Tag Archives: Tag: Fairfield County

An Important Message from Shepherds Board of Directors on Social & Educational Inequality

| June 11, 2020
Shepherds Mentors Logo

June 2020

Dear Shepherds Community, 

We hope that this finds you safe and healthy in these unsettled times.  

As we face the devastation wrought on our country and our world by the  Covid-19 crisis, we also acknowledge, as we always have, that there exists  in this country great social and economic inequality. We understand and  wish to extend our thoughts of support to all members of our extended  Shepherds community who are both suffering from and troubled by these  ongoing circumstances.  

Shepherds’ mission remains the same today as it was 20 years ago. We  continue to close the opportunity gap for young people in our inner cities  by providing this under-served community with access to quality high  school education, life skills training, college prep workshops and activities,  and adult mentoring that helps to guide them during their most formative  teenage years. Shepherds promotes educational and life opportunities for  our Shepherds students by investing in and extending their human  potential.  

We are justly proud of our Shepherds alumni who do their part to make  the world a better place in every way, including by reinvesting in their  communities and by giving their time and energy back to Shepherds. 

Shepherds continues unwaveringly in its mission of Changing Lives…One  Student at a Time.  

We thank you and welcome your continued support of Shepherds in our  important and critical endeavor.  

Sincerely,  

Timothy Stuart, Chair 

Barnet Phillips, IV, Vice Chair and Co-Founder 

on behalf of The Shepherds Board of Directors 

Become a Mentor to a NDWH Freshman

| June 1, 2020
Mentor a student

It has been six years since Mark Healey and Celia Pinzi became mentors to NDWH ’18 student Reuben Clark. Shepherds spoke to Mark and Reuben recently to ask about how being in the Shepherds’ program impacted them.

“It has been an absolute joy to watch Reuben change from a shy young freshman, to the accomplished college student, college football player and entrepreneur he is today,” stated Mark. “I got a lot more out of being Reuben’s mentor than I realized. Reuben and I still talk and get together. Recently, I reached out to him during the protests about social, racial and economic inequalities. I wanted him to know that Celia and I support him.”

Reuben attends Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. He is currently taking three summer classes and has started up one e-commerce business selling jewelry, created a business that repairs cell phone screens and is in the process of rebranding a clothing line he created. “Mr. Mark really helped me with time management and taught me how to network,” claimed Reuben. “They are like family to me. I love them to death.”

When asked what they would tell a person who is considering becoming a mentor, both had similar answers. “If you want to help shape the life of a young man, become a pillar of support and create genuine change in his life, become a Shepherds mentor to a NDWH student,” said Reuben. Mark agreed, “It is so satisfying that I played a part in Reuben’s growth. It is amazing that a couple hours a month can have such an enormous impact on a young person.”

Shepherds needs five mentors for the upcoming freshman NDWH class. Join our team of caring mentors to make a positive impact on a Notre Dame man this Fall. To find out more, contact Dan McAuliffe at 203-367-4273 or info@shepherdsmentors.org.

Be a Part of the Solution

| May 29, 2020
Reuben

For over 20 years, generous donors have provided the ability for under-served but motivated young men and women like Reuben to be part of the Shepherds program.

This year, your participation in making that possible is more critical than ever.

Shepherds has a goal of bringing on 12 new students into our program this fall. To achieve this, we need to raise $60,000 by June 30th. Generous support from donors has brought us to $44,000 so far. With only a handful of days to go before our fiscal year ends, we are still $16,000 short of our goal.

You’ve probably thought “How can I make a difference in these highly unusual times in which we find ourselves?” Shepherds provides that opportunity.

Please consider making a generous donation today via PayPal or by mailing a check to Shepherds, P.O. Box 1756, Darien CT 06820.

Thank you for supporting more students like Reuben. Be part of the solution and help Change Lives.
Dan McAuliffe
Executive Director
Changing Lives…One Student at a Time.

Shepherds Seniors Zoom into Their Future

| May 7, 2020
Universities

Shepherds’ seniors at our partner schools, Notre Dame West Haven and Kolbe Cathedral, are in the midst of making their college selection for the fall. Unlike previous years, COVID-19 is making in-person guidance counseling and mentoring very challenging for students and their guidance counselors. Analyzing academic goals, financial aid packages and potential transportation issues is a daunting task for many of our first-generation students. We are happy to report that they are rising to the challenge!

Their hard work and dedication in school is having an enormous impact in the options they have for college. The Shepherds program along with our partner schools, provide an education that has an impact that lasts long after our students graduate high school. We will announce their final selections in June and hope to find a way to to honor their accomplishments in person this summer.

Shepherds is recruiting mentors for the class of 2024. Be a part of the next group of Shepherds students’ success by applying to be a mentor today! To find out more, contact Dan McAuliffe at info@shepherdsmentors.org or call 203-367-4273

Shepherds/KCHS ’14 Graduate Jessica on the Front Line of COVID-1

| May 1, 2020

Jessica R. (center) in a brief relaxed moment out of a stressful day on the COVID-19 floor with her PPE protected colleagues. Jessica received her nursing degree from Fairfield University in 2018. Shepherds is proud of Jessica’s hard work which is now providing relief to her community.

Thank you to Jessica and our many Shepherds alumni and supporters who work in health care and other essential services!

As we consider Jessica’s success, Shepherds realizes there are many other economically and academically-challenged students out there we want to help. Financial support and mentors are the two critical factors for Shepherds to be able to support students like Jessica. Won’t you help us today by considering being a mentor for a freshman this fall or making a donation today?

To find out more about Shepherds, contact Executive Director Dan McAuliffe at info@shepherdsmentors.org or 203-367- 4273. With your support, Shepherds can provide that same helping hand to more students.

Shepherds Model for Success … Adapted by Covid-19

| April 29, 2020

Our model for success for our students has been working for over 20 years. COVID-19 has caused us to adjust our model to reflect the realities of today. Our students, mentors and program have proved to be both resilient and innovative.

The biggest change in our students’ lives is that they now are distant learners. Many of our students live in homes where they are now helping take care or help teach their younger siblings while their parents are at work. Not every student has a place that can be quiet and dedicated to their studies. Nevertheless, Shepherds students remain successful in achieving their academic goals! Shepherds would like to thank their partner schools, Kolbe Cathedral High School and Notre Dame West Haven, for adapting to this remote learning environment quickly for our students. Shepherds administration is staying on top of students’ progress to ensure that every student remains on track.

Mentors have also had to adapt as in-person visits cannot happen at this time. Technology has been helpful in maintaining the connection between student and mentor. Use of Zoom, FaceTime and other video-based applications have helped bridge that connection gap. Even some of our less tech-savvy mentors have really stepped up and embraced these applications. While certainly not the same as being together in person, all agree that it is better than a phone call or not checking in at all.

Shepherds’ graduation rate is 95% compared to their Bridgeport and New Haven peers’ graduation rate at 55-60%. 100% of last year’s graduating class attended college. Our program ‘flattens the curve’ by providing a quality, college preparatory education, academic and social skills training, and most importantly, a mentor to guide the way. Simply put, Shepherds works.

We are recruiting mentors for our freshman class beginning this fall and invite you to find out more about being a Shepherds’ mentor. Mentoring can change the life of a child with socio-economic and academic disadvantages – and it is very satisfying to be a part of that growth! Contact Executive Director Dan McAuliffe at info@shepherdsmentors.org or call 203-367-4273.

Shepherds Changes Lives…One Student at a Time: Alumnus Isaiah Smith

| April 24, 2020

Recently a Shepherds and Kolbe Cathedral High School alumnus reached out to his mentor, Brian O’Connor. Isaiah Smith graduated from KCHS in 2003 and furthered his education at Johnson and Wales University in Providence, RI. He graduated with a BS in Electrical Engineering.

Shepherds and Brian O’Connor were excited to hear of Isaiah’s success. Currently, he along with his wife and two beautiful daughters live in Manchester, CT. Isaiah works at Koh Young America, Inc as a Regional Sales Manager.

Mentoring a student through the Shepherds program pays big social dividends to both the student and mentor. “Shepherds provided the opportunity for a private college preparatory education and a mentor to guide Isaiah. He made great use of the resources we gave him. Isaiah’s success is a great example how education is the gift that keeps on giving,” claimed Executive Director Dan McAuliffe. “Isaiah’s education and Shepherds experience have not only been a great benefit to him directly, but to his wife and children as well.”

Mentor Brian O’Connor was touched when Isaiah reached out to him, “I often wondered where Isaiah was and how his life turned out. It was a beautiful note and heartwarming to know he completed college, has a good job, and is happily married with a loving family,” stated mentor Brian O’Connor.

When asked about the impact that his mentor had on him, Isaiah responded “I truly believe my mentor Brian’s contribution to my high school education played a role in my success in life. I cannot thank him enough.”

Mentor Brian O’Connor changed a life. You can too! Why not consider become a Shepherds mentor this year? Shepherds is seeking mentors for the incoming Shepherds freshman class at both Kolbe Cathedral High School and Notre Dame West Haven. To find out more about the Shepherds program, contact Dan McAuliffe at info@shepherdsmentors.org or call 203-367-4273.  www.shepherdsmentors.org

Update During these Unusual Times

| April 1, 2020

Dear Shepherds Community,

As the implications of the virus pandemic become more immediate, it’s our sense that the connections that underpin the Shepherds partnership of student-parent-school-mentor-staff are even more relevant.

First, and foremost, we hope and pray that you and your families are well.

Second, the Shepherds staff is on duty – yes, like many of you, we are balancing home, family, virtual learning, and work responsibilities. But we have a job to do and are available to hear from you. If you think we can help in any way, please do not hesitate to reach out to any of us.

    Third, we would like to begin the process of building a community of sharing. We hope that by communicating more, we can support each other even if we can’t physically be there for one another.  Please share your stories – images or written –  about how you’re adapting to the current conditions, what you’ve learned and any suggestions you may have for others.

Send us your input or pictures at info@shepherdsmentors.org or text them to 203-550-6395, or tag Shepherds on Instagram or Facebook. We will post them for the greater community. We’ll curate the input and post as appropriate, names only disclosed upon permission.  

   Continues….

Shepherds 2018-19 Annual Report

| March 20, 2020

This Annual Report presents the intersection of the numbers, events, and the people that define Shepherds’ mission in action.

We are proud of the accomplishments of our students and the role Shepherds plays in supporting them. We invite you to read our Annual Report and hope it inspires you to support our mission by becoming a mentor or financially support our program. To find out more, contact Executive Director Dan McAuliffe at info@shepherdsmentors.org or call 203.367.4273

Annual Report 2018-2019