Good Shepherd

Good Shepherd, one of the largest providers of health and human services in the Greater Hamilton Area, responds to the needs of marginalized individuals and families impacted by poverty, homelessness, mental health issues, addiction, stigma and social isolation. Good Shepherd’s work is based on a commitment to the dignity and to building safer, more resilient, inclusive and equitable community. Good Shepherd’s dynamic continuum of services includes: affordable and supportive housing; emergency food and clothing services; emergency shelter for families, single adults, youth, as well as for women with children fleeing abuse; transitional housing; community mental health programs; therapeutic day programs, services for older adults; and residential hospice and community palliative care.

Commitment to Diversity

In 2021, Good Shepherd worked with external consultants to complete an organizational audit and a comprehensive 3-year work plan designed to drive transformational change in our employment and service environments. Work to date includes recruitment of an Equity and Inclusion Director, implementation of anti-racism/anti-oppression education for Board members, executive team members, directors, managers and all front-facing staff, and the development of data collection processes to inform issues of inclusion and access for service users. We also worked with external consultants to identify best practices and process for implementing Lived Experience Advisory Councils. These Councils (one in Toronto and one in Hamilton) are comprised of individuals with lived experience of homelessness, mental health issues, substance use, disability, gender-based violence and/or poverty. Council partners with organization staff and leadership to share their perspectives, provide input on programs and service delivery, shape information and feedback processes, and provide consultation on strategic priorities and emerging needs for equity-deserving communities.

Good Shepherd is also committed to integrating peer support roles into our service delivery teams. We recognize the critical insight peer workers offer to our evolution as a service provider and the unique skills they bring to engagement and support of our service users. Further, as an accredited agency, we offer a variety of opportunities for service users to register complaints, offer feedback and report their satisfaction with services.

Vision for the Future

Good Shepherd aims to build a more inclusive and equitable community through the provision of quality services and supports that help people achieve optimal health and well-being and provide an employment environment that allows every individual to be included and valued. We aspire to “build ourselves out of business” by pursuing the systemic changes that will allow all community members to live with dignity and self-determination.

"Good Shepherd strives to operate within an intersectional, anti-racists/anti-oppressive framework. We are committed to creating inclusive, hospitable and respectful spaces that allow individuals - staff and clients - to be recognized and valued for their unique identities. As a faith-based organization it is essential that we acknowledge the institutional harms inflicted on many marginalized people, including 2SLGBTQIA+ communities, and that we are accountable and active in creating transformative change."

Katherine Kalinowski,
Good Shepherd Chief Operating Officer