We are excited to announce that Good Shepherd Center for Homeless Women & Children's annual gala, H.O.M.E. is where the heart is will be held on the evening of Saturday, June 22, 2013 at H.O.M.E Restaurant (House of Music and Entertainment) in Beverly Hills.  The Sister Julia Mary award will be presented to three wonderful women who have been generous and giving to our women and children this last year.

Gloria Govan, Laura Govan, and Janice Hollins held a Toy Drive for our residents on the evening of December 5, 2012 and came to Good Shepherd Center the next morning to wrap gifts, host lunch, and spread joy to our women.  When Valentine’s Day approached our honorees wanted to do something to make our residents feel loved and special, so they held a Valentine’s Pampering Day, consisting of haircuts, make-up consultations, massages, and inspirational speakers.  Again, our residents were so grateful for their kindness.

On June 22nd each of our honorees will be receiving their award from their basketball player husbands, Matt Barnes, Gilbert Arenas, and Ryan Hollins--GO CLIPPERS! H.O.M.E. is where the heart is will be a wonderful evening for a worth-while cause.  We pray that you will join us as a sponsor or a patron of our Gala.  Your generosity will make a difference in the life of all of our residents and their children, and will help them to move to their own safe place that they can call home.

Please call 213-482-1834 to find out more about how you can participate in this exciting event and support a worthy cause.

 

Janice Hollins hosted a “Valentine Pampering Day” for residents living at Good Shepherd Center by enlisting the services of hairstylists, make-up artists and a massage therapist.  The day also included hors d'oeuvres, drinks  and delectable desserts from our very own Village Kitchen. A special visit from Janice’s husband, Ryan Hollins, NBA Clippers basketball player, provided the women with a unique photo opportunity. Thank you Janice for your vision, kind heart, and generosity.

The Los Angeles Regional Food Bank chose Good Shepherd Center as the “January 2013 Featured Agency of the Month” for their excellence in maintaining high quality standards. Their criteria was based on our agency’s organization of files, adherence of food safety policies and client care. The Food Bank visits and communicates with Good Shepherd Center staff to provide guidance and oversight of the food pantry. The food pantry is open to residents living in our transitional shelters as well as those receiving services through our drop in center.

Basketball wives, Gloria & Laura Govan, hosted a Holiday Toy Drive to benefit Good Shepherd Center on Thursday, December 6 at Crocker, in downtown Los Angeles. Residents from Good Shepherd Center attended as YIP's, walked the red carpet with the celebrities and enjoyed an evening of dancing and conversation. The following day, celebrities and residents met once again at Good Shepherd Center to wrap the toys and enjoy lunch together.  

Celebrity Co-Hosts included: Vanessa Bryant, (wife of Kobe Bryant), Janice Hollis (Basketball Wife), Jada Paul (wife of Chris Paul, LA Clippers), Mercedes Javid (from Bravo's reality show Shahs of Sunset), Jermaine Jackson (The Life of Genie/Southland/My Name is Earl/Quarantine), and actor John Marshall Jones (GLEE/Last Man Standing/Hart of Dixie/Pretty Littler Liars).

Gloria is the wife of LA Clippers player Matt Barnes, a reality star/actress (Clean Ops and host of Backstage Confidential), and the author of a cookbook: Gloria Govan, A Mixed Girl's Recipes. Laura is the wife of NBA player Gilbert Arenas,  a reality TV star, a fitness enthusist, and a modern day housewife.

A tour of Good Shepherd Center was provided for the celebrities. Of particular interest to Gloria was The Village Kitchen, where she encourgaed the resident trainees to pursue their dreams in the culinary arts.

Good Shepherd Center was selected by PharmaNet/i3 to be their charity partner, at their annual conference held in Los Angeles at the JW Marriott. Their VIP dinner was held on September 24, 2012 on the beautiful rooftop of the Grammy Museum, LA Live. Andrea Salazar, Development Director had the opportunity to share the GSC story and show the GSC video. A number of participants approached Andrea with accolades on the good work GSC is doing.

 A money tree was created featuring handprints of our GSC children with their name and ages, listing amounts ranging from $5.00-$50.00. From the participants of the evening $1000.00 was raised for GSC. PharmaNet/i3 made an additional pledge to assist us with the services and programs we offer.

Many thanks to all that contributed. These donations help support us in our mission to end the cycle of homelessness and to continue to provide services to those in transition with dignity and love.