Lakeview Shepherd Center

Mission:

Our mission is to enable older adults to remain vital, independent, promote positive aging and celebrate senior wisdom and talent.

History:

The Lakeview Shepherd Center was founded in 1977 to serve the senior population of the Lakefront area in New Orleans. Over the years it grew to serve a large population of several hundred, with a full and part-time staff and dozens of volunteers.

National statistics show the population 65 and over has increased from 35 million in 2000 to 40 million in 2010.  Approximately 4.5 million people live in Louisiana; 757,000 of them are elderly. Social Security constituted 90% or more of the income received by 35% of beneficiaries in 2009. 19% remain below the poverty line in Louisiana.

The center is a place of respite for the caregiver allowing a few hours of freedom knowing that their elder parent is being cared for in a positive, healthy environment. It also encourages interaction fostering friendships, mental and physical exercise through various activities. This creates wellness in body, mind and assists seniors in living a quality lifestyle.

In the past year the center has served over 3,600 meals to our seniors. LSC partnered with area attorneys to provide free legal services. LSC also partnered with LSUMC Dental School to assist our seniors with low or no cost dental care. Lakeview Shepherd Center also collaborated with Junior League of New Orleans, Hike for Katreena and the Lakeview Civic Improvement Association to promote and improve the center.

In its original form the Lakeview Shepherd Center served the Lakefront area. Since hurricane Katrina flooded the entire area we now have members coming from Gentilly, Mid-City, New Orleans East, Metairie, Kenner and Harahan. The need for providing good programs has created a growing presence at the center. The Lakeview Shepherd Center continues to grow creating more need than ever for this program.