2022 was a big year for Samaritas’ Volunteer Program! Many programs have just started to open back up to volunteers following the 2020 pandemic. Other programs continued to rely on volunteers but are now increasing their volunteer opportunities as our society returns to normal. Whether you are a current or returning volunteer, or not yet a volunteer, we welcome you and celebrate all that you as a community have done for the children, families, and seniors in Samaritas!

BECAUSE OF YOU… Refugee families and children were able to receive rides to important doctor’s appointments, receiving the medical care they needed.

BECAUSE OF YOU… Seniors in Affordable Living Communities experienced the joy and encouragement of interacting with visitors and engaging in fun activities that brightened their day.

BECAUSE OF YOU… Ukrainian families newly arrived in Michigan received food for their families to their doorstep.

BECAUSE OF YOU… Children and their parents experiencing homelessness were able to feel safe and welcomed in newly decorated family rooms at Samaritas’ Family Center.

BECAUSE OF YOU… The spirits of clients living in our residential communities around the state were able to walk through beautiful, clean grounds.

BECAUSE OF YOU… Foster families could know their children were cared for while they met together to share challenges and encouragement at monthly support group meetings.

BECAUSE OF YOU… Children in care around the state were able to receive gifts to help them feel loved during the holidays.

BECAUSE OF YOU… Families and children living at Samaritas’ Family Center were able to participate in activities together from game nights to Easter egg hunts.

BECAUSE OF YOU… Refugee families could come together to celebrate holiday events.

BECAUSE OF YOU… Unaccompanied refugee minors were mentored in the skills they needed to apply for jobs, grocery shop, and prepare for independence in a new country.

AND SO MUCH MORE…

Because you joined more than 525 community members volunteering their time to serve children, families, and seniors in Samaritas’ programs around the state, contributing over 15,457.53 hours!

From all of our programs, thank you for being a part of the lives of the seniors, families, and children served by Samaritas. We see directly how the time you have offered makes in invaluable difference in the life of someone in need, and how each moment really is creating ripple effects of transformation through our communities.

Some 2022 Moments

Figure Skating in Detroit girls serve pizza to residents at

Samaritas Affordable Living of Gateshead in Detroit.

Volunteers served food – and helped with transportation, games, and activities – for New American’s World Refugee Day Event.

Students from Woodside Bible Church lead an activity at Samaritas

Affordable Living Rochester Hills during their annual “Hope Week”.

Volunteers helped put on a Trunk or Treat bash for newly arrived Refugee Families – giving many of these children and parents their first-ever experience of an American Halloween.

Volunteers filled multiple roles – including registration pictured above - at our Be the Rock Gala (Grand Rapids) and Ripples Gala (Detroit), making our two largest annual fundraising events possible!

St. Edith Catholic Church brought the Easter Bunny to the Family Center for an Easter Egg Hunt! (Braving both a heavy rainstorm AND a power outage!)

Staff from DTE volunteered to assemble Easter Baskets

destined for children in foster care.

The MSU Lion's Club celebrated a "Spring Fling" at Samaritas' Alison House, guiding the residents in a potted plant craft.

The Adrian College baseball and softball teams used their gameday as the perfect opportunity to collect hygiene donations for the Adrian Affordable Living Community! Go Bulldogs!

THANK YOU for bringing so much joy

to those in need!

Join Samaritas Ripples Club!

Samaritas monthly giving club, Ripple Effects benefits our Good Samaritan Fund providing a steady funding source for the immediate needs of individuals and families in our care.

For as little as $10 a month, you can provide...

a foster child with the safety and stability they deserve,
a vulnerable family with resources and guidance to create healthy homes,
a homeless family with shelter, food, and safety,
peace and opportunity for a refugee family,
enrichment for an isolated senior, and
so much more!

The Ripple Effects Monthly Giving Club provides an economical way for you to become a donor or increase your support.

Visit Samaritas.org/Ripple-Effects to make your tax-deductible donation TODAY!

Current and Upcoming Volunteer Needs

Volunteer at a Refugee Youth Art Exhibit!

Samaritas is looking for volunteers to serve as Art Docents for a weeklong exhibit of artwork created by refugee youth in Samaritas’ Refugee Youth Services Program, displayed by MexicantownCDC in Detroit. These unaccompanied refugee minors and unaccompanied children have lost or become separated from their families while fleeing violence and persecution in their home countries. In the United States, they are placed into the homes of local families who provide them the care they need to heal and pursue a new and safe future. This exhibit features artwork created by youth, giving them the opportunity to express themselves and empowering them to share their stories through their own artistic voice.

Volunteers will be available during open gallery hours to provide guests information about Samaritas, the Refugee Youth Services Program and those served, and the artwork created by the youth.

A virtual training will be provided to volunteers beforehand.

Location:

Mexicantown Plaza del Norte Welcome Center: 2835 Bagley St, Detroit, MI 48216.

Schedule:

* Volunteers will be scheduled for 2-hour shifts *

Friday, May 5, 11am-6pm (festival weekend)

Saturday, May 6, 11am-6pm (festival weekend)

Sunday, May 7, 12pm-7pm (festival weekend)

Monday, May 8, 11am-3pm

Tuesday, May 9, 11am-3pm

Wednesday, May 10, 11am-3pm

Thursday, May 11, 11am-3pm

Friday, May 12, 11am-6pm

Please contact Kayla Park at [email protected] or 517-449-3270 if interested or for more information.

Join Team Ripple Effects at the Detroit Free Press Marathon (and start training early)!

October 14-15, 2023.

Are you a runner? A jogger? Do you love knocking out the miles of a full marathon, half marathon, or 5k? You have the opportunity to support Samaritas at one of the state's biggest race events of the year - the Detroit Free Press Marathon!

Races include a Marathon, Competitive 1-mile, 5K, half-marathon, Relay Teams and a Kids Fun Run, a great way for the whole family to join and send ripples of positive change across Michigan. No matter your racing interests – there’s something for everyone!

Joining our team is simple:

Register for the Detroit Free Press Marathon and select Samaritas as your charity of choice (the dropdown menu to add a charity is found at the bottom of the Add Details Page).
Create a GoFundMe and begin raising for Samaritas! You can view our profile Our goal is to raise $500 per racer!

See you on Race Day!

Please contact Kayla Park at [email protected] to learn more.

Check out more volunteer needs and opportunities at our volunteer portal:

Click here to go to the volunteer portal

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