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Through the years, many hundreds of seniors have seen Judy Beavers as she warmly welcomes them at each session of Adventures in Learning, the educational life enrichment and learning programs of Greensboro’s Shepherd Center.

Even though Beavers has a high-profile position, few people seem to know much about her.

The oldest of four children, she grew up in a small community called Enochville in Rowan County. She is the mother of two grown children and is a grandmother.

Her husband is a Lutheran minister, and they have been married 44 years.

When they met, the thought of being a “preacher’s wife” was the last thing on her mind.

At age 30, her husband decided to go to college and then seminary. Along the way, there were many moves before they settled in Julian in 1993.

Beavers husband is the minister of Coble’s Lutheran Church in Julian. She sings in the choir, serves as a substitute organist and belongs to a circle.

In August of 1993, Beavers started working with the Shepherd Center and worked directly with Jean Eason, executive director.

In addition to Eason, over the years she has also worked with directors Lita Swanson and Ann Umstead.

Currently, she and Lia Miller serve as co-directors with each having different areas of responsibilities and each directly responsible to the board of directors.

Miller is the executive director of administration and development and Beavers is the director of programs and services.
Beavers loves working with volunteers, whom she calls “our lifeblood.”

“To me, volunteering is a way of life,” Beavers said.

“Volunteers are caring people,” she said, “who give so much of themselves to others.”

She learned the value of people sharing their lives and helping others when she grew up in a small farming community where both time and equipment were shared.

“If something needed to be done, the neighbors pitched in to see that it was done,” she said. “When needed, they would even bring their own equipment to help.”

This made a lasting impression on Beavers. She feels that helping others makes us feel whole and completes us.

“Volunteering is one of the most valuable resources in America,” Beavers said.

Growing up in her grandmother’s home, she learned at an early age to love and value older adults.

“I believe that older adults have the opportunity to be 'who they are’ without pretense or preconceived expectations. It is indeed a privilege to be a part of such an elite group,” she said.

“Without volunteers,” Beavers said, “there would be no Shepherd Center in Greensboro.

“Volunteers are responsible for everything from planning to implementing the programs/services.”

Beavers provides support and makes sure there are adequate volunteers for each task, helps set up the schedule and place for the events, and then makes sure the facility is set up to make it more convenient for those attending.

Adventures in Learning is planned by a committee of approximately 20 people, chaired by Marian Solleder.

This committee evaluates previous sessions and chooses courses based on those ideas, along with other suggestions. Names of volunteer instructors are chosen to teach the various courses.

In addition to directing Adventures in Learning, Beavers also works with Shepherd’s Travelers and Shepherd’s Wheels — non-medical transportation for Greensboro older adults.

Volunteers also prepare federal and state taxes for older adults on Monday through Wednesday afternoons.

Much research has been done about the importance of keeping our bodies and minds active, as well as the importance of socialization, especially for older adults.

Adventures in Learning, according to Beavers, provides an opportunity for all three.

Many participants choose courses to learn a craft, or paint, or carve, while others study events in history, or they learn to write their life story or learn to have a better appreciation for poetry.

As exercise for older adults is important, there are exercise and dance classes as well.

Sometimes, participants just come for a reasonably priced, good, hot lunch or to socialize with others. For luncheons, there are round tables with eight to a table. Many meet for the first time over lunch.
For older adults new to Greensboro, Adventures in Learning offers them opportunities to meet others in a safe, friendly environment, as the six-week sessions are either held at Christ United Methodist Church or First Baptist Church.

During the recent winter session, about 350 people attended one or more classes.

When Adventures in Learning begins again on April 8 at First Baptist Church for six consecutive Thursdays, Beavers will be there with all the volunteers who teach the classes and help make the sessions run smoothly.

Beavers has a special philosophy that helps guide her in her work and in her life.

“I believe that even through the rough spots, nothings can separate us from the love of God and that no matter what happens, He still holds the world in His hands,” she said.

To suggest a person or organization that is “Making a Difference” or has in the past in Guilford County, contact Peggy Longmire at rlongmire@triad.rr.com or 288-9040.