Our commitment to supporting the community

At Shepherd Center, we take immense pride in serving the community in meaningful ways, including free or reduced-cost care, advancing medical research, training healthcare professionals, and participating in community improvement efforts.

Community support and investment overview

In FY23, Shepherd Center invested over $16 million in our communities.

2023 community support and investment overview broken out by focus area, description, and investment amount.
Focus area Description Investment
Charity care Financial assistance for patients unable to pay for their medical care. $5.3 million
Community health improvement services Financial assistance for patients unable to pay for their medical care. $2.6 million
Community benefit operations Operational costs for programs benefiting the community that do not directly generate revenue. $1.4 million
Education and training Programs that provide scholarships or funding for professional education. $465,000
Subsidized health services Clinical services that meet a community need and are provided despite a financial loss. $250,000
Community building activities Programs that provide opportunities to address the root causes of health problems in our community. $156,000

How we provide community impact

Advocacy

Patient/clients served: 11,025
We champion the disability rights movement by tracking and influencing local and federal legislation. Our efforts focus on upcoming issues that could affect the disability community, ensuring their voices are heard and their needs are addressed.

Housing support

Patient/clients served: 796
We offer temporary, cost-free housing for families and newly injured patients who need rehabilitation but live more than 60 miles from Atlanta, helping to ease their transition during a critical time.

RESCUE program

Patient/clients served: 75
Our RESCUE initiative provides essential home alert labels and educational resources for individuals with physical or cognitive limitations, ensuring they are prepared and supported in emergency situations.

Injury prevention

Patient/clients served: 1,476
We equip schools, employers, and local organizations with valuable materials and expert guidance to help prevent catastrophic injuries, promoting safety through education and practical measures.

Nurse intern/extern program

Patient/clients served: 85
Hands-on training for new nurses in the specialized field of spinal cord and brain injury rehabilitation, equipping them with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in this critical area of care.

Residency program

Patient/clients served: 374
In-depth training for medical residents, focusing on spinal cord and brain injury rehabilitation. Residents gain valuable experience and expertise in this specialized field, preparing them for advanced roles in patient care.

Shepherd Center Wheelchair Divisions of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution Peachtree Road Race

Patient/clients served: 1
A program partner event that helps raise awareness and educates the public about services available to them.

Shepherd Pathways

Patient/clients served: 591
A community-based rehabilitation program for adolescents and adults recovering from brain injuries, offering therapies that enhance independence and community integration.

Acquired brain injury

Patient/clients served: 432
Donor-restricted funds support therapy costs and purchase equipment for patients with spinal cord injuries.

Animal-assisted therapy

Patient/clients served: 2,427
We utilize specifically trained animals to assist patients with physical therapy, motor skills, strength, and endurance.

Spinal cord injury program fund

Patient/clients served: 280
Donor-restricted funds support therapy costs and purchase equipment for patients with spinal cord injuries.

Horticultural therapy

Patient/clients served: 1,202
Training in adaptive gardening tools and floral arranging to support therapy and rehabilitation.

Assistive tech program

Patient/clients served: 1,105
Provision of advanced technology for independent living, communication, environmental control, and computer access.

Patient equipment

Patient/clients served: 47
Support for acquiring essential equipment like wheelchairs and home modifications for patients with limited financial resources.

Andee’s Army

Patient/clients served: 89
Financial assistance for children and youth during inpatient care, rehabilitation, and transition to outpatient care after brain or spinal injuries.

The Alias Family Sports Teams Program

Patient/clients served: 114
Support for our accessible sports teams, including operational costs, travel, and equipment.

SHARE Military Initiative

Patient/clients served: 120
No-cost, evidence-based rehabilitation for veterans, service members, and first responders dealing with traumatic brain injuries and mental health challenges.

Complex Concussion Clinic

Patient/clients served: 328
Comprehensive rehabilitation services to treat concussions, helping patients return to work, school, and activities with fewer long-term complications.

Wellness/ProMotion Program

Patient/clients served: 150
Accessible gym and wellness programs for former patients and community members, focusing on improving strength, endurance, and overall health.

Adolescent Program

Patient/clients served: 20
Teen-specific activities, such as group games, sports, and community outings, to help teenage patients stay motivated and overcome social fears related to their new disabilities.

Transportation

Patient/clients served: 1,551
Transportation for patients and families in the Shepherd Pathways Day Program and off-site apartments, as well as for patient and family outings and community activities.

Recreation Therapy

Patient/clients served: 1,583
Offers a variety of sports and leisure activities for patients and individuals with physical disabilities, promoting teamwork, self-confidence, and overall quality of life.

Ambulance Fund

Patient/clients served: 32
Provides emergency transport services for patients in need.

Genuine Parts Company Vocational Rehabilitation Program

Patient/clients served: 398
Supports current and former patients with vocational evaluations, counseling, and job placement, while partnering with employers and community resources to enhance employment opportunities for people with disabilities.

Multiple sclerosis general support

Patient/clients served: 8,200
Assists patients with multiple sclerosis or related conditions by providing transportation, utility assistance, medical equipment, expert care, and support for miscellaneous needs.

Chaplaincy

Patient/clients served: 1,170
Offers counseling, support, and faith resources to patients and families of all beliefs, along with worship services led by trained chaplains.

Noble Learning Resource Center

Patient/clients served: 1,625
The South’s only consumer health library dedicated to spinal cord and brain injuries, offering access to medical books, journals, educational DVDs, literature databases, and computers with internet access.

Patient Assistant Fund

Patient/clients served: 222
Offers financial support to patients and their families for daily living expenses and non-hospital costs not covered by insurance.

Multiple Sclerosis Wellness and Rehabilitation

Patient/clients served: 329
Creates a clinical setting for research on multiple sclerosis therapies, rehabilitation, symptom management, and patient education.

Recreation Therapy Outdoor Program

Patient/clients served: 1,307
Provides outdoor activities like hunting, fishing, camping, kayaking, boating, and ATV riding for patients after injury, fostering recovery and enjoyment.

Transition support

Patient/clients served: 380
Provides education, guidance, and resources to patients and families upon discharge, promoting health, safety, and independence at home.

Access to financial assistance for care

Worried about paying for your care? We understand how overwhelming medical expenses can be. Our financial assistance options are here to help you, and your family, get the care you need, without the added stress.

Man sitting in wheelchair navigates through the airport

See how we’re committed to your health and well-being

Learn more about how we’re enhancing care and support for you and others in our community.

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