Samaritan Inn Report - August 19, 2008

Posted by Marc A. Sparks in Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX on Aug 22, 2008

Collin County's only homeless shelter

Director's Report

Week 34/2008

August 19, 2008

There are 105 residents, 27 are children.

Weekly Statistics:

Intakes: 8

Graduates: 3

Exits: 3

Program Notes

School starts next week and our students are ready; thanks in part to Delta Dallas- their "Christmas in July" event- raised $1,900 for the children's back packs, school clothes and school supplies.

It's United Way season again- and we were proud to kick off the campaign last week at JCPenney.

Wednesday night from 4 - 7 we will have an open house for interested members of The Star Foundation. Star will fund The Samaritan Inn's children's program in 2009.

Also on Wednesday, we will host a tour and luncheon for employees of Dr. Pepper.

Samaritan Inn chocolate truffles will be served this weekend at the Eldorado Country Club, ladies golf outing.

Our ancient air conditioner on family wing 2 has once again gone down- repairs on this unit would not be cost effective, so it will be replaced this week.

Special thanks to Eton and Ari Cohn- two Plano boys who organized a talent show to benefit The Samaritan Inn last Saturday night.

I was pleased to be in the audience and gratefully accepted the $1,200 that they had raised.

Johnny B, popular WKLAK morning man, will tour the Inn this week in preparation for his emcee duties at this year's Gala.

And speaking of the Gala... We are proud to announce that 33 of our 50 tables have already been sponsored and the invitations have not even gone out yet!

Exciting live auction items have been secured, but we are still seeking silent auction items. Do you have something you would like to donate? Call Janet at 214-415-6487.

Help! Generous donations from the community usually keep us well stocked in the basics but occasionally we run low- currently we are in desperate need of toilet paper, paper towels and twin size fitted sheets. Donations may be brought to the shelter at any time- day or night. Thank you!

A ladies tea party and fashion show will be held on Sunday, September 7th at Heard-Craig Hall in McKinney to benefit the Inn. Sheila Williamson, owner of 'Tea and Mystery', will provide the three course tea. Clothing for the fashion show will come from The Friends of the Inn Thrift Store and we know you will be surprised by the fabulous looks that are available for a fraction of retail prices. Tickets are $45.00 and can be purchased on line at our website or by calling Molly at 972-542-5302.

Story of the Week

This morning I spent time with one of our residents- nothing special, just coffee in the dining room. This particular resident in his late fifties had come to the Inn after living out of his car for several months. He wanted to tell me how grateful he was for our services and for our staff.

He attended- as do all new residents- an orientation meeting. This is where we go over our rules and expectations, and at that meeting the staff consistently referred to him as Mr. Smith. He said it was the first time in years that anyone had referred to him as Mr. and he was overwhelmed by the respect and dignity it gave him.

Sometimes it is the smallest of things that make a difference.

Sincerely,

Lynne Sipiora
The Samaritan Inn

"From everyone to whom much has been given, much will be required; and from the one to whom much has been entrusted, even more will be demanded." -Luke 12:48

Marc Sparks is a leading Dallas Texas start up entrepreneur and venture capitalist. Submit an application for seed funding to Marc Sparks - the Dallas entrepreneur only at www.whoismarcsparks.com.