Who is Shepherds?
Shepherds is the heartbeat and guiding force behind every model of ministry. From this center flow the leadership, operational support, and resourcing that empower each model to flourish, while ensuring alignment around the shared mission and vision.
Each Shepherds model carries the same mission, theme, philosophy of Appropriate Independence™, and Four Pillars of Training in a distinct way to the people it serves.
Established in 2008 in Union Grove, Wisconsin, Shepherds College is a fully accredited, three-year residential post-secondary program designed specifically for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Through a unique combination of progressive residential living and certificate programs in culinary arts, hospitality, and technology, it provides an immersive environment for growth in independence, purpose, and occupational preparation. As the most comprehensive expression of the mission, Shepherds College engages every aspect of life and serves as the proven foundation that shapes and strengthens every ministry model that follows.
Empowered for Life is an accredited, two-year commuter post-secondary program for young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. As a branch campus model owned and operated by Shepherds, it can be brought to communities where the right partners and local support are in place to launch and sustain it.
On and For a Purpose is a mid-week, small-group curriculum-based ministry model that equips churches to launch or strengthen disability ministries for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Designed for everyday ministry volunteers without formal teaching experience, it translates Shepherds’ proven approach into a turnkey, facilitator-led format with faith-based curriculum and resources delivered in an eight-week structure.
Created for Community equips missionally aligned residential communities serving adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities through a multi-year continuum of growth, belonging, and increasing independence. Developed by Shepherds College, it provides curriculum, coaching, consultation, and staff development to strengthen local implementation. As a partner-delivered expression of the ministry, it extends Shepherds’ proven approach into communities pursuing Appropriate Independence™ together.
International Trained for Life Centers equip missionally aligned global partners through curriculum, consultation, and coaching shaped by Shepherds College’s proven approach. Designed to prepare local leaders to establish full-time programs, it adapts Shepherds College’s curriculum for international contexts. As a partner-delivered ministry, it extends Shepherds’ impact through partners offering gospel-centered, life-changing education for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in their own culture.