Sometimes, loving a neighbor means opening your home to them to help meet a need.

That recently was the case at Shepherd Community Center, which welcomed more than 30 community organizations that set up booths at the Indianapolis Public Schools Family Academy Summer Resource and Wellness Fair.

The fair helps IPS students and their families prepare for summer break by checking out camps, job opportunities and ways to ensure enough healthy food and activities are available for children after classes end.

About 175 people, from 77 families, attended the event.

The Shepherd team who worked to make the fair possible earned praise and thanks.

“Thank you, Shepherd Community Center, on behalf of IPS. We are so grateful for your partnership,” one of the event organizers said. “Much gratitude to Curtis and the operations team for the impeccable setup. Shout out to Mr. Phil (Edwards) for bringing the music vibe. And thank you to Shepherd’s children and youth who assisted with preparing and sitting up the food bags.”

Shepherd’s support of IPS goes well beyond hosting the summer fair. Shepherd staff members, including Phil Edwards, serve in quiet rooms at Arsenal Tech High School, where students can relieve stress, find encouragement and receive support with their mental and emotional health.

Sometimes, love means providing a welcoming space in your own home, and sometimes, it means going to where the needs are present. Both are happening, in partnership with IPS, at Shepherd.