Samaritas Our Hands Spring 2018

SPRING/SUMMER 2018, ISSUE NO. 5Our Hands Connect. Empower. Transform.

Grist for the M ill Thoughts from our CEO to spark conversation BY SAM BEALS, CEO SAMARITASLoving and Giving Hope to Board of Vulnerable Children DirectorsBelieving that all people are made in the image While it is gratifying to experience the many Board Chairman of God and so deserving of love, respect, successes that children and their parents make Matthew Pedersen dignity and hope for a future, Samaritas has while being loved and served by loving their fosteran especially soft heart for children of all ages and parents, and through counseling and other services Vice Chairmanbackgrounds who have been the victims of abuse Samaritas provides, this service area is always Dale Gerardand neglect as this allows us yet another opportunity challenged with having enough foster parentsof fulfilling our mission of Serving People as an who have the training and skills to take on these SecretaryExpression of the Love of Christ. especially difficult experiences. Michelle GagginiWhile we serve many children in the context of our We are grateful for the many foster parents who are Treasureradoption, New Americans (refugee), disabilities and willing to take on these and other challenges that Dan Carteraffordable housing services, we find that the impact children have as a result of the multiple traumaswe can have on vulnerable children in our foster they have endured. We would be very thankful Directorshomes is unusually effective and compelling. for any help that you, your extended family and Randy Asmus neighbors, and faith community can give us in Sarah Prues HeckerAs the largest provider of foster care services in recruiting the families needed to help the hurting Mary Anne JonesMichigan, Samaritas serves over 1,500 children children we are privileged to serve. Families who Michael Knealeannually, working with the children’s parents in an serve in this way are a memorable blessing to the The Rev. Donald P. Kreisseffort to reunify the family and with the children to children they serve, and blessed themselves by the David Morinenable them to recover from the trauma they have positive impact they have on the most vulnerable Jason Paulateerexperienced. in our community. Your prayers and tireless Todd Perkins encouragement in support of these services is a Mark StankoThe effectiveness of these services is such that 74% of great blessing to this ministry. Brett VanderKampthe children that come into care are returned to theirparents in less than 12 months due to the notable Grace & Peace,gains the parents have made in regaining stability intheir lives, and learning effective ways of providing Sam Bealsa safe and secure home for their children. Of those Chief Executive Officerserved who cannot return to their families, 76% areplaced in adoptive “forever families” in less than24 months.Children served in our foster homes include Foster Parents Should be Committed Individuals Who Are:unaccompanied minor refugee children representing • Willing to work with the child's birth parents.many different cultures, those who have experienced • Supportive of efforts to return the child home.chronic and severe trauma, those with severe • Able to work with children who have emotional and behavioral needs.disabilities and those impacted by the opioid crisis, • Able to encourage teens toward independent living.either personally and/or through their parent’s • Willing to provide a permanent home if necessary.challenges with opioids addiction. Visit samaritas.org/Foster-Care for more informationOur Hands SPRING/SUMMER 2018, ISSUE NO. 5 3 We’re Continuously Improving for You 9 National Foster Care Month Campaign Raises Awareness 4 A Different Kind of Love Story 10 Keeping Young with Yoga! 5 Advocating for Persons with Disabilities 11 Giving Back by Paying it Forward 6 New Americans Building Stronger Communities Through Commerce 12 Community Connections 7 Introducing Samaritas At Home 13 Samaritas Common Causes 8 Samaritas Fosters A Future 14 Save the Date: Be the Rock that Starts the Ripple 15 Faith in Action2 For general inquiries, email [email protected] For more information visit samaritas.org Cover photo: Kristina Mayre Photography

QUALITYWe’re Continuously Improving for You Highlights of Our Quality Successes Include..:Samaritas At Home 100% family 96% children had 88% of children services provided and resident fewer than two were reunited with 265,500 hours of satisfaction in our family through the Assisted Living and foster placements Family Reunification care Independent Living communities 72% children program 37% reduction in adoptedreturn to hospital 92% self sufficiency rate for within 24 months rates from our New Americans at (goal of 36%) skilled nursing communities 6 months 16,862 meals 100% of our 191 New Foster served at Saginaw refugee children Homes Community Center had improved 99% of disabled English skills residents served 97% of children in 415 Adoptions in their homes the Families First integrated into the program did not enter 84% of children attending programs community foster care at the Saginaw 84% of Heartline Community Centerresidents stayed out have passing of prison grades 71% of families found permanent housing prior to leaving the Family Center Samaritas Fosters Futures DONAVIN Excuse Donavin for escaping into his imagination for a few moments while dreaming of having a blast driving the Autobahn in a Mercedes, or perhaps a Porsche. Learn more at: lasadoption.org 3

DISABILITY SUPPORT A Different Kind of Love Story Dale and Lynde share their appreciation for their daughter’s caregivers.When Katurah was born, doctors told her parents, Dale and Katurah (R) and The administration also is on the Lynde, that she most likely her caregiver. receiving end of the Dale and Lynde’swould not live beyond her teens. Katurah admiration. “They support the staff totally, and that makes everything run smoother,”was born with multiple health issues, a heart says Dale.problem being just one of them. A prime example of that was an When Katurah turned 35, her parents occurrence that happened at work onerealized that she might outlive them and day. Katurah boarded the bus to attendthey began looking for a place for her to a program and the bus driver mistakenlylive, should that situation be realized. dropped her off at school, on one of theHer previous placement didn’t work out, days that she didn’t work. We were outso based on a recommendation from of town at the time. “Everyone was great,another family, they looked at Samaritas when the school called, the Samaritas teamcommunity support services and their coordinated everything and sent someonein home care, which allows persons with to pick her up right away,” said Dale anddisabilities to live independently in their Lynde.own homes. Katurah has the mind of a Dale and Lynde know that being a7 year old child, but she is determined to caregiver is a difficult job that is not a verybe independent and live on her own, with high paying one. The rewards of the joba roommate, Shannon. Dale. The staff is flexible, dedicated, and the satisfaction of caring for people “Two gentlemen traveled all the way honest, positive… the list goes on and on. with disabilities is what motivates them. “I know it sounds like overkill with all the And for Dale, that speaks volumes. “I’m afrom Midland to Monroe just to meet with compliments, but it’s all true!” he says. retired parole officer and believe me, I’veus and answer our questions, and that seen my share of people who don’t haveimpressed us,” said Dale. Dale and Lynde are effusive in their any commitment to their job. But this praise. “Barb Fain, the lead caregiver, is Samaritas staff is dedicated.” It’s been over two years and everything great. We have complete confidence inabout the situation is going well. Dale her,” shared Dale. Lynde shared a story “The office staff, like Brian, are alsoand Lynde are very pleased with Katurah’s about Katurah’s recent journey to better approachable, and they follow through andcaregivers and the loving relationship she physical health. “Barb has helped Katurah communicate. We feel so blessed that wehas with them. focus on eating better and moving more. found Samaritas.” She’s already lost 15 pounds.” “A few years ago, she had a fall. Dale and Lynde and their daughterUnfortunately, this resulted in a serious Another caregiver, Deunca Jones, helps Katurah comprise just one family thatwound that requires attention and ongoing Katurah get to her job in the Monroe benefits from caring, compassionatecare and protection. The Samaritas staff Public School System. “Katurah works caregivers. At Samaritas, we feel honored tohas been phenomenal in helping us deal there a couple of days of week. She rides provide that family, and many others, withwith this. We trust the staff implicitly and the bus, and Deunca helps make sure she is the comfort of knowing their loved one iswe know Katurah is in good hands,” says ready to go,” said Lynde. in good hands.Lynde. We are able to take vacations andenjoy freedoms which the Samaritas team Katie, another of Katurah’s caregivers, is To learn more about how you cangives them, due to the careful oversight of great about taking Katurah places, making help advocate for caregivers, go toKaturah’s wound. sure she gets out and about and stays www.samaritas.org and click on connected in the community. “And all with “A Path Home.” “She’d rather spend time with her a very positive attitude,” says Lynde.caregivers, rather than family,” laughs Samaritas Fosters Love CHEYENNE Cheyenne sometimes veers from practical matters to indulge in life’s finer pleasures. For instance, she likes participating in theater and loves Shakespeare. Learn more at: lasadoption.org4

DISABILITY SUPPORTAdvocating for Persons with Disabilities By Mary Muliett, Vice President, Home & CommunityThey’re parents who care for their to approve legislation and efforts to fund million family caregivers assisted both children. They’re loving individuals disability services well into the future. adults and children. who, when they learned theirbeloved children had some kind of These efforts are crucial to our nation’s Estimates show 3.5 million individualsdisability, made it their life’s mission to survival, and they’re not just specific to with intellectual or developmentalfind innovative and successful ways to care people with disabilities. A truly great disabilities (IDD) live with familyfor their ongoing needs. society is only as great as the way it treats its caregivers, of whom more than 850,000 most vulnerable citizens. are age 60+. Michigan is home forAnd as these parents age, they wonder approximately 1.9 million people withwhat will happen to their adult children In 2013, about 40 million family caregivers physical and developmental disabilities.with disabilities. Who will care for them? provided unpaid care valued at a costWho will house them? of about $470 billion to adults who What will happen when these needed help with daily activities such caregivers are no longer able toHow will they survive? as bathing, dressing, meal preparation, provide care? and transportation, more than totalThis month, Samaritas is gathering with Medicaid spending that year. According The largest groups of people receivingparents of adult children with disabilities to Caregiving in the US 2015, about 3.7 Medicaid or who are Medicaid-eligibleto discuss what we can do together to million family caregivers provided care to are seniors, persons with disabilities andexpand housing options, so they have a a child under age 18 because of a medical, children. Many Samaritas clients areplace to live and someone to care for them behavioral, or other condition, and 6.5as they age. We are meeting in Lansing, Continued on page 16.prior to this meeting with the Licensingand Regulatory Affairs department, todetermine how to keep people safe whileexpanding opportunities for persons withdisabilities to live independently within thelicensing regulations in Michigan.As we do on so many forefronts, Samaritasis advocating for those in need so we canlift them up and walk alongside themtoward everyone’s success.There’s an ongoing and devastatingcaregiver crisis, which makes it incrediblydifficult to properly care for everyone whoneeds it.Organizations around the country areshutting programs and closing homesbecause they cannot find caring people tostaff them. For three years running, we’vesigned letters to legislators, urging them Samaritas Fosters Hope TYLER Get your track shoes on to keep up with Tyler. This active young lad loves riding his bike, going hiking and swimming and “anything else outdoors,” says his worker. Learn more at: lasadoption.org 5

NEW AMERICANS New Americans Building Stronger CommunitiesThrough CommerceStarting a new life in America was not Through his sheer resilience and steadfast of his service became well known shortly easy for Yasir Ibrahim, who fled from spirit, Yasir successfully opened his own after his grand opening. Yasir never his war-torn hometown in Iraq in restaurant, Casper Burger and Escalope imagined that his road to Americathe early 2000s. Yasir arrived in America in Sterling Heights, in 2017. He employs would mean an open door to start hisin 2008, determined to support himself other refugees, empowering them to own business… one that gives backand make a positive impact in his new achieve self-sufficiency. to the community with employmentcommunity. With the help of Samaritas, opportunities and increased commerceYasir enrolled in ESL (English as a Second Yasir wanted to introduce something for Sterling Heights. He was honored toLanguage) classes and secured employment different than the Mediterranean fare cater a special visit of Google Leaders toearly after his arrival. Yasir worked at that many of his fellow Iraqis were serving the New Americans office and everyonemany jobs in order to support himself and in their restaurants. He also wanted to enjoyed the food and fellowship, whilebecome acclimated to his new country. highlight his cultural integration, so he hearing of Yasir’s journey to America andDespite his busy work schedule, Yasir never chose to focus Casper Burger and Escalope his dream of becoming an entrepreneur.stopped finding ways to support others on American food. He employs 8-10 Yasir hopes his story can inspire others towho came to America as refugees. He workers, many of them refugees. never stop dreaming for a better life forvolunteered at Samaritas as a driver and an themselves.interpreter. But he wanted to do more. His restaurant is always busy, as the high quality of his food and the attentiveness World Refugee Day is The vast majority (90%) of June 20 refugees resettled in Metro Refugees resettled in Detroit are from Iraq. Southeast Michigan over In total, refugee workersthe past decade generated boosted the economy in between $229.6 million Southeast Michigan byand $295.3 million in new between $164.3 million and spending. $211.3 million. Samaritas Fosters Dreams RACHEL There’s at least one sure way to get Rachel to smile: Take her to McDonald’s. She loves their chicken sandwiches. Rachel can return the joy, too. She is affectionate, likes hugs, enjoys socializing with others and is very personable. Learn more at: lasadoption.org6

AT HOME Introducing Samaritas At HomeIn-home expert caregivers provide families peace of mind, increase quality of life for everyone.It’s clear that 97-year-old Eleanor Hulst is adored by her family. When the caregiving professionals first met the Hulst family, Eleanor After the diminutive, white-haired woman suffered a fall and was was withdrawn and suffering a bout of depression. hospitalized, her three sons and their families did everything theycould to get Hulst back home, where they knew she’d heal faster and “This one-on-one interaction provided the stimulation Eleanorbe happier. needed to change perspective,” says Lesa Hardiman, Samaritas At Home Program Director. “By feeling valuable and important, she was cognitively Seniors who are healing healthier.”after hospitalizationsoften need therapy and Hulst was the glue that held her family together. (Her husbandassistance to manage familiar Martin passed away at the age of 95; they were married for 69 years andsurroundings, so the Hulst lived in East Paris, Mich.) Her three children and their spouses, ninebrothers hired Samaritas At grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren regularly visit Hulst, showingHome (formerly Home Care great enthusiasm and concern for her welfare.Assistance) caregivers to beat their mother’s side. Their BrinBgriinngginygoyuouthtehebbeessttininpprroofessssiioonnaal lpresence and careful guidancehelped her transition back AtInH-HoommeeCCaarreto independent living. Eighthours a day, caregivers help Live-In ExpertsHulst eat and dress, take her to church and the hair salon, keep her We specialize in around-the-clock care to help seniors live well at home.company as she walks through the community or sits outside in the sun. Available 24/7 Care managers are on call for clients and their families, even during nights Samaritas At Home is a new service line, comprising home care and weekends.services which were previously offered through a Samaritas-owned Home High Caliber CaregiversCare Assistance franchise. Samaritas purchased the HCA franchise this We hire only 1 in 25 applicants and provide ongoing training and supervision.month and renamed it Samaritas At Home. Paths to Wellness Our unique approach to care promotes healthy mind, body and spirit. Research reveals that 87 percent of adults age 65 and older want to stay No Long-Term Contractsin their home community as they age (AARP). What’s more, since more Use our services only as long as you’re 100% satisfied.than half of caregivers aiding seniors today are family members, they say A Trusted Partnerthey desperately need respite care, which professionals can provide to give We’re honored to be Preferred Providers for professionals in both the medicalthem needed breaks (National Council on Aging). and senior communities. Peace of Mind According to the Census Bureau, seniors (people age 65 and older) Independent industry surveys place our client satisfaction rate at 97%.comprise 14.5 percent of the total population. In 2013, there were 44.7million American seniors; by the year 2060, the number of seniors At Homeis projected to reach 98.2 million, making seniors a quarter of thenation’s population. By 2033, the population of seniors is projected to Contact us today Southeast Michiganoutnumber the population of Americans younger than 18. Phone: (248) 283-0835 • Fax: (248) 706-6195 to schedule a free consultation to Hulst’s caregivers “are very personable and excited to see mom every determine how we can best serve West Michiganday,” say Fred Hulst. “They don’t just sit in the room with her; they Phone: (616) 243-0835 • Fax: (616) 243-0837interact and put her concerns first. It’s not just a job; they truly care your family!for her.” One of the leading causes of hospital readmission and slow recovery islack of proper support. Families need support as they transition elderlyrelatives from hospital back home, moving through levels of care as theirrelative recovers. The companionship caregivers provide also decreasesthe chance of loneliness and isolation many seniors experience.Samaritas Fosters SuccessCONNORConnor is smack-dab in the middle of making his boyhood rounds.For instance, he has a natural curiosity and “loves to indulge hissenses,” says his worker.Learn more at: lasadoption.org 7

FOSTER CARE Samaritas Fosters a FutureJames DeMoines, 23, grew up in a turbulent household. One of six children of two mentally ill parents, life at home was School was a challenge because James was bored and couldn’t violent and unstable. “Things were always hectic at home. My tolerate sitting for long periods of time. He started working out as a way to cope with the emotions he was feeling and the frustration mom was bi-polar and abused drugs and my dad was violent he was experiencing. “It was a way to help me process, to copetoward my mom and us kids. But the situation was exacerbated with all the trauma I had gone through as a kid.” It’s a copingin 2007 when the economy mechanism he still employstanked.” today. At that point, James and James is currently workinghis siblings entered the foster as a sheet metal fabricatorcare system. Three siblings and welder. In his spare time,stayed together in one foster he enjoys volunteering in hisplacement, two siblings went Brightmoor neighborhoodto another foster home. community garden with hisJames alone went to live mother and playing videowith Carole Hawke. “In games. “The video games areretrospect, it was a good my way of getting back inmove,” says James. “I was the touch with the childish sideoldest, so I was the de facto of me. I didn’t have muchparent and when I was put opportunity to do that as ainto foster care by myself, it kid, so I’m trying to enjoylet my brothers and sisters that now.” The gardening isform attachments to other his way of connecting withparental figures. And it let James remembers how it felt when he was welcomed into his mother and his neighbors Carole’s home and when she adopted him. “I was accepted as family.me be a kid again.” People need those connections to thrive. I would love to help in and “enjoying that sense of James was 13 when he that way someday.” brotherhood that comes with volunteering.”was placed into foster carethrough Samaritas. Carole One day James would love toadopted James when he was 15. “I love my mom. She is a good be a foster parent himself. “I know people are dubious about ushearted person.” Carole is a social studies teacher and is also the Millenials,” he says laughingly. “But I feel it’s a moral prerogative…foster mother to Chantal, 16. “My mom takes care of people… if you have the means, and the room to open up your home, youright now, one of Chantal’s friends is living with us as well, should.” He remembers how it felt when he was welcomed intobecause of a bad situation at home.” Carole’s home and when she adopted him. “I was accepted as James is very open about his past and speaks openly and very family. People need those connections to thrive. I would love toarticulately about his struggles. “I was not an easy teenager,” he help in that way someday.”laughs. “I was horrible to my mom and horrible to myself.”8

FOSTER CARENATIONAL FOSTER CARE MONTHCAMPAIGN RAISES AWARENESS FostersEach May, National Foster Care Month provides an Our theme: Samaritas Fosters..................., opportunity for people all across the nation to focus (don’t leave it blank) invites people to share their attention on the year-round needs of American children vision of what foster care can do. We invite you to share your and youth in foster care. The campaign raises awareness thoughts and stories and join the purple village! about foster care and encourages many more citizens to get involved in the lives of these youth – whether as their foster PLEASE JOIN US BY POSTING ON SOCIAL MEDIA parents, volunteers, mentors, employers or in other ways. (we will have frames available on Facebook!)Samaritas is “painting the town purple” with Social icon TWEETING USING OUR HASHTAGS Rounded square Only use blue and/or white. For more details check out our Brand Guidelines.purple lawn signs, purple hats, social media posts, #Samaritasfosters #IttakesapurplevillageFosters advertisements and open houses to encourage #Betherock #Fostercaremore people to choose fostering and to thank those #fostertoadoptwho have already taken children into their home. AND SHARING PHOTOS OF YOUR FAMILIES AND YOUR VISION OF WHAT FOSTER CARE MEANS ON INSTAGRAM.Samaritas also knows that it “takes a purple village” to makesure children are safe and loved. Foster Care Month provides Let us know you’re involved by sharing our posts,an opportunity for acknowledging the thousands of dedicated Instagram photos and tweets, tagging us at #Samaritasfoster families and other caring individuals and organizations and #Samaritas-Foster Care.who are already supporting these young people. YLIMAF DNA DLIHC xeS emaS On any given day 254,000 will 128,000 will 28,000 youth will there are more leave foster be reunified leave foster care than 400,000 care this year with their because they children in foster families became too old care. and they “aged” out of foster care. 36,000 will stay with a guardian or 52,000 will with their families find new loving families through through kinship care. adoptionSamaritas Fosters __________. Don’t leave it Blank! 9

AFFORDABLE LIVINGKeeping Young “Through our partnership with Samaritas we’re providingwith Yoga! exercise and nutrition programming that not only leads to healthier lives, but contributes to a broader sense of At our Samaritas Affordable Living community for the seniors living there,” says Sandy Pierce communities, our staff look for fun, healthy Huntington’s Private Client Group and Regional Banking ways to keep our residents active and thriving. director and chair of Michigan. “Huntington believes in At our Rochester Hills location, that means looking out for people with the purpose of making people’s the Healthy Living Program, featuring a lives better and this is just one example of how we are able combination of physical health with nutrition to do that.” education to improve overall outcomes for our seniors. We offer diet and exercise options, as Thanks to a generous grant from the Huntington Foundation, well as entertaining activities to keep the mind the philanthropic arm of Huntington Bank, we are now able sharp and the body active. And now, it will to offer our residents yoga classes for seniors twice a month include yoga! for 6 months. In conjunction with the yoga classes, our affordable living seniors will receive nutrition information, meal planning tips, and supplemental materials to practice poses on their own. Yoga is a perfect way to: REDUCE ANXIETY Yoga induces the relaxation response, an alpha state between awake and asleep that helps modulate the way the body responds to stress. PROTECT YOUR JOINTS During your late 50s and early 60s, you may begin to notice that your joints aren’t as fluid as they used to be. Practicing yoga regularly can help lubricate joints, staving off debilitating disorders like carpal tunnel syndrome and arthritis.Every year, 2.8 million seniors are treated in BUILD STRENGTH AND BALANCEemergency departments for fall injuries Yoga’s slow, measured movements and strengthening poses can help you achieve better balance and prevent falls as you age. Falls are the leading cause of injury among older adults; every 11 seconds, an older adult visits the emergency room for treatment related to a fall, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Yoga gives you the tools now to prevent a bad fall so you can still move around in your 80s. Samaritas Fosters Gratitude ANGEL In almost any type of choppy seas, Angel maintains an even keel. His worker describes Angel as a happy-go-lucky lad who is easily pleased. “Angel goes with the flow and can keep himself entertained but will join in on activities,” the worker says. Learn more at: lasadoption.org10

FAMILY C E N T E RGiving Back by Paying it ForwardL areashia Jackson, her husband Benjamin, and her three She and Benjamin and the family moved into their new house young children needed somewhere safe to go. They were and eventually had another child. The four children all live at staying in one of the transient hotels along Michigan home and are doing well. So well, that Lareashia and BenjaminAvenue in Wayne. The family was staying with Benjamin’s sister, volunteer a few times every year at the Samaritas Family Centerbut the situation was not ideal, and they were forced to leave. to give back and help others who are in the same place they were just a few short years ago.Once financial issues with a former child support case becameunsupportable, the family couldn’t afford the hotel room, “We know what it’s like to be in that situation, and we know how hard it is. We want to provide a warm, home-cooked either. They were meal that reaches the heart,” Lareashia says. The family cooks homeless. comfort food, like lasagna, turkey and stuffing with gravy, and green beans. The family homeless shelter in Wayne, run Their giving back doesn’t stop there, however. “Our church, by Samaritas, was their Vertical Encounter in Southfield, Michigan, also puts on a BBQ next step. “It’s hard to event every year for the shelter in the summer. We come and go into any shelter. It’s help cook hotdogs and hamburgers and there’s music and it’s not a good situation,” just a nice, enjoyable time for the families.” Lareashia recalls. Lareashia and Benjamin are now looking toward the future “We lived there for and perhaps redoing one of the rooms at the Samaritas Family almost eight months,” Center. “We stayed in room 125. That was our home for said Lareashia. During 8 months. It would be fitting for us to redo that one!”that time, the children attended school, while she and her Lareashia said.husband looked for work and applied for permanent housing.“We had kids and wanted them to besomewhere safe, with good schools. Sowe couldn’t just move anywhere,” saidLareashia.While the family was living at theSamaritas Family Center, they wereadopted by volunteers one Christmas.“We received all these wonderful itemsfor a home… which was great, becauseshortly after that we found out we weremoving out of the shelter into a home,so it was perfect timing.” The Jackson Family in a recent photo.To learn more about helping families in need with donations of time, money and household items, go to samaritas.org/Family-SupportSamaritas Fosters HappinessCRISTALCristal is a bit of a brainiac, and that’s a good thing. She participatesin an extended learning program after school. “She's very seriousabout her education and is doing very well in school,” says Cristal’sworker.Learn more at: lasadoption.org 11

COMMUNITY CONNECTIONSTALK FOCUSES ON CHALLENGES FACED BY REFUGEES Blue Cross catered a luncheon revolving around their celebration of Black History Month at this presentation. TheyStaff from Samaritas New Americans, Yovone Awad, Case presented Samaritas with a $500 check, speaking highly of theManager, and Janet Schryer Donahue, LPC, CCTP, NCC, alliance they have and wish to continue to forge with Samaritas.Therapist, from the SE Michigan Survivors of Torture program,gave a presentation at Blue Cross Complete’s Southfield officeon the unique needs of refugees in health care. Yovone and Janet provided a quick review of the settlementprocess, and detailed the struggles, and uncertainties ofwaiting to go to another country. The presentation touched onthe difficulties of securing complete medical information and anumber of challenges faced by refugees upon arrival. Culturaldifferences and language barriers were highlighted. The topic of trauma was woven throughout the presentation,since trauma directly affects a refugee's ability to function.Extreme stress due to trauma and cultural assimilation is linkedto health issues.SAMARITAS AWARDED $5,000 PARTNERSHIP GRANT SAMARITAS AWARDED $1,000 ALLSTATE DONATIONCommunity Financial Credit Union helps us spread ripples Last fall, the Allstate Insurance Agent, Drewniak Agencyof positive change to the homeless families in need. volunteered to repaint our Samaritas Family CenterSamaritas was awarded a $5,000 partnership grant for our bathrooms. After thisFamily Homeless Shelter in Westland, Michigan. generous donation, Owner — Mark Prescott encouraged us to submit a grant to the Allstate Foundation to support our services, and we’re happy to say that we were awarded $1,000 based on his recommendation! We cannot thank Mark and his team enough for their continued support in our mission. Way to #BeTheRock! SENIOR LIVING TAKES PART IN “INTERNATIONAL MONTH OF HAPPINESS” CELEBRATION Staff and residents from Samaritas Senior Living, Bloomfield Hills partnered with Morrison Dining and St. Andrew Lutheran Church to pack 200 lunches for Operation Love Our Homeless. It was a great afternoon of fun, fellowship and volunteer activism! Samaritas Senior Living, Bloomfield Hills, worked with Motor City Mitten Mission to learn how to make “bedding mats” out of basic plastic shopping bags! The plastic from the bags is made into plastic yarn, or “plarn” and crocheted into warm, comfortable sleeping mats. These will be given to the homeless. This volunteer event was part of the community’s “International Month of Happiness” celebration. Samaritas Fosters Care DAVION Davion fancies himself a mechanic and says that he already fixes bikes and brakes. “He is very into fixing things,” says his worker. “He likes to take them apart and figure how they work.” Learn more at: lasadoption.org12

CONGREGATIONAL ENGAGEMENT Samaritas Common Causes By Rev. Dr. Niklaus C. Schillack, Director of Congregational Engagement Samaritas was founded in We already do great things through these ministries, 1934 by many individuals but together, we can do so much more. Here’s how to and congregations inspired by take part… the vision of accomplishing more WAYS TO TAKE PART IN THE SAMARITAS than they could ever achieve on FAMILY CENTER COMMON CAUSE: their own. Eighty-four years later, • $2,000 could provide shelter and services for a homeless family of four for one month. this dream has grown into one of • $5,000 could provide food for all families served the largest faith-based nonprofit for an entire month. organizations in Michigan, serving • $5,000 could provide added warmth and hospitality by covering partial staff expenses. almost 20,000 people a year as an • $6,000 could provide shelter and services for a homeless expression of the love of Christ. family of four for three months. Many new partners since our • $10,000 could provide utilities for all families served for an entire month.Pastor Niklaus Schillack founding have joined with us to • $20,000 could provide necessary maintenance and repairs take part in large, transformative (ex. refitting pipes, fixing elevator, roofing).projects that also build relationships with others. They have WAYS TO TAKE PART IN THE PWD HOMES IN MUSKEGON COMMON CAUSE:discovered that Samaritas is the ecumenical hub, the central • $1,750 could provide shelter through the average rent andjoining place for ministry that can bring them and others utilities in one home for a month.of disparate backgrounds and perspectives behind a positive • $3,000 could provide for the average rent, utilities, food, and unexpected medical expenses for one home for a month.common cause that defies the negativity of this fractious and • $5,000 could provide food for all people served in the fivefraught world. That’s even why purple is our organization’s color, homes for an entire month.because we are one of the few places where people with blue • $5,000 could provide for warmth and hospitality by professionally repaintingpolitics and red politics can meet in the name of a common one of the homes.cause. • $6,000 could provide healing by covering unexpected medical suppliesInspired by St. Paul’s encouragement for all members of the for all people served in the five homessame body to coordinate in mission (1 Corinthians 12:12), we as for a whole year.Samaritas considered how we already unite people in commonservice, but also dreamed about new opportunities called • $10,000 could upgrade a kitchen for“Samaritas Common Causes.” The Samaritas Common Causes safety and efficiency in one home.of 2018 are about coalescing support for the homeless familieswe serve through the Samaritas Family Center in Westland aswell as for people living in our homes for Persons withDisabilities (PWD) in Muskegon.If you are interested in learning more about theseopportunities to serve and support, which canbe crafted both around the needs of the residentsand your congregation’s skills and interests, pleasecontact me, Pastor Niklaus Schillack, Director ofCongregational Engagement, at [email protected] 248 660-7708. Samaritas Fosters Joy DESHAWN Deshawn is a budding musician who just needs a chance to shine. He loves the thought of making music, and according to his worker, Deshawn wants “to be a part of a music program in school.” Learn more at: lasadoption.org 13

EVENTS Save the DateBe the Rock that Starts the Ripple SEPTEMBER 17, 2018Samaritas is holding its second Love Does works to promote human will entertain during the reception prior annual “Be the Rock” Dinner rights and education in current and to dinner. The Scotty Pearson Family Celebration on September 17, recovering conflict zones such as will also entertain. They are all talented2018 at the Frederik Meijer Gardens & Uganda, Iraq, Nepal, Somalia and India. singers and musically inclined artists.Sculpture Park in Grand Rapids. Our Bob calls himself a “recovering lawyer”first dinner was a resounding success, because after practicing law for 25 years, This year’s event promises to be everyraising over $100,000 and entertaining he gave up his law firm to pursue writing bit as inspiring as 2017’s inauguraland educating a crowd of more than and speaking full time. Goff serves as event. New this year is the exclusive VIP250 people. an adjunct professor to Pepperdine reception with a special New Holland University, in both the law school, and Brewing beer tasting.Our event co-chairs for this year’s event the graduate degree programs withare Michael & Carolyn Garrett from courses such as Nonprofit Law in their Tickets are $100 including the VIPPinnacle Construction and Brett & Global Justice Program. reception or $75 for the dinner eventPam VanderKamp from New Holland only and can be ordered online atBrewing Company. Jason Paulateer, of PNC Bank, will www.samaritas.org. Event and table provide the mission message. Jason sponsorships are still available; for moreThe keynote speaker is Bob Goff, who and his wife have 10 children and will information contact Dollie Grant atruns the nonprofit Love Does. Bob be speaking about the importance of [email protected]. We hope youalso is the author of the New York Times adoption. will join us and Be the Rock thatBest-Selling book Love Does. The U.S. Starts the Ripple!Department of State recognizes Goff The GE 36th Street Band, composed ofas a diplomat and he is known as an musical employees from GE Aviation,Honorary Consul for the Republic one of Grand Rapids’ largest employers,of Uganda. is back for an encore appearance and Samaritas Fosters Compassion JEREMIAH Jeremiah is an outgoing and fun-loving child who loves to make others laugh by using his great sense of humor. He likes interacting with peers, gets along well with other kids and has lots of friends. Learn more at: lasadoption.org14

DONOR PROFILEA s owners of New Holland Brewing Company, Brett and foster children prepare for adulthood.” They both believe most Pam VanderKamp have a lot to celebrate. A successful of us can relate personally to an aspect of Samaritas’ work, and and expanding business, New Holland is making a recognize we all could find ourselves in vulnerable circumstances.difference by investing in community causes. Brett is quick to Pam started her career providing special educationsay that New Holland took a lot of very hard work, for young adults in the juvenile justice system andbut the community has made the business thrive now works in special education for K-12 publicand it makes sense for the business to give back. schools. “From my work with vulnerable children“Not only is it good citizenship — but philanthropy and adults, I understand how having Samaritasbrings value to my employees: it deepens their meeting their basic needs is essential for theirunderstanding of local needs, provides group success,” she says. Pam describes her upbringingvolunteer projects that bring staff together, and as a modest lifestyle in a loving home. She workscontributes to a growing sense of pride,” he says. to channel their New Holland income into herSamaritas is honored and grateful to be named community — in socially responsible ways thatone of New Holland’s 2018 Charity Partners. The improve lives and enhance resources. “We haveprogram educates staff and the broader community already started modeling this with our two boysat the same time. Samaritas will receive a portion and will soon establish a family foundation whereof sales during May and December as the inaugural “With Samaritas’ breadth the boys will help us make decisions and eventually“Community Tap” at New Holland’s Knickerbocker of programs, there is select charitable causes for themselves,” she says.location in Grand Rapids. New Holland also plansto be a part of a VIP reception at Samaritas’ Be The something for everyone to Raised in a Christian home, Brett sees giving asRock gala event at Meijer Gardens in September. get passionate about — a foundational part of faith. He also credits theBrett and Pam are serving as the gala “Co-Chairs” personally, I’m excited example of other community leaders aroundalong with Michael and Carolyn Garrett. about programs to help him who have modeled community service and philanthropy. Giving is an important part ofBrett has learned a great deal about Samaritas older foster children their lives. Brett takes having a profitable businessduring his short time on the Board of Directors, prepare for adulthood.” seriously — he is responsible to both his staff and hisand points to Samaritas’ stewardship, care for the —Pam VanderKamp community. Personally, he wants to see Samaritaswhole person, and programs that work to empower thrive and, as a Board member, he is excited aboutpeople as what he loves the most. “Efficiencies are more people in the community learning about theimportant to me, and seeing Samaritas combine compassion with work and the opportunity to invest in it. “I’ve heard it said thatimpact gives me confidence.” Pam adds “with Samaritas’ breadth if you want to be wealthy, then you should help a lot of people,”of programs, there is something for everyone to get passionate he says. That sentiment lines up nicely with our mission and withabout — personally, I’m excited about programs to help older our goal of transforming lives for the better. Samaritas Fosters Dedication D AYJ A H Dayjah is a creative girl who’s described as sweet and loyal. She puts her creativity to work by drawing and doing arts and crafts. Dayjah taps into her imagination by reading, which she loves. Learn more at: lasadoption.org 15

8131 East Jefferson Nonprofit Organization Detroit, MI 48214 U.S. Postage 207 E. Fulton NE PA I D Grand Rapids, MI 49503 Detroit, MI Connect. Empower. Transform. Permit No. 3703Advocating for Persons with DisabilitiesContinued from page 5non-stereotypical Medicaid-eligible, by community mental health are the most with best intentions; however planningshowing that people we know — our widely used; however Samaritas continues for individual lives takes an individualneighbors, our friends, our colleagues to strive to offer more options to people approach in most cases. Samaritas is— qualify as Medicaid-eligible due to life with disabilities. committed to work with regulatory bodiescircumstances. to find the best fit for each individual in Some parents have tried to provide for need of sustainable housing and serviceOne way in which Medicaid supports their special needs adult children by options across the state.persons with disabilities is through services building or renting homes for them, tofunded through Community Mental guarantee safe housing well into the future. Samaritas has always been on the forefrontHealth. Samaritas operates homes for It’s a wonderful, selfless thing to do—if to advocate for compassionate, attainablepersons with disabilities statewide as well as federal and state regulatory bodies allow care for people with disabilities. We willprovides support services in people’s homes these visions to come to fruition. not rest until everyone has the care theythrough this funding to keep individuals need, the safe stable housing they need andwith disabilities as independent as possible Current federal and state requirements the funding is in place to make it happen.at home, in their desired community. limit the number of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities Because if we don’t step up and raise ourThere are currently limited housing who may live together without a license as voices in concern, who will?options for people with disabilities: today, well as regulate what housing must lookresidential homes or a home or apartment like in relation to being in a community To find a list of Michigan lawmakers,where they can receive services authorized setting. All of these regulations are set visit www.michiganvotes.org/Find.aspx Samaritas Fosters Connections ALEX Alex is a congenial, clever boy with a big heart. “When I have met with Alex, he has been very friendly with a smile on his face,” his worker says. “He interacts well with others.” Learn more at: lasadoption.org16