Catalyst for Independence

Thank you to Bill Stevens, Director of Development Activities, for writing today’s blog.

When Shepherds Home and School opened its doors in 1964, thirty-six young people with intellectual disabilities became residents and students.    Gradually Shepherds grew, the young people became teenagers, and there were individuals accepted for residency who were already in their teens.  One such young man, John, came from Ohio to live at Shepherds.  John quickly became quite an asset as he was able to take on a number of jobs on the campus.  John only lived a couple of years at Shepherds and became the first graduate.  He moved back home to work in his parent’s family bookstore.  He subsequently became quite independent and was employed by K-Mart where he worked for many years.

As Shepherds grew, it also became evident that residency and schooling for children were no longer being sought by parents.  The federal and state programs for funding special education for children with intellectual disabilities allowed parents the opportunity to keep their children at home.  Shepherds transitioned to an all-adult facility in the mid-1980s, and a large number of those first thirty-six children who came to Shepherds in 1964, plus others added in the on-going years, now made up a large adult population of residents.  They, of course, in addition to the individuals added as teens and adults, swelled the total number of those being blessed by the compassionate Christian care provided by the dedicated staff of Shepherds Ministries. Some of these individuals were able to become more independent and become part of a growing work force of residents and clients.  Their work involved contract workshops, kitchen help, housekeeping, grounds keeping, greenhouse, and various opportunities to work off campus in local businesses.  These individuals set the pattern for what was yet to come.

Dr. William Amstutz became President and CEO of Shepherds Ministries in 1998.  He had a vision that became a plan with the able assistance of some new staff and administration members.  This plan, undergirded with the Appropriate independence™ philosophy, became the Catalyst Program.  The inception and implementation of the Catalyst program was the outgrowth of the seed of possible independent living for individuals with intellectual disabilities proved out by such individuals as John.  Soon a number of residents entered the Catalyst Program and became clients who lived semi-independent lives in group homes, apartments and mobile homes off campus but in the local community mostly within walking or bike riding distance from Shepherds campus.   

I had the privilege to learn first-hand how the Catalyst Program changes and enhances lives. 

Butch came to live at Shepherds in 1975 and eventually became an important part of the Catalyst Program.

  

 

This fall, Butch left Shepherds after 37 years and moved to his own mobile home in Maranatha Village near Sebring, Florida.  As a ministry representative of Shepherds, I am privileged to travel the southeast USA presenting Shepherds to churches and individuals as a worthy consideration for their stewardship dollars.  Many of our supporters live in the Sebring area, and I am able to visit with them a couple of times every year to update them on the ministry.  On one recent visit, Butch invited me to stay overnight with him in his new “digs.”  

 I gladly accepted his invitation and was greatly impressed.  Butch has a two bedroom mobile, with a large combination living room and dining room, and a sun room or “Blessings” room where he has all his medals won in Special Olympics, and various other diplomas and awards, framed and hanging on his wall. 

His kitchen is very large and has all the modern conveniences.  Butch cooks his own meals and is an immaculate housekeeper.  

He recently joined Maranatha Baptist Church and serves as a volunteer in a number of capacities including yard work for the elderly residents of Maranatha Village.  Butch never charges for his work because he wants to just be a servant of the Lord and help others.  Butch also is the caretaker and groundskeeper for the shuffle board, bocce ball, and horseshoe pits.  Another work opportunity for Butch is being a member of the Maranatha Village Security patrol which watches over the grounds at night.   

Butch and I attended church together and many people commented on how much they have already come to appreciate him.  We stayed up late that night and I introduced him to “Duck Dynasty” on the A&E cable network.  It instantly became his new favorite show.  After a good night’s rest, I awoke to hear Butch already in the kitchen at 6:30 AM preparing our breakfast of scrambled eggs, bacon, and toast.  Butch commented to me several times, “Bill, you are my first overnight guest and the very first person I have cooked for in my new home!”  I could truly say as I left after breakfast that I would look forward to my next visit and his hospitality once again. Words cannot express how I felt about my experience and how I feel about Butch’s new life away from Shepherds.  He truly is living independently, serving the Lord, and able to work in various capacities for His glory.  

If you are interested in the Catalyst Program for yourself or a loved one, please contact Tracy Lackey at 262-878-5620 ext. 4352.