Bridging Gaps, Nurturing Lives:
Our Pro Bono Program at Good Shepherd Fund
At The Good Shepherd Fund, we are deeply committed to improving the lives of the most vulnerable members of our community—minors, aging adults, and individuals with disabilities. Through our Pro Bono Program, we offer essential care, advocacy, and support to these individuals, many of whom face financial hardships and social isolation. This program is a lifeline to help us ensure they receive the care, dignity, and support they deserve, regardless of their ability to pay.
Our efforts have recently been strengthened by a generous $15,000 grant, made possible by our connection with Realtor Warren Kohn and the Los Altos Intero Real Estate office. With this funding, we are able to extend our services to an additional 15 clients over the next year, enhancing their quality of life and expanding our impact in the community.
Our Mission: A Lifeline for Vulnerable Individuals
Aging adults and individuals with disabilities often face significant challenges, including declining health, financial strain, and social isolation. At The Good Shepherd Fund, we step in where others may not, providing the advocacy, companionship, and care these individuals require to live with dignity. Our Care Management Service is designed to offer personalized support, addressing the unique needs of each client while fostering an environment of compassion and care. Our Pro Bono Program ensures that these individuals receive the support they need—whether it’s coordinating medical care, overseeing financial matters, or simply offering a compassionate ear—regardless of their ability to pay.
With the help of the $15,000 grant from Intero Real Estate, we will be able to serve an additional 15 clients over the coming year. Our Care Managers will provide comprehensive and critical support, hands-on assistance, making sure that each client is cared for and valued navigating life’s challenges.
How Our Program Works: Compassionate Care
At the heart of our Pro Bono Program are our dedicated Care Managers. These individuals serve as advocates, companions, and trusted support for each client, ensuring their social, medical, and financial needs are met. Whether it’s conducting regular wellness checks, coordinating medical services, or assisting with household management, our Care Managers provide essential support to each person we serve.
But our services go beyond practical needs. Our Care Managers also offer companionship and emotional support, helping clients feel connected and valued. This comprehensive care model allows us to improve not just the health and well-being of our clients, but their overall quality of life.
By providing this personalized approach to care, we help mitigate the risks that vulnerable individuals face, such as homelessness, social isolation, and premature loss. Each life we touch represents not only a transformation for the individual but a positive ripple effect across the community.
Our Connection with Los Altos Intero Real Estate
This vital work is made possible through the generous support of organizations and community partners like Warren Kohn, a Realtor in the Bay Area who has been a long-time supporter of The Good Shepherd Fund. With over 20 years of experience in the real estate industry, Warren has a deep understanding of the needs of individuals and families navigating complex transitions, and he brings that same compassion and dedication to his partnership with us.
“Our collaboration with Intero, particularly with Warren, has been incredibly rewarding. Recently, we successfully concluded the sale of a home for a client with disabilities. Warren was patient and understanding throughout the challenges posed by the client’s behaviors and he was able to make a connection with the client. He demonstrated a heart of gold, and the positive outcome was a testament to his dedication and partnership.”
Vanessa Merino, Executive Director, Good Shepherd Fund
When one of our clients needs help buying or selling a home, Warren is our go-to real estate partner. He goes above and beyond to ensure that our clients receive the best possible service, often personally guiding them through every step of the process. His commitment to helping those in need extends beyond real estate, and we are grateful for his unwavering support.
Recently, Warren introduced us to Tracy Vanoncini from the Los Altos branch of Intero Real Estate, who kindly nominated us for a $15,000 grant. We are incredibly grateful to Tracy for her partnership throughout the application process and her unwavering support at every step. This generous contribution will enable us to expand our services and reach even more vulnerable individuals in our community.
Warren’s philosophy of giving his clients more than they expect and being available whenever needed mirrors our own mission of going the extra mile for our clients. His network of industry professionals, including lenders, title companies, contractors, and inspectors, ensures that our clients receive comprehensive support during their real estate transactions.
The Impact of Your Support: Transforming Lives and Strengthening Communities
The $15,000 grant from Intero Real Estate allows us to continue our essential work, expanding our reach to serve more individuals in need. Each dollar of this funding will go directly toward the services our clients depend on—from medical coordination and financial oversight to emotional support and companionship. By alleviating the burdens these individuals face, we can help prevent crises such as homelessness and medical neglect, creating a more inclusive and compassionate community.
As the demand for our services grows, particularly among aging adults and individuals with special needs, this support is crucial. With Warren Kohn’s help in connecting us to Intero Real Estate, we are able to reach even more people making a direct and positive impact on the lives of vulnerable individuals.
Where the Funds Go: Direct Support for Our Clients
Every dollar we receive from this grant will be used to support the work of our dedicated Care Managers. These professionals provide comprehensive, hands-on assistance to clients, addressing their social, medical, and financial needs. These funds allow us to continue offering services to those who would otherwise be unable to afford the care they need, ensuring equitable access to life-enhancing support.
With over 50 years of experience, The Good Shepherd Fund is uniquely positioned to meet the needs of our community’s most vulnerable members. Our Pro Bono Program was designed to ensure that no individual is left without the care and support they deserve truly making a difference in the lives of our clients.
Looking Ahead: A Future of Compassion and Inclusivity
As we move forward, we remain deeply committed to our mission of care and compassion. With the generous support of partners like Intero Real Estate and dedicated individuals like Warren Kohn, we can continue to expand our reach and touch the lives of more people in need. Together, we are building a future where every aging adult and individual with disabilities is supported and empowered to live with dignity and hope.
A donation can mean the difference between saying, “Yes, we can help you,” and regrettably having to say, “We need to place you on a waiting list.”
We are incredibly grateful to Warren Kohn for connecting us with the Los Altos Intero office and for his ongoing support of our mission. Through partnerships like these, we can continue to bridge gaps, nurture lives, and create a stronger, more compassionate community for all.
Learn more about donations and sponsorship opportunities.
The Good Shepherd Fund
Your Loved One’s Well-Being Is Our Priority
A 501(C)(3) National Non-Profit Fiduciary
Dedicated to enhancing the lives of minors, aging adults, and persons with disabilities for over 50 years.
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