Golf Tournament Creates Outreach

Good Shepherd Alliance Golf Tournament

Is it a Golf Tournament, a fundraiser, what exactly is it?

By John Cullinane

It’s teamwork; and together we have experienced the work and activity of a number of people who individually have contributed toward establishing the GSA vision. In the course of a year and over a period of weeks and months a team of people, who may not have met, but together they have affected a life changing impact in people’s lives that they also have never met and most likely will never meet.

This team is comprised of the volunteers, donors, staff and board members, local restaurants, retail outlets and businesses who have joined with The GSA for a common purpose: to help homeless people rebuild their lives, achieve stable living conditions and secure permanent housing. The Golf Tournament is an event to calling the team members and their guests to rally round and experience the camaraderie of fellow team members and share in the excitement of a yearly job well done. Funds raised demonstrate the heartfelt commitment of each member to nurture the ongoing work of GSA to feed the hungry, clothe the naked, offer comfort and encouragement to the people in need that we serve.

You are invited to join us for the GSA golf outing; invite friends, coworkers, fellow church members and introduce them to the work of The Good Shepherd Alliance which began 25 years ago. From county line to county line, the Good Shepherd Alliance offers people in need a door of opportunity and hope. Through your gifts, we provide safe sanctuary to those needing basic shelter, food and clothing! With your support, we assist people in their time of greatest need! Through your generosity…wherever you find the sick, hurt, and abused and the unloved, you will find the Good Shepherd Alliance.

We have the privilege of working closely with individuals and families with a sincere concern and passion for them and their difficulty. Our professional staff is not only dedicated to their field of interest and expertise, but to ministering to the needs of the homeless. This intensive, side-by-side, team approach enables us to meet people where they are and lovingly walk the road with them, while also keeping them accountable for their own goals and success. It is best said by other professionals in our community, volunteers and our shelter guests such as these:

“The interview was handled with great care and professionalism… you very clearly explained in detail what is available and what is expected and gave her every opportunity to voice concerns and ask questions. Your facility is in such a pretty setting, well maintained, clean, comfortable and attractive inside. I was most impressed with the safety factor. I was able to leave her knowing she was protected.” – Volunteer

“After meeting with the shelter monitor, our client was given a bed, and when I left, your staff member was asking our client what she needed. The fact that she had nothing but the clothes on her back must have seemed overwhelming to her, but when I left, I knew that she was receiving the support she desperately needed. I saw children playing outside, and interacting with each other. I was grateful for the help given our client, and also the help given to the others living in the shelter. There is a tremendous sadness that there are those without homes, but I felt comfort in what Good Shepherd is providing.”
– Loudoun County Employee

“I wish to give my heartfelt thanks to (GSA) who always had an open door and took the time to ask how I was doing. For granting me extension in order for me to be able to transition smoothly (to my new home); for warmth and caring; help in getting my license tags and car repairs… the conversations concerning everyday life, children and family. You have my utmost respect. An awesome case manager who kept me on task; working with me through all of my trials and tribulations. Showing patience with me and working tirelessly with me; bearing with me. Your concern and time you gave to me is very much appreciated… for (the shelter monitor) who is tough when needed, always honest – even if it stings, who cares do deeply for her residents, who always made herself available to just talk or discuss a concern, taking me to the doctor when I was ill and dental appointments; who spent my birthday with me.”
— GSA Shelter Guest

We firmly believe The GSA Six Step program is a model for success in helping those facing their greatest burdens to see that there is a way to self-sufficiency for them. It takes an organization who believes in what they are doing, loves those they serve, and is committed to the idea that anyone can succeed. We are that organization.

So come on out and meet the GSA team members, and oh yes; there will be a golf tournament too! The 6^th Annual GSA Golf Tournament on 5 May 2008 at the Brambleton Golf Course on Ryan Road in Ashburn. For more information, please call the GSA Office at 703-433-2631.

Note: John Cullinane is a native Washingtonian and has lived in Loudoun County since 1978. He is currently Director of Development and Community Outreach for GSA, and has been active in local community outreach for many years. He was a volunteer for Good News Mission at the Loudoun County Jail and also volunteered with Prison Fellowship during the early years of its founding. For the past 5 years John has been a volunteer for the Salvation Army coordinating and hosting events for mentally disabled men in Loudoun County. John and His wife, Martha live in Leesburg, have 5 children and 11 grandchildren. They attend Capital Community Church in Ashburn.