Shepherds Advocates, Inc. serves mostly through volunteers known as Guardianship Services Representatives (GSRs). Each GSR undergoes a required background study, checking references and records, as well as spiritual qualifications. All volunteers ascribe to the Articles of Faith that form the basis of all Shepherds’ ministries.
Each GSR has one or more individuals for which to be responsible. GSRs serve the individuals for whom the court has appointed the corporation guardian. Each individual may have a different set of guardianship support requirements. Acting in the best interest of these individuals is vital! Documents and information normally mailed to a parent are sent for his/her review. Also involved is a visit with the individual at least quarterly. Each visit should be documented and the notes turned into the corporation officer (GSR Coordinator) each year for each individual. GSRs are careful to take note of any and all care concerns and needs of the individual for whom they advocate. Shepherds Advocates, Inc. holds periodic meetings to which GSRs are invited for information download and training. Volunteers are under no financial obligation other than to serve at their own expense.
Volunteering benefits these individuals by:
- establishing an outside personal relationship,
- confirming that their needs and wants are being met in the best environment, and
- by being an advocate.
This provides a third party outside view of Shepherds Ministries and helps in making decisions and guiding choices when alternatives become available.
Residents of Shepherds Ministries in Union Grove were the focus in starting Shepherds Advocates, Inc. It is conceivable that individuals will know no other home, even though lifetime care cannot be guaranteed. Should it become necessary to find alternate care outside of Shepherds, the volunteer may continue their responsibilities as guardian and remain involved in caring and in the decision making process.
Like minded volunteers who have a desire to assist at the Guardianship Services Representative level are needed at times. Interested potential volunteers may contact Owen Lackey, and he will address all inquiries accordingly, or direct inquiries to:
Shepherds Advocates, Inc.
1805 15th Avenue, Union Grove, WI 53182-1597
262.878.5620
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