The Sheepfold

The Sheepfold is a two-step transitional living program for mothers with children in their custody. The program is set in a residential communal environment with five families maximum at each facility. The program as a whole focuses on each families individual needs while providing everyone with a safe an healing environment. With our help, each mother establishes a means of support for herself and her children, develops and adheres to a budget, learns parenting skills, locates affordable housing and saves for future living expenses, and through our daily Bible studies our families learn of the love, hope and salvation that can be found in Jesus.

About one and a half years ago my five children and I became homeless. We have been living I motels, moving every 28 days, sometimes the motels would find out how many kids that I have and make us move out after a week. Some motels wouldn’t even rent to a room to us anymore.

After a year of motel life, we finally received a housing voucher for three bedrooms. I had a hard time finding anyone that would take my housing voucher. When I found one that did, they would turn me down because of all my kids. I was quite a few times, “too many people!”

It was all taking a toll on me, and hard to find a place that would take us, that I could afford. I called the Sheepfold to see if they had an opening for my large family, and they said “yes!” I couldn’t believe it. I was able to take deep breath, something I haven’t been able to do for a while. We are so grateful to be here. The shelter is a beautiful place, and all six of us have a big bedroom where we are safe and all together. My kids are so happy these days. They love going to school and having stability in their lives. We have learned so much while here about the Lord and we have accepted Jesus into our hearts. We know that no matter our circumstances, Jesus is always with us. Thank you Sheepfold for giving us a roof over our heads and Jesus in our hearts. Yolanda, Sheepfold mom

I wanted to thank you for taking my family into the shelter. I am grateful for everything that you have done for my children and me. We were very much afraid and depressed from everything we had experienced, both the domestic violence and the militancy of my husband, having literally “escaped” and run away. Our immediate need to feel safe was met along with all of our other needs. I was spiritually at a place where I thought that since I left, that God would leave me. Instead, I learned of God’s endless love for me, along with His merciful forgiveness.

The physical needs of food, clothing, and a warm bed for my children and I were also met, and many “extras’ like toys, art supplies, make-up and even haircuts! Having been a homemaker for many years the future seemed overwhelming for me. I have no hope child support and no recent work experience. How was I going to support me and my children? Then I started computer classes at the shelter. I actually didn’t want to take them at first, because I didn’t think I was smart enough to learn what I needed to know. Not surprisingly, I was wrong. I’m actually learning, and feel more confident in myself. The computer classes have helped me so much. I know with hard work there is a future for myself and my children. Thank you Sheepfold for all you’ve done. My family has a future that I never thought possible before. Gratefully, Janet, Sheepfold mom

When I finally decided to get out of my abusive relationship I was 7 months pregnant with my second child. I left with a black eye, bruises from head to toe, no money, with my 6 year old son by my side and only the clothes on my back. We didn’t have anywhere to go, no place to sleep and no food to eat. I felt abandoned by everyone, I felt abandoned hopeless and alone.



But it was by the grace of God that we were led to the Sheepfold. I learned the most important tools for life here. I’ve grown so much spiritually and emotionally. I learned to let go and let God. The daily Bible studies were so helpful, I really started understanding the Word of God and how important it was in my daily life.

The House Managers and all the staff didn’t seem like staff. They began to be family to me. I felt comfortable to cry with them. Laugh with them and I knew I could talk to them and pray with them about anything. They are such a positive influences in my life. Soon my tears of pain and sorrow turned into tears of joy. My life did a complete turn around and the blessings seemed to just rain down on me.

The Lord has blessed me with a car, the birth of my beautiful son, child care for my older son and now my new home. Now I know God never left me. I wasn’t abandoned. He has always been here. Even though I’m out on my own now, I miss everyone at the Sheepfold. I’m eternally grateful for everyone who supports the Sheepfold and makes it available to help people like me and my family.

Thank you Sheepfold for all of your love and support! – Lauren, Sheepfold mom

We can’t believe that summer is over already! We had a wonderful time with our families over the last few months enjoying all that the season has to offer. Now the time has come to pack up the backpacks and lunch pal, and set our alarms to make it to the first day of school on time.Our Little Lambs are ready for the start of a new journey. Join us in praying over their hearts, minds and souls in the upcoming school year.

Special Volunteer Opportunity : There is a lot of truth behind the saying that a dog is a man’s best friend. The love, joy and playful energy that a dog can bring to those around them can be such a wonderful gift. We would love to share this gift with the families that we serve. So we are looking for individuals with certified therapy dogs to come and visit the families in our shelters. If you would like to bless our families with visits from you and your four-legged best friend we would love to hear from you. If you are interested in this opportunity, we would love to hear from you. Give us a call at 714-237-1444 or email us [email protected] for more information. We can’t wait to hear from you!

The Sheepfold has been the greatest blessing in mine and my children’s lives. As I look back over the past 8 months of our stay, I see how God has worked miraculously to bring us to the greatest milestone in the victory over the past, and the start of a new life.

Today I am moving with my two sons to our new home, an apartment where we can begin again. On my own I made a mess of my life, but thanks to the Sheepfold, and the daily Bible studies, I see God’s hand in my life. I know from now until eternity God has a blessing on me and my children.

The Sheepfold has helped me every step of the way, not only during my stay in the shelter, but they furnished my new apartment with furniture and appliances from the thrift store.

Everyone has been so good to us, I couldn’t ask for anything else. In closing, I am thanking all my House Mangers at the Sheepfold, their dedication and hard work will always be a part of me. I pray for all the residents, the staff of the office and thrift store. We will never forget you all. – Niki and sons, Sheepfold graduate

We received a phone call today from a woman and her young son. She recently lost her home and they have been bouncing from house to house. She called a shelter referral line and they gave her 5 different shelters. Her first phone call was the Sheepfold because it was the most appealing to her.

As she was accepted into the Sheepfold program, she began to cry. It was then that she told us that she had an appointment to terminate her pregnancy of 5 months. She felt so pressured by friends to terminate the pregnancy. Her friends told her she had no right raising this child while she was homeless. In her heart, she knew she didn’t want to get the abortion, but she felt like she didn’t have any other options. At the last minute she cancelled her abortion appointment and prayed to the Lord for help, and He provided the Sheepfold as an answer to her prayer.

In about four months, we will have a newborn little lamb around our shelter, and we can’t wait! Our Lord Jesus intervened on behalf of this unborn life and He used the Sheepfold to do His work. We are humbled to be the hands of feet of Christ in the lives of women and children being affected by domestic violence. We want to thank all of you, who support us, because your support make moments like this possible!

It is the mission of the Sheepfold to provide hope and safe refuge for mothers and children being affected by domestic violence. The mothers and children that come into our shelters are often scared, timid and unsure due to the chaos they are fleeing from. It can sometimes take weeks or even months for their healing to really start revealing itself in their everyday lives. As our residents heal and begin to open up, they feel a new sense of confidence to try new things. This Little Lamb learning to ride his bike is one of those fun moments. We are blessed to be a place where he feels safe to be adventurous and try new things. You can do it little one. We believe and you, and you should believe in you too!

After my mother beat me up over the weekend before my son’s birthday, leaving me with broken glasses and a black eye. I got referred to the Sheepfold by a former resident who was working at the job search class I was in. I was scared at first to call a shelter, but I figured I had no choice, I needed a safe place for us to live.

The day we moved in I was so nervous, but the house managers and the residents made us feel right at home. Since being here I have become a Christian. I went to church as a child but never gave my life to Christ. I have a real relationship with the Lord now and for that I am so grateful. My relationship with the Lord has given me such peace and my son loves praying and hearing Bible stories.

Being at the Sheepfold has been such a good experience for us both. We learn more about the Lord and the Bible each day. This is the first place that I have been treated like the adult I am, and I really appreciate that! I have also learned a lot about being a better mother here too. I appreciate everything that the house managers and the Sheepfold have done for us. I truly love our house managers and I know my son does too! Thank you for everything! – Jennifer, Sheepfold mom

The daily teaching of the Bible and practical application of the love and mercies of God are the primary focus of the Sheepfold. By easing the pain of homeless and abused women and their children, and restoring their sense of value and self-worth, we are able to lead them through our six month program. A key outcome of our six month program is that our families can live on their own independently and not be tempted to return to their abuser and destructive lifestyle.

My family and I would like to thank you for all the things you have done for us. My children and I have felt safe being here with you. When you came into our lives we had nowhere to go and you opened a door for us. I wanted you to know you didn’t just open a door to stay, but a door to the Lord. I never would have opened a Bible. I thank you for that. We are going to still keep going to church when we leave. God truly blessed me when I met you! Thank you again! – Candy, Sheepfold mom

I am so excited to write you this letter to say thank you for the donated car that my family recently received. Since my daughters and I have been at the Sheepfold we have been blessed with many things. In our short time of being here I have accomplished so much. With the support of the Sheepfold staff I have had the chance to reach some goals that have been out of my reach for a very long time. So many positive things are going on in my life since I’ve accepted Jesus Christ as my Savior and begun a close relationship with Him. Beyond the safety that my family now rests in, it is my new found faith that I am most thankful for. Thank you to person to who donated your vehicle, my family will put it to great use, and thank you to the Sheepfold for all you do! – Nadine, Sheepfold mom

We’d like to start the week off by sharing a poem from our founder, Fran. We pray it blesses you, and reminds you that the Lord truly cares for you. Have a great week!

God Cares for the Least of These, “How my heart
rushes down to the wind-swept shore, to rest in the restless tide. Oh, to see the grace of the spray as it leaps, from the rocks back to the sea.
A mysterious, eternal game it plays oblivious
In memory I clamber over the rocks, those monoliths of the sea, that the sea has claimed forever for her
own, and will never set them free.
With ev’ry wave, in their shore bound arms, they try their beloved seat to hold, but only sea urchins remain
in the pools to speak of her love untold.
How gently and loving the great rocks embrace these least of God’s creation, as if they were offering them back to Him, as their silent oblation.
My heart is at peace as I look upon these wonderful gifts from the sea.
For, if God cares so much for the least of these, how much He must care for me.” – Fran Lundquist

It is the purpose of the Sheepfold to fulfill those commandments for homeless women and their children who find themselves with no place to go, no food and no money. According to the Bible, in Matthew 25:31-46 we are commanded, as followers of Christ, to feed the hungry, give a drink to the thirsty and to shelter strangers, clothe the naked and to visit those who are sick or in prison. By easing the pain of homeless and abused women and their children, and restoring their sense of value and self-worth, we are able to lead them through our six month program. The goal of the Sheepfold program is our mothers to find employment and establish their families in their own apartment, ready for independent living.

Only God can lift a woman out of the ashes, and make her beautiful. Shaylyn left home when she was fourteen. Her mother had many children by different men. She was a drug addict all her life, and still is, so Shaylyn never knew a loving mother or a normal life.

When Shaylyn came to us, she had been living in a junk yard in a metal container with her abusive boyfriend, and her young son. The container had no running water and no facilities. She thought Child Protective Services might take her son. She went to Social Services and they gave her the number to the Sheepfold. She was accepted into the program and it was the moment that started a whole new life for Shaylyn and her son.

Shaylyn has grown so much since being at the Sheepfold. The stability and routine that the Sheepfold program has provided her and her son have been life changing. She had never knew anything about Jesus, had never been to church, and never opened the Bible. Since being here she has been attending church, accepted Jesus as her Lord and Savior and was recently baptized. Shaylyn now says, “ Sunday is my favorite day.” She loves to read her Bible and loves participating in Bible studies.

After completing her stay with us, Shaylyn will be relocating to Colorado where she will be attending nursing school. We give all glory to God for working in amazing and wonderful ways in the life of Shaylyn and her young son. We are grateful to be able to be used as a vessel by the Lord to change lives.

Achievement is something that both men and women strive toward throughout their lives. Gaining, growing and reaching goals is a God given desire, and to be all that God has created us to be is a wonderful delight. Achievement fulfills the soul. Achievement goals can be as unique as the person aspiring to attain them. Goals can look like so many different things to so many different people.

For the Sheepfold our goal as an organization is that our residents are able live on their own independently and not be tempted to return to their abuser and destructive lifestyle after they leave our program. However, for our residents in addition to independent living they have some very personal goals that they want to achieve. Some personal goals we have seen achieve or residents while with us are learning to cook, obtaining their G.E.D., getting a driver’s license, landing that dream job, getting an apartment, reuniting with family, to just mention a few. It is a tremendous blessing for our staff to be front row observers to what God is doing in the hearts and lives of the mothers and children that we serve. We pray that every woman and child that enter our doors are able to achieve that that God has in store for them.

The Sheepfold’s deepest desire is for the lost to find Christ as their personal Lord and Savior. We are grateful for the ability to share Jesus with all the mothers and children that come into our care. How are we able to do this you ask? Good question! We have been extremely blessed over the last 40 years by the faithful giving of donors like you from all over the United States. Our faithful donors allow us to not have to take any money from the government which would inhibit our ability to share the gospel. We are always astounded how the Holy Spirit moves in the hearts of people to partner with us in caring for women and children affected by domestic violence. Our donors come from all walks of life, have various ethnic backgrounds and occupations and may or may not even be believers.

1 Samuel 16:7b, says “The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” This verse could not ring more true to us. This photo is a beautiful reflection of that verse in action. Our Executive Director was recently invited to speak at a local biker club’s event. At first glance, they may look like some rough and tumble guys, but as the scripture says it is the heart that matters, and these gentlemen have hearts to care for the hurting. The club held a fundraiser on behalf of the Sheepfold and collected donations for the mothers and children that we serve. It’s the moments like these that continue to show us as a ministry that the Lord is working everything out for our good, and in the most unexpected ways!

Hi, my name is Cheriesse. I had to write a note to say thank you for helping me, my mom and my younger sister. We have been going through a lot ever since I was young. We have been moving from motels and shelters and other places for a long time. It has been great being in one spot for this long. My mom, sister and I are doing so much better since being here. The road has been difficult, but we are each in a better place now than when we arrived. The Lord has revealed the anger that is in my heart. I’m working through it with the help of my House Managers and the Lord. I now know how much God loves me and how He has been helping me through the years even though I couldn’t see it. The Lord has been the greatest help when dealing with my anger. I know that God is good. I’m grateful to him for bringing us to the Sheepfold. I’m also thankful for all the Sheepfold staff. I pray the Lord blesses the Sheepfold organization and that they are able to help more kids like me.

Sometimes when our families are leaving the house for the day, they stop in our office to say goodbye. One of our precious Little Lambs, who is three years old, has gone from saying a few words to almost saying full sentences. She will stop by the office and say “hi” and give me a hug on their way out the door.

The most precious thing about these moments is when she goes to leave the office. She’ll turn around and look at me with a big smile, and say “one more?” . She’ll repeat this little pattern and give me “one more hug” sometimes multiple times. It’s an encounter that can seem so simple but is so priceless. Moments like these cannot be bought with money and can only be earned by the love she feels for those around her.

I want to say thank you to our friends, donors, prayer warriors and brothers and sisters in Christ. You are all so faithful to give to the Sheepfold so women, children can feel loved. We are honored as a staff to be the extension of God’s heart to the women and children that we serve. It is an incredible joy to see the fingerprints of God in the love earned by the request of “one more hug”. May the Lord bless you today with “one more hug”! – Sheepfold House Manager

When we graduated from the Sheepfold in January, it had been a long journey, but we know that we would be blessed as a family if we continued in the teachings and ways that had been so lovingly shown to us. We knew that God would continue to provide, comfort and lead us.

When we left, we continued to attend church, and I rebuilt relationships that were nurturing, encouraging and uplifting. My kids performed well academically, but there were still behavior issues and scars that were being dealt with on a daily basis. My children were still having trouble adjusting months after we left the Sheepfold. I needed help guiding them, but I didn’t know what to do but pray. So I prayed the Lord would show help me with my children.

Then out of the blue John, a volunteer mentor from the Sheepfold, gave me a call to see how we were doing. I told John about the struggles that my eldest son was having in school. John immediately made arrangements to come out and meet with my son. They have been spending time together praying, talking about the Bible and playing my son’s favorite games.

My son has calmed down, and started referencing “Mr. John” in his conversations. I am so grateful for John. He is an answer to a very heartfelt prayer, prayed on my knees in frustration and desperation. I am also grateful for the faithful volunteers at the Sheepfold that have walked with me and my family through this crazy journey of healing from domestic violence. I pray that the Lord draws more wonderful and faithful volunteers to help the women and children in the program. Thank you Sheepfold and thank you John. May the Lord bless you all! – Alice, Sheepfold Graduate and Thankful Mom

We love Sundays here at the Sheepfold, especially Sundays in the summer time. Sundays are a wonderful time to gather together in the house of the Lord and worship with the family of God. After church we are blessed to spend our afternoons enjoying the sunshine with our families. Faith and family are always a time well spent. Psalm 118:24, “This is the day the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.”

This is Simon. Simon is a caring, thoughtful young man. Simon has been staying at the Sheepfold with his family for the past several months. The school year started out rough for Simon. He has been struggling in school over the last few years. He tries very hard at his schoolwork, but due to life circumstances and domestic violence in the home his performance in the classroom has suffered. However, that was then and this is now. We are so excited for Simon, because he just got his report card and got all passing grades. He is now succeeding in the classroom. The peace and stability that the Lord has provided Simon through the Sheepfold has allowed this little lamb to thrive. We pray that he is able to grow in all areas of his life, knowing that the Lord loves him and will empower him to do great things. Congratulations Simon! We are so happy for you!

I am 22 years old and a mother of a 1 ½ year old boy. I am so thankful for the Sheepfold. I know that if it wasn’t for you and God I wouldn’t be where I am today. Since I have gotten to the Sheepfold I have been working hard toward achieving the goals I have set for myself while in the program. Over the last few months I have found God. I have never been able to reach goals that I have set for myself through the years. My addictions and my husband have always held me back.

Today, my life is changed. Today is the beginning of the rest of my life. Tomorrow I will be making a large deposit to my savings account. I have been able to save money for the first time in my life since being at the Sheepfold. I have never had this much money saved in my entire life, this is a huge achievement for me. I feel like a I can finally be someone, that I can get somewhere in life , and the with God I can do anything. Thank you Sheepfold for all that you’ve helped me achieve. God is real and He is good! – Thanks again, Vanessa, Sheepfold mom

The definition of celebrate is to observe with ceremonies of respect or rejoicing. Our staff loves to create moments of celebration filled with respect and rejoicing for all of our residents. It is a time for our residents to know that they are loved and valued by God first and foremost and by us. Every life is deserves to be celebrated. Have the happiest of birthdays Mom!

Ecclesiastes 11:7, “The light is pleasant, and it is good for the eyes to see the sun.”☀️

We pray you enjoy a wonderful weekend out and about in God’s beautiful creation. May the warmth of His love fill you with joy and peace. Have a great weekend!

My life for the last 5 years has been a mess. It began with verbal abuse, which I was quick to excuse away. Then came the physical, emotional, sexual and monetary abuse. I prayed to God asking him to help me, and He did. I first went into a 30-day emergency shelter starting the healing process from the physical and mental violence. As my time was coming to an end at the 30-day facility my case manager gave me the number of the Sheepfold. I see now how the Lord was moving in my life, allowing me to be accepted into the Sheepfold program.

When I entered the shelter I was surprised at how beautiful it was. I didn’t think I could connect with these women. However, as we talked I realized how similar we all really were. We all connected easily and became like a family. It all finally hit me that God has always been with me watching over me and my children.

I also have House Managers who are very loving, understanding, kind, caring, honest, uplifting, fun, and experienced in the Word. They are from all different backgrounds, nationalities and have a variety of personalities, but they all have the same message, “ God loves you, He has forgiven you and He has sent His only son to die on the cross for you.”

I have been extremely blessed since coming to the Sheepfold. I have been blessed with a car and a great paying job. I now have peace, love, a new look on life and hope for a wonderful future through Christ who is in me. I am incredibly grateful to the Lord and to the Sheepfold! – Samantha, Sheepfold mom

Are you looking to donate your gently used clothes or household items? Donate your items with purpose at the Sheepfold Resale Boutique in the city of Orange. The Sheepfold Resale Boutique is an extension of the ministry where you can donate your gently used items. Our families are able to shop at the Boutique for items that they need at no charge to them. For the items that our families do not use, we sell those items and all profits from sales go directly back into the ministry. We are blessed to have this extension of the minister where individuals can get involved and donate, as well as meeting the needs of the families that we serve. If you would like to partner with us and donate items to the Boutique we accept donations Tuesday-Saturday from 10am-2pm. If you have questions about items to donate please feel free to give us a call anytime Tuesday-Saturday from 10am-5pm at 714-637-1132. We look forward to hearing from you and thank you in advance for your donations to the Sheepfold

Today we take time to reflect on all that the Lord has done for the ministry for over 40 years. The vision of the Sheepfold was given to our Founder, Fran Lundquist, and she walked in faith being faithful to the call that the Lord put on her life in establishing the Sheepfold. As Fran, retired and then passed, the Lord has been faithful to send others that would take on the heart and vision of the ministry. Our Executive Director, John Wildman, continues Fran’s vison in providing hope and safe refuge for women and children in Jesus’ name. We as a staff are honored to be the hands and feet of Jesus to the hurting and lost. It is our deepest desire for the women and children that we serve to know that Jesus loves them and died on the cross for them. Lord we thank you for the hope and life we have in you. We pray that the Sheepfold may continue to help women and children for many years to come. (Pictured: John and Fran from many years ago).

We’ve been so blessed since we’ve been here. We lost everything and I mean everything. We lost all our material possessions when we had to flee our home to get away from my husband, and at this point in my life I had lost my faith, my hope and my joy. I felt lost and alone in a world full of hurt and disappointment. I am happy to say that I no longer feel lost and alone.

The Lord has restored all that I have lost since being at the Sheepfold. I have my faith, my joy and my hope back, and I couldn’t be more at peace. I trust that the Lord will provide for my every need. Through the Sheepfold, He has given us a warm bed, clothes, toys for my daughter, wonderful meals and even a car. The best thing however, is that my daughter has found her own faith in Jesus.

I thank God for opening my eyes for my need for Him. I thank Him for bringing me to a place where I could learn about His true love and forgiveness, and for giving me wisdom that I may pass on to my daughter. God bless you all! – Vanessa, Sheepfold mom