A SPARK OF HOPE: Thank You, Spark’ Dwell Youth Group for Making a Difference in the lives of our guests!

The Samaritan Soup Kitchen is thrilled to have welcomed two groups of young Samaritans from Spark’Dwell this summer! These compassionate and loving young people came with hearts full of love and a drive to make a difference in the lives of our guests. Many of their groups spent their summer participating in service and simulation projects, tackling issues such as homelessness, hunger, poverty, and education disparity through spiritual and service-learning experiences.

“As I work towards a career in addressing mental health while working with vulnerable populations, I feel blessed to have this opportunity to lead, serve, and inspire others to lend a helping hand through advocation and service,” says Christa Behrmann, a Spark’Dwell group leader.

Thank you to our friends from Spark and The Dwelling, for inspiring and empowering our young Samaritans to spread joy and love through their service. We are incredibly grateful to serve together and proud to see the next generation of compassionate leaders making a positive impact in our community.

Join our team of amazing volunteers by visiting our website to sign up for open shifts.

We welcome both individual and group volunteers daily (great for churches, community groups, companies, and families) to come serve in the Samaritan Soup Kitchen.

Seeds Of Hope: Betty & Jim Holmes Food Bank Garden Supports Samaritan Ministries’ Mission of helping people in need of food

We would like to spotlight the amazing Betty and Jim Holmes Food Bank Garden for their love and dedication to providing fresh and local produce to those in need in Winston-Salem and our surrounding counties.

In 1998, the founder, Jim Holmes, was inspired to plant a seed for change after driving by the Crossnore Communities for Children (formerly known as the Children’s Home) with his son and noticed the fields of land that could be used to help the hungry. To nurture his idea, he partnered with Crossnore Communities for Children, who provided the land, Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest Carolina, and Centenary United Methodist Church, who encouraged volunteers to help cultivate a food oasis of hope and distribute food to those in need.

Today, the Food Garden Bank has two acres of field crops and has nearly 300 amazing volunteers who serve annually to help plant, maintain, and harvest the crops.

“Volunteering in the Food Bank Garden means a lot to me. As a friend of the Holmes family, I am grateful to contribute to Betty and Jim’s legacy and honored to help people gain access to healthier food.”- Adele Clark, Garden Leader at the Betty and Jim Holmes Food Bank Garden (Pictured on the right).

In collaboration with Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest Carolina, the Food Bank Garden has donated their Spring and Fall crops to Samaritan Ministries to help provide nutritious meals to our brothers, sisters, and families in need. Last Spring, they donated 350 pounds of produce including lettuce, radishes, collards, peppers, and onions. “We are thankful to be part of Samaritan’s wonderful ministry to provide food to those who are challenged by hunger,” said Ellen Kirby, Member of the Garden Coordinating Group

“I was working at the Second Harvest Food Bank when Jim Holmes showed up to talk with us about his idea. He was so excited, and it was a true joy and blessing to watch the garden expand. We’re so thankful that all of these volunteers give their time and effort to provide such beautiful, nutritious produce to the Soup Kitchen!” – Jan Kelly, Executive Director of Samaritan Ministries

We are grateful for community collaborations like the Betty and Jim Holmes Food Bank Garden who are committed to creating a hunger-free community.

To learn more or to volunteer with the Betty and Jim Holmes Food Bank Garden, email harvest.tomatoes@gmail.com.

Samaritan Ministries Names New 2023-2024 Board Members

We are thrilled to announce the newest members to Samaritan Ministries’ Board of Directors. In picture: Brenda A. Kearney, Sylvia Oberle, Brittany G. Neely, Rev. Jackie M. Hairston, Todd A. Williams, and Jerry Enos (not pictured).

Each of these individuals brings a unique set of skills, experiences, and perspectives to our organization. We are confident that their leadership, mission-driven approach and unwavering commitment to our cause will help us achieve our goals and continue to make a positive impact in our community.

Thank you for joining us in welcoming these outstanding individuals to our team!

Check out our trailblazing Board of Directors 2023-2024 by visiting our website at www.samaritanforsyth.org/board/.

Tour de Llama 2023: A Video Message About Love, Hope, and Service

The cycling community came together in June to enjoy fellowship, beautiful countryside, and llama. We’re grateful to our presenting sponsor, Arbor Investment Advisors, for this beautiful video showcasing Tour de Llama 2023 that tells the story of loving and caring for one another. Collectively, we can all have an impact on the lives of our guests. We hope you’ll be inspired by our friends in the video to find your role at Samaritan Ministries.

Sign up today at www.samaritanforsyth.org/volunteerreg.

Film: Filmcove Productions

Tales Of Hope: Samaritan Staff Share Guests Moments

Samaritan staff members share their experiences of helping shelter guests in need. From providing a warm meal to offering a listening ear, our staff members have gone above and beyond to make a difference in the lives of those staying at the shelter.

One staff member, Kenneth Koontz, Supportive Services Counselor for Project Cornerstone, says he has worked with hundreds of guests whose circumstances and outcomes have varied throughout the years and describes his excitement when guests return with updates.

“It is the best feeling to see former guests come find me to let me know they still have their keys to their places and maintaining a self-sufficient lifestyle,” said Kenneth.

Sandra (Shorty) Staples, Soup Kitchen Assistant Manager, recalls a memorable moment when she had to confront a guest who caused a disturbance during lunch. Shorty remembers walking into the dining room where a lunch guest was angry and yelling at people. “He called me everything under the sun as I offered a listening ear and words of encouragement as he expressed his feelings. I felt called to let him know I see you and I hear you,” said Shorty.

A few days later, the guest returned to Samaritan requesting to speak with Shorty to apologize for his behavior. He said “Ms. Shorty, I am sorry for treating you that way. I was hungry and frustrated because I had a lot going on and you showed me nothing but kindness in that moment.” I promise I will do better. Since their interactions, the former guest visits Samaritan to show he is in good spirits and is living better.

These stories serve as a reminder of the impact that a little bit of kindness can have on those in need.

The Road Less Traveled: A Guest Story About Finding Hope And Forgiveness

Losing a loved one is never easy, and grief can take a toll on a person’s mental and emotional well-being. After experiencing the devasting loss of his son in a car accident in 2005, James C., a Project Cornerstone Aftercare member, fell into a life-threatening depression. James struggled with alcohol and drug addiction for many years, which worsened, and he found himself homeless and became estranged from his loved ones. James realized he hit rock bottom after stealing his daughter’s car and serving time in prison. After being released, James came to Samaritan and sat on the front bench seeking food, shelter, and help for his mental barriers and addiction.

Samaritan Shelter staff and the men of Project Cornerstone welcomed James into a safe space to be vulnerable, find accountability, and trust. With their help, James was able to begin his recovery journey both mentally and physically. “Samaritan helped me restore and strengthen my faith in God, who healed my mind, body, and spirit,” said James.

“God was the one who opened the doors for me because Samaritan is a branch of him. This is God’s house.” – James C.

As James was preparing to transition from Project Cornerstone in 2019, something amazing happened: his daughter reached out to him and offered to build him a home on her property and gifted him with the car he once stole from her to help get to work. James’ daughter credits Samaritan for helping to bring her father back and for playing a major part in healing their relationship.

“Five months into my recovery, I received a call from my daughter who I had no contact with, and she said Daddy, I just wanted to call to tell you that I love you and am proud you are getting help. I believe that was God’s work.” – James C.

Now, James is celebrating four years of being sober and employed. He loves his spacious outback parental suite built by his daughter and son-in-law, where he has been enjoying spending time with his five grandchildren every day.

We are grateful to have played a role in James’s healing journey and reconnection with his daughter, proving that even in the darkest times, there is always hope for healing and reconciliation.

Samaritan Ministries’ Nineth Annual Tour de Llama Bike Ride Marks A New Finish Line!

We had a LL-AMAZING time at Tour de Llama 2023

With clear blue skies and cool winds, it was a perfect day to ride. 289 cyclists, supporters, volunteers, and Project Cornerstone men gathered in support of Samaritan Ministries’ mission of providing food, shelter, and hope through Christian love in Winston-Salem. We had 50 sponsors at various levels join our presenting sponsor, Arbor Investment Advisors, to help to make the day a great success.

“We are here to support Samarian Ministries and all the people they help through housing, food, and Christianity. We are biking with a purpose!” – Beverly Williford, Black Girls Do Bike Group Rider.

Special thanks to our friends at Divine Llama Vineyards , HanesBrands Inc., and Ken’s Bike Shop, for their generosity and support of our annual event. We are grateful to everyone who participated in the ride, shared our story, or gave towards our mission. Because of your efforts, we raised $48,160, exceeding the goal.

Thank you for helping us feed and shelter those in need this summer.

Checkout all the photos from Tour de Llama 2023 on the Samaritan Ministries’ Facebook page.

We cannot wait to see everyone again next year!

#tourdellama #samaritanwsnc

2023 Tour de Llama Event Sponsors:

Presenting Sponsor:

PLATINUM LEVEL SPONSORS:

East Coast Wings

David and Kathy Murray

Reynolda Equity Partners

West and Stem Architects

GOLD LEVEL SPONSORS:

Joe and Amanda Budd

Joe and Kathy Ely

Jerry and Janet Enos

Keith and Janet Huskins

Tom and Megan Lawson

Mike and Mary McCandless

Paul and Debbie Neil

River Oaks Community Church

Steen Valuation Group

Richard and Allison Watts

SILVER LEVEL SPONSORS:

Rick and Carol Atwater

Austin Temple & Katelyn Henderson DDS

New Atlantic Contracting

Optimal Health Chiropractic

Lisa Parrish, Broker, Berkshire Hathaway

Quality Oil

Tanner and Meghann Robinson

Teall Sports & Entertainment

Uwharrie Builders

Waldrep Wall Babcock & Bailey PLLC

Wilson-Covington Construction

Womble Bond Dickinson

Workplace Architecture + Design

BRONZE LEVEL SPONSORS:

Atwell Ford Real Estate

Jonathan and Jane Aves

Bell, Davis & Pitt, P.A.

Brendle Crouse P.A.

Clyde and Ann Cash

Dairi-O

Fariss & Associates

Fiddlin’ Fish

Five Loaves Catering

Brenda Flynn

Mike and Gayle Ford

Charles and Vicki Forrest

GCG Wealth Management

Nan Griswold

Reverend Donald and Denise Jenkins

Johnson’s Modern Electric

John and Mary Ann Justus

Learfield

Page’s Screen Printing

Ridge Care Senior Living

River Birch Lodge

Cameron Williams

Congratulations to Kathryn Harris and Margaret Mills for receiving the 2023 Myrtie Davis Award

This award was established in 2017 in honor of long-time volunteer Myrtie Davis because of her faithful service to Samaritan and her willingness to follow the words of Jesus in Matthew 25:35. Myrtie places a high priority of spending quality time with everyone and is an intentional listener. Above all, she wants everyone to know they are loved. She practiced what we all want to do — to be the hands and feet of Christ.

Both Kathryn Harris and Margaret Mills are two steadfast Samaritan volunteers, who have often spent their time volunteering at Samaritan Ministries together and being servant leaders. They have now been friends for decades.

Kathryn has been a volunteer at Samaritan since 1988. She is well-known for running the beverage station in the Soup Kitchen and especially for offering special drinks like chocolate milk to children who come through for a meal. In addition to her duties at Samaritan, she is also active with Forsyth Jail and Prison Ministries and often connects with Samaritan guests who she has also known through that avenue. Kathryn has also been instrumental in keeping her own church, Saints Home United Methodist, engaged in the Samaritan Penny Campaign as well as regular canned food collection for the Soup Kitchen.

Margaret began volunteering at Samaritan in 1985, and she has also served on the Board of Directors. Margaret has often been a one woman show to pick up food from local grocery stores that has been donated to Samaritan, getting to know many store employees by name. She is known for arranging neighborhood canned food drives at Thanksgiving and has a special place in her heart for the men participating in the Cornerstone program at Samaritan.

“Volunteers are truly the heartbeat of our Ministry in the fulfillment of our mission to provide food, shelter, and hope through Christian love,” Samaritan Ministries Executive Director Jan Kelly said. “The dedication that both Kathryn and Margaret have shown to Samaritan Ministries for decades is both inspiring and vital to our organization. We cannot what we do without volunteers, and these two women have been a true foundation for much of our work. We could think of no one better to receive this honor.”

We are grateful to all our volunteers who have made Samaritan Ministries a place in their hearts. Thank you for supporting our mission and the lives of our guests.

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Samaritan Ministries’ Volunteer Program in 2022–23 is sponsored by Salemtowne, a nonprofit life plan community offering an environment of belonging and support where lives flourish.

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Thank You, Samaritan Ministries Souper Bowl 2023 Supporters!

It has been an incredible season of caring and hospitality as many have come together to root for us alongside their favorite Super Bowl and March Madness teams throughout this year’s Samaritan Ministries Souper Bowl. We are inspired by all your fun and creative ways to help us raise funds and spread awareness about our mission and volunteer opportunities. Thank you for helping us provide our guests with a bowl of comfort.

Because of everyone’s love, dedication, and teamwork toward our mission, you helped us reach 51% of our goal – $12,909.75/ $25,000! We appreciate our community for coming together to help us provide our guests with a bowl of comfort.

Special thanks to our amazing Seed Team volunteers – Berkshire Hathaway Home Services Carolinas Realty, First Presbyterian Church, HanesBrands Inc., Hope Presbyterian Church Women’s Ministry, and Leonard Ryden Burr Real Estate for coming to Samaritan Ministries sharing their hearts and hands as they cooked and served their favorite soup dishes with our shelter guests.

First Presbyterian Church: “It’s great to spend the day at Samaritan Ministries preparing and serving a meal with friends I’ve gone through a lot of life with. It’s even more wonderful to serve others together.”- David Robertson, First Presbyterian Church Volunteer

Leonard Ryden Burr Real Estate:
“As real estate agents, having a home is very near and dear to our hearts. If we could do anything for people who need food and shelter, then you got the right team!” – Kirsten Ririe, LRB Volunteer

Hope Presbyterian Church Women’s Ministry:

“We are excited to be a part of Samaritan Ministries’ mission here in Winston-Salem. As followers of Jesus, we are so grateful to be able to offer meals and what people need in the name of Jesus.” – Deanne Trollinger, Hope Presbyterian Church Women’s Ministry Volunteer

Congratulations to Longtime Samaritan Ministries Volunteer, Carolyn Britt for being nominated for 2023 Forsyth County Governor’s Volunteer Service Award

The words dependable, willing, and committed are deserving yet insufficient to describe Carolyn Britt and what she means to Samaritan Ministries. Though she has volunteered at Samaritan for 12 years, the pandemic gave us a fresh perspective of her contributions to our ministry’s mission, “Providing food, shelter, and hope through Christian love.”

During these years when the volunteer program was upended by Covid, Carolyn logged nearly 500 hours, many days coming to fill in when we were short on volunteers. Carolyn was one of the experienced volunteers who could be counted on during the holidays to come in and serve an evening meal to our overnight shelter guests. We see a servant leader who is willing to sacrifice time and talent to make sure the Soup Kitchen can serve over 200 of our hungry neighbors a warm meal every day. Carolyn can be found performing any of the kitchen duties needed, but her specialty seems to be preparing dessert for lunch service. She is meticulous in cutting and arranging the goodies just so, and I am sure our guests appreciate the care and LOVE Carolyn puts forth.

Long before Carolyn blessed us here at Samaritan with her great compassion and HOPE, she spent 40 years as a registered nurse. Carol has been an active member of College Park Baptist Church for 10 years. At College Park Carolyn is involved in the Senior Choir, and volunteers in the church nursery and kitchen committee.

Carolyn’s mission is to give back as much as she can. Her impact and stewardship is truly inspirational and we are grateful for the service she provides to our guests, volunteers, and staff.