A Little About Us
Our Core Values
EMPATHY - caring for each person according to their unique physical, emotional, social & spiritual needs
TRUST - exhibiting professionalism that respects individual privacy and confidentiality
SERVICE - creating meaningful volunteer opportunities to serve and be served
HOSPITALITY - building a community that is welcoming, safe and loving
ADVOCACY - providing guidance, support
A little history
1995
Shepherd’s Hand was established operating as a free clinic and outreach ministry of Christ Lutheran Church.
2010
Shepherd’s Hand became incorporated as a non-profit and tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization.
2010
Added a Community Meal as an additional way to reach out to our neighbors.
2014
Added dental services in January of 2014.
2016
The state of Montana expanded Medicaid, making many of the folks we cared for eligible for insurance coverage. There is now greater access to healthcare. We gradually had declining patient numbers as they transitioned to Medicaid and we looked for ways we could be of further service in our community.
2022
We implemented an outreach care clinic for the homeless at the Flathead Warming Center in the winter of 2022, focusing on foot & wound care.
2025
Fully developed our NeighborCare Network program that supports our aging community members with support through a corps of volunteers.
August 2022
Added Volunteer Caregiving programs which are non-medical supporting seniors and adults with disabilities. We saw a great and growing need for these services.
2024
In 2024, the decision was made to wind down our Free Clinic services in order to fully focus on our services supporting our aging community members.
2026
Added Home Solutions - providing minor home repairs & modifications to help facilitate aging in place.
Started our Memory Cafe - bringing together individuals with memory loss & their caregivers to socialize, share experiences, engage in activities that promote cognitive function, and enhance overall wellbeing.
Shepherd’s Hand is supported 100% by private dollars
Our Team
Jennifer Hyatt
Steering the ship to suppport our aging community members across the Flathead Valley, Jennifer manages our organizational operations, donor relations, and community outreach.
Executive Director
Jerramy Dear-Ruel
Volunteers are the heart and soul of our organization and Jerramy is here to answer any questions and show you the ropes if you want to join our team!
Volunteer Services Director
Client Care Director
Katy Krezowski, RN
Caring & compassionate about our aging neighbors, Katy is your go-to person for anything related to services needed.
2026 Board of Directors
Reed Thompson, DDS, President
Zach Bernheim, Treasurer
Brandy Thornberry, RN, Secretary
Shawn Watts