The Good Shepherd Center is a consortium of twenty-two area churches bound together in the spirit of Christian love to provide help to those in need.  Since its founding in 1991, the Center has provided literally tens of thousands of food baskets, thousands of meals have been served, hundreds have been helped with emergency supportive services, many have received free medical care, and clothing has been made available to those with a need.  The spirit of Christian love has been poured out in bountiful measure, all made possible by the churches and people of our community who have supported the efforts of The Good Shepherd Center.     The Food Pantry provides supplemental groceries on a monthly or emergency basis to those who qualify, and the stores, The Clothes Closest and Treasures, generate income to purchase food for the Food Pantry and to help meet other operating expenses.  Special distributions of holiday food baskets are made during the Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays.  The Hot Meals Program provides hot evening meals where clients can come together with Center volunteers and public guests for an evening of food and fellowship.  The Free Medical Clinic is available to provide free health care to those who qualify.     The Growth Opportunity Seminars provided by the Center are opportunities for clients to learn more about a variety of subjects that will improve their self esteem and open new doors.  Members of the local community with expertise in a specific area teach these courses.  Clients are encouraged to attend worship services at the church of their choice to help address spiritual needs, and copies of Worship Schedules for each Board Member Congregation are provided.  In addition, staff members reach out individually with the hug, the word of encouragement and the prayer.     The purpose of The Good Shepherd Center is to promote and maintain a community service center to help residents in need.  The volunteer work force of the Center is a crucial asset in insuring the fulfillment of the Center’s stated purpose.  Throughout each week volunteers are busy.  New programs and projects are being evaluated and implemented, the facilities are being improved, and there are the constant daily activities of picking up groceries and other supplies from various locations, stocking shelves, sorting through donated clothing and household items, and providing the energy and effort that make The Good Shepherd Center what it is…a fellowship of Christians united in providing help to those in need.

Lasted Updated 05/28/2007