When Bess* came to Shepherd, this hard-working mother needed support to build the ten assets required to break the cycle of poverty in her family.

“Bess has never been afraid to advocate for herself and her children.”

With some of her children having disabilities, Bess had to learn to stand up for them. As part of this advocacy, Bess and her children started coming to Shepherd and began building relationships with our staff and volunteers. 

“Shepherd provides support for both the mom and the kids.”

Over the years that they have been a part of Shepherd programs, both generations of this family have grown in the ten assets. From healthy food to healthy relationships, the family benefits from deep connections to Shepherd, while our staff and volunteers also learn and grow as a result of knowing Bess and her children.

“It’s a work in progress.”

A diligent employee who has held the same job for years, Bess still sometimes struggles to make ends meet for her family. Long-range financial planning is a difficult skill for anyone to master, and particularly for those that come from generational poverty. Trust in Shepherd staff and counselors, built up over years of relationship, gives Bess the confidence to reach out and ask for help when she needs it.

*Names have been changed to protect the privacy of our neighbors

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.