Planned
Stability
Housing, food, transportation, basic necessities, and a stable environment where veterans can begin rebuilding.
Shepherds Not Sheep
A hand up for those who served.
Housing. Purpose. Skills. Community. We help homeless and distressed veterans rebuild stable, independent lives.
Organization in formation. Programs and partnerships are currently being developed.
View our current status and transparency information
Founded by
A U.S. Army veteran, for fellow veterans.
Service focus
Starting locally, with room to grow.
Current status
Organization in formation. Programs in development.
Building in the Open
Transparency from the very beginning.
Shepherds Not Sheep is being built with transparency from the beginning. Our programs, partnerships, organizational structure, and support systems are still under development. We believe supporters, veterans, and the public should be able to clearly see where we are, what exists today, and what is still being built.
Our Planned Service Model
The programs below represent the service model Shepherds Not Sheep is building.
Some services are not yet directly available through our organization. If you need help today, use our Get Help page. We will help connect you with currently available resources and organizations whenever possible.
What we are building
Six Pillars of the Shepherds Not Sheep Model.
Each pillar below is in development. Together they form a path from immediate stability toward lasting independence.
Planned
Veteran Advocacy
Helping veterans identify and navigate VA benefits, government programs, nonprofit resources, and community services.
Planned
Education & Employment
College opportunities, certifications, vocational training, technology skills, resume assistance, job preparation, and career development.
Planned
Entrepreneurship
Business education, financial literacy, sales, online commerce, mentorship, and small-business development.
Planned
Skills & Self-Sufficiency
Hands-on opportunities involving woodworking, CNC operation, construction, gardening, sustainable agriculture, property maintenance, animal husbandry, and practical life skills.
Planned
Community & Purpose
Veteran mentorship, peer support, community projects, recreation, volunteering, and opportunities to rebuild a sense of mission and belonging.
How it will work
How the Future Support Model Is Designed to Work.
This process represents the support pathway Shepherds Not Sheep is working to build.
Reach Out
A veteran contacts Shepherds Not Sheep or is referred by a partner organization.
Stabilize
Immediate needs such as food, shelter, benefits, transportation, and other essential resources are evaluated.
Build a Plan
The veteran works with mentors and professionals to create an individualized reestablishment plan based on their needs, abilities, interests, and goals.
Move Forward
The veteran develops the skills, resources, employment, education, business opportunities, and support network needed to establish greater independence.
Progress
Where We Are Now.
An honest snapshot of the organization's current status. We publish only what is accurate and supported today.
Organization Formation
In ProgressCore structure, mission, and operating foundation are being established.
Nonprofit / 501(c)(3) Status
To Be PublishedNo tax-exempt status is claimed. Official details will be posted only once confirmed.
Community Partnerships
DevelopingBuilding relationships with organizations, mentors, and local resources.
Veteran Assistance Intake
In DevelopmentToday the contact form starts a conversation — it is not yet a formal intake program.
Fundraising Infrastructure
ActiveSecure one-time and monthly giving is live through Stripe.
Direct Programs
Pre-LaunchThe six-pillar service model is being designed and is not yet operating.
Support the mission
Help Us Build the Foundation.
Shepherds Not Sheep is still in the development stage. Early support helps build the systems, partnerships, infrastructure, and resources needed to turn this mission into a functioning veteran-support organization.
Your support helps move the organization from planning to implementation.
Shepherds Not Sheep is an organization in formation. Donations are not tax-deductible at this time.
If you are in immediate danger
- EmergenciesCall 911Immediate medical, fire, or police response
- Veterans Crisis LineCall 988, then press 1Free, confidential, 24/7 support
- Crisis Line by textText 838255Message a responder directly
Shepherds Not Sheep is not an emergency service and cannot provide immediate medical, police, or crisis intervention. If you are in danger right now, use the numbers above.
Veteran-Founded. Veteran-Led.
Started by someone who has been there.
Shepherds Not Sheep was founded by U.S. Army veteran Sergeant Michael Thielmeier, who has firsthand experience navigating military transition, disability, benefits, and civilian life. That experience shapes a simple conviction: veterans who have carried heavy loads deserve a community that helps them carry the next one.
Read Our StoryGet started
Whether you need help or want to help — start here.
Reach out today. We read every message and respond within 2 business days.