Marching Towards Impact

We are MARCHING towards a major accomplishment!

This month marks Samaritan’s 43rd anniversary! Our mission remains relevant four decades later, and we remain grounded in the words of Jesus in Matthew 25:35. We stand on the shoulders of others who have gone before us in creating this special place of hope in Winston-Salem.

During March we are also celebrating Women’s History Month, and we’re grateful for Ann Hensel, our founding director, who encouraged people to step out of their comfort zones to feed and shelter those in need.

Sonjia Kurosky followed Ann for 27 years with a vision of how all of our lives – guests, volunteers, board, staff and donors -- can be transformed through service together.

Thank you for continuing to do your part as we work together to make life better for our guests.

"She was a friendly face in an unfamiliar place" *

As we reflect on our anniversary, we wanted to spotlight one of our first volunteers: Elizabeth West, the 2020 recipient of the Myrtie Davis Volunteer Servant Leadership Award. Elizabeth was born in Winston Salem on April 13, 1920. She died in 2008, after spending the majority of her life in her home city. She graduated from Winston-Salem Teachers College (now WSSU) in 1941. She then received her master’s degree in education from N.C. A&T State University and furthered her education at Temple University in Philadelphia, PA. Pictured here is Elizabeth West (left) with founding director Ann Hensel.

Elizabeth was a founding volunteer at Samaritan and served on the very first Board of Directors. Sonjia Kurosky, former Executive Director of Samaritan Ministries, says there are many stories about Elizabeth making peanut butter and jelly sandwiches the very first day the soup kitchen served lunch back in 1981. She was also well-known for her mini English muffin pizzas! From day one, she was a light that shone brightly on our guests, and she continued her own special way of ministering at Samaritan for over 20 years.

* James S. Project Cornerstone Aftercare Member

The Myrtie Davis Lifetime Volunteer Servant Leadership Award Nominations

Are Open

The Myrtie Davis Volunteer Servant Leadership Award was established in 2017 to honor a long-time volunteer for selfless commitment to Samaritan Ministries and our guests. The Award is meant to be an encouragement to all of us to act on the words of Jesus in Matthew 25.

Myrtie Davis began volunteering at Samaritan Ministries in the Soup Kitchen in 1981 and served faithfully on the Monday team for over 20 years. The inspiration for her service comes from Jesus.

She always put Samaritan’s guests first, serving with humility and empathy. Myrtie began volunteering to help homeless people when downtown churches opened their doors as shelters in the 1980s. When those churches founded Samaritan Inn, Myrtie continued her involvement. She joined volunteers from First Presbyterian through the overflow shelter and at Samaritan Inn multiple times a year.

She is beloved by Samaritan guests, volunteers and staff.

To learn more about nominating someone for the Myrtie Davis award click here .

Gaining Control of Your Money Gives You Choices to Decide Your Future.

As a part of our strategic plan of helping our guests transform their lives, our partnership with Operation HOPE gives our guests and staff access to financial wellbeing workshops.

In these sessions, our coach, Alisa Dunn shares strategies for individuals to make changes in financial habits and improve overall financial stability.

In addition to individual coaching sessions, Operation HOPE offers small group coaching sessions for people who want additional practice and/or go deeper into a specific topic. These sessions are about skill building on topics covered in group education and provide our guests with additional opportunities to gain knowledge on a topic.

Thank you, Operation HOPE, for helping our guests find their "pot of gold."

"By listening to suggestions from Operation HOPE, I was able to improve my credit quickly, purchase a car, and I am now on my way to purchasing my new home." - Marcus Houston, Assistant Director, Samaritan Ministries

"I enjoy working directly with the men at Samaritan Ministries to educate them and then to see the light of understanding turn on. They are able to take control of their lives back and are empowered to help themselves." - Alisa C. Dunn, Financial Wellbeing Coach, Operation HOPE

Lunchtime Volunteer Opportunities:

On average we serve over 200 meals for lunch. Join us as a lunchtime volunteer and be a part of providing a warm, nutritious meal to someone who is hungry. Spots are open for 12 volunteers daily. Shifts are available Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Dinnertime Volunteer Opportunities:

We need 4-6 volunteers daily to help prepare and serve dinner to our shelter guests. Grab a few of your friends, church or, club members and share the love of giving back. Dinnertime volunteers must be 18 years or older.

Shifts are available: Mon through Sun from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

As we reflect on the incredible four-decade journey of Samaritan Ministries, we are overwhelmed with gratitude for the unwavering support from our incredible community of supporters.

From the bottom of our hearts, we want to extend a sincere thank you to each and every one of you who has contributed time, resources, and passion to our cause.

Whether you've been a volunteer, donor, partner, or advocate, your support has been the driving force behind our work. Your belief in our mission has empowered us to continue making a difference, and we are profoundly grateful for your trust in us.