Good Shepherd is Active in these Community Outreach programs
A major focus for our members is outreach to the local community, the diocese, the region and the world. We are committed to the following ministries to which we give and for whom we volunteer:
Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA)
- for children of Hood and Somervell Counties
CASA appoints volunteers/mentors who advocate for abused and neglected children in Child Protective Services’ (CPS) custody. Advocates of the program are known as the child’s “CASA.”
Advocates promote the child’s best interests, serve as a voice for their needs, and appear in court as direct support for the child. All of our CASAs act as guardian ad-litem for the vulnerable children of Hood County. CASAs have long-standing respect from community leaders, and are well-regarded by local court officials. Throughout the challenges a child faces undergoing the family court system, CASA volunteers provide a consistent, supportive, and positive influence for this vulnerable population.
Joseph's Locker
"Helping Neighbors in Need" in Hood County
We are a Food and Clothing Outreach Ministry that provides assistance with basic necessities of food, clothing, household supplies and the most basic need of all, the love of Christ.
Joseph's Locker is supported by community donated funds and volunteers
Hogar Infantil - Chiapas, Mexico
Good Shepherd has been a major supporter of Hogar Infantil for many years. Hogar Infantil is located in southern Mexico, in the state of Chiapas. Hogar takes in “street children” and provides them with food, shelter and education in one of the poorest sections of Mexico. Many of their graduates have gone on to be doctors, nurses, teachers, and construction workers in their poor state.
Episcopal Relief and Development (ERD)
Give a Goat? a Chicken? a Pig? a Cow? How about fresh water for a whole village?
We give to the Episcopal Relief & Development which provides sustainable support for many of the world’s poorest villages. Last year alone, ERD and its partners drilled and installed over 75,000 water wells and water distribution centers. One of our many programs is helping farmers to raise goats. The farmers not only use the manure to improve their crops, but they have supplemental food for their families and can eventually sell or give the offspring to other famers. Talk about a gift that keeps on giving! This is a Christmas gift that won't go out of style.
Healthy Kids distributes as many as 500 meals per day during the summer to kids from under-privileged families in Hood County. For many children, the free school lunch program is there only true meal of the day. With this program, these kids also get a good meal during the summer. Our members volunteer their time to distribute to 8 distributions centers.
From Oct-Dec. 21rst, our volunteers work to provide toys for kids in Hood County. In one recent year, we provided more than 2000 gift bags and more than 600 bicycles to under privileged kids. Local merchants provide discounts and outright gifts. We combine these with grant money and money from our church for this important outreach.
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Couch Surfer Ministries
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Disabled American Veterans Chapter 238
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Forward Training
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Hood County Cancer Services
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Neighbors Feeding Neighbors
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Operation School Supplies
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People Helping People
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Ruth’s Place
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Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary
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Hopewallah Leprosy Mission