The Samaritan Inn Report - April 22, 2009

Posted by Marc A. Sparks in Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX on Apr 22, 2009

The Director's Report

Week 16/2009 April 21, 2009

There are 108 people living at The Samaritan Inn, 37 are children.

Weekly Statistics:

Intakes: 13

Exits: 2

Graduates: 6

Program Notes

front road sign Run for Cover, held last Saturday to benefit the Inn and organized by 3E McKinney, was a big success despite a little bit or rain. Over 300 walkers and runners showed up for the annual event. Special thanks to 7 year old Blake who collected over $500.00 for The Samaritan Inn by knocking on doors and asking for donations for the race.

Last Sunday, Trinity Presbyterian Church in McKinney held a "Blessing for the Animals" service. A special collection was taken to benefit The Samaritan Inn's new kennel program.

The Star Foundation, which funds The Samaritan Inn, is having a Designer Boutique on April 30th and May 1. Luxurious new and gently used designer apparel, accessories, gifts, and home décor will be available. Reserve your tickets at: www.starchildrens.com

Belated thanks to Petals and Vines, a beautiful shop on McKinney's historic square- during Easter week every customer who brought a donation to The Samaritan Inn received a 20% discount.

The Friends of the Inn Thrift Store is having a special event from Tuesday, April 28 to Saturday, May 2. We will be accepting donations of non-working electronic items- ordinarily we can not accept non working items, but for that week only we have made special arrangements to take them and turn them into financial support for our program. Got some things in your attic that you need to clear out? Now is the time to bring them to the store! Typewriters, computers, copiers, fax machines, stereos, DVD players, cell phones, speakers, cameras, the list is endless...Remember, recycle event logo

Story of the Week

Jake is 48 years old and has lived on the streets for 30 years. His sister lives in Collin County and begged him to come to the area and try, again, to get his life back on track. Jake came to the Inn to request assistance in October of 2008 and told the caseworker that he had been involved with drugs and alcohol for many years, but that he had been clean for the last week. Jake was told that he would need more sobriety time before he could be considered a good candidate for the Inn. He was referred to an inpatient recovery program for low income individuals and told to return when he completed it. Many people are given this referral, but few follow through; Jake did.

In January he returned with a certitifcicate of completion from the program and became a resident on January 13th. Since then, Jake has been enrolled in an outpatient program at Avenues counseling, attends regular AA meetings and life skills classes. Jake has also found a job and, with the assistance of his caseworker, opened his very first bank account and deposited his first paycheck.

Yesterday Jake told his caseworker that his sister told him: I see Jake again, for the first time in a very long time". Jake cried because, at 48, he figured he had run out of chances; now he knows that he has not.

Sincerely,