HanesBrands Sock Drive Provides Much Needed Items to Samaritan Guests

For over 14 years, HanesBrands and Hanes for Good  have been working with homeless shelters, organizations, community groups and individuals from across the country to help create an awareness for those who are homeless or in transitional housing that are often over looked.

Socks and underwear are among the most requested, but least donated items at homeless shelters. Each year, Hanes for Good works to bring some comfort to those in need by simply providing a clean pair of socks.

Thank you Hanes for your support and partnership. Our guests got to pick from a beautiful array of socks in different styles and colors and their day was brightened by your generosity.

                                                            

Jim Graham Announced a Winner of the 2024 Forsyth County Governor’s Volunteer Service Award and The Bronze President’s Volunteer Service Award

CONGRATULATIONS to Jim Graham! He is a winner of the 2024 Forsyth County Governor’s Volunteer Service Award and The Bronze President’s Volunteer Service Award!

For over 18 Years, Jim has invested countless hours into working to improve the lives of the unhoused. Initially drawn to Samaritan Ministries through his church, Jim’s commitment deepened over time as he witness firsthand the transformative power of putting his faith into action. From participation in outreach programs to leading volunteer teams, Jim’s impact extends beyond the kitchen sink; even if you’ll find him there washing pots and pans weekly, he embodies compassion and humility, often sharing meals and moments with guests. His consistent efforts reflect his belief in the mission of Samaritan Ministries and the inherent dignity of every individual.

Jim was nominated by Samaritan Ministries’ Volunteer Coordinator, Shirelle Stewart-Riddick who notes, “He is willing and commits to be the hands and feet of God serving at Samaritan Ministries.”

Every Tuesday Jim and his wife, Beth volunteer together blessing our ministry with their commitment.

 

Congratulations to James Combs Winner of The William Pickens Project Cornerstone Award

James Combs has been chosen as the 2024 recipient of the William Pickens Project Cornerstone Award.

James Combs battled addiction for 35 years until he ended up in jail and homeless. He came to Samaritan Ministries for shelter and soon joined Project Cornerstone.

There James found structure, and the support he needed to maintain his sobriety. He also came to know how important a support system can be and now he gives back by remaining active in the aftercare program.

James has been truly committed to his sobriety and Project Cornerstone, and he serves as an example of devotion and dedication to others.

May Is Mental Health Awareness Month

The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) today launched Take the Moment, a campaign that empowers people to collectively embrace the power of now for Mental Health Awareness Month 2024.
As stigma around mental health persists and the national mental health crisis evolves, Take the Moment encourages individuals to prioritize and talk about their mental health without feeling guilty or ashamed. Take the Moment also highlights NAMI’s resources including its HelpLine, programs, and initiatives that support individuals and their loved ones in their mental health journeys.
“NAMI’s Take the Moment campaign is a reminder that amidst life’s chaos, we all deserve a moment to refocus, recharge and nurture our mental health,” said NAMI CEO Daniel H. Gillison Jr. “Together, let’s use this moment and month to make our mental well-being a priority and pave the way for healthier minds and happier lives.”

The 2024 Myrtie Davis Lifetime Volunteer Servant Leadership Award Winner is Announced

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. The award inspires others to give of their time, talents and resources to help the hungry and homeless of our community.

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 came from Jesus. She always put Samaritan’s guests first, serving with humility and empathy. She was known throughout the community as an intentional listener and prayer partner. Everything she did pointed to Christ. As a Soup Kitchen volunteer, Myrtie often filled the building with music. She was known to identify needs of mothers and children in the Soup Kitchen and return with those items the following week. Myrtie began volunteering to help homeless people when downtown churches opened their doors as shelters in the 1980s. When those churches founded Samaritan Inn in 1988, 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.

Matthew 25:35-40 “For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me. Then the righteous will answer him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you.’ And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’ ”

This year’s award recipient  of the Myrtie Davis Lifetime Volunteer Servant Leadership Award is Arzaia Thomas who has been volunteering with us for FORTY years!

Arzaia truly embodies selfless commitment to Samaritan Ministries. She volunteers every week with us and is a true inspiration.

 

Past Award Recipients

2023 – Kathryn Harris and Margaret Mills

2021 – Irma Jackson and Minnie Blakely

2020 – Elizabeth West

2019 – Emily Seawell

2018 – Myrtie Davis

Samaritan Ministries Chosen as the Novant Health Cares Donation Recipient of the Month

Samaritan Ministries is the Novant Health Cares Donation Recipient of the Month!

At Novant Health, there is a team member volunteer program called Novant Health Cares in which every month of 2024, a team member who logs their volunteer hours in our online platform is chosen randomly to direct $5,000 to the qualifying charity in which they volunteered.

Lauren Carmichael (Community Health Worker) was recently selected and has volunteered with Samaritan Ministries and will be directing this donation to our cause.

Lauren shared that she has seen firsthand the compassion and care we provide our guests daily from the Soup Kitchen, Shelter, and Project Cornerstone.

Monica presented the check and remarked on the longevity of the organization serving the community for decades. During her volunteering, she was amazed at how quickly we can prepare and serve 300 delicious meals daily.

This gift will help us serve over 1,400 meals.

Thank you Novant Health.

Samaritan Ministries to Host 10th Annual Tour de Llama on June 22, 2024

 

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

News media contact

Kim Thore, Marketing Director

336-448-2664 (direct) or ext. 324

kim.thore@samaritanforsyth.org

 

Samaritan Ministries to Host 10th Annual Tour de Llama on June 22, 2024

 

WINSTON-SALEM, NC (APRIL 22, 2024)— Samaritan Ministries will host its tenth annual Tour de Llama bike ride and fundraiser at Divine Llama Vineyards in East Bend on Saturday, June 22. All proceeds raised through rider registrations and sponsorships will help Samaritan Ministries provide food, shelter, and hope through Christian love.

 

Riders can choose 21, 38, and 60-mile routes that ride through rural Yadkin County. All rides will begin at 8:30 a.m. After their rides, riders, and attendees (families and friends) are welcome to stay at Divine Llama for food trucks, wine tasting, music, and of course, seeing the llamas.

 

The registration fee per rider is $40, and participants must be at least 18 years old. Registration is available at www.samaritanforsyth.org/tour-de-llama-event/ and must be completed by 3PM on Thursday, June 20. All cyclists must pre-register and complete the required online waiver forms before the cutoff.

 

“Tour de Llama is not only about fellowship and fun but also about helping your neighbor.  Funds raised help provide food and shelter during the hot summer months when our donations typically decline,” said Jan Kelly, Samaritan Ministries Executive Director.  “Our guests don’t get to take a summer vacation but count on us when summer heat drains them and puts their health at risk.  We’re looking forward to seeing everyone on June 22 when we can all come together and make a difference.”

Arbor Investment Advisors is the presenting sponsor of the event. In addition, Ken’s Bike Shop, Divine Llama Vineyards, and several other partners make this event possible. Sponsorships are available in four tier levels – Platinum, Gold, Silver, and Bronze. Visit the Samaritan Ministries website for more information at samaritanforsyth.org or contact Robin Stone at 336-448-2668 robin.stone@samaritanforsyth.org.

 

Samaritan Ministries’ goal this year is to raise $42,500.

 

About Samaritan Ministries 

Founded in 1981, Samaritan Ministries is an interdenominational, volunteer-based Christian ministry that serves Winston-Salem and Forsyth County. The Samaritan Ministries Soup Kitchen and Samaritan Inn Shelter are open 365 days and nights a year to serve people in need. Samaritan Ministries is located at 414 East Northwest Boulevard near downtown Winston-Salem. For more information about Samaritan Ministries, please visit samaritanforsyth.org.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Our April Newsletter is Here!

Dive into the latest edition of our newsletter and discover a world of inspiration, insights, and community updates!  From the latest news to exciting announcements, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Grab a cup of tea or coffee, cozy up, and let the journey begin!

https://conta.cc/3xcpUd4

 

#Newsletter #Reading #CommunityUpdates #Inspiration