About

Who We Are

About NSC

Northland Shepherd’s Center is a non-profit agency with 501(C)(3) designation. We are funded through grants, individual, and business donations, 60 supporting faith-based organizations, United Way, & fundraising events. We also have an Endowment Fund which provides financial stability for long-term operations and expansion. Our office acts as a clearinghouse to unite older adults with services and agencies in our community.

Our History: Northland Shepherd’s Center (NSC) is celebrating 33 years of providing meaning and purpose for adults (60-plus).

The original Shepherd’s Center concept originated in 1974 in Kansas City, MO, when Rev. Dr. Elbert C. Cole formed a coalition of civic leaders to consider “aging in America.” Rev. Cole saw the mature years as an opportunity for healthy, concerned adults to engage in educational enrichment in their communities.

Additionally, active 60-plus adults could volunteer to help the frail older adults. These universal principles – compassion, cooperation, and service to others – became the basis for the first “Shepherd’s Center.” In 1990, five dedicated Kansas City Northland citizens created Shepherd’s Center of the Northland following Dr. Cole’s original concept.

Our Mission:To improve the quality of life for adults (60-plus), helping them thrive in the community and remain in their homes.

Our Staff

Jan Kauk - Interim Executive Director

Jan Kauk

Interim Executive Director

Kelley Creek - Director of Programs/Services

Kelley Creek

Director of Programs/Services

Patty Monaco - Executive Assistant

Patty Monaco

Executive Assistant

Rayetta Hutchison - Administrative Assistant and Transportation Coordinator

Rayetta Hutchison

Administrative Assistant and Transportation Coordinator

Christina Allen - Technology Coordinator

Christina Allen

Technology Coordinator

Chanel Kemp - Aging with Excellence Coordinator

Chanel Kemp

Aging with Excellence Coordinator

Jeremiah Creek - Building Maintenance

Jeremiah Creek

Building Maintenance

Michelle Bond - Meals on Wheels Coordinator

Michelle Bond

Meals on Wheels Coordinator

Darrell Vinson - Bus Driver

Darrell Vinson

Bus Driver

Karma Vowell - Development Coordinator

Karma Vowell

Development Coordinator

Angela Curtis - Aging Resource Specialist

Angela Curtis

Aging Resource Specialist

Jana Stratman - Receptionist

Jana Stratman

Receptionist

Susan Olson - Meals on Wheels Asst. Coordinator

Susan Olson

Meals on Wheels Asst. Coordinator

Tammy O’Neill-Kram - Life Enrichment Coordinator

Tammy O’Neill-Kram

Life Enrichment Coordinator

Board Of Directors

Officers

Dr. James Stewart, North Kansas City Hospital
Chairman

Jana Longwith, Community Volunteer
Vice Chairman

Nancy Frazee, Community Volunteer
Treasurer

Mark Latshaw, Community Volunteer
Assistant Treasurer

Bonnie Smith, Community Volunteer
Secretary

Rebecca Auriemma, Community Volunteer
Assistant Secretary

Melanie Beard, Community Volunteer
Immediate Past President, Exofficio

 

Trustees

Patrick Altenhofen, St. Luke’s North Hospital

Dr. John Burroughs, Clay County Health Department

Cherryh Cansler, Networld Media Group

Darla Easley, North Kansas City Hospital

Lena Hogan, AAON

Zachary Kramer, Flatland Expeditions Insurance

Jessie McNellis, WellSky Corp.

Mark Latshaw, Latshaw & Company 

Patt Papenfuhs, Community Volunteer

Dr. C. Phillip Pattison, Community Volunteer
 

Frequently Asked Questions

The Northland Shepherd’s Center is located at 5601 NE Antioch Road, Suite 12, Gladstone, MO 64119. Our offices are located in the back of the building, with the Plate of Hope Pantry entrance located out front (look for the banner)

Northland Shepherd’s Center is open Monday thru Friday from 9:00-3:00 PM. We are closed on weekends and major holidays.

All services provided by the Northland Shepherd’s Center are offered free of charge. Some programs require you meet certain guidelines to participate, so call our offices at (816) 452-4536 if you have any questions. Donations are always appreciated as we are a nonprofit.

To learn more about our ongoing classes, visit our Programs & Services page. Visit our Calendar page to see our monthly schedule and to register for classes.

We ask that clients pre-register to ensure we have enough supplies and/or food for everyone attending. Although some classes can accept walk-ins, it’s always better to save your spot! Visit our Calendar page to see our monthly schedules.

If you are unable to attend a class, call our offices at (816) 452-4536 and let us know. We always appreciate the heads up and it might allow someone else to attend in your place.

Absolutely! We do require all volunteers fill out some paperwork first. Visit our Volunteer Page to learn more about our opportunities and to contact our Volunteer Coordinator.

The majority of our volunteers are retired, active, and involved citizens from our community. Volunteers are screened by application, background check, and interview.