Forty years ago, Shepherd started with a small group that wanted to serve their inner-city neighbors. Now, we honor their simple mission to break the cycle of poverty, which has brought hope and transformation to countless lives for the past 40 years, by creating spaces where they feel seen, heard, and loved. 

We look back on all of the milestones we’ve had at Shepherd. In 2005, in celebration of 20 years of serving the near Eastside of Indianapolis, Shepherd purchased and moved into our current Community Center building, the former Sahara Grotto, at 4107 E Washington Street.

God moved in big ways to help us acquire a facility that felt “too big” to occupy. But God knew the plans he had for Shepherd and the physical space we would need to serve over 10,000 unique individuals every year.

“It’s not about square feet, it’s about pairs of feet.” – Jay Height

Through the generosity and support of donors, churches, volunteers, corporate partners, and foundations, Shepherd has served so many families in this facility, located at the heart of our neighborhood. We’ve expanded our programs and services over the last 20 years and have increased our facilities multiple times to meet the needs of those God brings through our doors.

Twenty years later, we have loved this building well, and we’re excited for what God has planned for the next 20 years of this building, including doubling the size of our current Shepherd Community Academy, adding the Shepherd Community Health & Wholeness Center, and so much more! As we look to the next 40 years of Shepherd, we hope to have an even greater impact on our neighbors’ lives.