Page 3 - Our Hands Spring 2020

Grist Values In Action
for the Mill We live out our values everyday at Samaritas - This month, we highlight Quality Service and People First

BY SAM BEALS, CEO SAMARITASBY SAM BEALS, CEO SAMARITAS
QUALITY SERVICE
New Challenges, New Opportunities on the Horizon
Guiding Principles: yourselves. Yes, the work
e are grateful for our caring needs throughout Michigan, with often has been hard. We have
staff, dedicated Board dwindling resources. And yet, we are buoyed • We act with integrity and transparency worked some long hours,
Wmembers, enthusiastic by the biblical inspiration to, “Be strong and • We don’t cut corners occasionally doing things
outside of our job
volunteers, faithful supporting churches courageous, do not be afraid for the Lord your • We go above and beyond descriptions. Thank you!
and generous donors from all walks of God will be with you wherever you go,” (Joshua
life. You have ensured that our mission of 1:9), and being confident in His promise, “For I So, this our first Christmas
Serving People as an Expression of the know the plans I have for you declares the Lord, s I woke up this Christmas morning I began together. I give God thanks
thinking of the blessings that God has given me
Love of Christ continues to define our plans to give you hope and a future,” (Jeremiah Aover this past year. Yes, I have a lot to be for a group of people that I
can work alongside, share
identity, our purpose and our aspirations 29:11), this for both ourselves as we seek to thankful for in my life. Starting with the fact that Jesus in the good times and the
for service development to the most be faithful to our mission, and to those came into this world to not only show the way, but also struggles, laugh with and
vulnerable persons in the communities we serve. pay the fee for my salvation. The King of Kings who call my friends. God has
we serve across Michigan. Our mission stepped down from His throne to serve others and great plans for Camino a
is supported and sustained through our With your faithful and encouraging support ultimately give His life for us. What better gift is there Casa and I am so blessed
equally strong commitment to our values of we count it a privilege to follow Christ’s than that! to be a part of this with
People First, Quality Services, Innovation, example of giving unconditional love to Coming to Camino a Casa this past September to a each of you. I pray that this
Stewardship and Communication. Not In this edition of Our Hands you will learn people from of all ages and backgrounds, and team that was starting to be assembled I really didn’t Christmas each of you will
surprisingly, we continue to find that as more details about the continued expansion in doing so enable them to gain the hope, know what to expect. I learned early on that this group feel the true blessings that
we are faithful to our mission and values, of our affordable living services, the growth healing and wholeness they need to empower of coworkers had a ton of passion for the mission of we have been given. Thank
our services opportunities and successes of our transitional and independent living them to thrive in helping children find their way home. As we began to you for who each of you are
and for what you have been
continue to grow. foster care services, and the growth of our all areas of their lives. work together, training, cleaning, planning, translating, willing to do to make
professional counseling services, as well as painting, fixing, eating, or the many other things we did, Camino a Casa what it is.
We are excited for some increased service our other services around the state. Grace & Peace, I realized that this group really knew how to work hard
opportunities here at Samaritas that include Sam Beals and have a great attitude doing it. And then our kids
the most recent launching of our new In many ways ours is a tough calling as we Chief Executive Officer started coming a I was able to see the true heart of Jeff Walters
Director,
Substance Use Disorders (SUD) services. seek to meet chronic, severe and growing what we do here. Through this team our kids have
been able to see the true love of Jesus in the way that Transitional Foster Care Shelter
each of you has given above and beyond of Samaritas
COVID 19 BULLETIN

PEOPLE FIRST
When this issue of Our Hands went to press in early April, foster parents, mandated that all staff who could work from
the COVID 19 health crisis was in effect. Samaritas, as home, did so, and we were blessed by our volunteers,
an “essential” business, was allowed to stay open so we corporate partners and congregational supporters with
could continue to take care of foster children, seniors, low medical supplies, food, children’s education items for ere’s a photo of the snowman the kids created the
income and homeless families, persons with disabilities homeschooling and monetary contributions to help us other day—they said it was their snow bear and named
and refugees. Our staff never wavered and tirelessly support the most vulnerable populations we serve across Hit “Teddy.” This photo made me think of all of the work
demonstrated our mission and values to the fullest. the state. it’s taken to get to where we are: kiddos playing in snow for the
We implemented safety measures to ensure staff and first time and naming their adorable snow bear… a big THANK
resident health and well-being, and followed the CDC, We are grateful for dedicated staff who are going the extra mile YOU is due. These kids are a huge gift. Thank you for all you
WHO and federal and state guidelines for all procedures and for the prayers and financial support of our various supporting have done and continue to do, and have a fantastic Christmas!
and processes. We offered web-based training for our constituencies during this time. You all ROCK!

Mindy Erny
Office Coordinator
Our Hands SPRING/SUMMER 2020, ISSUE NO. 9 Transitional Foster Care Residential Shelter Grand Rapids

3 VALUES IN ACTION 10-11 COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS 20-21 ADVANCEMENT Thank you for playing a key role in getting these kids into a safe environment
here at Samaritas! I have been told that the home is filled with laughter and lots
4-5 SENIOR LIVING 12-13 EVENTS 22 FOUNDATION
of smiles. Have a Merry Christmas knowing that the work you do impacts lives.
6 CHURCH CHAMPIONS 14-15 GIVING HOPE CAPITAL CAMPAIGN 23 CONGREGATIONAL ENGAGEMENT
7 COMMUNITY CHAMPIONS 16-17 FOSTER CARE AND ADOPTION Kevin Van Den Brosch
8-9 SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER 18-19 NEW AMERICANS Samaritas COO Child and Family
For general inquiries, email info@samaritas.org For more information visit samaritas.org Cover artwork: Samaritas Family Center Resident
2 3
** Please note that some of the images included in this issue were taken pre-COVID-19 Crisis. **