Shepherds House is one of 14 community-based non-profits from all across the United States that were selected to participate in the Stand Together Foundation’s Catalyst Program.

The six-month leadership development program includes individualized leadership and management coaching, access to a peer network for advice and partnerships, and a variety of legal services and software tools to increase nonprofit effectiveness and help accelerate the impact of each organization’s locally based programming, in support of community change.

A statement by Executive Director Evan Feinberg on the Stand Together Foundation website says, “We are excited to welcome 14 additional nonprofit leaders into our community.  We are partnering with some of the most transformative organizations across the country, and leaders that demonstrate a deep belief in people that truly empowers those experiencing poverty to overcome their barriers and lead fulfilling lives.  These leaders represent those principles and we are excited to help them deepen their impact both in their communities and across the United States.”

Jerod Thomas, CEO of the Shepherds House shared his enthusiasm with Boyle County Judge-Executive Howard P. Hunt.

“Being accepted to the Catalyst Program is a tremendous honor.  The process was a highly selective experience and quite rigorous.  Our evaluation included an intense assessment of the Shepherds Houses’ leadership, the culture within the organization, progress in implementing our goals and values, successes, and, most importantly, our ability to affect societal change.”

“Because of the long-standing, positive relationships between partners, Boyle County is a leader in the region when it comes to the services we offer to anyone needing treatment.   As with many aspects of Boyle County, our citizens and volunteers have worked together for years, putting us and groups like Shepherds House further ahead than most communities,” said Judge Hunt.  Thomas added, “We had to prove our ability to help people transform their lives.”

“With the growing opioid and narcotic drug epidemic, Shepherd’s House will be given access to even more tools and resources to serve our constituents who are in need of drug treatment,” said Hunt.  “The County has a good partnership with Shepherds House and we applaud them for seeking new resources to help them grow and increase their ability to help those who struggle with addictions,” Judge Hunt concluded.