Page 17 - 2025 Samaritas Winter Our Hands

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Samaritas Youth Explore Tech and Entrepreneurship
Residents of The Landing at Spring Lake are
cultivating community and fresh produce in their
new accessible garden space — made possible
through support from the Grand Haven Area Eleven students from Samaritas’ School Impact and Refugee
Community Foundation’s Mixer Field of Interest Fund. Support Services programs, ages 16–25, recently spent a day
immersed in Michigan’s entrepreneurial and technology scene.
Fresh Produce Now in TEFAP Guided by Samaritas staffers Rawan Alramahi, School Impact
Coordinator, and supported by Bozhena Ivantsiuk, UHP Employment
Services Case Manager, the group was selected for their passion for
At Samaritas, we believe that healthy food is more innovation, academic excellence, and entrepreneurial drive.
than nourishment — it’s dignity, energy, and a step
toward stability. That’s why we’re proud to partner The students were warmly welcomed to Bamboo Detroit, where
with a new fresh food provider to bring wholesome
fruits and vegetables to our shelters and beyond. SPARK provided thoughtful welcome gifts and a catered luncheon,
which encouraged networking and connection. Each participant
This partnership allows us to supplement our
existing Emergency Food Assistance Program received a Resources for Entrepreneurs guide featuring
scholarships, funding sources, and statewide opportunities to fuel
(TEFAP), ensuring that residents at our Family Center
and other shelters have access not only to shelf- their ambitions.
stable items but also to fresh, nutritious produce.
Even more exciting, we’re expanding this effort to A keynote address by a successful Ukrainian immigrant
entrepreneur proved especially moving, reminding students that
serve our wider community — helping more
Michigan families enjoy the benefits of fresh food perseverance, self-belief, and hard work can overcome any
obstacle. Later, the group toured Tech Trek, a lively outdoor
and healthy living.
showcase of Michigan’s most innovative businesses. Interactive
By working hand in hand with local organizations, exhibits and creative displays gave students a firsthand look at how
volunteers, and community partners, Samaritas technology and entrepreneurship can transform communities.
continues to fight hunger with compassion and
creativity. Together, we’re growing something bigger Throughout the day, participants engaged in hands-on workshops
than food — we’re growing hope, health, and focused on problem-solving, teamwork, and creativity—learning to
connection across Michigan. see themselves not just as part of the future, but as creators of it.
Family Center Visit from Westland Mayor Sanja Savich-Berhamovich, a senior refugee leader at Samaritas
noted, “Our staff did a phenomenal job coordinating every detail.” She
Thank you, Mayor Kevin Coleman, for visiting the Samaritas Family Center, added, a special note of acknowledgement, about Rawan, saying,
where we serve families experiencing homelessness — keeping them together, “Her leadership and passion made the experience truly meaningful.”
safe, and supported as they take the next step toward independence and
success. It truly takes a village, and we’re so grateful to have Mayor Coleman’s This annual experience continues to affirm the power of exposure,
partnership and encouragement in this vital work. His commitment to mentorship, and innovation to ignite confidence and open new
community collaboration and compassion reminds us that lasting change pathways for young New Americans.
happens when local leaders and organizations unite for a shared purpose —
helping families rebuild, restore hope, and create a brighter future.

Ukrainian Community Outreach

Nonprofits are often on the front lines, working with vulnerable In June, the Samaritas Ukrainian Welcome Center in Warren
populations and innovating housing models that center dignity and was honored to host three guests from the Ukrainian Business
“Samaritas is redefining what affordability. One shining example is Samaritas, a statewide nonprofit Leaders: Promoting Innovation and Entrepreneurship delegation.
community-centered housing looks like.” committed to ensuring that every Michiganian, no matter their income, Their visit brought an energizing exchange of ideas, culture, and
has access to a beautiful, comforting place to live. shared dreams for the future.
From supportive housing for seniors and veterans to affordable housing
developments for individuals and families, Samaritas is redefining what Together with our New Americans staff, we talked about
community-centered housing looks like. Their belief — that a person’s overcoming language barriers, navigating cultural differences, and
budget should never determine their right to a safe, welcoming home — building opportunities that strengthen both our communities
is not just compassionate, it’s strategic. and theirs back home. The room was filled with laughter,

The Detroit News - Opinion If you’d like to learn more about Samaritas’ housing initiatives or conversation, and the familiar comfort of speaking Ukrainian —
Courtesy of Carmen Argersinger: explore partnership opportunities, contact Kelli Dobner, Chief Growth a beautiful reminder that no matter how far we travel, our shared
Officer, at Kelli.Dobner@samaritas.org. Together, we can expand access
Manager, Strategic Partnerships roots and hopes for a better future keep us connected.
of Delta Dental to safe, dignified housing for all Michiganders. 17
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