WES SHEPHERD
CHIEF COMMUNITY OFFICER
“That transition period is crucial. Isolation can derail recovery, but community can prevent it.”
Professional Background
Wes has faithfully served at Gospel Rescue Mission for more than two decades. With a background in property management, project management, and business ownership, he brings practical leadership and operational expertise to his role. Equally important, Wes brings lived experience that deeply informs his work—having personally walked the journey of addiction, homelessness, recovery, and long-term restoration.
Areas of Leadership
Community Engagement • Recovery & Aftercare Programs • Transitional Housing • Relationship Building • Peer Support Systems
Journey to GRM
Wes understands firsthand that recovery does not end when a program is completed—it continues in the critical season of transition back into independent living. Having navigated that season himself, he is deeply passionate about ensuring that no one walks it alone.
As Chief Community Officer, Wes leads efforts to build lasting relationships and supportive communities that extend far beyond GRM’s walls. One key expression of this vision is the Transformed House, a transitional living home designed to provide accountability, peer fellowship, ongoing case management, and practical life-skills support for men who have completed GRM’s Recovery Program. Wes believes that community—not isolation—is one of the strongest safeguards against relapse.
Mission in Action
Wes is driven by GRM’s calling to help people move from Homeless to Wholeness. He believes wholeness looks different for every individual—but often includes restored relationships, meaningful work, stable housing, sustained sobriety, and a growing relationship with Christ. Through intentional community, accountability, and compassion, Wes works to ensure graduates of GRM’s programs have the support they need to thrive long after they leave campus.
Personal Background
Wes is celebrating more than 20 years of sobriety and remains deeply grateful for the people and community who walked alongside him during his own recovery journey. That gratitude continues to shape how he leads, serves, and builds spaces of belonging for others.
Fun Fact
Wes believes some of the most important recovery milestones happen around a kitchen table—through shared meals, honest conversations, and brotherhood.