A Quick Glance in the Mirror
Last month we asked for your input on the ways we share information with you about the work of Good Samaritan Services, and we were delighted with the responses we received. Thank you for participating!
The results of the survey give an interesting thumbnail sketch of our supporters. Above all, we find that the majority of respondents have a direct connection as a volunteer at GSS or have come to participate in our work as the member of a church or community organization. The dynamic responsiveness of this group was truly palpable. Survey respondents reveal a remarkable level of connection to GSS, to our committees and our work. And what's more, there is tremendous amounts of cross-fertilization between people involved in our Permanent Housing Services and our Shelter Programs. So many people have multiple points of connection with our organization, with some people tracing their connections back 30 years to the original mentoring teams for Bridge of Hope Lancaster & Chester Counties, and others having been former residents and original staff and supporters of Good Samaritan Shelter. Besides the mechanics of this, (learning for instance that almost everyone likes to hear about us via email, while almost no one wants to receive a phone call!) this survey tells me that above all we are an organization with a living and developing culture. We have rich and living connections to each other, and to the work we are doing together.
This is a community led by the spirit of Love, responding to the needs that arise in our midst. How happy this makes me! We have great good news to share with the people we serve. We are a community that lives and expresses our faith through our commitment to the most vulnerable among us.
Thank you for being part of this work. And thank you too for helping us to get a better picture of how we can best stay in touch with you!
Peace, | | Bridge of Hope Lancaster & Chester Counties "A rose by any other name surely smells as sweet."
"I always gave my support to Bridge of Hope Lancaster & Chester Counties. What can I do to be sure that work continues?" The work we do remains the same, but now with a new name.
Please be sure to endorse your check to Good Samaritan Services.
To designate your gift, you can write "Permanent Housing Services" or "Bridge of Hope at Good Samaritan Services" In the memo line.
| | Supporting Steps on the Path to Success
At Good Samaritan Services, we love to provide opportunities for the men and women we serve. One way we can do this is by giving out scholarships to single mothers who are pursuing an education. The annually awarded Francesca Crane Scholarship does just this. The scholarship awards $1,000 to a current or graduated PHS program participant who is enrolled in college pursuing their degree. | | Lorionna Thomas received this award two weeks ago. The funds will help her continue her studies at Central Penn Business College. Through her studies, eventually, she hopes to go on to open her own non-profit organization to empower youth. Lorionna says, "My heart is filled with so much gratitude to receive the support from Good Sam to continue my education. Their efforts continue to give me the strength I have to pursue a career in my field of study. I'll be sure to pass on my acts of kindness as Good Sam has done for me." Lorionna, we are so proud of you and continue to cheer you on as you pursue your dreams! | | A Changed Life Helps Change Lives!
In late March, Rich Baxter, Resident Advocate in Phoenixville, received an unanticipated offer of help. Lou, a former GSS shelter resident sent a message offering to serve as a mentor to men in the program today. Lou had been a resident at GSS in 2009. That was a time when the economy was at its lowest point in 50 years, and we were expanding our transitional housing to include another house for men in need in Chester County.
Nine years on, Lou's life has turned around. He has a steady job, and he has witnessed the love and power of Christ to open doors and move hearts in his own life, and the lives of others in his community. And best of all, now he wants to reach back and help others who are residents in our shelter program today. Rich Baxter explains, "He understands what it is to live at Good Sam, leave Good Sam, live a healthy productive life and so now he wants to give back to Good Samaritan through our mentor program." | | Above left: Former GSS shelter resident, Lou.
We love to see the good work done in our programs come around full circle this way, and we hope that our volunteers and supporters realize that it is thanks to their steadfast commitment that Lou and others like him are able to give back to others in need and join the circle of Good Samaritans in our midst. | | We have Brochures!
With our newly enlarged merged organization, Good Samaritan Services has created a series of line cards, program brochures and a new overview brochure. They look spectacular, and give a real picture of the work GSS is doing across the continuum of need in Chester and Lancaster Counties. – If you would like a copy of these brochures to share with your church or community group, please contact Ashley Eager, ashley@goodsamservices.org and she will get them to you.
In coming weeks, our website will also be getting a new look, with new and updated pages to tell more of the story of Good Samaritan Services. Be sure to visit us at www.goodsamservices.org, visit our Facebook page or find us on Instagram! | | Connect with us on Social Media so you do not miss any updates: | | Important information about your Legacy Gift
Across the years, friends of Bridge of Hope Lancaster & Chester Counties, and friends of Good Samaritan Shelter have graciously identified these organizations through a variety of financial instruments including charitable gift annuities, charitable trusts and other bequests.
Now that our two organizations are one, our boards have merged, and our name has changed; but we hope that you recognize that our mission and services remain the same!
In order to assure that our work continues, and to assure that your support for our mission reaches long into the future, we respectfully request that you advise your attorney or account manager to stipulate that your legacy gift be directed to Good Samaritan Services. Thank you! | | Enjoy a fresh spring morning on the Schuylkill River Trail in downtown Phoenixville.
We don't mind if you walk or run, we just want all of our friends and supporters to show up for this fantastic morning that supports all the work we do! We welcome you and your family!
| | | Join us in the drive against homelessness for single mother's and their children on June 8.
Come support us at our 11th Annual Golf Outing at 7:00 AM & 1:30 PM at Crossgates Golf Club in Millersville.
| | |  | Women's Shelter PO Box 756 Ephrata, Pennsylvania 17522 T 717-733-3395 F 610-917-9815
Chester Co. Permanent Housing Services T 610-380-1360 | | | | Men's Shelter 141 E. High Street, PO Box 551 Phoenixville, Pennsylvania 19460 T 610-933-9305 F 610-917-9815
Lancaster Co. Permanent Housing Services T 717-394-7707 | | | | | | | | |
