Gabe Shortt started volunteering at Shepherd when he was a student at Taylor University. After graduation, he spent a year mentoring kids in Shepherd’s after school programs as part of an internship. While working with the kids and interacting with other Shepherd staff and volunteers, Gabe saw first-hand how important Shepherd’s relationship-based approach is in the fight against poverty. Rather than showing up like superheroes, Shepherd volunteers and mentors are characterized by humble service.

“You never really know how this is changing a student’s life.”

The middle- and high-school kids Gabe mentors face a daunting range of challenges. Food insecurity, lack of resources, lack of encouragement, and simply not seeing examples and models of what works. Building relationships takes time, hard work, and willingness to change your mind, but Gabe has seen how coming alongside the kids in our neighborhood has helped them and also deepened his own faith and understanding.

“It’s a growing and learning process.”

Having spent so much time at Shepherd, Gabe has also seen the impact that serving has on Shepherd volunteers. From working on houses to mentoring students, volunteers share life and experience with our neighbors, and play a role in the continuum of care Shepherd provides in the community.

You can help Shepherd break the cycle of poverty in Indianapolis through your time, gifts, and donations. Together, we’re breaking the cycle of poverty in Indianapolis.