About Us

The Story of Shepherd Community

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.

That blossomed into formally organizing the following February 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.