Dear Friends,
Stepping into our family's warm house after walking home from our Ephrata shelter in bitter cold weather, all I could think was, "Wow! It's good to be home!" And later, watching the thermometer plunge into single digits on Sunday night, I felt such gratitude knowing that families and individuals living in our shelter, transitional houses and permanent housing were safe and warm. But, too, my thoughts and prayers turned to all of those who were out on the streets, or sleeping in places not fit for human habitation. On cold winter nights, we know in a special way the need to provide shelter to all our brothers and sisters.
While human compassion demands a response when the temperature drops, the need for shelter goes beyond simple survival. Good Samaritan offers shelter and permanent housing to protect people from the elements, but more than that, we offer the shelter of the blessed and caring human community which warms and nurtures lives across generations.
And indeed, what a blessing such community is for us all! Last month, we had the joy of seeing Sherry and her family graduate from our Bridge of Hope @ Good Samaritan Services program. Her story is a testimonial to the power of a caring community. (You can read her story below.)
Another example we shared this month was the tremendous response and generosity of so many individuals, churches and local businesses to our Taste of Phoenixville fundraising event. We were blessed to raise enough money to provide safe warm housing to 101 people for the entire month of February!
Knowing the benefit of keeping families in their homes, and being particularly aware of the negative impact losing a home has on children, next month, we are going to launch a special campaign dedicated to raising support to keep families in our Bridge of Hope @ Good Samaritan Services programs in their homes. This will be a peer to peer fundraising campaign that will invite you to make a monthly donation equivalent to that warm cup of coffee or tea you enjoy every day, or equivalent to one day of your own monthly rent, all in an effort to ensure that our brothers and sisters, like ourselves, can walk across a town on the coldest day of the year, and arrive at their own front door to say, like me, "Wow! It's good to be home!"
Look for more details to come your way in the month ahead. Meanwhile, stay warm and enjoy the comforts of home!
Blessings to you, | | 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.
| | On The Road To Success!
After almost two years in services with Bridge of Hope at Good Samaritan Services, Sherry has successfully graduated the program!
In those two years, she has grown in her confidence and resilience, formed meaningful relationships with her Neighbor Group, increased her income by learning practical budgeting skills, excelled in her full-time work, found and maintained permanent housing for her and her four beautiful children, and overcome so many barriers and setbacks to work towards stability and independence. Not only that, but Sherry has now moved into a new apartment that better suits her family's needs and is able to maintain it on her own!
We are so proud of Sherry's courage and hard work, and look forward to all the many blessings the Lord has for her and her family's future! | | | | |
2019 Taste - a Triumph!
On Thursday, January 17th we held the 17th Annual Taste of Phoenixville.
This year, we were back at Franklin Commons to celebrate with over 20 restaurants, breweries and distilleries. We welcomed approximately 450 guests to the event this year and raised over $65,000 total for essential housing services for our men, women and children in need in our local community.
The night kicked off with a VIP Reception and was followed by the main event with a variety of food and drinks, a silent auction of over 100 items from local businesses, and live entertainment from Concordia Choral Arts and the Hytha Family Band. During a short program, attendees were able to hear from former Good Samaritan resident, Moreh White.
In addition, the annual Karen A. Kenworthy Servant's Heart Award was presented to Jan Mest, longtime volunteer and friend of Good Samaritan Services. Jan has volunteered on the Taste of Phoenixville committee every year since the event began, 17 years ago! Fun was had by all who attended, all while raising money to support Good Samaritan Services.
We look forward to seeing everyone back next year for the 18th Annual Taste of Phoenixville! | | 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! | | Our Annual Garden Luncheon is celebrating its 20th year in March!
On March 16th, the Annual Garden Luncheon will once again be held at The Desmond in Malvern. Our featured speaker this year is John Friel, Marketing Manager for East Coast Growers. John will be talking about the ever-popular succulents this year. In addition, we will have a silent auction and a wonderful lunch. The event starts at 11 am.
| | |  | 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 | | | | | | | | |
