The center is a local community organization aiming to give older adults a way to be active and continue to take ownership of their lives. Executive director Christy Fitzgerald said that the center is rooted in making sure that seniors in Clay County are successfully aging in place. 

"Our real purpose is to provide a safe place for older adults to get together and learn. But, most importantly it's for them to socialize, and meet other people [and] build friendships,"

Fitzgerald said. 

Fitzgerald said it’s important to provide these older populations with the necessary tools to socially engage with others.

“They say now that social isolation is as detrimental to an older adult’s health as smoking cigarettes,” Fitzgerald said. “But, it’s something that can be easily reversed by getting out and meeting people.” 

A part of the national organization Aging Well, The Shepherd's Center of Orange Park offers an “Adventures in Learning” program. Fitzgerald said that they offer over 40 classes in each of the four eight week sessions. The classes are hosted at various three locations around Orange Park: the Orange Park Methodist Family Life Center, the Orange Park Presbyterian’s activity center and the Crossroad Lutheran’s activity center. 

Additionally, the center offers some classes over Zoom. 

A variety of fun classes include improv comedy, line dancing, mahjong, rock-n-roll, elder law, ukulele and chair yoga. Additionally, the nonprofit hosts “fun committee events”, which allow for members to participate in activities outside of the classes offered. 

Fitzgerald said for past outside events, members were able to go out to a Jumbo Shrimp game, tour Moccasin Slough park and play pool at The Corner Pocket.

“We just try to get out in the community. Have some fun and have other opportunities for people to get together,” Fitzgerald said. 

There is a small membership fee, but Fitzgerald said that a scholarship program is available for those who may not be able to handle the costs.

Fitzgerald said she has been able to see a drastic change in the seniors who participate in the program, especially since the pandemic. At a time where they were isolated from the world, Fitzgerald said you could see a decline in their health.

“I really see our program is very important to counteract social isolation in our communities,” Fitzgerald said.

She added that one member even told her that the program saved her life. 

“She felt so isolated that she didn’t know where to turn. And, she’s met some wonderful friends and just really feels that it has very positively impacted her life,” Fitzgerald said. 

For Chris Bass, being a member of the center has kept her mentally happy. From developing new hobbies such as line dancing, card making and chair yoga to teaching art classes, Bass said every day she goes to the center is a good day.

“I enjoy being with my contemporaries and just being around other people my age,” Bass said. “We have a life view that is unique to us.” 

As a flower arranging teacher, Ruth Johansen said that she has been a part of the Shepherd’s Center for 14 years and it has been a wonderful experience. 

Always out in the community, Johansen said she refers to herself as a ‘professional volunteer’.

 However, she said the Shepherd’s Center, specifically, has brought her a fresh sense of relaxation her other volunteer experiences haven’t been able to.

“This was not only relaxing, but it was educational. And, the people I’ve met have all been wonderful,” Johansen said.

For the future, Fitzgerald said the center hopes to continue being advocates for older adults and being a voice for all of the things they may struggle with. 

“We are also very concerned about transportation for older adults in Clay County and we would like to be part of that conversation, “ Fitzgerald said. “Right now, it’s very difficult for older adults that don’t drive to be able to get transportation for groceries or doctor’s appointments, even to come to our Adventures in Learning program.”

With some strategic planning taking place, Fitzgerald said they are also looking at a possible location expansion. But, overall, Fitzgerald said the Shepherd’s Center of Orange Park hopes to continue to positively impact the lives of many. 

“I think if we could bring all those older adult groups together, we really could make an impact in the community and make our voice be heard,” Fitzgerald said.