Shepherds College

08/24/2026

💙🎓 A BIG DAY AT SHEPHERDS COLLEGE WISCONSIN! 🎓💙

The halls are officially buzzing, classrooms are full, and our students are settling into another exciting year of learning, growth, and community!

Today was filled with plenty of milestones:

📚 ALL STUDENTS ARE BACK IN CLASS!
Our classrooms are alive with learning, new challenges, and familiar faces reconnecting.

🙏 OUR FIRST CHAPEL OF THE YEAR!
We gathered together as a community to worship, pray, and begin this new year with our focus on God and His purpose for each of our lives.

🍕🥗 THE TABLE IS OPEN!
Our campus café, The Table, is officially serving students! Pizza, a fresh salad bar, and plenty of opportunities to gather around the table with friends.

🥪 THE SUB SHOP IS OPEN!
Students can also grab their favorite sandwiches as they learn to navigate daily life, make choices, and build independence.

It's more than the start of another school year.

It's another opportunity for our students to learn, grow, serve, build friendships, and become who God created them to be. 💙

Here's to an incredible year at Shepherds College! 🎓🙌

08/24/2026

🎉💙 SHEPHERDS TENNESSEE IS OFFICIALLY OPEN! 💙🎉

Today is a milestone we’ve been praying, planning, and preparing for – and this morning, Shepherds TN officially opened its doors!

What began as a vision is now a place where students with intellectual and developmental disabilities can learn, grow, build relationships, and discover their God-given purpose.

From the beautiful new space at The Village at Church of the City Franklin to the smiles of students and staff celebrating together, today was filled with moments we’ll never forget. 💙

A special thank-you to Church of the City Franklin for welcoming Shepherds TN and helping make this new campus possible. We are incredibly grateful for your partnership and for the opportunity to serve students and families in Middle Tennessee together. 💙

This is more than the opening of a campus.

It’s the beginning of a new chapter in the Shepherds mission.

Welcome to Shepherds TN! We are so excited for what God has in store. 🙏💙

08/21/2026

💙 THEY'RE BACK. AND THEY'VE GROWN.

There's something powerful about welcoming students back to campus after a summer away.

Because when you see these students again, you don't just see the person who left in June.

You see the growth.

You see the confidence.

You see the friendships they've built.

You see students who are becoming more capable, more responsible, and more prepared for the future.

At Shepherds College, we're committed to helping students discover their God-given purpose while developing the skills they need for meaningful work, relationships, and life through our Appropriate Independence™ model.

And now, our second-, third-, and fourth-year students are back – ready to take their next steps.

🎓 Second-year students are building on their first year and discovering what's possible when they keep pushing forward.

🎓 Third-year students are stepping into greater responsibility and preparing for what comes after Shepherds.

🎓 Fourth-year students are beginning a unique new chapter, pursuing a one-year experience in a different track – Hospitality, Culinary Arts, or Technology – expanding their skills and opening new possibilities for their future.

Every student has a different story.

Every student has different strengths.

And every student has a purpose.

Welcome back, Shepherds.

Your next chapter starts now. 💙

08/21/2026

💙🎓 THE SHEPHERDS ARE BACK!

The halls are filling up. Friends are reconnecting. Campus is coming alive!

Welcome back to our second-, third-, and fourth-year students!

After a summer away, there's something special about seeing familiar faces return to campus. These students aren't simply coming back for another year of college – they're coming back with more confidence, more experience, more independence, and a clearer sense of purpose.

And this year brings something exciting for every class:

🎓 Second year: Building on the foundation they've established and taking on new challenges.

🎓 Third year: Growing in leadership, responsibility, and preparation for life beyond Shepherds.

🎓 Fourth year: A new chapter begins! Our fourth-year students are taking on a one-year experience in a new track—Hospitality, Culinary Arts, or Technology – building on what they've already accomplished while developing new skills and discovering new possibilities for their future.

Every year brings new opportunities to learn, grow, serve, and discover what God has in store.

Welcome back, Shepherds! 💙

We're ready for another great year – and we're so glad you're here.

08/14/2026

💙 And just like that… the next chapter begins.

This weekend, our newest Shepherds College students are arriving on campus – and with them, excited families, hopeful hearts, a few nervous smiles, and the beginning of something truly special.

For some families, this moment has been years in the making. There are hugs, handshakes, luggage being unloaded, and plenty of smiles as our staff welcome each student home to Shepherds College Wisconsin. 🎓🏡

Behind every student is a family who has dreamed, prayed, planned, and wondered, “What comes next?”

Now, they have arrived.

Over the next three years, these students will grow in faith, develop practical life skills, prepare for meaningful employment, build friendships, discover their strengths, and take important steps toward Appropriate Independence™.

And while today may be about move-in, it's really about so much more.

It's the beginning of a journey.

A journey filled with growth, challenges, laughter, friendships, purpose – and countless moments that will become memories for a lifetime.

To our newest students: Welcome to Shepherds College! 💙

To the families who entrusted us with your sons and daughters: Welcome to the Shepherds family.

We can't wait to see what God has in store.

🎓 The journey starts now.

08/14/2026

💙 Did you catch us on NewsChannel 5 Nashville?

We're so grateful to NewsChannel 5 Nashville for sharing the story of Shepherds College Tennessee's Empowered for Life program and the amazing partnership with Church of the City Franklin.

This story is about so much more than opening a new campus – it's about opening doors for young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities to grow in their faith, build lifelong friendships, prepare for meaningful employment, and discover their God-given purpose.

As Stacey Glass, Director of The Village at Church of the City Franklin, shared:

"Church of the City loves working with vulnerable populations because we want them to know they are loved and seen by God."

That heart for serving others is what brought this partnership to life.

And as Brian Canright, Executive Vice President of Shepherds Ministries, said:

"I've never seen a church community at that scale coming together to show love and care for the adult special needs population."

Beginning August 24, Shepherds College Tennessee's Empowered for Life program will welcome its inaugural class to the Church of the City Franklin campus. As a branch campus of our fully accredited college in Wisconsin, students will learn through our four pillars of Faith Journey, Job Readiness, Personal Development, and Life Skills, preparing them for lives of purpose through Appropriate Independence™.

🎓 Applications are still being accepted!

If your family – or someone you know – is searching for the next step after high school, we encourage you to watch the story below and discover what Shepherds College Tennessee is all about.

💙 We'd love your help! Please share this story, tag a family who should see it, or leave a comment encouraging our inaugural class as they begin this exciting journey.

📺 Watch the story here:
https://www.newschannel5.com/news/shepherds-college-empowered-for-life-center-to-open-for-adults-with-special-needs

On August 24th, the Shepherds College, Empowered for Life Center will open on the Church of the City - Franklin campus. It's a two-year commuter school for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Students are still being accepted.

08/13/2026

Shepherds College Tennessee’s Empowered for Life program will be featured on NewsChannel 5 Nashville! 🎉

Get an inside look at our inaugural class and see how young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities are growing in faith, building confidence, and discovering their God-given purpose through Appropriate Independence™.

🎤 Hear from:
💙 Stacey Glass – Director of The Village at Church of the City Franklin
💙 Brian Canright – Executive Vice President of Shepherds Ministries
🎓 Isaac – A member of Shepherds College Tennessee’s inaugural class

📚 You’ll also step inside the classroom with Instructor Kim Miller and experience the relationship-centered learning that’s helping students prepare for meaningful, purpose-filled lives.

✨ Inspired by what you see?

Join us for our LAST Preview Day before classes begin!

📅 Friday, August 14
🕘 9:00–11:00 AM or 1:00–3:00 PM
📍 Church of the City Franklin

🎓 Applications are still being accepted for our inaugural class beginning August 24, 2026!

📧 [email protected]

👉 Reserve your Preview Day spot
📞 615-583-7688

💙 Know a family looking for the next step after high school? Tag them below or share this post. Your recommendation could help change a life.

08/12/2026

💙📺 TONIGHT: Shepherds College Tennessee's Empowered for Life Program Featured on NewsChannel 5 Nashville!

Tune in tonight at 6:00 PM as NewsChannel 5 Nashville shares the story of Shepherds College Tennessee's Empowered for Life program!

Viewers will hear from:
🎤 Stacey Glass – Director of The Village at Church of the City Franklin
🎤 Brian Canright – Executive Vice President of Shepherds Ministries
🎓 Isaac – A member of Shepherds College Tennessee's inaugural class

📚 Plus, get an inside look at the classroom and see our team in action! Instructor Kim Miller can be seen teaching and engaging with students throughout the story, giving viewers a glimpse into the hands-on, relationship-centered learning happening at Shepherds College Tennessee.

See how young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities are growing in faith, and discovering their God-given purpose through Appropriate Independence™.

We're excited to share how God is opening doors through Shepherds College Tennessee and the lives already being transformed as our inaugural class begins this exciting new chapter.

Inspired by what you see? Come experience it for yourself!

✨ Join us for our LAST Preview Day before classes begin!

📅 Friday, August 14
🕘 Choose the session that works best for your family:
• 9:00–11:00 AM
• 1:00–3:00 PM

📍 Church of the City Franklin
828 Murfreesboro Rd.
Franklin, TN 37064

🎓 Applications are still being accepted for our inaugural class beginning August 24, 2026!

👉 Reserve your Preview Day spot today:
https://forms.cloud.microsoft/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=pdyEGIqgtEiwvd4oDxmY5c7ClVQEmylFoOxL--jQc1NUMzhPRk9JVkdLMU9MSkU0TzBEWTlRRElEUC4u&route=shorturl

🎓 Ready to apply?
shepherdscollege.edu/apply
📞 Call: 615-583-7688
📧 Email: [email protected]

💙 Know a family searching for the next step after high school? Share this post or tag them in the comments. Your recommendation could help them discover a Christ-centered college experience where students grow in faith, build lifelong friendships, develop practical life skills, and prepare for a life of purpose.

Finding Hope. Fulfilling Dreams.
www.shepherdscollege.edu
Donate
www.shepherdscollege.edu/donate

08/12/2026

🌎💙 The Shepherds Mission Is Reaching Around the World

This summer, nine Shepherds College students and alumni, along with six staff members, traveled to Belém, Brazil, to serve alongside Joni & Friends, local churches, volunteers, and families impacted by disability.

Their week was filled with worship, Bible stories, devotionals, hands-on activities, volunteer training, and meaningful time with families. Lasting friendships formed quickly as students, volunteers, and families laughed together, worshiped together, and experienced the joy of genuine community.

One of the most powerful moments came as the Gospel was shared during the retreat, where several children made the decision to place their faith in Jesus Christ. It was a beautiful reminder that while language and culture may differ, God’s love speaks to every heart.

The trip also highlighted the gifts of Shepherds College students and alumni, who served with compassion, confidence, and joy – leading activities, encouraging families, assisting children, and demonstrating that every person has unique abilities to share in God's Kingdom.

But the story of Shepherds in Brazil goes beyond one summer trip.

Tracing its roots back to 1958, Shepherds Ministries has spent nearly seven decades empowering individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to discover their God-given purpose. In 2024, that mission took an exciting international step forward with the launch of the first International Trained for Life Center in Brazil, established in partnership with Joni & Friends.

What began in Brazil has continued to grow with the recent launch of an International Trained for Life Center in Hong Kong, demonstrating Shepherds Ministries' growing vision of equipping organizations around the world to serve adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities through Christ-centered education, discipleship, and life skills.

Through its International Trained for Life initiative, Shepherds Ministries provides curriculum, coaching, consultation, and ongoing support to partners who share the mission of helping individuals with IDD discover lives of faith, purpose, and greater independence.

No matter where we serve, the message remains the same:

Every person is created in the image of God, possesses unique gifts, and has a purpose worth discovering.

We are grateful for our partnership with Joni & Friends, whose shared commitment to families affected by disability continues to open doors for lives to be transformed in Brazil.

As the International Trained for Life network continues to grow – from Brazil to Hong Kong and beyond – we look forward to seeing how God continues to expand opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities around the world.

💙 Please join us in praying for our international partners, the families they serve, and the continued growth of the Trained for Life ministry.