Good Shepherd Center

Many wonderful things are happening in this unpresuming agency located on a side street in this little city located bordering the painted desert. Older people, particularly, like to come sit and visit and do arts and crafts, Navajo people can learn English or Navajo as a second language in the Learning Center. They also share information on their culture and can learn or develop skills in rug weaving or pillow and basket making. There's a year around open air thrift store with an annual clearance sale. There's even a playground and child care for children whose parents are in a class or counseling session.

This past year a benefactor who saw the possibilities for needed services, leased an adjacent house to Good Shepherd Centerfor $10.00 a year. This is now the St. Joseph Center where men are given the opportunity to develop trade skills in carpentry and painting as wellas a place to be accepted and share their gifts. St. Joseph Center is also a drop in center for those who are tired or want to get off the streets for awhile. It's a place where they may rest, pray and be prayed for, or just read and have refreshments.

Good Shepherd Center also offers emergency services, including rent or mortgage assistance, groceries, temporary shelter. Persons who are stranded can earn a meal or lodging by doing a bit of work.

The stories shared in this place of refuge are many. Holbrook is an old railroad town located on Interstate 40. Almost all the stories told at Good Shelpherd Center reflect lives of hard "journeys." Along the way, God sent these folks to Catholic Charities in Holbrook for a bit of refreshment for soul and body to help them continue their life-journeys.

For additional information about Good Shepherd Center in Farmington, please contact Sister Bernard Derayunan, Director.

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