Shepherd Center is a 152-bed, state-of-the-art rehabilitation facility specializing in patients with catastrophic injuries.  Our Shepherd Center Patient Support supplies new clothing (long and short sleeved T-shirts as well as tear-a-way pants) appropriate for physical therapy to aid patients in their rehabilitation.  Assistance League of Atlanta also helps patients, many of whom are far from home, celebrate birthdays with a gift of a lightweight backpack that can be used to hold supplies when on outings. The program also works with Case Management to cover the cost of a piece of durable medical equipment that a patient needs but which their insurance does not cover.  Since forming this program Assistance League of Atlanta helps support approximately 250 patients a year.

“Many times our patients arrive from another hospital with a hospital gown and nothing else,” said Alana Shepherd, founding board member of Shepherd Center.  “We get patients up and into therapy on their first day when possible, but not without the proper clothes.  Thanks to Assistance League, it’s one less thing that stressed-out family members have to worry about.”

When accidents happen, staff members get what they need from the clothes closet. “It’s a wonderful thing to go to that closet and grab a pair of pants,” said Gail Eckstein, Family Services Events Coordinator.