The Good Shepherd Guild was founded in 1932, the year the Good Shepherd Sisters commenced their work in San Francisco. The Guild collaborated with the new foundation by organizing their first social tea on October 16 of that year. In the early years, the Guild generated funds to provide for the unmet needs of the girls who were residing at the Good Shepherd Sisters’ University Mound School, a residential school for girls referred by the courts.
In 1961, the Sisters built Good Shepherd Gracenter to serve the young women who graduated from their residential high school, University Mound School for Girls, and needed a safe residence to continue their pursuit of employment or higher education.
Today, funds coming from the Guild’s activities contribute significantly to Good Shepherd Gracenter, which now helps young women without resources break free from drug and alcohol addiction by providing transitional housing and supportive recovery services.
Guild Activities
Luncheons and raffles are favored fundraisers of the Good Shepherd Guild. The Guild hosts three fund raising luncheons throughout the year. These events are opportunities for members and guests to socialize in a friendly atmosphere. Often a woman from Good Shepherd Gracenter is present to share her personal story from the podium. These inspirational stories forge a close connection between the Guild, the Sisters, and the young women and strengthen the resolve of the Guild to provide spiritual, practical, and financial support for Good Shepherd Gracenter.
The Spring Fundraiser generally includes a fashion show or musical entertainment, maybe even a spring hat contest! Oktoberfest may include an optional Halloween costume contest, and always concludes with enthusiastic games of Bingo! The Guild’s most elaborate event of the year is the Christmas Luncheon. Christmas décor enhances the special country club atmosphere. A raffle of donated prizes adds to the holiday excitement. The financial success of these events is only exceeded by the comradery experienced by all.
General membership meetings, held several times a year, are also opportunities for Guild members to gather for a light lunch and to participate in Guild business such as changes in by-laws, and elections or installation of officers and other board members. For nine months of the year, the Good Shepherd Guild Board meets on the second Wednesday of the month. The agenda includes membership updates, financial reports, calendar and event planning, and news of Good Shepherd Gracenter activities as reported by the Sisters.
Joining the Guild
New members are always warmly welcomed! For further information on how to join the Good Shepherd Guild, call Good Shepherd Gracenter at (415) 337-1938 or write to the Good Shepherd Guild, 1310 Bacon St., S.F. CA 94134. Make an impact in the lives of women, giving them the opportunity to live healthy and meaningful lives.