October 2020 - Celebrating National Adoption Month
As we prepare to celebrate Thanksgiving with loved ones, in a year that has been challenging for all, we encourage everyone to be forever thankful for family and friends.

In November, also recognized as National Adoption Month, all of us at Samaritas think of children who need families where they can feel safe, secure, and loved.

In Michigan, we know there are 2,500 children in foster care, waiting to know the love of a forever family. Every child needs love, shelter and guidance. When Henry and Sofia’s mother couldn’t overcome her struggles with addiction, they went to live with their aunt, but she was not in good health and couldn’t provide them with the care they needed.

Though nervous, family members Kyle and Nicole, just a year into their marriage, opened their home to Henry, a cautious little toddler, and Sofia, just a baby – changing all their lives and making them “forever thankful.”

“We finalized our adoption of Henry and Sofia in June 2019. It hasn’t been easy, but we have grown to love each other so much. This bumpy road has led me to the family of my dreams,” said Nicole.
With your love and support, Samaritas can give children like Henry and Sofia something they can be “forever thankful” for – the loving homes and families they deserve.

Please join us this National Adoption Month in making a world of difference at a time meant for families. Visit lasadoption.org for more information. Please also consider following Samaritas' Facebook page to use our Facebook Frame and share our wonderful adoption stories.
Online Holiday Auction - November 15th until the 22nd
This statewide online auction will feature a host of exciting packages from trips to "Staycations"
and Family Fun, to Fine Art and more! There is sure to be something for everyone
and a great way to give a unique gift for the holidays with delivery by Christmas!

To sign up - Text: Samaritas Auction to 243725.
Some featured items include:
Suite Summer Escape Package to Boyne Mountain
for the family or a group of friends! You will be staying at the Innsbrook Suite in the Mountain Grand Lodge for a week of Northern Michigan fun and adventure.
Donated by: Linda and Dave Morin


Ski Weekend at The Homestead
Get out and play this winter at The Homestead
Ski Resort located in Glen Arbor, MI. This ski weekend for 4 people includes lodging
in Fiddler’s Pond, rental equipment, and lift tickets for both days for 4 people. The ski
area consists of more than 45 acres of well-maintained trails perfect for all ability levels.
Donated by: The Homestead


Private Lake Michigan Beach Home
Through the famous tunnel of trees to beautiful Cross Village, Michigan - known for its scenery and remoteness to enjoy the natural beauty of Lake Michigan, located just 30 minutes north of Harbor Springs. This getaway includes 4 days / 3 nights in a private 3 bedroom home along the shoreline of Lake Michigan.
Donated by: Cal Frappier
Freedom Village - Ribbon Cutting
On October 8, Freedom Village opened its doors to six of Michigan’s newest residents. The virtual event included a live-streamed ribbon-cutting with families receiving keys to their new homes.

Freedom Village includes three two-family homes in Hamtramck that were refurbished and redesigned for families. This construction project was made possible by a partnership between Samaritas, Wayne County, Wayne Metropolitan Community Action Agency and the City of Hamtramck. In addition to Samaritas CEO, SAM Beals, these dignitaries also took part in the ribbon cutting ceremony: Wayne County Executive, Warren C. Evans, Assistant County Executive at Wayne County, Khalil Rahal, CEO of Wayne Metro, Louis Prisker, Hamtramck Mayor, Karen Majewski, and representatives from Commissioner, Martha G. Scott’s office. These fine sponsors and donors helped get this project off the ground:

·  Mr. James and Mrs. Carole Wortley – 
in loving memory of William E. Wortley
·  Mrs. Pat Thomas
·  Holy Cross Lutheran – Livonia
·  St. Paul American Lutheran Church – Dearborn
·  Hope Lutheran – Farmington Hills
·  Synod of the Covenant – 
Southeast Michigan         
·  St. Paul – Grosse Pointe Farms
·  Omega Xi Omega – New Haven
·  Pi Tau Omega – Southfield Chapter
·   English Gardens

With a history as the largest Refugee Resettlement organization in the state, Samaritas welcomes refugees as New Americans. We work with them to ensure they are no longer defined by what has happened to them, but by who they are, and all that they have the potential to be.

Contact DeeDee McVety at dmcve@samaritas.org to see how you can still get involved in helping newly arrived refugees.
Join us on Friday, November 20, 2020 for
Samaritas' Open House and Ribbon Cutting

600 Burton Street SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49507

To reserve a private tour, contact Mary Cline at mclin@samaritas.org.