Shepherds

08/28/2026

Congratulations to Shepherds/Lauralton Hall Class of 2028 mentee Jaylee U. for attending Sacred Heart University's Summer Nurse Immersion Program. Jaylee spent a week learning from Sacred Heart’s Davis & Henley College of Nursing faculty and staff of hands-on activities in the SHU's School of Nursing and at Norwalk Hospital. Her mentor Amy Keary reported that she had a great week and was so grateful for the opportunity to meet other students and work with the SHU faculty and staff who ran the program. Fairfield Prep Kolbe Cathedral High School Lauralton Hall Notre Dame High School See more on SHU website:

Sacred Heart University welcomed local high school students for immersive summer programs, offering hands-on experiences and career exploration in health care and nursing.

08/24/2026

Each year, Shepherds is proud to provide deserving students with extraordinary sponsored experiences that broaden their horizons and encourage personal growth.

One of the most meaningful is the annual Lourdes Youth Pilgrimage, an opportunity offered to select Shepherds students during their junior year.

This August, Shepherds Class of 2027 students Alex A. and Joseph C. spent a week in Lourdes, France, joining young people from around the world for an unforgettable experience centered on service, spiritual growth, friendship and fellowship.

From serving and connecting with pilgrims to experiencing the beauty and traditions of Lourdes, Alex and Joseph returned home with memories—and perspectives—that will last far beyond their week in France.

Experiences like this are an important part of the Shepherds journey. We are incredibly grateful to the generous supporters who make opportunities like the Lourdes Pilgrimage possible for our students. Fairfield Prep Kolbe Cathedral High School Lauralton Hall Notre Dame High School

08/17/2026

Happy National Nonprofit Day 2026!

Today, we celebrate what makes Shepherds possible: the incredible people who believe in our mission and bring it to life every day.

THANK YOU to our donors, mentors, students, families, supporters, and partner schools. Your generosity, commitment, encouragement, and partnership allow Shepherds to mentor, empower, and transform the lives of young people.

You may help make Shepherds a nonprofit superhero, but YOU are the real heroes.

Learn more: www.shepherdsmentors.org Fairfield Prep Lauralton Hall Notre Dame High School Kolbe Cathedral High School

08/11/2026

Dear Shepherds Community,

We are very pleased to welcome Roberto Lopez, Jr. to the Shepherds team as our new Business & Operations Manager.

As Shepherds continues to grow and expand our reach, having strong internal systems and operational support is increasingly important to ensuring that we can remain focused on what matters most, our students, mentors, families and mission.

In his new role, Roberto will work closely with Executive Director Tim Magee and the Shepherds team to oversee and strengthen many of the essential functions that keep our organization running smoothly. His responsibilities will span financial management and reporting, business operations, human resources and compliance, organizational policies and systems, and support for our Board of Directors.

Roberto brings experience in business and operations along with a thoughtful, organized approach that will be a tremendous asset to our small and collaborative team. His role will help strengthen Shepherds’ internal infrastructure and position the organization for continued growth and sustainability as we enter an exciting new chapter!

Connect with Roberto on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rlopezjr/

We are delighted to have Roberto join Shepherds and look forward to the expertise, energy and perspective he will bring to our work.

Please join us in giving Roberto a warm Shepherds welcome!

Warmly,

Tim Magee
Shepherds
Executive Director

Kolbe Cathedral High School Fairfield Prep Notre Dame High School Lauralton Hall

07/29/2026

Our Shepherd mentors and mentees recently spent the day visiting Sacred Heart University and Fairfield University, getting a firsthand look at college life, academic opportunities, and what their futures can hold.

From walking the campuses and connecting with admissions staff to imagining themselves as future college students, these visits help turn aspirations into achievable goals. Experiences like these are another way Shepherds empowers students to see what's possible and reminds them they don't have to navigate the journey alone.

Thank you to Sacred Heart University and Fairfield University for welcoming our students and mentors!

A special thank you to our dedicated mentors who shared this experience alongside their mentees:

Kevin Coles with Karim H.
Jeff O'Connell with Joe C.
Karen Waldvogel with Evelyn M.
Maria P.
Kaitlyn Z.

Kolbe Cathedral High School Fairfield Prep Notre Dame High School Lauralton Hall

07/17/2026

Everyone loves the hero's journey. But no hero gets there alone.

As The Odyssey opens in theaters today, audiences will watch the epic story of Odysseus—a journey filled with obstacles, uncertainty, resilience, and growth.

What many people don't realize is that The Odyssey is also one of history's great stories about mentoring.

Throughout his journey, Odysseus is guided by trusted advisors who challenge him, encourage him, and help him become the person he is meant to be. And while Odysseus is away, his son Telemachus grows into adulthood through the wisdom and support of mentors who help him discover his own strength.

At Shepherds, we see that same story unfold every day.

A caring mentor can't remove every obstacle, but they can help a young person navigate them with confidence, hope, and purpose. Sometimes the greatest adventure isn't crossing an ocean—it's helping a student discover they are capable of more than they ever imagined.

Every student deserves someone who believes in them.

Every journey is better with a mentor.
https://bit.ly/3RCG4al www.shepherdsmentors.org Kolbe Cathedral High School Fairfield Prep Notre Dame High School Lauralton Hall

By Jean Rhodes Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey opens this week in theaters, and audiences will watch Zendaya play Athena, the shape-shifting goddess who guides young Telemachus while his father, Odysseus,...

07/14/2026

BECOME A SHEPHERDS MENTOR! Learn more: www.shepherdsmentors.org Kolbe Cathedral High School Fairfield Prep Notre Dame High School Lauralton Hall

07/02/2026

We are incredibly grateful to Ives Bank for their generous support of Shepherds through a grant that will sponsor a student at Kolbe Cathedral High School.

Pictured here, Tim Magee, Executive Director of Shepherds, accepts the grant from Chad Stewart, First Vice President and Commercial Team Leader at Ives Bank.

This investment is about so much more than tuition—it provides a young person with access to four years of life-changing mentorship, educational opportunities, college preparation, and the support they need to build a successful future.

We are incredibly thankful to Chad Stewart and the entire team at Ives Bank for believing in our mission and helping make a lasting impact in the lives of the students we serve. Kolbe Cathedral High School Notre Dame High School Lauralton Hall Fairfield Prep

07/01/2026

Congratulations Shepherds/Notre Dame High School, West Haven, CT Class of 2026 Steven and Alberto Torres!! Kolbe Cathedral High School Notre Dame High School Lauralton Hall Fairfield Prep People

A heartfelt thank you to People Magazine for sharing the incredible story of Steven and Alberto Torres. We are so proud to see these exceptional young men and the values they embody recognized on a national stage. Congratulations again to our valedictorian and salutatorian—we can't wait to see all that lies ahead! 💚💛

Read more: https://people.com/twin-brothers-graduate-high-school-valedictorian-salutatorian-exclusive-11995422

06/24/2026

So proud of our incoming 9th grade mentees at Notre Dame High School for getting a head start in the Summer Prep Program. What a great opportunity to get connected to both the Shepherds and Notre Dame communities while gaining confidence in their math and English skills (and complete their summer reading!) Kolbe Cathedral High School Notre Dame High School Lauralton Hall Fairfield Prep