This year marks the 50th anniversary since the Little Brothers of the Good Shepherd first arrived in Wolverhampton. It was Christmas Eve in 1972 when the Brothers first opened their doors and provided food and support to people who were destitute, hungry and living on the fringes of society, showing them love, compassion and hospitality. Throughout the last half century, these have remained core values of the Brothers’ work and mission.
So while over the years there have been many changes both in the location of the Good Shepherd and the different Brothers, staff, and volunteers involved, the ethos, mission and values have always remained the same. Food has always been at the centre of we do as we believe this is the magnet which draws many to our services and it is then we can start to gain trust, build confidence, and begin to offer support to work together towards positive long-term solutions.
The problems may move in cycles from different kinds of addiction, increases in food deprivation, problems with mental health, financial destitution, and sadly much more, but the Good Shepherd prides itself on being able to adapt and provide support where and when it is needed.
This December, with thanks to Wolverhampton’s Team Rector, the Reverend Prebendary David Wright, and St Peter’s Collegiate Church in the city centre, we are holding a service of celebration to mark this important anniversary.
We are encouraging people to come along and share their experiences and celebrate with us as we look back on what the Brothers have achieved and look forward to continuing our work with such a supportive and generous community across the city of Wolverhampton.
Over the coming years, we want to continue to ensure that the most disadvantaged and marginalised people within our society have the support and opportunities they need to achieve their full potential, and the food service remains the bedrock in forging new working relationships and creating new opportunities for people to develop their self-worth and confidence.
So please, get Thursday 15th December at 2pm at St Peters Church booked in your diary and come along and help us make this a special occasion.