Archive for November, 2009

The word Graduate means- a person who has successfully completed a course of study or training. That definition, though true in the case of our graduates here at Shepherd’s Gate, falls far short of what I believe they have also achieved– Transformation. When they come to our doors with their belongings stuffed in plastic grocery sacks, scared, hopeless, desperate for change; and you see them graduate a year later full of confidence, with hope and a plan for their future shining in the eyes…it is truly transformational.

To see these women, both on our Brentwood Campus last month and last week on our Livermore Campus, accept their certificates of graduation after so much hard work and perseverance was inspiring!

Welcome to the new Shepherd’s Gate blog. We want to use these posts to connect with our supporters, encourage our donors and engage in a conversation with everyone who has a heart for abused and battered women. We hope you’ll think about this as a conversation between friends.

As the Executive Director, you’ll hear from me about how my heart beats for the homeless women and their children in our area. I hope to inspire you with how you can change lives through your support, your gifts and your prayers.

But my thoughts aren’t the only ones you’ll read on our blog.

You’ll hear from Carla McRee, our Associate Director, to get her wisdom and important perspective on the important issues facing homeless and abused women both here in California and also in Costa Rica. And Jennifer Harp, our Director of Marketing, will also join in on the conversation sharing, among other things, about news from our community and the efforts of our amazing volunteers.

Your voice is the most important one. We want to hear from you. We need you to join in and make this a conversation. Ask questions. Make comments. Encourage. Suggest. Challenge. Participate.

We are thankful for your support and participation.

In Jesus’ Name,

Steve McRee
Executive Director
Shepherd’s Gate

Creative commons photo credit: Mykl Roventine