Our Story
In 1972, Dr. Kenneth Cole, a pastor in Missouri, conceived the idea of a voluntary organization to assist older adults to continue living in their homes. From this idea stemmed the first Shepherd’s Center in Kansas, Missouri. The Shepherd’s Centers of America grew to over 50 centers in North America.
Realizing the growing need for quality programs in Hamilton County, Indiana, a Shepherd’s Center was started in 1985 to provide enrichment opportunities for adults 55 years of age and older. Over the years, SCHC’s role in the community and scope of service has evolved and expanded.
We encourage all individuals to make a difference in the lives of older adults. Shepherd’s Center of Hamilton County is an advocate for older adults by ministering to their spiritual, physical, and personal well-being. Although Shepherd’s Center is an inter-faith organization, participants are not required to belong to any church or religious organization.
In 2015, Shepherd’s Center of Hamilton County adopted a new strategic plan to grow the organization due to the increase in the older adult population in Hamilton County. The Board hired a new Executive Director, Lauren Guynn, JD/LCSW, to help the organization serve more older adults than ever before.
Our founding social program is Together Today. In 2009, the Shepherd’s Center of Hamilton County added the Community Caring Program. With the Community Caring Program, SCHC arranges for volunteers to provide key services to seniors who need extra support to age in place safely. In 2017, under Lauren Guynn’s leadership, SCHC added the Reaching Resources Program. Reaching Resources connects older adults with all available aging resources in our community.
Our Board of Directors
Julia Lowe, President
Susan Hargrove, Secretary
Pastor Brian Derrer
Susan Wack, Vice-President
Jan Clark
Mary Pat McKee
Charity Inglis
Ryan Fuhrmann, Treasurer
William M. Howell
Anna Howard
Meet Our Staff
LAUREN GUYNN // Executive Director
Lauren began her career in non-profit program management and development in 2007 with the National MS Society. While pursuing her law degree, she worked at the Indiana Bar Foundation and Indiana Pro Bono Commission. With a Master’s degree in social work and law degree, she joined SCHC in 2015 to merge her education and professional experiences.
NANCY BELCHER-SCHELL // Director of Operations
Nancy is a lifelong resident of Hamilton County. She graduated from the IU Kelly School of Business with a Bachelor’s degree in marketing. She has been working directly with seniors for the past 10 years. She has served SCHC faithfully in many capacities, including Board Member, Executive Director, and now Director of Operations.
WANDA SMITH // Director of Programs
Wanda has a passion for seniors and started her career as a geriatric nurse since 1986. She began her work with Community Caring in 2006 and then joined SCHC in 2009 when the program transferred to the Shepherd’s Center. Now, Wanda continues to care for seniors by overseeing Community Caring, Together Today, and SCHC’s other programs.
CAROLYN OMORI // Reaching Resources Coordinator
Carolyn has a deep-rooted professional background in ministry and has worked for several local churches like White River Christian Church, Northview Church, and Genesis Church. Carolyn has an Associate’s degree from IUPUI and enjoys helping people in their second half of life realize their full potential. Carolyn enjoys connecting older adults with resources to improve their lives.
LISA ALBANO // Programs Assistant
Lisa is a new resident to Hamilton County, but has a strong passion for helping the aging community. Lisa has a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and has worked in several roles in customer service, including an assisted living facility. Lisa brings great organizational skills with innovative program ideas.
NICOLA SCHAFER // Reaching Resources Coordinator
Nicola is a Licensed Social Worker with her Master’s degree in Social Work from Saint Louis University. While her background has been working with families, her personal experience in advocating for her own family and aging parents has created a desire to focus her professional career on helping those in the second half of life. Nicola has great case management practice skills, as well as extensive advocacy skills.
2018 Annual Report
To find out more about what Shepherd’s Center of Hamilton County is doing for older adults, please check out our 2018 Annual Report. If you have any questions about our Annual Report, please contact Lauren Guynn.