Behind every shared meal, there is a story to tell. Meals can contain more than nutrition; they can also hold cherished memories and experiences. For Robert G., Soup Kitchen Assistant at Samaritan Ministries, cooking for others has always been a generational way of fellowship in his family. As a child, Robert would assist his mother in the kitchen and absorb her cooking skills, tips, and recipes.

“My mama always said you have to cook with love.” – Robert G., Soup Kitchen Assistant at Samaritan Ministries.

His excitement for cooking followed Robert into his adulthood as he started working in the food services industry. In 2022, after transitioning into Samaritan Ministries’ Aftercare program for Project Cornerstone men, Robert jumped at the opportunity to work within the Soup Kitchen starting as a part-time breakfast cook and has now been promoted to a full-time Soup Kitchen Assistant.

When asked how it feels to serve the current Project Cornerstone men and shelter guests, Robert expresses how it is a blessing to offer the same support to others facing similar circumstances.

“I felt there was a need for me to give back. God and Samaritan Ministries’ Project Cornerstone have blessed me so much that I felt I could help make a difference by sharing my story and passion for cooking,” said Robert.

As Robert continues to fulfill his childhood dream of cooking for others, he expresses much gratitude and appreciation for his Soup Kitchen team for their love and mentorship and for the Samaritan volunteers for coming together to help prepare and serve meals of hope to our neighbors in need.

Robert’s story is one of many that show Samaritan Ministries to be a place of new beginnings and second chances.

Three years after COVID turned everyone’s world upside down, most of us are eager to return to “the way we were” — while remaining mindful of lessons learned during the pandemic. For people like you, we hope that could mean a return to volunteering at Samaritan Ministries.

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Volunteer Capacity

You will find many things are familiar again. Every day now, 12 volunteers are needed to prepare lunch and serve guests inside our dining room and cafe.

The hours are still Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. until 1:30 p.m., and Sundays from 10 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. And the warmth you feel from personally helping our hungry neighbors in need has not changed.

In-Person Dining

We have a mix of old and new.

For example, safety for volunteers and guests has always been a priority. Now that commitment includes following all COVID recommendations and restrictions, wearing N95 or KN95 masks, and socially distancing. It also means that lunch service in the dining room is contingent on our COVID-19 community level and could change accordingly.

New Volunteer Activities

Some things are new opportunities, such as a Soup Kitchen shift that allows two volunteers each day to help prepare and serve dinner to our shelter guests. This shift runs from 4 to 7:30 p.m. every day of the week.

We have new leadership with the Volunteer Navigator position to guide new volunteers and organize work during each lunch shift.

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Thank you for your support of Samaritan Ministries through the years, and we hope to see you in person again soon!

Schedule your next volunteer shift!

To sign up for a shift, please visit our website or contact Shirelle Stewart-Riddick, the Volunteer Coordinator, at 336-724-1962 or shirelle.stewart-riddick@samaritanforsyth.org.

Meet Caleigh Hauber and Maddison Carter!

As part of their community service efforts through Davidson-Davie Community College, both Caleigh and Maddison gravitated towards Samaritan Ministries in hopes of making a difference in the lives of our guests, one meal at a time.

Volunteering is one of the best hands-on experiences for students to learn the importance of giving back to their community. We are so thankful for our student Samaritans for their service and for bringing awareness to our mission in hopes to inspire future generations.

Salemtowne, celebrating 50 years as the gold standard of senior living, is sponsoring our Volunteer Program in 2022–23.

This program will recognize Samaritan Ministries volunteers throughout the year.

Kenneth Koontz, Project Cornerstone Supportive Services Counselor and Cleveland B., Project Cornerstone Program Participant

Last week, Samaritan Ministries participated in the Annual Point-in-Time Count in partnership with Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Continuum of Care (COC).

Point-in-Time Count happens annually on the last Wednesday of January all over the country.  The community comes together to survey our brothers, sisters, and families experiencing sheltered and unsheltered homelessness. The information helps capture data on the number of people who are homeless along with challenges they are facing.  We also give individuals an opportunity to share their suggestions for the City and County to improve services.  The Point-in-Time Count is a required activity for the Continuum of Care (CoC) to receive federal homelessness funding assistance from the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

This year, Samaritan staff and the men of Project Cornerstone stepped into the community to help survey individuals.  Staff also completed special surveys with all shelter guests and on Thursday interviewed Soup Kitchen guests who had slept outside the night before.  The information collected is used to help provide a more accurate reflection of homelessness in Forsyth County and to help our community plan for services to help our neighbors in need.

Learn more about the Point-in-Time Count and Housing Inventory Count – Click here.

It is truly inspirational to hear all these amazing Penny Campaign stories from members of our community. Thank you for spreading HOPE through your memories and inspiring others to give back to those in need. You can check out these amazing #mypennycampaign stories by clicking the video below or here to watch the full playlist.

Be sure to like and subscribe to our YouTube channel – Samaritan Ministries.

Talk about RISE & SHINE! Thank you to everyone who was able to join us this morning at Truist Stadium – Home of the Winston-Salem Dash. It was a true sight to see everyone together again. We hope you continue to spread the word about our mission and share how people can get involved at Samaritan Ministries.

Special thank you to our Benefactors/Event Sponsors, Friends of Samaritan, and Table Sponsors for helping us gather everyone together to hear guest testimonies like Allan’s testimony and how your generosity has made a difference in the lives of our guests.

If you missed the event? That’s okay! Below is our event video and link to donate to Samaritan Ministries.

We hope you will take some time to watch and share with your colleagues, family, and friends.  Your prayers and support help us continue our mission of providing food, shelter, and hope through Christian love to our brothers and sisters in need in Winston-Salem.

In the SAM & Eggs program, you’ll hear from eight impactful speakers:

• Lisa Parrish, Board President
• Denise Robinson, Board Member
• Dexter Felder, Board Member
• Dwight Lewis, Board Member
• Jan Kelly, Executive Director
• WXII Lanie Pope, Friend of Samaritan Ministries & Penny Campaign Honorary Chair
• Allan D., Testimony Speaker, Former Project Cornerstone Guest
• Billy T., Project Cornerstone Guest

CLICK HERE TO DONATE TO SAMARITAN MINISTRIES 

or send checks to 414 E. Northwest Blvd. Winston-Salem, NC 27105

See you on the 28th!