Who We Are
EMPOERRING PEOPLE FOR CHANGE
Building Upward Stability
Our neighbors on the near eastside of Indianapolis live on the edge of crisis. Shepherd works to build assets into people’s lives so they can break the bonds of generational poverty. By fighting systemic causes and serving with life-long, relationship-based care, Shepherd makes a difference — physically, socially, and spiritually.
Building Assets For Holistic Change:
As we grow in our understanding of generational poverty, we know that there is no quick fix. Throwing money at the complexity of cultural and systemic issues isn’t enough. That’s why our relationship-based model focuses on ten key assets that we’ve found are essential for breaking the cycle of generational poverty.
1. Faith in a personal God who provides purpose and guidance is foundational for hope.
2. Physical health and mobility are key to functioning at school, at work, and within social networks.
3. Relationships provide critical help in times of need, stress, and crisis.
4. Emotional control enables healthy responses to negative circumstances and challenge.
5. Mental acuity in academic skills and critical thinking supports good decision-making.
6. Identifying with stable adults that model stability, planning, and perseverance promotes growth.
7. Self-advocacy—the belief that you can question the status quo and pursue your dreams—empowers change.
8. Knowledge of dominant, mainstream culture helps people succeed and get things done in work and life.
9. Future-orientation supports long-term planning, life-long learning, and perseverance.
10. The money to provide for basic needs such as housing, food, and healthcare is foundational for escaping generational poverty.
What We Do
The Heart Of What We Do:
At Shepherd, we do life with our neighbors, and see their felt needs first-hand. Some causes of poverty are systemic, and others are situational, but all restrict people’s ability to navigate life. Breaking down our preconceived notions and cultural blind-spots is key to achieving real impact in the lives of neighbors living in generational poverty.
Providing Hope And Support For All:
Breaking the cycle of poverty requires a significant shift in perspective spiritually, emotionally, socially, and academically. That’s why Shepherd builds relationships with our neighbors across the continuum of ages and stages of life as they move from poverty to stability.
Details
| (317) 375-0203 | |
| mcihaelp@shepherdcommunity.org | |
| Michael Perry | |
| Volunteer Groups Coordinator | |
| https://shepherdcommunity.org/ |
