Tall green grass in a field under a partly cloudy sky, with a small bird perched among the grass

Our People

How does Shepherd Crossing do it?

Our staff is small, but mighty.

Keeping a small, mostly part time, staff and making good use of donated space, enables us to give back to the community, not the overhead.

Beth Klug

Executive Director

Carlos Palacian

Grant Liaison

Brooke Helmers

Office Manager

In the beginning of Shepherd’s Crossing, a shared calling inspired different churches to come together with a common goal. That compassion still thrives today. Love.

Letter from Ann Knackendoffel, President

Individuals come to Shepherd’s Crossing during moments of financial crisis, often at their lowest point. In these dark and uncertain seasons, we exist to provide real hope and steady support.

Over the past 25 years, we have learned that meaningful assistance requires more than a one-time handout. Lasting impact comes from walking alongside individuals through financial counseling and helping them navigate what can be a confusing network of services. Shepherd’s Crossing plays a vital role in guiding clients to the right resources and helping them regain stability. Every person is treated with confidentiality, compassion, and respect in a non-judgmental environment.

Our aim is simple; offer hope and tangible assistance during life’s most vulnerable moments. In many cases, support from Shepherd’s Crossing helps cover rent to keep families housed or contributes toward a utility bill to prevent shutoff. When needs fall outside our scope, we serve as a referral hub, connecting clients with trusted community partners who can provide additional help.

Today, our clients face growing uncertainty about the future. Changes within the broader safety net mean that programs traditionally serving the most vulnerable are being reduced. Many in our community are unaware of the depth of need that exists around them. We remain focused on raising awareness and preparing our organization to respond faithfully to what lies ahead.

As a volunteer-driven and donor-supported ministry, we depend on the ongoing generosity of individuals, churches, and businesses to meet increasing demand. We are deeply grateful for the time, talent, and resources entrusted to us.

While new challenges will continue to emerge, our commitment to the mission remains firm. With your support, we will continue to serve our neighbors in their times of need.

Ann Knackendoffel

Board of directors

Officers

  • Julie Keenan, President

  • Ann Knackendoffel, Vice President

  • Randy Peterson, Treasurer

  • Kevin Bryant, Secretary

Board Members

  • Elizabeth Barrett

  • Scott Emley

  • Steve Lee

  • Bob Sawyer

  • Earline Dikeman

  • Phil Preston

  • Lauren Evans

  • Kari Morgan

  • Cindy Sloan

  • Lynda Ruth McClintock

  • Kitra Schartz

  • Neil Horton

  • Rob Voelker

  • Ken Hughey