Samaritan Inn Report - October 28, 2008

Posted by Marc A. Sparks in Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX on Oct 28, 2008

Collin County's only homeless shelter

Director's Report

Week 44/2008

October 28, 2008

There are 102 residents, 28 are children.

Weekly Statistics:

Intakes: 12

Graduates: 8

Exits: 6

Program Notes

Speaking Engagements: Allen Chamber of Commerce and the Anna Rotary Club.

Prince of Peace Lutheran church will host a fall festival for our children this Saturday- there will be food, games, face painting, and a bounce house and the kids are really looking forward to it.

$1,000 worth of Greater Goodies, our chocolate truffles, have been sold to St. Phillips Church in Frisco and Christmas orders are already coming in-Samaritan Inn truffles make excellent corporate gifts. They were good before, but now they're even better-we have a new recipe and sophisticated new packaging. Remember our tagline:         "Satisfy your social conscience and eat a chocolate".

As the holidays approach, many plans are already in motion for our residents-one of our supporters, known in the office as Mrs. Claus, will be hosting a tree trimming party on December 7th complete with Christmas cookies, carols and hot chocolate. Every Christmas each of our residents receives a gift card to Target or Wal Mart, our parents receive their children's gift cards, and they use them to select their Christmas presents. We have found that this process is the one that provides the most dignity to those we serve.

If you were at our gala, you couldn't help but notice the beautiful red, Miata convertible that was in the lobby- thanks to our friends at Eldorado Motors, we are raffling off this great car and all of the proceeds will benefit the Inn. Tickets are $100 each and only 1,000 tickets will be sold and the winner will be announced at next years gala. Tickets can be purchased at the Samaritan Inn or at Eldorado Motors in McKinney.

November is National Homeless Awareness month- designated to bring awareness to this significant social issue. The Samaritan Inn has several plans in process and one is a remote broadcast by Johnny B, WKLAK morning man, who will simulate homeless by living outside for three days in the McKinney's Brookshire's parking lot. A variety of activities will surround this and we will keep you informed. Special thanks to Griffin Jewelry who is leading the way for this special event!

We currently have an urgent need for laundry detergent; it must be HE (high efficiency) for our commercial machines. Donations may be made at the Inn, at any time. Thank you in advance for your help!

We have an immediate opening for a full time maintenance staff member- janitorial duties, lawn maintenance, electrical repair, painting, drywall are just some of the duties included in this job.. Know someone who might fit the bill? Please call Wes at (972) 832-1510.

Special donation of the week: 100 pounds of sweet potatoes! Says Wes, our facilities manager: "I yam grateful!" :-)

Story of the Week

Jack and Audrey and their two children, Angie age 3 and Ray age 7, arrived at the Samaritan Inn in September. They had re-located from south Texas for a job but when they got here; the job was gone. Jack and Audrey have already found employment and are now saving their money for an apartment, but they are concerned about how all the moves and changes may have affected their children. Ray is in second grade and is behind in school. Since coming to the Inn he has been tutored three times a week and it is hoped that he will soon be working at grade level. He is also seeing a counselor to discuss his anxiety over his family's issues and will soon be assigned a "Big Brother" mentor. Angie is attending a pre-school educational center and is receiving speech and play therapy. Jack and Audrey are very grateful for all the support they have received and hope to be in their own home by the end of the year.

Sincerely,

Lynne Sipiora
The Samaritan Inn

Dates to Remember

Executive Committee Mtg-

Tuesday, October 28th, 7:00pm, conference room

Fundraising Committee Mtg-

Wednesday, Oct 29, 6:00pm, Bent Tree Country Club

Nationwide Tour
TPC at Craig Ranch-
November 3-5
Tickets sold by the Samaritan Inn benefit the Samaritan Inn
$10.00 each or book of 10 for $90.00; Call Molly (972) 542-5302

Johnny B's remote broadcast to benefit the Inn-

November 10-12, Brookshire's Parking Lot, Louisiana and 75 in McKinney

The Samaritan Inn Open House and Tours-
Saturday, November 15

Final Board meeting of the year-

Tuesday, November 25, Board Room, 7pm