A message from Nate
We knew it was ambitious in 2016, planning to create a permanent housing program for Good Samaritan, but our Board had adopted a new strategic plan, and we were committed to achieving our goals. We didn't know at the time that we would achieve this goal with such speed and intensity, but here we are, two years later. Thanks to our merger with the former Bridge of Hope Lancaster & Chester Counties, we can say "mission almost accomplished!"
At the same time that GSS was working on developing a permanent housing program, BoHLCC was looking for a partner to help carry the load and extend their reach to more families in need in our community. What a blessing that we all came together, and have joined forces for good!
Now, just over eight months into the full and complete merger, it seems a good moment to reflect on how far we have come, and consider how this relationship will continue to unfold.
Mergers occur to develop new efficiencies, and cut away redundant programs and costs. What we have witnessed so far is that all of our programs are essential for the people they serve, and there is truly no redundancy in the work we do. For this reason, above all, we are committed to maintaining the same level of service, and to serve as many people this year as we have in past years in each program.
But what has the merger accomplished so far, particularly? We are on a steady course to achieve the goals for each program in 2018. More than simply maintaining the status quo, however, we are seeing remarkable developments as our programs work together. These include:
- Helping families from start to finish
- Expanding the services we can offer
- Making new relationships & connections
- Reducing costs
Knowing that you care and knowing how dedicated you have been in your support of Bridge of Hope Lancaster & Chester Counties, I feel it is important to let you know how we are doing, and how the program you love is fairing in this new merged state. For this reason, I am attaching this special report on the results of the merger to date. Our fiscal year has just ended, and soon we will be sending out our Good Samaritan Services annual report. I hope that you can see that this smaller report is a book-end to last year's news of our merger, and that the first GSS annual report reflects the values and concerns of boath organizations.
If you have any thoughts, ideas or questions about how you can continue your support and involvement for our Permanent Housing Program, or for any of the programs of Good Samaritan Services, I hope you will contact me! I have been delighted to connect with so many supporters of BoHLCC, and I hope that our relationship will continue to thrive in the years ahead.
With a grateful heart,
