Page 16 - Samaritas Our Hands Fall/Winter 2023

FAITH IN ACTION

The Message Masters

The Message Masters is a group of volunteers who are taking time to visit houses of faith throughout
Michigan on behalf of Samaritas. They are serving as our ambassadors to tell congregations about the
programs Samaritas has available to help people who are often without resources to help themselves.

The group is chaired by Tracy Teich a Retired IT Executive and Samaritas advocate and donor.
Through these in-person face-to-face opportunities we’ve also shared opportunities for partnerships
to solve some of the community’s most pressing challenges. Samaritas Faith Forums, Coffee Hours
and other presentations have opened exciting dialogues. To date the Message Masters have visited
dozens of faithful stakeholders. It’s a blessing to engage with like-minded individuals to bridge any
communications gaps and answer questions about the impact we’re making to keep
families together.

This is a special shout-out to the 2023 Message Masters
who lead the way. We couldn’t do it without you!

In Southeast Michigan In West Michigan In the Central Region
Mihaela Mitrofan, Samaritas
Pam Debono, Samaritas Interim Director, New American Services – Rev. John Jack, Retired, Kris Callen, Retired Thrivent
Executive Director, Fund Development Southeast Michigan Samaritas volunteer & donor Executive, Samaritas advocate &
donor
David Ippel, retired Healthcare Exec, Linda Morin, Retired IT Exec, Tanya Horan, Samaritas Director,
Samaritas volunteer & donor License Lay Minister, Samaritas Corporate Relations & Special Kayla Park, Samaritas Community
volunteer & donor Events Engagement & Special Events
Octavia Lindsey, Recruiting Supervisor, Manager
Legacy Adoption Services Kristy Oliver, Samaritas Supervisor, Trina Kent, Samaritas Supervisor,
Family Preservation - SEMI RFD – Child & Family West Pastor John and Phylis Schleicher,
Kirsten Mack, Samaritas Director, Michigan Bishop Emeritus, Samaritas
Corporate Compliance Zachary Shive, Samaritas, New advocates & donors
American Team Lead, Placement Anthony Muller, Samaritas Vice
Opal Maye, Samaritas Senior Director, Partners President – Behavioral Health &
Corporate & Community Engagement Substance Use Disorder
Dave Wohleen, Auto
John Mayes, Retired IT Exec, Samaritas Exec/Entrepreneur, Chair - Rachel Sykes, Executive Director,
Foundation Trustee, Samaritas Samaritas Foundation Trustees, Legacy Adoption Services
advocate & donor Samaritas advocate & donor

Contact DeeDee McVety, Director the Samaritas Faith Centered Engagement Director at
(248) 953-1944 or by email at DeeDee.McVety@samaritas.org to schedule a Message Master
to visit your congregation. And, scan the QR code to learn more about potential
partnerships and community programs.