The "Shepherd's Heart"

        The "Shepherd's Heart" ministry of Cottonwood is all about meeting needs; providing food, support and valuable information to those of the Cottonwood area who would otherwise fall between the proverbial cracks.  With the opening of it's doors on Tuesday, May 22, 2007, Shepherd's Heart began the arduous task of "filling in the gaps" for many of the Cottonwood families who lack the transportation to reach the much larger   assistance programs, such as A.C.C.A located in Anderson.

        Shepherd's Heart continues to expand its resources; networking with area service agencies to meet both short and long term needs.  In October of 2009, clothing distribution was added to the ministry.

        Beyond the nutritional support (food boxes) is an even greater need for spiritual and emotional support for the families and individuals who seek out our help. Our ultimate goal is to find long term solutions rather than just giving a hand out, with no accountability.

Beginning in 2011, 1 class will be offered per month on the 4th Tuesday from 10:00-11:00 for families in need in Cottonwood.  They are:

"Basics of Food & Nutrition" -- This class is designed to offer instruction for people who need to understand how to determine what foods to eat and what foods to avoid.  This class includes the skill of reading packaging labels on food stuffs and count matters such as carbohydrates, proteins and sugars.

"Beyond Survival" -- This class is designed to discover dynamics in life in order to make life much more than simple survival.  This class will look at all the dimensions of life: physical, emotional, intellectual and spiritual, in order to bring balance to one's existence.

You Are Invited...

         to make a difference. Community involvement is essential to the success of the Shepherd's Heart ministry. There are many opportunities for businesses, families and individuals to help out.

        Donation of food items may be brought to First Baptist Church at 3320 Brush St., Mon.-Fri. & Sundays (call ahead for times).

        Cash donations should be marked "Shepherd's Heart" and may be dropped off at the Church Office or sent to: First Baptist Church, PO Box 2020, Cottonwood, CA 96022. (Make checks out to First Baptist Church)

        Those wishing to volunteer their time should contact Jolene Thomas, Volunteer Director at 347-5488. Volunteer work may consist of preparing food boxes, organizing donated food items, follow-up calls, distribution etc. (All volunteers will go through a screening process.)

Cash donations enable us to purchase perishable items such as eggs and milk, and to supplement the food donations when needed.

Guidelines

In order to receive assistance through Shepherd's Heart, the following information must be provided:

1. Number of persons in household

2. Phone number or contact number.

3. Proof of physical address:  

    (example: PG&E bill with your 

    name on it)

4. Two forms of identification.

Shepherd's Heart Hours

Tuesdays 9:00 am – noon