[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 195 (Friday, November 5, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1210]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         RECOGNIZING THE SHEPHERD'S CENTER OF NORTHERN VIRGINIA

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                        HON. GERALD E. CONNOLLY

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, November 5, 2021

  Mr. CONNOLLY. Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize the volunteers of 
the Shepherd's Center of Northern Virginia and to thank them for their 
many contributions to the Northern Virginia community.
  Organized in 1997, the formally named Shepherd's Center of Oakton-
Vienna (SCOV) is a nonprofit that provides services to help older 
adults continue living independently, and it offers programs that 
supply opportunities for enrichment, learning, and socialization.
  Each year, over 250 volunteers support older residents who want to 
both 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.
  In the past few years, the Shepherd's Center has greatly expanded 
their geographical footprint. After seeing a rising need in Reston and 
Herndon for free transportation services for seniors, the original 
Shepherd's Center of Oakton-Vienna expanded their service area. Earlier 
this year that expansion continued as the Shepherd's Center expanded to 
include the former territory covered by the Shepherd's Center of Great 
Falls, creating one unified Shepherd's Center of Northern Virginia.
  As the Shepherd's Center has grown, they have been able to share 
their vision with even more older adults in our communities which has 
been more important than ever. The commitment to a world without 
loneliness has a whole new meaning as we have navigated this pandemic 
with social distancing and quarantining. The Shepherd's Center's 
innovation and dedication to our community has been invaluable, 
especially during this past year and a half.
  The services and programs offered by the Shepherd's Center 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 their experience, 
training, and skills in significant roles in society.
  Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in recognizing the 
Shepherd's Center of Northern Virginia 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 deserving of our highest praise.

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