I would not hesitate to affirm the progressive work of the Good Shepherd Ministries, in providing care for the poor, the homeless, and the disenfranchised. Because they care, not only for the voiceless and ex-convicts, they fulfill the saying of Jesus: ”For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.”(NIV)

They go out of their way to assist all, both old and young, blacks, whites, browns- it makes no difference. Therefore, I humbly urge you diligently, to help them in any way possible, as unto God.

Your hearty contributions and cooperation, shall be greatly appreciated, and greatly rewarded.

With Kind Regards,

Good Shepherd Ministries serves those who are easiest to ignore: those whose sins are public. Each of us is a sinner, yet most of us are spared the humiliation and life impacting changes abridgment of the public law can bring. Our sins may be no less serious in the eyes of God, yet we maintain our respectability in the eyes of others.

Good Shepherd Ministries serves those who have paid for their sins many times over. It provides material and spiritual assistance to those who long for a basic dignity we too easily take for granted. In God's eyes we are all sinners. Let us acknowledge our common inheritance and help those who need assistance now.

Tom Strobhar

I have been affiliated with Good Shepherd Ministries (GSM) for several years. I feel that the work of GSM is vital to preventing and lowering crime in our area. Unfortunately when people are released from prison there is no system to keep them from going back, they are released into a society that does not know them or often times just do not care. GSM seeks to help men getting out of prison restore their lives and avoid the factors which led them into violating the law. Our safety and dignity as a civilized society depends on preventing crime and this is achieved through opportunity. So many people do not want ex-incarcerated men in their area yet they offer no solutions. Once the state determines they should be released it is incumbent on us to keep them from going back. It saves money and builds dignity.

Jason Howard, Attorney at Law

Good Shepherd Ministries touches the lives of many young men critically in need of care as they transition into the community. They respect the human dignity of each person without judgment. Their work is vital to making the Dayton area an even better city. I urge everyone to join with me in supporting Good Shepherd Ministries.

Greg Meyers

To Whom it May Concern:

Several months ago Dale Nieberding came to me asking for architectural assistance regarding possible construction of apartments for released felons. Although the need is real, the “not in my back yard” syndrome creates reluctance of the public and public officials to support this type of housing. The issue is a difficult one and no easy answers are available.

After discussion with Dale, awareness of the complexities and struggles of this group’s recently into the community should be important to each of us, particularly those with religious values. Because we care, through support for restoration and return of individuals to society, we are the “Good Samaritans.” The starting point is acknowledgement of the problem, willingness to help with solutions, then appropriate active support, including financial.

Our places of worship, family and company-workers provide support to each of us. GSM is providing support groups, networking opportunities, skills and job direction, and hopefully housing assistance to ex-offenders. I will provide professional assistance as I can.

Please support this worthy cause.

Very truly yours,

 E. Lynn Application, President of App Architects Inc., AIA, ACHA

We encourage support of the furtherance of the work of Good Shepherd Ministries - "to provide an outreach of caring for restoring men and women's lives inside and outside of prison, thus enabling their successful reentry into the community." Their ministry is performed with much needed practical and spiritual training and guidance.

Melody Morris, Director of Marketing & Public Relations, 93.7 WFCJ

Good Shepherd Ministries is important to the community of Dayton. Your mission of assisting men to re-enter the work force and become a valued citizen is necessary. Every segment of the population has something good to contribute and your work allows that to happen.

Sr. Rose Wildenhaus, V.P St. Mary Development Corporation

I would like to endorse the funding project for the Good Shepard Ministries. I find that there is a great need to see that men who come out of prison needs are being met. I work with men who are going through tough times relating to their relationships with the mothers of their babies. Many of these men have never had a father figure nor have their fathers in prison. Children of absent fathers have a higher crime rate and sexual promiscuity problems. It is unusual for me to see men who were raised by both a father and mother.

I believe that this program will help men realize their purpose in life and become responsible men and fathers. I believe that Dale Nieberding is doing a great job and has a heart for these men coming out of a prison experience.

Paul M. Durr MS Coordinator, Men's Ministry, Elizabeth's New life Center

Our Christian faith calls us to respect the life and dignity of every human person regardless of their status, behavior, or contribution to society. Good Shepherd Ministries reaches out in an important way to those individuals who are marginalized and to those whose dignity we often fail to recognize. This compassionate ministry is done only by a few in our society and they need our support. Please join me in supporting the work of Good Shepherd Ministries.

Cori Thibodeau Archdiocese of Cincinnati Catholic Social Action

Fifth Third Bank endorses the valuable work Good Shepherd Ministries is doing to assist ex-offenders with re-entering society in a positive and productive manner. We realize without this assistance, the likelihood of recidivism is very high. By helping the ex-offenders we not only assist them, but their families and society, too. Jobs and opportunity beat incarceration every time.

George Brack, Vice President of Fifth Third Bank

December 6, 2004

To Whom It May Concern:

I have worked extensively with Dale Nieberding when he volunteered at Elizabeth's New Life Center helping to run our Capital Campaign a few years ago. At that time, Good Shepherd Ministries was a dream that Dale was hoping to bring to fruition, and he used his time with our organization to learn the ropes of running a non-profit organization, how to fund raise, how to effectively work with a Board, how to set policy and procedures, and all of the other aspects of launching a non-profit organization. I think that Dale learned his lessons well.

In being a contributor to Good Shepherd Ministries and also in offering consultation to Dale from time to time, I have seen the strength of his commitment to this ministry in ever-increasing abundance. He is a very faith-filled individual who has devoted a great deal of his personal time and financial resources to help men who are struggling with reentry into society once they are released from prison. Dale’s commitment is deep and heartfelt.

It is impressive that Good Shepherd Ministries has been able to house 26 men without the stamp of approval that is needed for a group home. In other words, the men can come in only a few at a time.

The plan that Good Shepherd Ministries has to use a Capital Campaign to raise additional funds for a larger housing unit in a qualified zoning area is very sound. The goal of raising $266,000 is reasonable, and it would enable Good Shepherd Ministries to provide multiple housing units for men coming out of the prison system. We all know that recidivism is a very big problem, but the Good Shepherd Ministries program is so structured and comprehensive that it is a real asset to our community. I have read the documents of the plan for the Capital Campaign, and I strongly endorse your participation. I feel that your investment will be returned to you a hundredfold in the repaired and contributing lives of men who will become taxpayers and wage earners.

Sincerely, Vivian Koob, MRC Executive Director