Good Shepherd of Northern Virginia and Leesburg Rotary Club Open New Multipurpose Space for Residents

On August 29, 2025, Good Shepherd of Northern Virginia celebrated a milestone moment with the Leesburg Rotary Club as the two organizations unveiled a newly renovated multipurpose space on Good Shepherd’s campus. What was once a simple garage has been transformed into a 360-square-foot haven designed to serve women, children, and families who call Good Shepherd home.

The exterior of the new multi-purpose space at Good Shepherd.

The project was spearheaded by Leesburg Rotary Club past president John Whisler, current president John Kimball, and Rotary Club member—and Good Shepherd Board Chair—Hugh Forsythe. Together, they envisioned a project that would make a long-term impact on the shelter community.

“We went into a couple of the spaces and looked at options,” Whisler explained. “This was the one that had the most potential for providing a longer-term project.”

People mingle in the newly renovated multi-purpose space at Good Shepherd.

The Rotary Club invested not only financially, contributing $5,800, but also through countless hours of volunteer time and resources. By Whisler’s estimate, the renovations would have cost between $30,000 and $40,000 if contracted out.

A Space for Growth, Creativity, and Community

The renovated space is fully equipped with heating, air conditioning, and top-grade insulation, ensuring year-round use. Originally envisioned as an art studio for children, the room will now serve as a flexible hub for programming. From arts and crafts to sewing, exercise, and resident meetings, the space is designed to meet a wide range of needs.

Leesburg Rotary Club past president John Whisler talks about the heating and air conditioning the space will have allowing it to be used year-round.

Jessica Sawyer, Good Shepherd’s Director of Mission Shelters, reflected on the project’s impact: “It started off as an art studio for children, but as the project grew, we recognized it could be a beneficial space for the programming and classes we offer our residents right here on the property. It’s just a blessing. God always puts people in our path and opens doors for us. This time it was the Rotary Club, and we are so grateful for their generosity of time, talent, and resources.”

Jessica Sawyer, Good Shepherd’s director of mission shelters stands in the new multipurpose space with Emma a case manager with the organization.

Forsythe echoed that gratitude, praising the detailed craftsmanship of the club members: “What started out as an arts and craft building for the children has developed into a multi-use building for more people here on campus. The detailed work they did here is unbelievable, it’s just amazing.”

After the ribbon cutting, attendees enjoyed cake as part of the celebration.

Leesburg Rotary Club member and Chairman of the Board at Good Shepherd, Hugh Forsythe enjoys a piece of cake at the ribbon cutting.

Jessica said they are already scheduling out the space for residents to use.

Building a Future Together

At Good Shepherd, we believe that stability and self-sufficiency are built not only on shelter but also on community and opportunity. This new multipurpose space embodies that belief, offering our residents the tools, creativity, and space they need to heal, learn, and grow.

We are deeply thankful to the Leesburg Rotary Club for their dedication and generosity.

John Whisler points to photographs of the transformation of the garage to a multipurpose space.

Their partnership demonstrates what is possible when local organizations come together with compassion and commitment. Together, we are creating brighter futures for women, children, and families across Northern Virginia.