[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 189 (Tuesday, November 26, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1513]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  RECOGNIZING THE 21ST ANNIVERSARY OF THE SHEPHERD'S CENTER OF OAKTON-
                                 VIENNA

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. GERALD E. CONNOLLY

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, November 26, 2019

  Mr. CONNOLLY. Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize the Shepherd's 
Center of Oakton-Vienna on the occasion of their 21st anniversary and 
to thank them for their many contributions to the Northern Virginia 
community. Organized in 1998, the Shepherd's Center of Oakton-Vienna 
(SCOV) is a non-profit that provides services to help older adults 
continue living independently, and it offers programs that supply 
opportunities for enrichment, learning, and socialization.
  Every year, approximately 200 volunteers provide invaluable services 
in support of older residents who want to age in place in their homes 
and stay engaged in social activities. Services are available free of 
charge to anyone age 50 or older who resides in the local community.
  Last year, volunteers provided 9,922 hours of service to the Northern 
Virginia community. Volunteer drivers provided more than 900 round-trip 
rides for medical needs and other errands. Volunteers also made regular 
contact with individuals who may have limited interaction and may feel 
isolated in their homes. ``Handy Helpers'' made minor home repairs to 
help older adults keep their homes safe and livable. The Health Team 
provided individual health counseling, referral to community resources, 
and blood pressure readings. Volunteers also run programs such as Lunch 
n' Life, Adventures in Learning, trips and outings, special events, and 
caregivers' support groups.
  The services and programs offered by this extraordinary organization 
help to ensure that our seniors stay connected to the community through 
the promotion of active lifestyles, ongoing social integration, and 
availability of resources for older residents to use and share their 
experience, training, and skills. In 2014, SCOV was recognized for 
these efforts as an Outstanding Volunteer Caregiving Program by the 
National Volunteer Caregiving Network.
  I also want to give special mention to a new series of programs begun 
by SCOV this year, focused on veteran outreach. Volunteers from SCOV 
who are veterans themselves reach out to fellow veterans with either a 
call or an in-person visit or both. The men and women who serve our 
nation in uniform, especially in combat, are just as vulnerable, if not 
more so, to the dangers of isolation and depression as our senior 
population and I commend SCOV for taking this important action to help 
address that.
  Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in congratulating the 
Shepherd's Center of Oakton-Vienna on its 21st anniversary and for its 
work to enable older adults in our community to age in place and enjoy 
their golden years with dignity and independence. I thank the many 
volunteers who generously dedicate their time and efforts to the 
welfare of our neighbors. The value of their contributions cannot be 
overstated and are truly deserving of our highest praise.

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