When we are asked what is our greatest accomplishment, we are quick to say, “Investments made in the lives of others, especially the children”. We are the founders of The Shepherd’s Staff, a Christian non-profit organization that has received local and national recognition and improved the lives of hundreds of families since it’s inception in 1990.  We have four children, two of which joined their family through adoption and have fostered 70+ children. Our family has been actively involved in helping several of our foster children find and transition into their “forever” families.

Our Angels in Adoption experience provided encouragement, camaraderie and a challenge to return home (to Alabama) and further the cause of the "fatherless" in our state.  Angels offered a variety of useful information, a venue to meet some amazing families and a vital resource for taking the next step in becoming better advocates for Alabama's Children.  In fact, while getting to know some Angels from Arkansas and sharing a "dream" for the expansion of The Shepherd's Staff, Inc.; they directed us to the C.A.L.L. (Children of Arkansas Loved for a Lifetime). To make a long story short, we contacted Mary Carol Pederson, the director at that time, who was a tremendous help.  We were given permission to use the name, replacing Arkansas with Alabama; we incorporated many of the C.A.L.L.'s ideas and  implemented several new services to foster and adoptive parents which in turn greatly benefits the children and ultimately strengthens the family.

We are working hard to get our local Department of Human Resources more on board.  They are grateful for the assistance but, a bit reluctant to try new methods.  We have been working with children and families in Alabama since 1985.  We have worked diligently to maintain a good relationship with the Department of Human Resources because of the extreme need for quality families.  The resources, the encouragement and the relationships resulting from our Angel Experience have served to keep us focused and moving ahead 

Congressional Participants PDF

2010

Kristin Chenoweth

Extreme Makeover: Home Edition

Rhea Perlman

2009

Judge Michael Nash

Al Roker

Sean and Leigh Anne Tuohy

2008
CBS
Ashley Rhodes-Courter

2007
Alonzo Mourning, Jr.
Patti LaBelle
Marcus Samuelsson

2006
Daunte Culpepper
Invisible Children
Darryl DMC McDaniels

2005
Laura Bush
Jars of Clay
Victoria Rowell
Sesame Workshop

2004
Jane Seymour
Kirk and Cathi Triplett
Pat and Ruth Williams

2003
Muhammad and Lonnie Ali
Bruce Willis

2002
Hallmark Channel
Antwone Fisher

2001
Dave Thomas
Hans van Loon
Steven and Mary Beth Chapman
Rosie O’Donnell

2000
The Honorable Tom Bliley
Children’s Action Network
Gail and Larry Cole and Lynnette Cole
Bertha Holt

1999
Freddie Mac Foundation