Page 9 - Our Hands Fall/Winter 2021

COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS

WOODSIDE BIBLE CHURCH BEAUTIFICATION PROJECT Troy
congregation has done an outside Spring beautification project at
the Samaritas ILP home for girls in Taylor on May 22. This was part
of their Spring Serve outreach ministry.

DIGITAL TABLETS FOR GATESHEAD
RESIDENTS Earlier this year, sixteen residents
at Samaritas Affordable Living at Gateshead
Crossing in Detroit received free Google
Chromebooks. These devices were given
to qualifying residents to help them stay
connected with family, friends, and participate in
virtual doctor's appointments. This donation was
made possible from The Helm Life Center of
Grosse Pointe Farms through a United Way and
Detroit Area on Aging grant.
WOODSIDE CARE BAG Volunteers of Woodside Bible Church participated in the Woodside Care Bag
project over the summer at the Woodside Romeo Campus. They came together to fill bags with personal
care needs for Samaritas families in Affordable Living and Foster Care programs.
FIRST LUTHERAN OF MUSKEGON CONCERT SERIES TO BENEFIT SAMARITAS Thanks First Lutheran of
Muskegon for supporting Samaritas with the proceeds from your August summer concert series. Bands
like The Deep Greens & Blues, a down-home alternative country group from Grand Rapids performed.
Visit firstlutheranmuskegon.org to see other church events.

HUGO RIDES FOR REFUGEES Hugo DeCampos
selected his Eagle Scout project based on his
love of riding bikes and his desire to help New
American individuals and families who come
to the U.S. fleeing war, terror, and political or
religious persecution. His project, "Rides for
Refugees", secured donations of 14 used bikes
as well as funds to purchase the needed parts
so his team of 35 could repair them! His family
members and friends also donated hand-
crafted blankets to help give a warm welcome
to our New Americans.

FOSTER TEENS LEARN TO 'TAKE CHARGE' AT THIS YEAR'S MICHIGAN TEEN CONFERENCE The
16th Annual Michigan Teen Conference was held virtually in June. This event was geared toward
youth between the ages of 14 and 23 who have experience in foster care. One hundred-plus youth and
20 caseworkers participated in workshop sessions to hone in on skills such as health care, developing
youth leaders, recovery from foster care, budgeting, and advocacy. Inspiring keynote presentations
helped inspire all in attendance. This event is managed by the Michigan Teen Conference Committee
and other sponsors. We are grateful for the support of our Gold Sponsors Michigan Department
of Health and Human Services (MDHHS), Fostering Success Michigan, Michigan Federation for
Children and Families and our Silver Sponsor Adoption Option.

We’re currently planning the 2022 Michigan Teen Conference and can use your help. Take a look at the
video highlights of this year’s conference at samaritas.org/mi-teen-conference to figure out how you
can fit it. Contact Jennifer Stevens at (248) 663-0657 or by email at Jennifer.Stevens@samaritas.org to
be a corporate sponsor, keynote speaker or donor for the 2022 event. We’d love to have you onboard!

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