Storm damage at Shepherds Ministries
UNION GROVE, Wis.—A powerful storm rushed through the area about 4:00 p.m. Nov. 22, causing damage on the campus of Shepherds Ministries. Although some residents at the facility for individuals with intellectual disabilities had to be relocated to other buildings on campus, no injuries were reported.
“The storm warning was received, and we quickly moved all of our residents, students and staff on campus to the building basements and storm shelters which also serve as evacuation centers when severe weather is forecast,” said Shepherds President Bill Amstutz.
A gas leak developed at the main building on campus, the Wood Center, which caused the evacuation of residents and staff there to other buildings on campus.
“We were surprised at the damage on campus as we have survived tornado warnings in the past but have never experienced any significant damage to buildings, storage sheds, greenhouse, some vehicles and trees that occurred with this sudden storm,” Amstutz said.
Area fire departments were on hand at Shepherds to assist with monitoring the gas leak and other potential problems until the power was restored. All power was restored by 11:00 p.m., so residents and staff were able to return to the Wood Center.
According to Facilities Administrator Owen Lackey, windows and doors and the roof sustained damage, several trees toppled, and storage sheds overturned.
Shed damage at Shepherds Ministries
“Complete assessment of damages continues, and we expect repairs to be completed within a short time with no relocation of residents, students or staff required,” Lackey said, noting that a full assessment of the damage will take place during daylight on Tuesday.
Shepherds Ministries has been at the Union Grove, Wis., location since 1964, when it was founded by a group of GARBC churches. The ministry provides spiritual, residential, vocational, and recreational programs for individuals with intellectual disabilities. In 2008, Shepherds added a new educational program for young people with intellectual disabilities called Shepherds College. Currently 130 full-time residents are located on the campus along with 26 students in the new college program. For more information, visit ShepherdsMinistries.org or contact Shepherds at 262-878-5620.
