action Care and Vital Living Program Volunteer of the Year. A former social worker, Emma has transported older adults to medical appointments and grocery shopping while providing significant assistance in preparing documentation in the Vital Living 5-year senior center certification process.
Susan Riley,the Vital Living Program volunteer of the year, has been a weekly volunteer in the Shepherd’s Center’s used book processing center as well as the annual used book fundraising event. She also served as a transportation volunteer.
The Congregational Nurse and Health Ministry Program’s volunteer of the year was Debra Norris, RN, who is the Faith Community Nurse for Ardmore Baptist Church and serves in multiple other capacities.
Judi Bailey, Shepherd’s Center Volunteer of the Year, received a special presentation for extraordinary service on all of SCWS’s program committees. Setting a really high bar for any board officer, she was president during its successful capital campaign and helped secure, with current President Fred Johnson,over $500,000 for renovations completed in 2016. She is currently a member of the larger Shepherd’s Center network, serving on the national Shepherd’s Centers of America board of trustees.
The Congregation of the Year was First Baptist Church on Fifth, recognized for its support in outreach funding, hosting Saturday Night Fellowship, and helping to originate the Coalition of Ministries for Older Adults. First Baptist also houses a ramp building ministry as one of SCWS’s collaborating agencies.