Who We Are

“‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.'” Jeremiah 29:11

Our Mission

Shepherd’s Gate exists to meet the physical, spiritual and emotional needs of women and children suffering from homelessness, addiction and domestic violence through the love of Jesus Christ, equipping them to lead lives of faith, hope and love, and to reach out to others in His name.

Our Vision

Shepherd’s Gate specializes in providing safe places where women and their children can discover healing and freedom from life-controlling trauma issues through the power of Jesus Christ. (Single adult women and mothers) Together with community partners, we are committed to empower and equip women to transform their lives with a lifetime commitment to recovery.

The Shepherd's Gate difference:

What Sets Our Program Apart

Shepherd’s Gate helps women and children escape abuse, addiction and homelessness. We are so much more than a shelter. Through the support of friends like you, women and children have safe shelter, meals, and a long-term 12-16 month Christ-centered recovery program that helps in every area of their lives: physical, spiritual, emotional, recovery, parenting, education & career, legal, financial, family reunification, etc. Plus we have a full program for children so they too can find healing and thrive in life. We are one of the few programs for older children. With the help of donors, foundations, churches and corporations, this program is completely free for women that are in critical need.

It all started with AliceAnn's commitment

The Shepherd's Gate Story

Many of us look at a problem like “homelessness” and think: this is way too big for me. California native AliceAnn Cantelow looked at it and thought: I’ll do what I can and trust God to do the rest. Shepherd’s Gate began in 1983 out of AliceAnn’s tiny 2-bedroom home and since then has helped over 13,000 women and their children find hope and healing. 

Here to serve

Leadership Team

Carol Patterson

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Wendy James

Director of Business & Finance

Alicia Hammond

Livermore Campus Director

Stephanie Fischer

Brentwood Campus Director

Marcie Senter

Development Officer Livermore & Brentwood

Jill Gandara

Facility & Partnership Manager

Tracy Sanchez

Volunteer Relations, Brentwood

Vision & Stewardship

Our Board

Vijay Swamidass

CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD

Mimi Warga

VICE CHAIR

Mark Holmstedt

Treasurer

Maggi Cathey

SECRETARY

Fiona Parken

DIRECTOR-AT-LARGE

Megan Klopp

DIRECTOR-AT-LARGE

Tim Hunt

DIRECTOR-AT-LARGE

Eternally Grateful

Our Sponsors

Make a Difference

Turn a story of addiction & abuse into one of hope & freedom for a woman in recovery

Carol Patterson

CEO

Carol Patterson began serving as the CEO in January of 2018. Previously, Carol served as Vice President at Cityteam for over 17 years where she focused on homelessness and addiction across the United States. Her expertise in nonprofit ministry, finance, and operations have positioned her to be a visionary leader to advance the organization. She is a hand’s on leader that serves alongside an amazing team that God has called to Shepherd’s Gate.

However, it is Carol’s tremendous passion for homeless and abused women and children in the Bay Area that is her most important asset. She brings a deep faith in Jesus Christ to help more women and children transform their lives. Carol continues Shepherd’s Gate’s mission and advancement to expand our programs to meet the ever growing needs in our community. 

Vijay Swamidass

Vice-President

“I have worked at Salesforce.com in San Francisco for about 10 years. Currently, I am a Director of Software Engineering and I manage a team of about 15 developers around the world. My wife and I love the mission of Shepherds Gate, especially the desire to do everything to the glory of God. In years past, we have participated in 24-In-Your-Car, holiday food distributions, and leading Financial Peace University for several of the women at the Livermore campus. This year, I have used my experience with Salesforce to set up an online database to track intake calls, residents, and room utilization. My wife and I have 4 children, Rachel (10), Jonathan (7), Andrew (5), and Sarah (1).  I am excited to serve as a board member and continue to use my skills to further the great work at Shepherds Gate.”

Mimi Warga

Chairman of the Board

Mimi has recently retired as a Financial Advisor and business owner in Livermore for 25 years. She serves on various ministry teams at her church and has been a faithful supporter of Shepherd’s Gate, Kids Against Hunger, and the Alameda County Food Bank for several years. Previously, Mimi served as the secretary of the board for many years prior to her new role as Chairman of the Board.

Mark Holmstedt

Treasurer

Mark has 36 years of public finance experience covering a variety of specialty areas including financing for non-profits. Mark has served on the Finance Committee at Shepherd’s Gate since 2012 before joining the Board of Directors in 2014. In addition to his work with Shepherd’s Gate, Mark currently serves on the Advisory Committee for City Impact in the Tenderloin of San Francisco.

Matching Gifts

Did you know that your gift could be doubled for an even greater impact?  Many companies have matching gift programs for financial donations or volunteer hours.  Search your company below for more information. Here is Shepherd’s Gate 501 c3 nonprofit number for our company paperwork: 94-2902803. We are so grateful for your support!