Next Steps the Colony

During the period from January 2023 through October 2023, Shepherd's House operated as a vital sanctuary for single mothers and their children. Our organization provided a nurturing environment aimed at breaking the cycle of adversity and offering a pathway to stability and self-sufficiency. One significant highlight of our efforts in 2023 was our provision of no-cost housing to a single mother with seven children. Before seeking refuge with Shepherd's House, this family endured deplorable conditions, residing in a dilapidated hotel room with inadequate ventilation and minimal bedding. Their circumstances were compounded by a series of health challenges, resulting in job loss and pervasive feelings of despair. Upon entering our transitional living home, the mother and her children found solace, support, and resources to rebuild their lives. Through strategic partnerships and dedicated services, Shepherd's House facilitated a transformative journey for this family: Employment and Education: The mother secured employment within walking distance of our facility, enabling her to provide for her family while actively engaging in her children's educational pursuits. Mental Health Support: Through collaboration with our partners at Novel Therapy, the mother received invaluable counseling services, empowering her to navigate and overcome emotional obstacles. Child and Family Services: Must Care provided personalized mentoring for the children, fostering growth and resilience during their stay at Shepherd's House. Transportation Assistance: Recognizing the importance of mobility, we offered transportation support until the mother obtained her driver's license, facilitating access to essential services and opportunities. Housing Transition: In partnership with Next Steps, our board member facilitated the family's transition to affordable housing, ensuring continuity of support beyond their tenure at Shepherd's House. In addition to providing immediate shelter and sustenance, Shepherd's House embodies a holistic approach to empowerment. Our comprehensive array of services, including budgeting classes, life skills workshops, and free counseling, equips residents with the tools needed to thrive independently. We are committed to fostering accountability, sobriety, and personal growth within a safe and supportive community environment. Shepherd's House maintains a capacity to accommodate up to eight women at a time, with the length of stay tailored to individual needs and engagement with our program. Through our unwavering dedication to tangible solutions and meaningful impact, we strive to redefine the trajectory of our clients' lives, offering hope and opportunity where it is needed most.

Our Mission TC Program stands as a beacon of support and solidarity for individuals and families facing the challenges of maintaining safe and habitable living conditions. Through a partnership forged with the City of The Colony and bolstered by the dedication of volunteers from youth groups, churches, and businesses, we strive to eliminate barriers to home repair services while nurturing a culture of community engagement and altruism. At the heart of our program lies a commitment to addressing the critical needs of vulnerable households, regardless of financial constraints. Through the generosity of donors and the collective efforts of our volunteers, we offer essential home repairs at no cost, empowering homeowners to safeguard their well-being and preserve the sanctity of their dwellings. Key facets of our program include: Comprehensive Home Repair Services: From minor repairs to major renovations, our skilled volunteers provide a spectrum of services aimed at enhancing the safety, functionality, and longevity of residential properties. Whether it's fixing leaky roofs, repairing faulty plumbing, or reinforcing structural integrity, we prioritize the restoration of dignity and peace of mind for our clients. Youth Group, Church, and Business Partnerships: Our program serves as a platform for youth groups, churches, and businesses to channel their collective energy and resources toward meaningful community service. Through weekly volunteer opportunities, participants have the opportunity to cultivate empathy, develop practical skills, and forge enduring connections while making a tangible difference in the lives of others. Collaboration with the City of The Colony: We proudly collaborate with the City of The Colony to identify and address pressing housing needs within the community. By leveraging municipal resources and expertise, we enhance our capacity to reach underserved populations and maximize the impact of our initiatives. Referrals from the city serve as a vital conduit for connecting residents in need with our services, ensuring equitable access to assistance. As stewards of compassion and social responsibility, we are deeply invested in fostering a culture of mutual aid and collective empowerment. Our program serves as a testament to the transformative power of collaboration, demonstrating that by uniting our efforts and resources, we can build stronger, more resilient communities where every individual has the opportunity to thrive.

In 2023 we continued our partnership with another non-profit organization, Must Care. Must Care is a youth mentoring program in The Colony and surrounding areas that focuses on helping single parents raise their children in these challenging times. The need for youth mentors in our local K-12 classes is nearly 800 mentors. There are only 76 mentors at this time, so we are working to support this vital program already in place by recruiting new mentors to volunteer. Must Care provides an even larger service within the community by providing adult mentors to children living without a father in the home. Must Care extended its network in 2023 by adding mentors, and now covers The Colony, Little Elm, Oak Point, Flower Mound, Frisco, and Dallas. Additionally, in 2023, Must Care helped a single mom with seven children to secure safe and affordable housing. By partnering with other nonprofits and local volunteers in the area, Must Care was able to fully furnish the house and now subsidizes the family's rent so that they now live comfortably in The Colony. Additionally, Must Care was able to find a sponsorship family to provide this large family with an amazing Christmas.