I wanted to share with you a release we are making available. We are working to respond to the closing of Wheeler Missions Community Center… but we need help. If you can make a gift today to help us do this, visit our donation page.

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Shepherd Community Center to work with Wheeler Ministries to expand services…

INDIANAPOLIS – In accordance with Shepherd Community Center’s core mission to aid families and children on Indianapolis’ near east side, the Center is currently attempting to integrate various children’s and family programs previously administered by Indianapolis-based Wheeler Ministries. These programs would be in addition to the services Shepherd currently provides. Wheeler has plans to return it’s focus to providing goods and services to the homeless, poor, and needy of central Indiana.

Shepherd hopes to work with Wheeler, and in a combined effort, pursue every option available to meet the needs of those families involved. The idea is to expand upon the programs and services Shepherd already provides by adding, among others, a baby and mom’s program, elementary after school tutoring and additional mother’s programs.

“We applaud Wheeler for the great work they have done and will continue to do to serve the homeless of our community,” said Shepherd Executive Director Jay Height. “They have taken a path to focus on what is really their strength. We hope to as well focus on what is our strength, which is working with children, teens and their families.”

“We plan to do everything we can,” continued Height. “This is another great way for us to serve children and families in the area. We just need to make sure we have the resources available to do so.”

Shepherd Community Center is a faith-based, non-profit organization founded in 1984 with a simple but staggering goal: to break the cycle of poverty on the near east side of Indianapolis. Located centrally within the community it serves, Shepherd offers programs for children, teens, adults, and families, helping to meet their physical, emotional, academic, and spiritual needs. Visit Shepherd’s website, www.shepherdcommunty.org, to learn more about their programs and services.

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If you’d like more information or to get involved, send me an email.

Carpe diem,

jay

I don’t remember quite the weather pattern we have had recently. Thunderstorms, tornadoes, ice storms, sizable snow fall, sub zero to 50’s in a matter of days. Yes, it is quite the time of change. But one thing does not change. We all need to feel loved. Thankfully, God does love us all.

Yet, increasingly, I see the hollowness in so many lives, needing to feel needed, needing to be told someone cares for you. Yesterday while I walked through the lunchroom, a young student wanted to show me what mattered in her life…..two loose teeth. Another student wanted to ask what to do because her friend was being hurt at home. Yet another wanted to show me her ribbon from school.

Thanks; thanks to those of you who take a moment to support Shepherd in prayer, volunteering and financially. You made it possible for those three children to have a needed touch. More touches to go today.

Carpe diem,

jay