All Stories Matter:
a future worth living for
For our neighborhood teens, they don’t see a future worth living for, so they skip class. Many face daily violence, drug use, trauma, gangs, and more. It’s easier to drop out of school or give up because they don’t see a future worth living for.
So, when IPS and Arsenal Tech High School expressed this need to Shepherd, we simply asked, “How can Shepherd help?”
From that, Shepherd created a space for these teens in these IPS schools – before, during, and after school – and all summer long. Shepherd built relationships with students, helping them to be seen, heard, and loved. We gave these students a listening ear, wise counsel, encouragement, and a family. We gave them hope – a future worth living for.
The story at our partner IPS schools changed for students who connected with Shepherd. Students were going to class, violence was going down, and grades were going up. With time, patience, and authentic care, students experienced hope. Students like Tyrone and Terrell, who now have a home at Shepherd.
For 40 years, Shepherd has walked alongside students from cradle to career – and beyond. Because when students know that they have someone who believes in them, who pushes and encourages them, they work toward a better future: a future full of hope.
Won’t you join us in helping our students see a future worth living for? Your generosity will continue to support and mentor students to see a future worth living for. Because every child will be mentored, the question is, “By whom?”
