VOLUNTEER INFORMATION FOR GOOD SHEPHERD
· The Good Shepherd Center is a modern, clean facility with Phase I opened in June 2003 and Phase II opened in October 2005.
It is located at 811 Martin (9th and Martin.)
Their mission statement is:
to feed the hungry, shelter the homeless,
and foster transition of those in crisis to independence in the community.
· There are a number of groups from First Presbyterian providing a service to Good Shepherd guests. One group, in teams of 5 people, serves the evening meal at the Good Shepherd Center on the 4th and 5th (if there is one) Thursdays of the month.
· A volunteer’s time commitment is from 4:45 p.m. to NLT 7:00 p.m. A volunteer would be scheduled to serve about once a quarter and would be part of a different team each time they serve. (A good way to meet other members of First Presbyterian.) Volunteers can ask to be scheduled together and that can be done (eg husbands and wives). If volunteers would like to serve more often, that is welcomed and can also be done.
· Parking is in the rear and far side of the building. Servers’ entrance is in the rear of the building via the far left door as you’re facing the rear of the building. Ring the buzzer and someone will come and let you in.
· Food is supplied from Good Shepherd’s food bank. Latex gloves and aprons are provided, although some people like to provide their own apron. The kitchen manager will put you to work on salad, bread, desert, etc. The kitchen staff is great and is pleased to “show you the ropes”. They cook the hot food in their ovens.
· Service to the guests starts promptly at 6:00 p.m. Depending on the meal there are generally 3 volunteers at the steam table, 1 serving bread and salad, and 1 handling the desert cart. There are 100± guests served every evening.
· The guests are very appreciative of your efforts. Those at the evening meal will be spending the night in one of the 118 beds. There are separate quarters for women and families. Interaction with the guests is encouraged.
· Service is generally over by 6:30 p.m. The kitchen staff helps with the clean up.
· A schedule is published 6 months out and reminders are sent out the first of the month you are scheduled to serve. There are always changes, so if something comes up and you can’t serve, there is a list of people who are willing to serve as replacements you can call. If you can’t find a replacement, call Ken Garrett at 256-2148 or the church office.
· It’s a very rewarding experience. Call Ken Garrett (256-2148) or the church office (762-6688), or send an email for more details or to discuss other ways First Presbyterian serves at Good Shepherd.