Our Journey

In 1978, Betty Walpole and Joyce Theiler started the process of developing the concept of a meeting place for seniors. A steering committee was established along with representatives from several churches. Betty and Joyce went to a seminar at Lake Junaluska to hear about a new program being started by Dr. Elbert Cole of Kansas City. He noted that only five percent of Americans over 65 live in nursing homes or other custodial care facilities. With a focus on the other ninety-five percent, Betty and Joyce returned to Spartanburg, SC, garnered the help of nine local churches, and began the inter-faith Shepherd's Center. On August 29, 1979, an article in the Spartanburg Metro stated, "On September 5th, in Spartanburg, a carefully kindled spark will burst into flame. The Shepherd's Center will open."

For more than 40 years, the Shepherd’s Center of Spartanburg has been providing programs for our senior adult community age 50+.

The Shepherd's Center of Spartanburg continues its affiliation with Shepherd Centers of America, a nationwide network of member organizations that all have a commonly understood mission to empower older adults to use their wisdom and skills for the benefit of their communities.

The Shepherd's Center of Spartanburg operates solely by private donations, grants, membership revenue and fundraising events.

The Shepherd's Center does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, religion, color, gender, sexual orientation, age, national origin, veteran status, or any other status or condition protected by law.

Interesting Programs

Shepherd’s Center of Spartanburg in Spartanburg, SC offers more senior activity programs than any other center in the area. Our programs are more well-rounded and developed by our expert team. We have kept in mind the various needs, likes and dislikes of senior citizens while planning and preparing our activities.

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