The Good Shepherd Center’s mission is to assist people living in Monroe County who are experiencing a crisis situation. Focusing on the dignity of their clients, they provide basic needs: food, clothing, and financial aid.  They currently serve over 2,100 people monthly and that number continues to rise. The Good Shepherd Center Board of Directors, staff and volunteers work tirelessly to assist families to strive for self-sufficiency.

In 2013, the Good Shepherd Center Board requested assistance from ETCDC to analyze their existing facility, staff and client flow, and develop options for renovation and expansion.  Architect volunteer advisors Susanne Tarovella, AIA and Frank Sparkman, AIA, with Sparkman & Associates, assisted with the design and further facilitated programming meetings with Good Shepherd Board of Directors and stakeholders to discuss the organization and its long-term goals. They considered: what would an ideal center look like; what could the ideal center accomplish; and how could these ideals be achieved.  This meeting allowed the group to reflect on its needs and prioritize its goals for future expansion.

A second programming session was held where stakeholders considered: clarifying the mission statement, reorganizing the Board of Directors and by-laws, and redefining the center’s programs to meet its new goals.  Ultimately the focus was how best to provide assistance to their many clients and how to do it in a respectful way.

The final concept plan developed by the design team resolved many of the issues and concerns with the existing facility. By redeveloping the site, existing building layout and adding a building expansion, the design provides a more inviting and welcoming area for clients and a better work environment for the staff to carry out the Good Shepherd Center’s important mission.

They were awarded the 2017 ETCDC Annette Anderson Directors’ Award.