Page 2 - Our Hands FALL 2019

Our Faithfulness to

His Calling Continues

BY SAM BEALS, CEO SAMARITASBY SAM BEALS, CEO SAMARITAS

s we reflect on completing our
milestone 85th year of fulfilling
Aour mission - Serving People as an
Expression of the Love of Christ, we are
eternally grateful for God’s faithfulness
Samaritas. We celebrate the profound
impact that our services have had over the
years in support of the most vulnerable
populations in Michigan. With His
blessings, and the tireless commitment
of our past and present staff, volunteers,
faithful donors, and supporting churches,
we look forward to the opportunity to
continue meeting critical needs for those Kevin Van Den Bosch Kim Thompson
we are privileged to serve in the coming COO - Child and Family COO - Senior Living
years.
knowledge to keep this service line moving culture changes and unpredictable
As we stay true to our values and the forward and growing. And Abbie Perry, economic times, we continue to find great
biblical mandates of serving with our new Vice President of Quality, is joy in faithfully bringing hope, healing and
compassion and integrity we are mindful helping to solidify our processes and wholeness to those we serve in the name
that we are all “created in the image of procedures that will lay the groundwork for of Christ. We find this encouragement in
God,” (Genesis 1:27), so we are confident continuous improvement. part from the verse that states, “Be strong
that He will continue to empower this Our adoption, foster care and child and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not
ministry to meet the increasing needs that abuse and neglect prevention services be discouraged, for the Lord your God will
are presented to us every day. We are called continue to increase. We are excited be with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9)
“to look after the orphan and the widow about new opportunities we have to serve We are also buoyed in our work by the
in their distress” (James 1:27) and to fulfill additional unaccompanied refugee minors faithful prayers, volunteer support and
the words of Christ to “love your neighbor and unaccompanied children. We have financial support from donors, churches
as yourself,” (Luke 6:1).
learned innovative ways to serve additional and Foundation whose values resonate
As we look to the future, ministry persons with disabilities, and increasingly to ours. We are grateful for any way you
opportunities abound and we are grateful effective ways to serve seniors in our care. may be able to support our mission and
to have the capacity to meet the most In addition, we are growing much needed ministry efforts, and trust the Lord will
critical health and human needs before affordable housing services. These are but richly bless your Kingdom service.
us. We are blessed to have new leadership a few examples of ways in which we are not
- Kevin Van Den Bosch as our new COO only meeting additional needs now, but
of Child and Family comes to us with will also in the coming years. Grace & Peace,
a wealth of experience, most recently During these days of political polarization,
from Wedgwood in Grand Rapids. Kim public safety concerns, social justice Sam Beals
Thompson, our new COO of Senior challenges, anxieties about significant Chief Executive Officer
Living, has the depth and breadth of

Our Hands FALL/WINTER 2019, ISSUE NO. 8

3 THE BEGINNING OF SAMARITAS 11 LIFT UP SAGINAW 18-19 FOSTER TO ADOPT
4-5 SENIOR LIVING 12-13 NEW AMERICANS 20 VOLUNTEER
6-7 COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS 14-15 EVENTS 21 ADVANCEMENT
8-9 NEW AMERICANS 16 PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES 22 HERITAGE SOCIETY
10 FREEDOM VILLAGE 17 AFFORDABLE LIVING 23 CONGREGATIONAL ENGAGEMENT

2 For general inquiries, email info@samaritas.org For more information visit samaritas.org Cover artwork: Fessenden Family