Shepherd’s Centers of America

Ed Altman, San Rafael, CA

Ed Altman gave a T’ai Chi Chih presentation at the national headquarters for the Shepherd’s Centers of America (SCA) in Kansas City, MO. SCA is a cross-denominational resource group focused on the special skills and needs of the “aging” members of our population. They provide numerous services and courses to their members through nearly 100 centers in over 40 states. SCA is now planning to offer T’ai Chi Chih through all locations!

Ed worked closely with Elbert Cole, the founder and Executive Director of SCA, to identify key T’ai Chi Chih instructors in the areas where SCA offices are located. Initially, SCA will be encouraging centers to use Justin Stone’s videotape and text to get programs started (escpecially in areas where teachers are scarce). SCA plans to prepare and sponsor some of its members to become accredited teachers, to encourage “seniors helping seniors” to grow throughout their aging years.

The first instructor sponsored by SCA was Jean Smith from Kansas City, who was accredited in June 1998. She presented T’ai Chi Chih at the SCA national conference in the fall. For more information about SCA contact Mr. Cole.