Dwight Lewis, board member
Lisa Parrish, board president
Jan Kelly, executive director
Obie Johnson, testimony speaker
Charles’ Story
In October 2020, Charles came to Samaritan during the COVID-19 pandemic. His roommate, a breast cancer patient, was incredibly vulnerable to illness, so to protect her, he willingly left the apartment and decided to stay at Samaritan until he could find somewhere else to live.
During his time at Samaritan, Charles has worked with the shelter staff on a plan for his next steps in life. It started with help getting him much needed glasses. He then worked with Daymark to get back on medication for his depression, a mental illness he has struggled with for many years. He’s currently working with The Empowerment Project to secure housing and waiting on his application to be approved. He hopes in the next couple of months to be able to move into his own place.
Charles recently got a car after saving up his money from working as a cook at Papa Johns. He wakes up at 5:45 a.m., has breakfast at the Ministry, rests, heads to work and usually returns around 11 p.m. and does it all again the next day. On his days off, Charles is often helping other shelter guests. He buys bus tickets for other guests who have zero money. He gets snacks to share with his friends, several of whom he has grown very close with during his stay. He also is glad to help take guests to their job interviews if his schedule allows.
Charles has struggled with alcoholism on and off following the trauma he experienced years ago with the passing of his father and girlfriend within one week of each other. But since he came to Samaritan, Charles has not had one drink. While he didn’t join the Project Cornerstone recovery program, he said friendships with the men in the program and seeing their journeys has helped him stay sober.
When asked how Samaritan has played a role in his life, Charles credits the Ministry with being a place of hope. He says it’s hard to describe, but that Samaritan just has a positive energy. It’s God working in Charles’ life. He says he’s most grateful to the shelter staff for developing a plan for him and helping him follow through the plan by arming him with the resources, love and support he needs to succeed.
SAM & Eggs 2021: A Virtual Story of Christian Love
Join us here on our website at 8 a.m. on Wednesday, September 29 for SAM & Eggs 2021: A Virtual Story of Christian Love.
Hear a powerful testimony and learn about Samaritan’s impact in our community.
Host a Watch Party
Introducing the 2021 Recipients of the Myrtie Davis Lifetime Volunteer Servant Leadership Award
Introducing the 2021 Recipients of the Myrtie Davis Lifetime Volunteer Servant Leadership Award
Join us for our Volunteer Appreciation Event 4/25!
Join us for our Volunteer Appreciation Event 4/25!
Drive thru between 2 – 4 p.m. More details below:
Tour De Llama 2021 Registration Open
Announcing our 2020 Honor Roll of Donors
First Time Donors
Churches & Church Groups
Civic, Corporate & Foundations
Individuals
In-Kind
Sonjia Kurosky Project Cornerstone Endowed Fund
Penny Campaign
SAM & Eggs
Tour de Llama
Join us 3/2 at 10:30 a.m. to celebrate 40 years!
Join us 3/2 on Facebook Live at 10:30 a.m. to celebrate 40 years!
Hear from Mayor Joines, executive director Jan Kelly, founding board member Harriet Allen and former guest Larry Joe.
Recent Comments