Samaritan Inn Report - December 16, 2008

Posted by Marc A. Sparks in Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX on Dec 16, 2008

Collin County's only homeless shelter

Director's Report

Week 51/2008 December 16, 2008

There are 110 residents, 32 are children.

Weekly Statistics:

Intakes: 13

Graduates: 4

Exits: 5

Program Notes

Need a little Christmas to boost your spirits? Come by the Samaritan Inn and see how good people truly are.

I am typing this email while sitting in the midst of 50 gingerbread houses, 30 poinsettias and mountains of donated paper goods and personal hygiene products; all generous gifts from the community!

Last Sunday a local family brought Santa's Secret Workshop to the Inn- it was a place where our children could choose Christmas gifts to give to their parents and siblings and it was a great opportunity to share the joy of giving.

Special thanks to the employees of CoServe Electric Company in Corinth, who recently made a significant donation to our program.

Over 3,000 worth of our Greater Goodies chocolate truffles have been sold this week. Interested in a two hour shift at our Allen kiosk? Email Cheryl at: cherylspofford@thesamaritaninn.org.

170 volunteer hours were worked this week-thanks to all who donated their time.

Story of the Week

Martha is 61 years old and divorced. She has supported herself, through out her life, by working as a Nanny. During 2008 Martha was placed as a Nanny three times by a reputable agency, but each time the job ended early as the families' financial situation changed. Martha was between jobs when her apartment lease was due to be renewed and because she was unemployed, she was denied the renewal. Martha then moved into an extended stay hotel room. She paid the rent by using two credit cards, eventually she reached her limit, the cards were denied, and Martha was locked out of her room.

"That is when I knew I was at the end, I was homeless and I couldn't believe it."

Martha arrived at the Inn on December 4th and was very anxious. She and her Caseworker put together a list of goals and Martha immediately started working on them. She updated her resume with our Vocational Counselor and last week found a part time job as a Home Health Aide.

She knows she will need a full time job or a second part time job to support herself and she is actively looking. Because of her age Martha is not eligible for social security and/or Medicare.

Martha has some concerns about competing with younger people for jobs, but she is determined to be independent as soon as possible.

Sincerely,

Lynne Sipiora
The Samaritan Inn

15 days left in 2008!

103 E. Univertsity Dr.

McKinney, TX 75071

(972) 547-5567

Christmas is on sale at the Thrift Store. Please come see our large selection of trees, wreaths and holiday décor all for 30% off.

The last day to make a donation to the Thrift Store and receive a tax receipt for 2008 will be December 30th - donation hours are Tues-Sat, 10am to 2pm.

Special Need

As you may be aware, our residents receive their shoes, clothing and coats from our thrift store but we recently admitted a young man who has not been able to find what he needs. He's only 14 but he's a big guy, so we are putting out a special plea to anyone who might consider helping him-he is in need of jeans (size 46x30), shoes (size 16) shirts (3x), boxers (size 42-44) and a coat (3x). If you would like to help, please bring any of these items to the Inn and mark them: WT.

Quick Links

www.thesamaritaninn.org

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