About

The Sisters of the Good Shepherd have a history of more than 370 years of dedication to women and girls who have been abused or exploited in their life situations. They are currently serving in 72 countries in a variety of ministries aimed at healing individuals, reconciling families and offering them the tools needed to become healthy and productive members of society.

Although worldwide, each local program is financially independent. The Sisters have been providing their services to Los Angeles for 110 years. In 1904, the Sisters came to Los Angeles to work with troubled teenage girls. For over 70 years, an average of 200 teenage girls were placed annually in their care by the juvenile court systems but the reason that most had been involved in crime was in an effort to survive on the streets after running away from abusive and violent homes.

In 1977, following major shifts in the juvenile system, the Sisters looked for new ways to help children from violent or dysfunctional homes and, at the same time, to help the families. They, therefore, opened one of the first shelters for victims of domestic violence in the country. It initially operated as an emergency facility until other shelters were established. The Sisters could then convert the program to provide more opportunities for healing. In 1979, an apartment building was purchased in order to give each family the personal space needed to reunite, restructure and reverse the violent dynamics and learn to function in a healthy, non-violent atmosphere. The shelter then became a long-term facility, focusing on treatment, education and healing.

We feel that our program offers the best approach to ENDING the GENERATIONAL cycle of violence. It is unique in that it is the only shelter with separate family apartment units, full schooling for the children, an Adult Learning Center, therapeutic services and legal advocacy— all on site.

OUR VISION

Good Shepherd Shelter envisions a world where all women and children are freed from the cycle of domestic violence and have an opportunity to live their lives fully, sustained by the sense of their dignity, independence and potential to contribute to the lives of others.

OUR GOALS

To help each mother and child to heal from the trauma of abuse and violence

To help the mother to become independent financially and emotionally so she never has to subject her children to violence again

To teach the children interpersonal skills that are respectful and violence-free and show them that they have choices and do not have to perpetuate the generational cycle of violence in their lives

To bring the children up to grade level and beyond, as well as “permission to dream” of further education, a fulfilling career and the potential to contribute to the lives of others