Inquiry Packet—To Learn (free information packet)
Goal: To inform interested parties about the concept and philosophy that undergirds a Shepherd’s Center and its potential in their community. Those requesting general information about Shepherd’s Centers through phone calls, e-mails or letters are sent a package of information. Once there is a strong interest in starting a Shepherd’s Center then SCA works with the individual or group to move forward to the Exploratory stage.

Exploratory—Widening the Circle
Goal: To educate and inform a team of people about the philosophy and potential of a Shepherd’s Center in their community through sharing with the faith community, interfaith groups, older adults, etc. This step is to “test the waters” before making a commitment of the time and energy required to mobilize congregations, older adults and the community.

Letter of Intent
At the end of the exploratory stage, a Planning group is formed that usually includes a number of leaders from multiple congregations in the community. This group will submit a Letter of Intent to SCA to confirm its commitment to the process of starting a new Center. The Planning Committee will utilize a checklist of requirements as their guide.

Provisional Designation
After the Planning Committee solidifies, a team of volunteers is selected by the Committee to offer monthly programs to older adults in the community. This team begins to identify individuals and groups in the community interested in attending monthly sessions. While the Planning Committee is going through the process of developing the structure of the new Shepherd’s Center, this team is identifying and registering interested individuals which builds the consumer base. Monthly programs include the principles of positive aging, videos, and community resources. The Planning Committee stays in touch with the team to report on progress of the development of the Center. At this stage, SCA may give the community a provisional Shepherd’s Center designation.

SCA Basic Leadership Training
Once there is a serious commitment, and at some point prior to the Organizing stage, those who are exploring the creation of a Shepherd’s Center will attend this training. At some point prior to the Organizing stage, they should attend this training. The cost of the training is $100 for the first person and $50 for each additional person plus travel, food and lodging. This amount will be deducted from the $1,000 Covenant Fee (Stage 7). The attendees are a mix of volunteer leaders of both existing and newly emerging Centers, executive directors, members of Centers’ boards of trustees and interested representatives from the faith communities who attend for the purpose of collecting information on aging and on Shepherd’s Center development. The seminars cover topics focusing on Shepherd’s Center concepts and also includes the legal and financial requirements of a nonprofit organization, developing financial support for a Center, fundraising techniques, developing and implementing new programs, board leadership, volunteer training, community collaboration, maintaining and expanding volunteers and participants, strategic planning, etc.

Mobilizing—The Commitment to Work
Goal: To mobilize and unite the congregations, older adults and the community around healthy aging to give the community a vision of a new model of Aging.

Organizing—Foundations and Structure
Goal: to establish the basic foundation and structure to ensure a long and productive life for your Shepherd’s Center.

Covenant—The Celebration and Signing
Signing of the Covenant marks the formal joining of the SCA network and the official establishment of a new Shepherd’s Center. It also affirms congregational and community support for this effort as well as completion of the steps in the Organizing stage. Most emerging Centers take this opportunity to have a celebration in conjunction with the signing, inviting participants and other community and congregational leadership to attend. The cost of the Covenant is $1,000.