THE SHEPHERD’S STAFF was founded in October, 2010 . The founder and administrator, Lynne Elwood, was made aware of the dire needs in the community after befriending a homeless individual.. She felt compelled to visit with this individual; offering him the love of God along with food, drink, and other standard necessities.For the next four years, Lynne found that although some of the stereotypical ideas of the homeless are at times true; many times, they are not. It would have been easy to either gather a few things together or even write a check to one of the social agencies that assist people caught up in the spiral of poverty. Instead, Lynne decided to dedicate her life and talents to helping those in need with a “hands-on” approach.
This was a major decision that would change Lynne’s life forever. Having Cerebral Palsy which was something that always had to be considered on an everyday basis, had never discouraged her projects before. THE SHEPHERD’S STAFF was going to be a challenge to her mobility and communication issues. Challenge is something that had never been an overbearing obstacle before. Daring to achieve some things that even the able bodied don’t attempt, Lynne had recently wrote a book on her experiences with the homeless man. She and her husband had befriended a homeless man four years ago and had studied the characteristics of the homeless. She knew that people were very generous and compassionate toward those who were down on their luck. Today there were more and more needing a variety of things due to the economy.
Being a very strong believer in the humanity of man and the commands in the Bible, Lynne decided to take it upon herself to create an organization that would literally go out into the streets and, by following her friend’s lead, minister to the homeless. By word of mouth, she would find that they would be gathered when a place was specified and a time was set. They would graciously accept whatever warm clothing she had to offer. They were also hungry. Soon Lynne and her husband were cooking for them one night a week and bringing them a hot meal as well.
THE SHEPHERD’S STAFF has grown. We have five “STAFF” members that help Lynne pick-up clothes. Lynne handles every donation personally and prepares them for two other “STAFF” members to distribute them to those in true need. Every item is given directly to someone. There is no middleman involved. Nothing is EVER sold or given to an agency to distribute. We accept clothing, small household items and now accept monetary donations at the Bank of Elwood. Lynne Elwood, DBA- THE SHEPHERD’S STAFF.
State I.D. # available on request.
