Good Shepherd Children & Family Services

Meet Kaylin, an incredibly inspiring new mother who agreed to share her story with us in honor of Mother’s Day. What she’d like to tell others about her experience: I didn’t really care about myself before I had my baby. When I came here, they put that in perspective. I kind of hit rock bottom during my pregnancy. I almost didn’t make it. She saved me. https://goodshepherdstl.org/motherhood-story-kaylin/

A look inside our walls! Meet Chavi, a young woman who’s been forever changed by motherhood and her time spent with Good Shepherd. What she would like to say to another young mother: ...She is strong enough to do it by herself if she has to. A baby needs a mom, and you’re their total life support. You carry them for 9 months and you’re the most important part of their life. Read her full story on our blog.... https://goodshepherdstl.org/motherhood-story-chavi/

Meaghan Westhus - 14 years "Meaghan has a heart of gold. She goes above and beyond what is expected and is always focused on what is best for the kids entrusted to our care. She is determined in her quest to find a home for every child, no matter how difficult the task. We rely on her determination and commitment to help secure placement for sibling groups, teenagers, medically fragile kids and everyone in between. Thank you Meaghan for your 14 years of service!" "Meaghan- yo...u are the glue girl and we surely appreciate all you do. It's the hardest job ever and we know it!" "I often see Meaghan here late, especially before a weekend or a holiday, working to place children new to the foster care system in the right home. I can tell she cares for kids she hasn’t even met and advocates for them, even if she’d rather be at home with her family."

So Very Grateful, Incredibly Thankful & Unbelievably Blessed. Thank you for your support in #GiveSTLDay. We couldn't do what we do without the love and support of everyone in this wonderful community!

#GiveSTLDay has almost come to an end. Please consider donating today to help us continue to provide care and support to the most vulnerable populations in our community. Make donations here https://www.givestlday.org/goodshepherdstl. #goodshepherdgoodnews #prayer #catholic #chiristian #faith #love #CatholicSTL #nonprofit #stlcharity #giveback #STLgivesday #stlgives

Sharnelle Latimore 23 Years!!! "Ms. Sharnelle is a beautiful soul. All through the night, she takes care of our moms and babies. Her service through all these years has been such a wonderful blessing." "Ms. Sharnelle is has a sweet spirit and a heart to serve our clients. She is always willing to step in when needed, and keep the unit running smoothly on her shift. She is a great example for the young ladies as well."... "I don’t get to see Sharnelle very much but when I do, she is always smiling! Her smile just immediately puts you in a better mood. I wish I got to see her more often but the limited amount of time I do see her is always a treat!" "Sharnelle is an awesome person that truly loves her job! She goes above and beyond for our girls, she has a great personality and a wonderful laugh! She makes you feel happy!"

Good Shepherd would like for you to meet another wonderful couple waiting to bring a baby into their loving home! Eric and Brianna are St. Louis natives who both work in elementary education: Eric an elementary P.E. teacher and Brianna is a second grade teacher. They love all things baseball Eric is a coach and spending time with their extended familes. This fun-loving couple is ready to begin building their family through a Good Shepherd adoption! To find out more about Eric and Brianna, visit our Waiting Families page on the Good Shepherd website. https://goodshepherdstl.org/families/eric-brianna/

This article highlights some wonderful gift ideas for families that have experienced the biggest gift of all this year... Adoption! https://www.mydomaine.com/top-adoption-gifts-27008

Click the link below to read our latest blog post, The Idea of Family, by Good Shepherd’s new executive director, Kathy Fowler. https://goodshepherdstl.org/the-idea-of-family/

We can't think of anything more magical than an entire room full of beautifully decorated Christmas treesand the Good Shepherd staff in St Francois County has graciously donated a decorated tree to support CASA's Festival of Trees fundraiser going on RIGHT NOW until tomorrow, December 5th at 6 pm. Not only would you receive a pre-decorated tree without the hassle of burnt out lights and tangled ribbons but you'd be giving a voice to the hundreds of children that are removed from their homes because of abuse and neglect in St Francois, Washington, Madison and Ste Genevieve counties. Take a walk through the hall of 34 decorated Christmas trees in Long Memorial Hall in Farmington, MO or visit virtually through CASA's online auction site; https://www.32auctions.com/casafestivaloftrees

Check out our latest blog post, a profile of Good Shepherd Board Member Ron Steinkamp. An excerpt: What makes Good Shepherd uniquely positioned to help children and families? "In these troubling times, I believe the mission and values of Good Shepherd position us for success. If everyone followed the Good Shepherd Values, the world would be a much better place." https://goodshepherdstl.org/board-profile-ron-steinkamp/

Santa will be on his way before you know it! Good Shepherd helps nearly 300 families fill their stockings each year with much-needed items and holiday cheer. You can help us get things started by picking up gift cards in $25 increments and sending them to our elves. Click below or contact Julie Rudden for all the details at [email protected] or 314-854-5700. Deadline is 12/11! https://goodshepherdstl.org/get-in/holiday-gift-card-drive/

Adopting a teen out of foster care can bring home rewards you never even imagined. Check out this beautiful PSA by AdoptUSKids.org and then visit our "Waiting Children" page on goodshepherdstl.org to see the amazing teens we have waiting to find their forever homes. https://youtu.be/AaW-ybG6oX0

Feeling overwhelmed by the financial costs of adoption? Wondering where to start with grants, loans, and budgeting? Trying to figure out how the Adoption Tax Credit works? We are here to help! In recognition of National Adoption Month, NCFA and Your Adoption Finance Coach are pleased to offer this FREE webinar for prospective adoptive parents. Get the practical resources and up to date information you need to prepare for and navigate the complexities of financing an adopt...ion. Space is limited to the first 100 registrants, but if we hit capacity there will be an option to sign up for the wait list and receive a link to the recording. Follow this link to register: https://adoptioncouncil.zoom.us//register/WN_QBkbZ9wIRqqSr See more