ODD (Oppositionary Defiant Disorder), ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder), ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder), RAD (Reactive Attachment Disorder), anger-management, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, behavioral disorders, phobias, at-risk youth, struggling and troubled teens, emotional issues, learning disabilities, physical and sexual abuse, depression, negative peer pressure, and rebellious behavior.
Who cares for the residents at SHF?
Trained counselors, administrators, teachers, therapists, psychiatrists, social workers, lay members.
How can I receive information on and keep in touch with my child?
SHF progress reports, telephone calls and conferences, visitation, SHF newsletter, contact with staff, and e-mail.
Is SHF a non-profit organization?
Yes, SHF is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Your tax deductible contribution may be sent to the contact address on this website.
How much does it cost to send my child to SHF? $58,900 per resident/per year (plus the varying costs of medical and special psychological services). This includes all lodging, education, food, entertainment, and hands-on therapeutic discipleship for one full year. SHF currently employs nearly two staff members for each student on campus. This is to adequately minister to the student needs of each student with the highest degree of efficiency.
Can my child receive a scholarship to attend SHF?
Scholarships are sometimes available via the SHF scholarship fund. Friends and relatives can also donate toward the SHF scholarship fund which offers tax benefits to the donor/donors. These funds can be used directly toward the students account as well.
What religion/denomination does SHF adhere to?
SHF is an interdenominational parachurch ministry. It is designed to be a tool used by the church to meet or bring individuals into a non-threatening environment conducive to lifestyle evangelism and discipleship for the purpose of building, strengthening, and expanding the Kingdom of God and the spiritual, mental, emotional, and physical condition of every student.
What type of security is at SHF?
SHF staff and counselors oversee and shield children from physical, emotional, verbal, sexual, and spiritual abuse. 24-hour supervision and support is provided by these able and devoted mentors.
Who teaches the residents? Will they receive a quality education at SHF?
SHF’s private junior and senior high school, Shepherd’s Hill Academy, is fully accredited by the Georgia Accrediting Commission. All teachers who teach at SHF must be state certified and board approved. Shepherd’s Hill Academy meets the course requirments of the state of Georgia’s Quality Core Curriculum.
Where is SHF located?
SHF is located near Martin, Georgia, located in the low foothills of the Blue Ridge mountains of northeast Georgia. Martin is approximately 85 miles northeast of Atlanta.
Emergency services?
SHF has a campus nurse and therapist on staff. All staff are first-aid and CPR certified. Additional certifications include Wilderness First Response. SHF also has 911 accessibility.
What makes SHF so successful in changing the lives of kids?
We believe that foremost it is the surrendered lives of our staff to the Lordship of Jesus Christ. The Bible is abundantly clear that God honors the lives and desires of those committed to do His will. The kids are engaged in God’s love, training, and discipline 24-7 by those committed to His will and ways. Modeling Christ’s character is of utmost importance.
How do kids survive in cold weather living in the woods?
All shelters built by the kids are equipped with wood burning stoves. Cold weather is a great motivator for kids to keep wood chopped and stoked. Emergency procedures are followed for extreme weather conditions.
Can boys and girls attend SHF who are not Christian?
Of course. Biblical principles for raising kids aren’t limited to only those who label themselves “Christian.” All truth is God’s truth; therefore, if students adhere to and sow principles of success, then success they shall reap.
Why is the program a year long?
What took 13-17 years to influence and create will not usually be healed or undone over night. Programs of this nature are like antibiotics. If one doesn’t take the entire prescription, one can negate its effectiveness. The last thing we, or any parent wants, is to see their time, effort, and money wasted. In this ministry, experience has taught us that one year is a minimum for optimum effectiveness.