Samaritan Inn Report - November 18, 2008

Posted by Marc A. Sparks in Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX on Nov 19, 2008

Collin County's only homeless shelter

Director's Report

Week 47/2008 November 18, 2008

There are 100 residents, 33 are children.

Weekly Statistics:

Intakes: 8

Graduates: 6

Exits: 2

Program Notes

Some important post Gala 08 facts:
This year we increased our attendance by 50% and our proceeds by 65% and we want to thank everyone who attended and contributed. The profits from the gala represent 11% of our projected 2009 annual budget. Given the state of our economy, we expect an increased need for our services next year and we will count on your continued support. The Samaritan Inn gets results-because of you.

DSVP (Dallas Social Venture has once again granted our proposal for funding our Children's Caseworker position!

WKLAK radio personality Johnny B lived outside for two and a half days last week to bring awareness to the homeless problem in Collin County. Listeners of his remote broadcast were overwhelmingly generous and dropped off donations of cash, clothing, food, and paper goods for the Samaritan Inn. In conjunction with Johnny's broadcast, Brookshire's and Griffin Jewelry held promotions and had drawings where winners received a gift certificate for the grocery store and a 1 carat, princess cut diamond and JC's Burgerhouse in McKinney contributed 10% of each ticket during JohnnyB's stay. The Samaritan Inn provides services because of our community support- thanks to all the participants!

Speaking engagements: Phillip Morris in Irving last week and Frito Lay in Plano this week.

Big thanks to the TPC at Craig Ranch who recently donated 52 briskets.

Long time friend of the Inn, Terry Lowrey, hosted several of our kids and parents at his land in Sherman last Saturday- a hayride, bonfire, wilderness hikes, fishing and 'smores' were just some of the great things they experienced.

Last Saturday we held an open house for the community and took interested people on tours of our facility; we welcome tour groups at any time and are always and will happily schedule them at your convenience. Interested? Call me at 972 542 5302.

Christmas is coming and we are already fielding calls from people who want to help our residents have a happy holiday. As we have done in the past, we will gratefully accept gift cards, in small denominations, to Target and Wal-Mart so that our residents can get themselves something special and 'shop' for their children. We have found that this is the most dignified way to provide for the people we serve.

Story of the Week

Leslie, 52, was referred to the Samaritan Inn by her counselor, after being evicted from her apartment in Lewisville because she missed two rent payments. She arrived here on September 15th. Leslie was married for twenty years and a victim of domestic abuse throughout the marriage. With the assistance of her counselor she finally got the courage to obtain a divorce and a protective order, but she has had a great deal of difficulty making ends meet ever since. Leslie was anxious and embarrassed during her intake interview, telling her caseworker repeatedly that she "never dreamed she would be in a homeless shelter." Since her arrival Leslie has attended our job skills class and meets frequently with our vocational coordinator. She also receives individual counseling to address her anxiety issues. While Leslie looks for a full time job, she is waitressing at a local restaurant and saving her money.