The Sheepfold

Like most moms that come to the Sheepfold, I came from a domestic violence relationship. I was the typical female that thought this time he’ll change, this will be the last time, he promised. Despite my hope that he actually wanted to change, our relationship was getting worse by the minute.

The pushes were turning into slaps, and then the slaps turned into punches. Then, there were the threats, “I’m going to kill you!” Finally, my heart couldn’t bear it any longer, so I asked one of my God-sent friends, the only friend who really stuck by me. She told me to call the Sheepfold. I didn’t want to call, I didn’t want to go to a shelter, but I didn’t have any other choice.

I have been here for a few months now and have been blown away at all God is doing in my life and the lives of my kids. God is mending my once broken heart, and I talk to Him about everything now. I have also been blessed by my House Managers, they are amazing women. They have supported me, guided me and taught me so much about how to heal and grow as a person and a mom.

Words can’t express how much I appreciate how much the Sheepfold has done for me and my family. The road hasn’t been easy, but I‘m grateful to be on a new path in life. I have a new sense of hope and optimism for our future. With God as my Rock I can’t be shaken. Thank you and God Bless. – Arianna, Sheepfold mom

As new residents enter one of the Sheepfold shelters they are meet with a warm smile from our staff and the peace of a safe environment. While with us residents are provided with 3 nutritious home cooked meals every day. A majority of the food items used to prepare these delicious meals come from the shelter’s food pantry that is fully stocked with all kinds of wonderful items. If you would like to help us keep our pantries stocked, and help save our staff a trip to the store, here are some of the items we are in most need of…

Lunch box drinks
Individual lunch snacks
Canned tuna
Canned chicken
Frozen vegetables
Salad dressings (Ranch, Italian, Blue Cheese, Vinaigrette, Olive Garden Italian Dressing, etc.)
Fruit juices
Sugar
Beans canned (refried or whole, black or pinto)
Veggies canned (sweet kernel corn, green beans, and peas)
Fruit canned (peaches, pineapple, and pears)
Cream canned soups (mushroom, chicken, celery, etc.)
Tomato products (sauce, paste, diced, etc.)
Broth (beef, chicken, bone broth, etc.)
Rice (brown, white, etc.)
Olives
Enchilada sauce
Coconut milk
Nut Milks (almond, soy, cashew, hazelnut, or others)
Syrup
Jelly (strawberry and grape especially)
Ketchup
Ground coffee
Mustard
Mayonnaise
Olive oil
Coconut oil
Oatmeal/Cream of Wheat (regular or instant)
Applesauce (jars or individual servings)
Pre-boxed dinner (Rice-a-Roni, Hamburger Helper, Pasta-Roni, etc.)
Tea Bags (iced or hot - varieties of flavors, peach, mint, grey, white, green, etc.)
Corn Bread Mix

If you have any questions or would like more in formation about donating food items you can email [email protected] for more information. Thank you in advance for you care and support of the mothers and children we serve.

The Sheepfold program begins by establishing a normal daily routine for the family including nutritious meals, household chores and responsibilities. The mothers begin a plan with their Case Manager to address their specific needs and those of their children. These may include enrolling children in school, legal obligations, medical and dental appointments. Our House Managers help each resident to establish a financial plan and explore housing and employment options. Our program is designed to go beyond the physical needs of each individual and holistically bring healing. We strive to serve every family that comes through our program with love, grace, guidance, and care. The Sheepfold is a safe place for mothers with children seeking new beginnings.

With the temperatures rising here in Southern California, our staff is always looking for ways to stay cool and have some fun with the families we serve. Something as simple as some sprinklers can provide such fun and relief. At the Sheepfold we are glad to provide hope and safe refuge for mothers and children fleeing from domestic violence. The peace that our residents have found is evidenced in the laughter and joy found in moments like these. We look forward to make the rest of the summer a cool and fun filled time!

According to the Bible, in Matthew 25:31-46 we are commanded, as followers of Christ, to feed the hungry, give a drink to the thirsty and to shelter strangers, clothe the naked and to visit those who are sick or in prison. It is the purpose of the Sheepfold to fulfill those commandments for homeless women and their children who find themselves with no place to go, no food and no money. By easing the pain of homeless and abused women and their children, and restoring their sense of value and self-worth, we are able to lead them through our six month program. After completing our program, mothers and their children are ready for independent living.

The Sheepfold first opened our doors to homeless, abused and forsaken women with children in October 1979. Since that time thousands of women and their children have found shelter, safe refuge and a new beginning in life as a result of the Sheepfold ministry. During their stay with us, coupled with the non-denominational Bible teachings, families receive everything they need free of charge. This includes things such as home cooked meals, new clothes, all hygiene supplies, children and infant supplies, and subsidized childcare. A key outcome of the Sheepfold program is that mothers and children can live on their own independently and not be tempted to return to their abuser and destructive lifestyle.

Forgiveness. Forgiveness is such a huge part of the healing process for the families we serve. For the women in our care, walk with our Staff through the process of forgiveness for those that have abused them. Ephesians 4:32 says, “ And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you”. Jesus Christ has forgiven those who have put their faith in Him of all their sins. Therefore, we as believers are called to forgive those that have sinned against us. Forgiveness isn’t about forgetting what has happened to you or saying that what others have done was ok. Forgiveness is about releasing what has happened to you so that the hurt, anger, and fear no longer has the power to determine your future. God is good. God is in control, and God forgives. Therefore we pray all the families we serve walk in the freedom, joy and power of that love.

“The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; in Him will I take refuge, my shield and the strength of my salvation, my high tower and my refuge, my savior; you save me from violence.” 2 Samuel 22:2-3

Like our Heavenly Father provides hope and safe refuge to those that put their faith in Him, the Sheepfold ministry strives to provide hope and safe refuge for mothers with children seeking help from domestic violence. Jesus is the foundation of the Sheepfold ministry. All things are done through His power and for His glory. We know that mothers and their children with only find a strong future and healing from their past through Jesus Christ. We are blessed to be able to share the hope of heaven with every mother and child that comes into our care.

I remember my drive to the Sheepfold like it was yesterday. I had packed up my things quickly, terrified my Ex would return home before we were able to leave. As I drove my daughter and I to the Sheepfold, I began to cry. The façade that I had tried to maintain was stripped away and the truth directly in front of my face. I finally came to terms with severity of the abuse that I had suffered. I had been pushed to the point by my Ex that I had to take my daughter and seek refuge in a place that was foreign to me. It was a terrifying thought. Imagine, taking yourself and your child to a place you’ve never seen, referred to as a “shelter”, to live for 6 months, knowing you have no other option. I remember trying to picture where it was I was driving to; my only exposure to a shelter would have been images that I have seen on tv. Could that really be what our new home would be like?

I’m happy to say that once I found the home, it was exactly that- a home. I walked in and physically felt a tremendous burden being lifted off my shoulders. I instantly felt peace, which was hard to fathom considering I had been walking on egg shells for years. I was free. free to feel safe, free to express myself and free to truly experience God’s immense love for me in a profound and meaningful way.

I truly want to thank everyone at the Sheepfold for what they have done and continue to do in the lives of my daughter and me. I also want to thank the supporters that don’t see our faces or hear our stories, but still give of their time, resources, finances and prayers to assist in the transformation of our lives. May God bless you abundantly! – Olivia, Sheepfold Mom

Fran Lundquist, the founder of the Sheepfold, has written a book called The Sheepfold: A Living Memorial to the Living God. In the book, Fran shares the journey of how her twenty-five years of marriage had ended in divorce for unpleasant and painful reasons, how she lost her children and everything she lived for was gone. In the grief of all that loss the Lord gave her the vision for the Sheepfold ministry. Fran shares how her unshakeable faith in Jesus Christ brought her healing, and the desire to help mothers and children in need. If you would like to purchase Fran’s book and learn more about her life and the Sheepfold ministry, you can be order it through our website at www.thesheepfold.org, under the Resources tab. We pray the book blesses you and encourages you to walk in all that the Lord has purposed for you to do!