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Get involved

Be part
of the work.

You can sponsor a bag, share a local resource, or introduce us to an organization that might want to help.

Illustration of a black Shepherd’s Path Step-Up Bag with practical essentials
Illustrative Step-Up Bag
Give

Sponsor a Step-Up Bag

We’ve given out our first Step-Up Bag. Help us get the next one ready.

Your donation helps us buy the everyday essentials that go into a Step-Up Bag.

What’s inside a Step-Up Bag

  • Drawstring bag
  • 2 t-shirts
  • 4 pairs of socks
  • Hygiene kit
  • Disposable washcloth
  • Notebook
  • Pen
  • USB-C charger
  • Snacks
  • Water

Shepherd’s Path Inc. is a federally recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. EIN: 42-2163457.

Donate through Zeffy ↗
A folded community map with a location pin and a gold share arrow
Connect

Share a resource

Know a local service that should be in the directory? Help us keep the information useful for the community.

Send us a resource →
A Step-Up Bag connected to symbols for community services, donated supplies, and encouragement
Partner

Work together

Have supplies, time, or a local service to share? Tell us how you’d like to help.

Get in touch →
Working together

Community Partnerships

Strong communities are built through connection. We work alongside local organizations to help people find resources, encouragement, and their next step forward.

Community partner · Since November 2026

WIN Recovery

Shepherd’s Path and WIN Recovery have established a community partnership focused on connecting individuals with recovery, reentry, and community support resources. Our organizations share information, make referrals when appropriate, and explore opportunities to work together on community outreach.

Each organization remains independent, and Step-Up Bags may be available for WIN Recovery clients as supplies and funding allow.

Learn more about WIN Recovery ↗
Two ways to give

Choose where your support goes.

Support the operating foundation of Shepherd's Path or help supply Step-Up Bags. These are separate fundraising campaigns.

General operating support

One Dollar. One Step Forward.

Our $500 goal helps cover Illinois registration, registered-agent service, and liability insurance.

Give $1 ↗
A note for the next step

Your words
can go in a bag.

Leave a few kind words for someone starting over. We can print your note and tuck it into a Step-Up Bag.

Our team reads each note before printing. Please leave out contact details, personal information, and requests for a reply.

A note for your next step

Your words will appear here.

From someone rooting for you
0 / 500 characters

For our team: Review and print notes →

Shop to Support

Step-Up Swag.

Shop Shepherd’s Path designs in our Bonfire store.

Your purchase helps fill Step-Up Bags with essentials and encouragement for a fresh start.

Shop Step-Up Swag on Bonfire ↗
Step-Up Swag in distressed cream and gold lettering above a winding prairie road
Start with what you can give

There are many ways to help.

A bag sponsored, a useful resource shared, or an introduction to a local organization all help us build this work.

Support the campaign ↗
Four community members walking forward together on a rural Illinois road toward sunriseKeep moving forward.
Sponsor a Step-Up Bag ↗