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.

Charles is one of the many faces that make up our Samaritan family and we are so proud of his accomplishments and growth during his time here.

Their fellow volunteers would say the pair complement each other well when it comes to their leadership of the 2nd Sunday team. Both are incredibly dependable and have a motherly nature that makes the team feel like one big family. Minnie and Irma are passionate about Samaritan’s mission and have strong Christian faith they put into practice every day.

Minnie (pictured here) prides herself in washing the dishes the right way—meaning scrubbing and scrubbing no matter how long it takes. She never misses an opportunity to eat lunch with guests when the shift winds down a bit. Minnie shares wonderful stories and she and guests can often be heard throughout the building engaging in the most contagious laughter. When (she thinks) nobody is looking, Minnie often slips extra desserts and bread onto lunch trays for guests. Samaritan’s Sunday staff member Barbara says Minnie has a huge heart. She recalls traveling years ago and finding Minnie had put a prayer on the wall for Barbara and gave her a special gift upon her return. Minnie has always found meaningful ways to make a big impact in the lives of others.

Irma always ensures the correct processes and procedures are being followed in the Soup Kitchen. If operations get hectic throughout the day at the Ministry, Irma has a unique ability to bring calm to any situation. As a skilled massage therapist, Irma is always willing to use her healing hands to alleviate any stress from her fellow team members. Over the years, Irma has brought her daughter and granddaughter to volunteer many times. Three generations of women that have the hearts of servants and a love for others. Irma is very involved with her family and considers Samaritan’s guests an extension to her family as well.

Every 2nd Sunday, from the moment the volunteer shift starts until the last dish is cleaned, Irma and Minnie truly are the hands and feet of Jesus at Samaritan both in service to the guests, and by making everyone they engage with know they are valued and respected. They keep things fun by bringing special treats for holidays and celebrating Christian love every day.

Through their countless hours over years of service, Irma and Minnie have developed lasting relationships with guests, Cornerstone men, staff and fellow volunteers. While their service was put on hold in 2020 during the pandemic, both Irma and Minnie have returned to serving in the Soup Kitchen again and we could not be more grateful. Join us as we celebrate two incredible women who continue to make an incredible impact here at Samaritan.