Our Mission
Creating sustainable opportunities for single mothers by meeting their spiritual and physical needs.
Our Vision
Improving the lives of troubled but determined single mothers and their families in Johnson County, Kansas.
Our Values
Accountability, Commitment and Service, Empowerment, Honesty and Integrity, and Responsibility
About the Program
Shepherd’s Care Ministries is a not-for-profit Christian ministry designed to build a healthy support system for single mothers and their children. We exist to help participants:
- Grow in their spiritual journey and their personal relationship with Jesus Christ
- Achieve economic independence
- Further develop parenting and fundamental life skills
Our ministry operates a 24-month program for selected single mothers and their dependent children. Women who apply and are accepted into the program live rent- and utility-free as they re-establish themselves and build healthy spiritual, financial, and emotional skills. It is our hope that, by removing the burden of housing and utility costs, single mothers are able to invest themselves in a period of significant personal growth, setting them up for long-term, sustainable success.
Shepherd’s Care does not offer emergency housing.
Program Overview
Mothers who are accepted into the Shepherd’s Care program immediately begin a 60-day probationary period. These 60 days are designed to ensure the right fit and also allow mothers to organize their support team, which includes a budget coach and a personal mentor. During the probationary period, participants begin Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University course and meet regularly with their assigned budget coach to develop a monthly budget. All women who are accepted to the probationary period complete an interview, drug test and psychological evaluation. Participants also begin regular counseling, provided free of charge through Gateway of Hope at this time.
Upon successful completion of the probationary phase, women transition to provided housing in our 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom units in southern Johnson County, Kansas. If resident status is offered, single mothers and dependent children can live in the residence for a period of time up to 24 months, without cost for rent or utilities during that time. This continues to be dependent upon continued compliance with and participation in all aspects of the program, and with all prescribed training and activities.
All participants must have suitable employment and reliable transportation. They must also be free from alcohol and drug addiction, and be committed to growing their Christian faith.
Program Goals
Spiritual Growth
We desire to help participants grow and develop spiritually through regular attendance and participation in a local Christian church or small group. Mothers also participate in regular, weekly Bible study at the residence.
Economic Independence
We support participants as they take steps to develop a stronger financial foundation. Each woman in the program completes the full Financial Peace University course, developed by Dave Ramsey. Women are matched with a budget coach and required to regularly meet to develop and follow a financial plan. The goal of developing a financial plan, or budget, is to:
- Reduce or eliminate debt
- Save and maintain an emergency cash fund
- Save for future needs, such as housing or a child’s college fund
Monthly progress reports are provided to our Resident Director by each budget coach.
Parenting and Life Skills Development
Growth in parenting and fundamental life skills is supported through accountability and supervision by the Resident Director and also through classes and special training sessions. Monthly required counseling for mothers and children is also a component of our focus on personal growth. Program participants live in adjacent apartments, providing the opportunity to build relationships and a support network with other women and families in similar situations. Our resident director also recommends and coordinates other training for specific, individual needs.
How to Apply
- If you are interested in applying to the Shepherd’s Care program, please follow these steps.
- Complete our online program application.
Upon submission, our Resident Director will review your application and send you the required reference forms. - Submit completed reference forms.
All completed reference forms must be emailed to our Resident Director residentdirector@theshepherdcares.org - Complete a personal interview.
Once your application and reference forms have been received and reviewed Resident Director will contact you to arrange an interview with our board of directors. Following the interview, the board may request additional information to make a decision about entering the probationary period.
This ministry has allowed the space and safety needed to dig into healing, removing the physical obstacles of how I was going to provide financially for my kids and myself.
Leah