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Special Call for Volunteers!
We are currently in need of volunteers to help our children as:

Child’s Friend (Mon or Wed, 6:30–7:30 PM)
These are volunteers who serve as a kind of “Big Brother” or “Big Sister” to our children ages 6 and up. This involves engaging in simple activities like playing games, doing art projects, reading or just talking with the kids. It means so much to a troubled child to have a special friend who comes to HGS and spends quality time with him or her, focused one-on-one.

Homework Tutor (Mon, Tues, Wed or Thurs, 2:30–4:00 PM)
We work with our children after school to help them get up to the grade achievement levels typical for their age groups. Homework tutors would be in a room with other volunteers/staff and the kids, helping with whatever schoolwork the kids bring home. The value is not only in academic assistance but also—and perhaps even more important—in showing that you care and believe in that child’s potential.

If you are interested in helping, please contact our volunteer coordinator at hgsvolunteers@comcast.net. Thank you in advance for your time and talents!

The generosity of our volunteers allows us to offer a far richer program than otherwise would be possible. Volunteers help the women and children adjust to changes in their lives as well as build their self-esteem and self-confidence. Volunteers give beneficial one-on-one attention to our residents, who are struggling to learn new skills and healthy, non-violent ways of relating to people both individually and as a family unit.

Here are the volunteer opportunities we offer:

Adult Tutor
Work one-on-one with a woman, tutoring her in basic computer skills, GED, ESL, or other needs that she may have.

Children's Tutor
Work one-on-one with a child, helping them with basic homework.

Child's Friend
Spend one-on-one time with a child each week playing games, doing art projects, or reading.

Family Friend
Spend time each week with a mother or family helping them with goals specific to that family. This may include playing games, running errands, cooking, or just sitting and talking.

Childcare
Help out in our childcare with children ages 0-5.

Women's Board
The Women's Board offers ongoing support and financial assitance for the services and programs of the House of the Good Shepherd. The Board hosts several fundraising events each year, including an annual Brunch/Auction the first Sunday of November. Click here for more information on the Women's Board.

Donate Your Old Cell Phone
Turn in those old cell phones to House of the Good Shepherd. On average, a phone that is donated generates approximately $5 in income from an organization that refurbishes and recycles cell phones to benefit domestic violence shelters.

Here are the guidelines:

• Wireless (cellular) phones only are accepted—not cordless phones, bag phones, two-way radios, pagers or walkie-talkies

• Smaller, newer phones generate the most funds for us

• Wireless phone accessories are accepted but do not generate funds

• Donors should deactivate their phones and remove all personal information before donating them

Donate Items on Our Wish List

Gift Cards
Jewel, CTA, Target, K-Mart, Kohl's, McDonald's

Baby/Children's Items
• Disposable diapers (sizes 4, 5, 6) and Pull-Ups diapers
• Tops for little boys and girls (sizes 3, 4, 5, 6)
• Briefs and PJs for little boys and girls (all sizes)
• Baby wipes, A&D ointment, digital baby thermometers
• Tear-free baby shampoo, baby oil, Dreft laundry soap
• Baby bottles (no insert, 4 oz. and 8 oz.) and screw-on sippy cups
• Baby crib sheets and pads

Household Items
• Twin-size sheet sets
• Bath towels, non-slip bath rugs, plastic shower curtains
• Kitchen towels and oven mitts
• Non-breakable dishes, glasses and pitchers
• Blenders, toasters, coffee pots, electric can openers, flat tortilla grills
• Kitchen utensils, storage containers and canisters
• Salt & pepper shakers
• Cookware including pots and pans
• CD players and alarm clocks

Non-Perishable Food Items
Non-perishable foods in good condition and not past the expiration date are appreciated.

House of the Good Shepherd has partnered with Network for Good to securely process your online credit card donation via the Network for Good Donor Advised Fund.

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What Your Dollars Can Do

$5,000 pays for 90 hours of individual and group counseling of women recovering from the trauma of domestic violence

$2,500 supports daily bilingual classes in domestic violence, positive parenting, wellness and addiction recovery

$1,000 is the cost of cleaning and repairs to prepare one of our 14 apartments for a new family, including outfitting with linens, food and toiletries

$500 pays for eight 1-hour Spanish language sessions with a Catholic Charities counselor for our Spanish-speaking women

$250 provides a monthly aftercare session for former residents who return for support, group counseling and much-needed clothing and household items

$100 pays the cost of the Learning Center assessment of our residents' math and language skills, at the start of their learning and as they proceed through GED or work training