Samaritan Inn Report - February 24, 2009

Posted by Marc A. Sparks in Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX on Feb 26, 2009

The Director's Report

Week 8/2009 February 24, 2009

There are 117 people living at The Samaritan Inn, 32 are children.

Weekly Statistics:

Intakes: 16

Exits: 8

Graduates: 4

Program Notes

The 14th annual Lil Lambs consignment sale will be held on February 27 - 28 and will feature infants and children's clothing. The proceeds will benefit families in Collin County including The Samaritan Inn. Location: Greenville Oaks Church of Christ, 703 S Greenville Avenue, Allen, 9am.

All incoming clients are subject to a drug test before being admitted to the Inn and the tests are costly- but, effective immediately, StatLab Medical Products will donate two hundred tests every quarter- this represents a huge savings to us and we are very appreciative.

Thank you to Shannon Hutto's First Grade Class at J. W. Webb Elementary School in McKinney, who recently gifted The Samaritan Inn with children's books for our playroom.

It's time for another super sidewalk sale at the Friends of The Inn Thrift Center, this Saturday, February 28th from 9 to 3:30. We have been overwhelmed with quality donations and we will be selling everything at incredible prices, please plan to stop by and find a special bargain.

Welcome to our new Junior Samaritans- Plano and McKinney high school kids are forming teams of 6 to raise money for The Samaritan Inn. An orientation will be held on either Sunday, March 1 at 2pm or Saturday, March 6 at 2pm. Teams will come up with their own fundraising plan and then execute the plan by early May. All participants will receive a letter of commendation to be used as part of their college application and recognition in the press. Need more information? Contact Molly at mcastillo@thesamaritaninn.org

Job Opening-Cashier at the Friends of the Inn Thrift Center-9am to 1pm, Tuesday-Friday. Must be outgoing and able to lift 25lbs; bi-lingual a plus. Please apply to Janet at 103 E University Drive in McKinney- the purple building!

We need a digital photo frame for our lobby (minimum 14') so that we can thank our valuable volunteers. Have one? Can get one? Contact Peggy at: mgsmolen@sbcglobal.net

Story of the Week

Larry, age 59, came to the Inn on October 13th after he ran out of options. He lost his 22 year job as Merchandising Manager for Dillards, he lost his car, his home and, ultimately, his wife. His savings had been used to support himself and he was clinically depressed. After admission to the Inn, treating his depression became the priority. He was referred for mental health services, he received a prescription for anti depressant drugs and he attended counseling sessions.

It wasn't until January that we began to see a change in Larry and felt he was ready to begin to look for employment once again. He was thrilled when he was asked to come back for a second interview at a retail store and immediately took what little money he had left and used it to purchase a new jacket and slacks at Kohl's. After purchasing the new clothes he got on CCart (McKinney's public transportation) to return to the Inn-but halfway back he realized he had left the slacks at the store. The bus driver (also a volunteer at The Samaritan Inn) saw how upset he was and asked how he could help. Larry explained.

The bus driver completed his route and then took Larry back to the store to look for his forgotten slacks. He explained the situation to the store manager who immediately gave Larry a new and better pair of slacks and then personally helped him choose a shirt, tie, shoes and even a pair of black socks for his interview, at no cost.

No word yet on the results of the interview, but Larry still can't get over the fact that two compassionate and generous people would help him. We are happy for Larry but not surprised. The Samaritan Inn is funded by compassionate and generous people everyday.

Sincerely,