The Power of Experience Did you see it? A few days ago we posted one of our most watched videos on social media. Women from our program in Ephrata had participated in an exercise where they examined the negative ideas that sometimes seem to define them. But then, looking at the reality of their lives, they were able to remember the truth of who they were and how they were formed as children of our loving God. What a comfort this lesson was for each of them, and for all who watched it!
In a similar way, you know, there are lies we hear all the time and which too often we tell ourselves about ourselves. The lie says "Our society doesn't care about those who are homeless." "People in need are just pushed through the system." "I can't make a difference in the lives of a person who is in crisis or about to be evicted."
But the truth of our experience shows us that we live in a caring community. That there are people who care deeply about the lives of the most vulnerable among us. That we can offer meaningful care to people who are experiencing homelessness. That every one of us can make a difference in the life of a person who is in crisis!
The power of experience tells us for certain that in our community, there are hundreds of people who care about those who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless, and these people care enough to offer their time, their prayers, their wisdom and their financial support to keep this work strong.
People say "I am with you." "I am rooting for you!" "Let me know if you need my help." How grateful we all are for such support! Knowing that you are there for us, and there for the people we serve has given us the courage to keep going, down the path of uncertainty.
And friends, now is the moment that we truly need your help.
As we come to the end of our first year as Good Samaritan Services, we are facing a deficit, and we need your help to make it through, so we can stand up and be of service, with a secure foothold as we face the year ahead. I don't ask this lightly, but I do ask with hope because in so many ways you have let me know that you were with us, and that you cared to know if we were struggling to find a way.
We need your help! Please give what you can, so that together we can affirm the truth that ours is a caring community, a place where those in the greatest need can find a welcome and a home.
On behalf of the children, their mothers and all of the individual men and women to whom we offer shelter and support, I thank you for your support!
With a grateful heart, | | 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 The people we serve are so special to us and we try to provide them with all the support and helpful programs that we can. One of those programs is 'Good Sam Day' where we visit local churches together and worship the Lord. This gives our guests a chance to see what the churches are like in their community and for many it has been life changing! Like Albert who is pictured below being baptized at Vineyard Church - Chester Springs just a few weeks ago!!
Below: Albert being baptized by the Pastor of Vineyard Church in Chester Springs | | We hope that at GSS we don't just provide our guests with their every day needs but also their spiritual needs. Albert--we pray that God will continue to bless you on your journey...we are so proud of you, brother! | |
Wheels of Hope - Manny's Dream Car When Robyn McNeil decided to donate her Toyota Prius through the GSS Wheels of Hope program, she gave real hope and essential support to Manny, on of our Phoenixville Transitional Housing residents. In a community where public transportation is scarce and the hills are steep. this automobile is a life-changing gift for Manny especially since he has not had a car for over 10 years.
Photographed with Manny is Portia Graham, GSS Program Coordinator. | | Wheels of Hope is a new program at GSS. We know that for a family or individual to move along the path to stable independence, they need reliable transportation, and a donated car can make the difference between keeping a job and loosing it.
Here's how the program works. Robyn called us, and provided her - Name/make/model of car
- General description of car
- Vehicle Identification Number
Our case management team consulted and identified a person in need. On the day that Robyn donated the car, at GSS we were responsible for:
- Title and tag transfer fees
- Evaluation by a certified auto mechanic for safety and performance issues before transfer to a program participant
For more information or to arrange for a donation, contact Ashley Eager by phone (717-733-3395 x 2004) or email (ashley@goodsamservices.org). Thank you Robyn, and happy trails Manny! | |
11th Annual Drive Against Homelessness Engle Printing and Publishing Company hit a hole in one when they organized and ran the 10th annual Golf Outing fundraiser to benefit our BOH@GSS program, and with them came Alwine Security participating as our Presenting Sponsor this year. What a beautiful day it was, June 8th! The weather was remarkable clement, and the event raised over $22,000 helping families at risk of becoming homeless to maintain secure permanent housing across Lancaster County. Over 200 people spent a delightful Friday at Crossgates Golf Course in beautiful Millersville. From volunteers to golfers, everyone seemed to be having wonderful time. Winning raffle tickets were drawn, a chicken barbecue dinner was enjoyed, and stories of help and hope were shared.
Through their efforts with this wonderful event, Engle Printing and Publishing has raised over $135,000 across the last decade. We couldn't be more grateful for their support, and for support of so many sponsors and players who participated and as well as the many volunteers who made this great day possible! Are you interested in joining us next year? Mark your calendar now to attend on June 14, 2019! To view pictures of the day, please visit the photo gallery HERE. | | 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! | | Join us at Isaac's in Ephrata for a delicious fundraiser. Bring your family and friends to enjoy homemade soups, fresh deli sandwiches, and green salads. Twenty-five percent (25%) of the cost of your meal will be donated to GSS. We hope to see you there!
Please note that you MUST print, fill out and present the form at Isaac's in order for GSS to receive the donation.
| | | Come support GSS at Yogurtworks Cafe in Ephrata on Tuesday, August 7th from 7pm - 10pm. 20% of all sales for that night will be donated to Good Samaritan Services.
Invite your friends and family! | | |  | Women's Shelter PO Box 756 Ephrata, Pennsylvania 17522 T 717-733-3395 F 610-917-9815
Chester Co. Permanent Housing Services 1516 Olive Street Coatesville, Pennsylvania 19320 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 616 N. Lime St. Lancaster, Pennsylvania 17602 T 717-394-7707 | | | | | | | | |
