The Sheepfold : Shelter, refuge, and a new beginning for abused mothers and their children

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August 2018

Heaven Sent


 

Moving into the Sheepfold was the hardest but sweetest time of my life. I came in knowing I had to do whatever it took to keep my daughter safe and not really understanding domestic violence or how dangerous my situation really was. Then I found out I was pregnant and learned how much help I truly needed. The Sheepfold was heaven sent. The charm of being in a safe place wore off quickly. I had a lot of anger and unforgiveness to deal with.

 

Living with other people was also challenging for me. Having to not only learn the schedule, rules, daily chores and mealtimes, all while still being a mom trying to heal from the past was overwhelming. I remember asking one of the residents, “Are you sure someone can make it through this?” Praise God, she answered, “It is possible!”

 

I learned so much from Miss Fran’s book, the daily Bible studies and the House Mangers’ kindness, grace and consistently high standards. To learn from people who really care is an amazing gift. But all of this came from God changing my perspective and teaching me to trust His plan. I knew He wanted me at Sheepfold so I trusted that all the rules were divinely ordained. The one who gets all the glory and praise is God—for He is good! Through Sheepfold, Christ has caused so much growth in me. The struggles, the tears, living with other people, having to work, and taking the bus while pregnant only served to strengthen my relationship with God. Which is the greatest gift!

 

And now I have graduated to “Second Step”, into my own apartment. Plus, I was also gifted with a car, so I no longer have to take the bus to work. I am excited to continue the journey the Lord has me on!

 

- Sheepfold Resident

 


 

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Show me your ways, O Lord, teach me your paths; guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long.

- Psalm 25:4-5

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Volunteer’s Story...

I started volunteering at The Sheepfold when my daughter was a little girl. She is now 24 years old! I have been happily married to a wonderful, godly man for 28 years, but it did not start out that way...

 

When I was 18 years old, I married my high school sweetheart. I was young, very naïve, and had no idea that the anger, violent tendencies, and history of abuse that defined my first husband’s life would transfer onto me. By the time I was 20 years old, I had obtained a much-needed restraining order, filed for divorce, and was fully supporting myself while going to nursing school. Looking back, I am blessed to be alive as the abuse I endured was severe and could have ended my life.

 

Through that difficult time, I felt like a strong, empowered, young woman who overcame my circumstances by the grace of God. I never felt like a victim, nor did I feel like a “survivor” per se. I was encouraged (and still am) by Romans 5:3-5 which states that “...suffering produces perseverance, perseverance, character, and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts...”

 

I dedicated my career to women’s health and have been caring for women for the past 30 years. It is also the heart of my volunteer ministry at The Sheepfold, and I am honored and humbled to serve the women and families there. God has equipped me with the knowledge, skills and passion to care for women’s medical needs, but has also allowed me to share a common bond with other women by overcoming abuse. God has blessed me with a beautiful marriage and family. Jeremiah 29:11 says, “I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you; plans to give you a hope and a future.” I know that to be true and it is true for everyone!

 

- Sheepfold Volunteer

 
 

... we also rejoice in our suffering, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit whom he has given us..

- Romans 5:3-5

Sheepfold Boutique

 

Shop or donate new and gently used goods at:

 

Sheepfold Boutique

810 N. Tustin St.

Orange, CA 92867

 

thesheepfold.org/resale-boutique.php

Sheepfold Birthday Celebrations Are Very Special!!

Many of our residents have never had the opportunity to have a “real” birthday celebration. Here at Sheepfold, we always arrange a special birthday party for each mom and child. Everyone in the house joins in preparation and enjoyment of the special meal, cake and treats, so not only the birthday person, but all the residents enjoy the celebrations.

 

If you would like to donate Birthday Boxes, see our website for details: Registry and Shelter Needs List


 
 

Forever Thankful!

 

Hello,

 

My name is Desiree. About 11 years ago my mother and our family (me, my little sister and little brother) came to the Sheepfold. At the time I was 15 years-old and really did not want to go to a “shelter”. When I first came I was very nervous about our new home.

 

Little did I know I would actually love living there and love the people that worked there. Sheepfold helped our family so much and I am forever thankful that we lived there. Even after we left they still helped us. I learned so much about God and relationships that I still use in my daily life. I just wanted to write and let you know that I was truly blessed by going to the Sheepfold.

 

- Desiree, Past Sheepfold Resident

(An email we recently received.)

 
 

Registry and Shelter Needs

 

If you would like to be part of providing for specific needs of our homes, please see our: Registry and Shelter Needs List.

 

Thank you!







Giving to The Sheepfold

 

To make a donation, please visit us online at: thesheepfold.org/donate.

 

Thank you for your generosity!!

 






The Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability

The Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability is the respected organization that audits non-profit corporations on a yearly basis to verify that all donations were recorded properly and were used for the purpose for which they were given, and requires a full financial statement for supervision by The Sheepfold Board of Directors monthly.

 

Membership in the ECFA is only granted to non-profit corporations who meet their rigid standards. We are proud of our long-standing membership in this organization.

 

ECFA Member Logo

Fran Lundquist, Founder
The Sheepfold

Board of Directors

John Wildman, President/Executive Director

The Sheepfold

Jeff Abbott, BBL Group Chair
BBL Forum

Tim Blied, Law Partner

Schmiesing, Blied, Stoddart & Machey
Secty., The Sheepfold

Bob Brumleu, President

Omni Duct Systems

Marie Sackett, Program Director/Finance

Sharon D. Lund Foundation

Chris Hite, Partner

Coreland Companies

Rick McCarthy, Chair/Principal BBL Forum

CPA, McCarthy & Associates

Janice Munemitsu

Generous Giving Field Team

Bruce Bartolomeo

Retired Business Owner

Victoria Botka Williams

Freelance Television Director

Bill Yingling

Business Consultant

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mail@thesheepfold.org