The Church of the Good Shepherd of Cashiers’ Bazaar Barn will open its 2026 grant application cycle on April 1, furthering its support of local nonprofits through outreach grants funded by sales of upscale, donated furniture, art and household items.
Since 1987, the Church of the Good Shepherd’s Outreach Program has offered financial support and service to 501(c)(3) organizations focused on education, environmental protection, food insecurities, healthcare and wellness, shelter and housing, and other human services in the Plateau.
In 2025, $490,069 of outreach was awarded to 47 organizations, including Blue Ridge Early College, Center for Domestic Peace (REACH), Boys/Girls Club of the Plateau and Fishes and Loaves. The Church also funds operations for some organizations due to high operating costs.
“The Church does not use any of the bizarre barn proceeds. Every penny after expenses is immediately turned around and put into the community,” said Rose Mary Achey, chair of the Outreach Grants Committee.
The store aligns with the church’s broader mission of serving the community through generosity. Achey said parishioners are guided by Matthew 25 of the New Testament.
“It says, ‘I was hungry and you gave me something to eat. I was thirsty. You gave me something to drink. I was a stranger. You invited me in. I needed clothes, and you clothed me. I was sick, and you looked after me,’” said Achey. “That’s sort of the backbone of everything that we do.”
The Church of the Good Shepherd also provides financial aid through the Conkle-Row Scholarship, which is open to high school graduates of the Blue Ridge School District. In 2025, the Outreach Grants Committee awarded $143,000 to 39 students.
Recipients are paired with a “shepherd” who not only helps cover tuition or book costs, but also stays in touch throughout the year, sending care packages and offering guidance. Achey said the mentoring and relationship aspect of the scholarship are “really important”.
“Sometimes, these kids get away at school and it’s the first time they’ve been away from their family and they struggle. But, they can pick up the phone, they can email their scholar, they can tell them that they’re having difficulty, and we’ll try to work with them,” said Achey. “It really makes me smile when I see both the agencies and the scholars come back and talk to the parish because it just makes you realize what you’re doing is truly important.”
Reverend Robert Wood said the church’s biggest challenges are growing its endowment fund to keep pace with the area’s expanding scholar base, relying on donations and finding a fair price point for items sold at the Bazaar Barn.
Wood added that, beyond donating, people can get involved at the Bazaar Barn through volunteer work, as its schedule expands to four public days and two additional days for administrative organization
“We have people who can be there to help move and price the furniture, and complete all kinds of different tasks along the way that it’s sort of off hours,” said Wood. “Volunteers Tuesday through Saturday are ways that people can get involved.”
For questions about donations or how to volunteer, call Skip Ryan, Bazaar Barn Manager, at (828) 226-2588.
- Mitch Stone
reporter@highlandsnews.com