Ruby Celebration

RJS was recently able to continue to celebrate Shepherd Community Center’s Ruby Celebration. Shepherd has existed for 40 years serving the Indianapolis area and after the dinner, it is clear Shepherd has a clear vision that they are just getting started. Shepherd all started with just a Thanksgiving dinner, and it has grown from there, touching so many lives.

We heard from the original founders who had the idea of the Thanksgiving dinner and had no idea just what Shepherd would grow into and the impact it would make- and continues to make.

There were panels of adults who were touched by Shepherd as children. Those same adults now give back and support Shepherd as they shared how much that meant to them, including a police officer who now patrols that area and donates every year so Shepherd students can eat a meal at the Zoo during their summer field trip.

Students from the Academy shared from stage memories of how Shepherd has helped them and their families. One of the students we sponsor, Camila, shared a touching story of how the food they received during covid, not only helped her family, but they shared the extras with another family and then that family shared the leftovers with another family. Most of the room was brought to tears.

Shepherd was awarded recognition from the State of Indiana and the city of Indianapolis.

Our friends at Str8t Up were there and were celebrated about their partnership with Sheperd.

Jay Height, the executive director, shared his journey and how he has been a part of Shepherd for over 30 years. He has a strong vision and a heart to bring neighbors together. We loved the analogy of the legos he shared. Jay spoke about each of us being a Lego- all different shapes and sizes but we can all connect together.

One of Jay’s most quoted sayings is “Everyone will be mentored by someone, the question is by who?” What a powerful call to action.

If you would like to learn more about Shepherd and even support their Ruby Project, you can visit their website here.