The Sheepfold Email Newsletter

Shelter news, stories, and updates

August 2022

The First Week...

I was a very scared mom, trying to escape domestic violence. My abuser had tracked my location and I now needed a safe place for me and my children. I tried shelter after shelter. One that I found said they had room for me. After 3 hours on the phone with them, answering their questions, and going into a lot of detail about the abuse I went through, they told me they couldn't take us in.

I was devastated and frustrated with the system. I felt like no one cared. Shelter after shelter told me they couldn't take me in or they were full. Some said they could only help in emergency situations and my situation wasn't serious enough. I was exhausted, extremely upset with the process and angry because I was trying to do the right thing.

Then after 7 days of calling almost 20 shelters. I called the National Domestic Violence hotline. The man heard my frustration and encouraged me not to give up, and that there would be an opening at the right shelter for me. He also encouraged me to keep pressing the issue that I needed safety. Then he provided me with numbers and the first number was the Sheepfold. I called and spoke with a woman. She told me that there was room and it would take a few days to go through the intake process. I did get impatient in my heart and had second thoughts about even going there, because of the rules and expectations. But the intake person was very understanding and open to hearing my concerns and she explained the reasoning behind the structure in the shelter.

I am here now and extremely glad to be here. God has honestly confirmed things over and over for me, letting me know that this is the place I need to be. I'm going to be honest — I am terrified at some of the huge decisions I must make. But the staff here is so nice, prayerful and encourage me to trust God, and in the process, because He would not bring me to this place just to let bad things come to us. Everyday I practice changing my thinking and letting God renew my mind and heart. I am so thankful for this ministry — so glad that God led me here.

- Sheepfold Mom

Visit us online at

www.thesheepfold.org

Visitation Support

One of the many roles our House Manager Teams hold is visitation support. This past weekend I was able to offer physical, emotional, and spiritual support to one of our moms who took her daughter to court ordered visitation.

Because she has a Restraining Order, I drove her and her daughter to visitation to model to her how to use her safety plan. While we waited the long 20 minutes for her abuser and father of their child arrive, I was able to emotionally comfort her as tears of fear fell. Spiritually we were able to pray together and ask God to be her and her daughter's constant protector and comforter.

These are critical and sacred moments that we can enter in and truly walk alongside the families we serve.

- Carley, Sheepfold Shelter Supervisor

“ The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name's sake.”

- Psalm 23:1-3

Bible Study

Everyday our House Managers are blessed to be able to read the Word with our residents. Bible Study is a chance for us all to connect and for the Managers to share their love for the Lord. One of our studies mentions a verse from Psalm 23:2.

As one of our residents read it, she said God showed her He was with her throughout the day. During challenges at work and difficult times parenting pre-teen girls, she knows that the Lord makes a quiet place for her and that it did give her peace reading that promise. I encouraged her to memorize as much of Psalm 23 as possible. It is a verse I recite to myself throughout the day, it brings me a lot of encouragement and hope as I remember the Lord is with me too!

What a blessing it is to work for the Sheepfold. And what an honor it is to serve the Lord! Thank you Lord, for restoring our souls and leading us to quiet refreshing streams through your Holy Spirit!

- Chrissy, House Manager

Back to School...

Our kiddos are all excited to head back to school. School supplies are being chosen and set up for each child. Back to friends, teachers and learning!

Summer Fun!

Fran's Book Available!

The inspiring book by Fran Lundquist tells her remarkable story in her own words and reveals the miraculous backstory of The Sheepfold.

Buy Now

Boutique/Thrift Store

To shop or donate new or gently used goods, visit our resale boutique at:

810 N Tustin St, Orange, CA 92867

More Info

“ I have calmed and quieted my soul, like a child quieted at its mother's breast: like a child that is quieted is my soul. ”

- Psalm 131:2

Domestic Violence Help

If you know someone in Domestic Violence, please have them call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-978-3600 or The Sheepfold at 877-743-3736.

Giving to The Sheepfold

You can make a difference

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

You may also text the dollar amount you would like
to donate to (714) 942-5560 and follow the prompts.

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Thank you for your generosity!

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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.