Free
Living Life After 50
January 2025 Shull Writes Tribute To Her Grandmother See Page 10
Allen County edition ReAChing FoRt WAyne And SuRRounding CountieS Vol. 37, No. 9
www.seniorlifenewspapers.com
Shepherd’s House has served veterans By CATHY SHOUSE Feature Writer Simply speaking with Van Ryan, the residential manager at Shepherd’s House, is a testament to how valuable the organization is. Since 1998, Shepherd’s House has provided clinical services for homeless veterans, who are struggling with addictions and mental health. It provides veterans with case management, employment services, counseling and more. Ryan is candid in sharing he’s coped with many of the struggles Shepherd’s House was founded to assist with. He knows the grip of addiction, and of dependence on alcohol and drugs. He’s had more than his share of physical challenges, including multiple surgeries, and has also faced anxiety. The list is long. Yet, he has found the answer and hope, crediting Shepherd’s House and his faith for giving him the life he has today. He shares what he’s learned with those who need it most — those still in the trenches of some of life’s greatest difficulties. “It makes me feel good,” he said. “We try to help them to find a better life and a better way of doing things.” His work puts him in direct contact with those receiving the services. He lives onsite. “I’ve been through the program,” Ryan said. “It’s helped me to get through. I know
since 1998
what all the guys go through when they first get here.” Tracey Barr, director of outreach, has seen lives turned around many times. Shepherd’s House is located at 519 Tennessee Ave., Fort Wayne, in the heart of downtown. It has been providing services for the past 26 years to not only the community, but has expanded to over 28 counties in Indiana and some referrals from out of state. “Shepherd’s House can house up to 30 veterans,” Barr said. “It’s faith-based and funded through individuals and corporations, among other ways.” The offerings have continued to expand as the needs have grown. The organization has expanded with providing a second facility, Choices Recovery Residence, six years ago in response to the opioid epidemic. “We house up to 40 court-ordered individuals, veterans and non-veterans, with the same programming focus on sobriety and ultimately independent living,” Barr continued. “We also responded to the need of veterans in the community back in 2019, when we were awarded a grant to follow with men and women veterans in the community for six months through weekly and monthly contact with a social worker and our co-founder, who is a Marine, and through that we are helping them maintain their independence.”
People reach out to the organization through a phone call, an email or a one-page application on the website. Overall, Shepherd’s House continues to serve needs, which are not going away. “There is and always will be a need for services like our’s,” Barr said. “Homelessness is not seasonal, and mental health needs are just as great, if not greater, than substance abuse in our veteran population. We provide a sober living environment to a veteran in need with the goal to eventually help him find independent housing and return to his community with tools to succeed.” Ryan summed it up, crediting Shepherd’s House with connecting him to the resources and support that has made him a “productive member of society.” “I wouldn’t be the person I am without Shepherd’s House,” Ryan said. “That’s the bottom line.” For more information, visit shepherdshouse.org or call (260) 424-2500.
DISCUSSING PROGRAM OPERATIONS — Tracey Barr, director of veteran outreach, seated, discusses program operations with fellow co-workers, Kenny Barr, intake specialist, and James “Gunny” Zuber, vice president and a volunteer. Photo provided by Shepherd’s House.
HOUSE MANAGER — Van Ryan, residential house manager at Shepherd’s House, is an Army veteran with the National Guard. He graduated from the program and now helps other veterans. Photo provided by Shepherd’s House.