Identity

Shepherd's Way is an organization who sees all individuals for the unique identity, beauty, and capabilities God has created within each of us. Through that lens we are dedicated to investing in and empowering individuals with intellectual disabilities to see beyond the limitations that have been placed on them, into a more independent life in which they can thrive.

Mission

• Recognize and promote the gifts of individuals with intellectual disabilities, cultivating a spirit of confidence and joy for life, for all.
• Acknowledge the unique needs and beliefs of all individuals, and respond to the needs of individuals with intellectual disabilities across all cultural boundaries, while being faithful to the core values of our founding story.
• Teach individualized routines and skills leading to increased independence, while maintaining a healthy, disciplined life-style, through the implementation of sound evidence-based therapeutic practices.
• Foster opportunities for healthy, mutually life-changing, community integration.

Charter of Shepherd's Way

The first Shepherd's Way home began in response to God's call to fill a need when Ben invited Dallas, a young man with autism who was going through a season of homelessness, to be his roommate. Ben saw Dallas through the lens of his potential, and not his disability, to lead a life in which he thrived, and not simply survived.

We believe that every human being was fearfully and wonderfully made. The call of Shepherd's Way is to help individuals with intellectual disabilities realize their value and potential, while developing the skills and confidence to engage the community, sharing their gifts and impacting others.    

The aim of Shepherd's Way is to create communities of shared-living housing, including individuals with and without intellectual disabilities. One of the primary focuses of Shepherd's Way is mutually beneficial relationship, cultivating a healthy community, where each member can grow and develop their skills and potential, regardless of limitations or abilities.

A focus on relationship paves the path for Shepherd's Way Mentors to invest in and speak into the lives of their community peers with intellectual disabilities, teaching and coaching life-skills, promoting confidence and joy, and Shepherding one another's hearts and spiritual journeys.

Shepherd's Way is burdened by the 3,500 individuals with intellectual disabilities, in the state of Kansas, who are currently falling through the cracks due to a lack of funding and services, and we are dedicated to meeting the needs of this underserved population.