Featured Speaker: Carol Patterson, Shepherd's Gate

CEO of Shepherd’s Gate

What began in 1983 in Alice Ann Cantelow's small two-bedroom home has grown into a ministry that has helped more than 15,000 women and children find hope and healing.

Today, Shepherd’s Gate provides safe housing and Christ-centered recovery programs for women and children experiencing homelessness, addiction, domestic violence and sex trafficking.

Its comprehensive, 12–16-month residential program addresses physical, spiritual and emotional needs, as well as parenting, education, career development, finances and family reunification. The entire program is provided free to women in critical need through the generosity of donors and community partners.

About Carol Patterson

Carol became CEO in January 2018. Previously, she served more than 17 years as Vice President of Cityteam, focusing on homelessness and addiction nationwide. Her experience in nonprofit leadership, finance and operations, together with her deep faith and commitment to vulnerable women and children, guides her leadership at Shepherd’s Gate.

Meal Reservation Deadline: Monday, December 7 at 3:00 PM 

Menu: Pork tenderloin with honey-soy garlic glaze, au gratin potatoes, baby carrots with dill sauce, garden salad with ranch or Thousand Island dressing, and assorted rolls with butter. Vegan option: Penne pasta + seasoned tofu. BYOB/Wine + opener/glasses

Walk-ins / No-Meal Option (program, snacks, coffee & dessert): $25 cash or exact check — available online or at the door.

Plus One Members: Enter 1 to reserve for two. Vegetarian Requests: Teresa Rodgers – [email protected]

2027 Membership Drive – Join or Renew Today!

-> $50 New Member Special – Remaining 2026 + full 2027 (for those who were not 2026 members)

BONUS: New members receive 5 FREE Opportunity Drawing tickets at this meeting. Bonus ends December 1, 2026.

-> $50 Renewal – For current 2026 members (includes 5 FREE opportunity drawing tickets)

-> $135 Golden Eagle – Membership + donation to our scholarship fund

-> $20 Veteran or $20 Student (new or renewal)

Join or Renew Now →  Join or Renew Now

🇺🇸 WHY JOIN MDRC?

Even if you cannot attend every meeting, your membership helps support our mission to:

✅ Grow Republican voter outreach
✅ Educate and inform conservative voters
✅ Support Republican candidates and causes
✅ Support veterans and local nonprofits
✅ Support conservative student organizations

Your membership matters—and so does your voice in shaping our local and national future.

Wine Donations & Opportunity Drawing

🍷 Wine Donations Needed - Bring a newly purchased bottle of wine ($25+ value) and receive two free drawing tickets.

Opportunity Drawing Prizes - (each ~$110 value): wine & chocolate; Tickets: $20 for 5 | $10 for 2

Questions? Contact Teresa Rogers at [email protected]

Installation of 2027 MDRC Officers

Installation led by Denise Dauphinais

• President – Barbara Wilson
• Co-Vice Presidents of Programs – Mark Fernwood and Bud Radich
• Vice President of Membership – Holly Cafiero
• Treasurer – Craig Bruns
• Secretary – Dana Wellington

Please join us in thanking these volunteers for their commitment and service to MDRC!

Christmas Party Festivities

• Special visit from Santa with goodies
• Reindeer Games and trivia with prizes
• Self-service hot cocoa bar
• Holiday music
• Ugly Sweater Contest with prizes
• Free drawings

Save the Dates

• January 13, 2027
  Marc Joffe, President of Contra Costa County Taxpayers Association - "The Good, the Bad and the Ugly of the November 3rd Election"
• May 11, 2027 (Tuesday)
  All-Day Restaurant Fundraiser at Amici's Italian Restaurant. MDRC receives 25% of food purchases made by our members and friends.