Nonprofit Profile: The Shepherd's Staff

Shepherd's Staff has been operating in Westminster for 20 years. The staff and volunteers work tirelessly throughout the year to raise funds for programs and to collect items and donations needed to help the families that use Shepherd's Staff as a lifeline. Patch is providing a snapshot of the organization. To learn more about the work this organization does or to volunteer, visit the website. 

History
According to the Shepherd's Staff website, the vision for a cooperative crisis center began in 1989 with the Westminster Ministerium. In 1991, The Shepherd’s Staff opened its doors in a tiny space donated by the Human Services Programs of Carroll County and, in 1992, the organization moved to larger quarters provided by the Westminster United Methodist Church.

In 1994, Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church offered The Shepherd’s Staff a 10-room house located at 30 Carroll Street in downtown Westminster, where the organization still operates today.

Patch interviewed Brenda Meadows, assistant to the director, to learn more about what Shepherd's Staff does in the community. 

What is the mission of Shepherd's Staff? 

Brenda Meadows: The Shepherd's Staff operates as an outreach and emergency support center to improve the quality of life for those we serve.

How do you accomplish this mission? 

Meadows: Our goal is to help resolve short-term crisis and seek ways to find more permanent solutions for those who come to us in need.  We do this through our various programs (i.e. Back-to-School, Easter Basket, Blessings Closet and Call for Coats, to name a few) and emergency assistance.

How have you integrated with the Westminster community? 

Meadows: It is because of the generous support of churches, individuals, civic organizations and businesses in the Carroll County community, through in-kind and financial donations, that The Shepherd's Staff is able to serve our neighbors in need. Volunteerism also plays a big part in the work we do. The community's need for our services has increased due to the current economic climate.

What are your upcoming plans, events or possibilities of expansion? 

Meadows: In honor of our 20th anniversary, we will be hosting a "Backyard Picnic" on August 5—the actual date we first opened our doors.   

Our Back-to-School Program has started, which means we are taking donations of school supplies for back-to-school kits, backpacks, new shoes and gently used clothing. 

In the fall we have our upcoming Call for Coats program, wherein we collect and distribute coats to those in need. Additionally, our "Rex" the Piggy Banks will be in locations around the community collecting funds to be used to help with prescription costs. 

The future lies in fostering self-help initiatives and developing pathways for social and economic advancement for those we serve.