In the fall of 1984, Westside Church of the Nazarene sent a group of volunteers down to Central Nazarene Church to do a Thanksgiving meal. In February, 1985, that meal blossomed into an organization, formally organizing as Central Nazarene Mission. Ten individuals committed to leave Westside Church of the Nazarene and worship and support Central Nazarene Mission. In just a few short years the name was changed to Shepherd Community, Inc. The founding director was Rev. Dean Cowles. He served as director for the first four years. Rev. John Hay, Jr. served for the next few years. Cowles came back, following Hay's departure and served yet another four years. After a few years of transition Rev. Jay Height was named director in 1998 and continues to serve today. Through the years many programs have come and gone. So have many cherished staff members and volunteers. Each giving a part of themselves to another. The focus of Shepherd Community continues to be on serving the neighborhood on the Near-Eastside of Indianapolis. Today, many great partners continue to be a part of reaching our neighborhood. Partners as diverse as the Print Communications, Sodrel Trucking, Grace Community Church, Huntington Bank, Indian Creek Christian Church, Indianapolis First Church of the Nazarene, Mount Pleasant Christian Church, and The Indianapolis Foundation are just a few of the many working to make a difference through a place called Shepherd Community Center where hundreds are served on a daily basis. Shepherd Community Center working to break the cycle of poverty on the near east side of Indianapolis.

Shepherd Timeline

1985
Westside Church of the Nazarene sponsors Thanksgiving Dinner at the century-old Central Church of the Nazarene at 1625 E. Washington Street.

1986
Westside commissions Dean Cowles and twelve members to begin compassionate ministry in the old Central Church, offering food and clothing. Name changes to Central Nazarene Mission.

1988
Name changes to Shepherd Community Center. Warehouse building next door bought, adding 14,000 square feet.

1990
Shepherd and Indianapolis Homeless Network partner to open Day Center for homeless men. Summer “day camps” for children start with 48 kids. Now called Summer EXCEL, almost 400 kids helped in 2010.

1998
Jay Height named executive director after years as director of development. He is also named Crime Fighter of the Year by the Indianapolis Police Department.

1999
Land behind facilities acquired. Playground, garden, and park installed.

2000
Indianapolis Day Center for homeless men splits off. Shepherd concentrates on work with children and families.

2002
Shepherd Academy starts with first Kindergarten class. Our Academy and Co-op now have more than 100 students.

2006
Shepherd moves to present location at 4107 E. Washington Street, renovating the former Sahara Grotto.

2007
Continuum of Care introduced: a 25-year plan designed to break the cycle of poverty in the second generation.

2008
More than 550 women and children join Shepherd when a local ministry suspends family programs. Shepherd merges with Jireh Sports, and Area Youth Ministry.

2010
Shepherd now helps thousands in five locations, breaking the cycle of poverty on the Near-East Side of Indianapolis for over 25 years.