BACKGROUND OF THE ORGANIZATION
The Shepherd Center is a non-profit organization which was established in 2007. Founded by Patrick Tushabomwe, who was at one time a street child himself, The Shepherd Center is his vision of rehabilitating the street children in Kabale. Now the Director of Operations, it was through his vision that he started as a student to organize outreaches to talk to the street children and comfort them. After graduating from Kabale High School, Patrick got a job where he used his little salary to continue to outreach and provide items like soap, Vaseline, clothes, food and other basic items. Even while Patrick attended Bishop Barham University, he organized his friends to regularly do outreaches to these children. The vision to start The Shepherd Center was now in high gear, and Patrick started mobilizing funds from friends and well wishers to have the program started. In 2011, after a friend provided rent for six months, the home was started by faith that Jesus would provide for His children.
Though the numbers fluctuate a bit, The Shepherd Center is home to 30 boys, and another 18 who have been reconciled to their families. These 30 boys receive the necessities of education, food, shelter, medical care, and a loving home. The other 18, though they do not live in the home, have their education, clothes, food (as needed), and help with medical care provided, so that they can stay with their families who do not have the financial means to provide these things for them. Without this help, these boys would likely be back on the street because the financial burden on the family would be too much.
For this reason, The Shepherd Center does not stop at providing for the needs of street children who have come to live at the home. The Shepherd Center also works hand in hand with the family’s and community after the children are resettled. In the community, The Shepherd Center is raising awareness that these street children exist, and want a future that does not end on the street.
Finally, The Shepherd Center continues to go back to the streets and organize outreaches in which other children are counseled, encouraged and given basic necessary items like clothes and food. Once funding is secured, these children can also be welcomed into the program on a full time basis. It is the prayer of The Shepherd Center to expand so that children remaining on the streets are reached, loved, and provided for as Christ has called us to look after these little ones.
The Shepherd Center 