Samaritan Inn Report - December 30, 2008

Posted by Marc A. Sparks in Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX on Dec 30, 2008

Collin County's only homeless shelter

Director's Report

Week 53/2008 December 30, 2008

There are 100 residents, 25 are children.

Weekly Statistics:

Intakes: 2

Graduates: 0

Exits: 0

Program Notes

As we close 2008 we can't help celebrating some of this year's accomplishments- they were possible because of you, our loyal supporters:

1. Opened the Gateway Apartments, recruited twenty community groups to furnish each unit; recruited, trained, and assigned a mentor to every Gateway resident.

2. Hired a Gateway caseworker, thanks to a grant from the Reuter Foundation.

3. Renewed our grant from Dallas Social Venture Partners that funds our Children's Caseworker.

4. Established The Samaritan Inn Dinner Club which has reduced our food costs by 75%.

5. Had a record breaking gala-increased attendance by 50% and profits by 65%.

6. Actively promoted homeless awareness month with radio station KLAK and a Dallas Morning News three part series.

7. Graduated 483 people-meaning they left our program with a place of their own to live and full time employment.

8. Housed and fed 687 people.

9. Provided over $20,000 worth of clothing and household goods to our residents and people in need in the community.

10. Provided $10,000 worth of food to people in need in the community.

Story of the Week

Amber is 23 years old and the mother of a ten month old baby. She has been living with her boyfriend and father of the baby for the last two years, but when he became abusive she decided she had to move out and she had no where to go. Amber and her baby were referred by her church and they entered the Inn on November 26th. We immediately helped her find childcare and assisted her in finding a job- however due to a lack of job skills and experience, her job pays only minimum wage. Amber attends parenting classes and budgeting classes at night and continues to seek a higher paying job. Amber's caseworker believes she would be a good candidate for subsidized housing and is currently working to get her on the appropriate list. Amber was so grateful to spend Christmas at the Inn and was thrilled to receive her Christmas gift card so that she could buy things for her baby.

I will be at the Texas Homeless Network state conference January 5-8. I will be checking email, but if you if you need immediate assistance during that time please call Tracy Westhoff.

Happy New Year!

Lynne Sipiora
The Samaritan Inn

Dates to Remember

Fundraising Committee- January 15, 6:00, Bent Tree Country Club

Investment Committee- January 22, 4:30 Glen Eagles country Club

Board Meeting-

January 27, 7pm, Board Room

Thrift Store logo

103 E. Univertsity Dr.

McKinney, TX 75071

(972) 547-5567

This week at the thrift store-permanent mark downs on select furniture, 50% off all handbags, luggage and wall décor, 30% off VHS Tapes and Kid's Books- and remember tomorrow, 12/31 is the last day to make a donation to the store (from 10am to 2pm) and receive a tax receipt for 2008.

HOLIDAY HOURS:

December 31 9am - 4pm

January 1 CLOSED