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NEWS BRIEFS

Second Annual Brag
and Brag On

On August 18, Samaritan House residents, staff and guests will gather in the House dining room for the second annual presentation of Brag and Brag On. Residents will have the opportunity to tell the Samaritan House family about one thing they’re proud of. They may also take the opportunity to “brag” on a friend who may be too modest to talk about his or her own accomplishments. At last year’s event, 35 residents spoke to a standing-room-only crowd.

Super Summer Interns

Tabitha B.

Samaritan House is fortunate to have three excellent interns for the summer. Tabitha Boring has recently completed an MBA with an emphasis in Marketing and will be continuing work on a comprehensive marketing plan for the agency and will assist with preparations for the Out of the Box luncheon.

Trent H.

Trent Hunter, who will graduate from Oklahoma State University in December with a major in Advertising and Public Relations, will organize data for the marketing project and for the Hope Works program.

Celena J.

Celena James, a undergraduate student at the School of Social Work at UTA, is completing her internship by assisting the social work staff at Samaritan House this summer and fall.

Y.E.S. A Big Success

From June 29 to July 9, Samaritan House hosted the first of what is hoped to be an annual event. The Y.E.S.(Youth Enjoying Summer) Program is a free two-week event filled with activities for children ages five to seventeen. This opportunity was provided by Girl Scouts of Texas Oklahoma Plains, Inc. Ten children, from both our on-site and off-site programs, attended the camp this year. Each participant will be enrolled in a drawing for a $25 gift certificate to Toy’s ‘R Us. Activities ranged from arts and crafts to computer instruction to healthy snacks to movies. Lunch was provided, and participants enjoyed an outdoor activity period at the Samaritan House playground.


	By reducing homelessness, substance abuse, crime, new HIV infections, and the demand for publicly funded medical care, Samaritan House makes Fort Worth a better place for everyone!

Samaritan House News August 2009

Letter from the President

Food, Fun and Laughs

Finding New Meaning

A Leg Up, Not a Hand Out

Letter from the President

Steve Dutton

One sign of a healthy organization is when its leadership can step back and observe a system at work without having to manage it at every turn. It’s truly rewarding, after all of these years, to have a chance to celebrate the efforts of so many others that are a part of our hard-working family.

In this issue, celebrate with us the winners of the recent First Command Educational Foundation scholarships. We’re always proud of our residents’ successes, but this one deserves its own story! Read a first-hand account of the good time had by all at the recent barbecue sponsored by our Young Professionals group and Fusion Church. And finally, learn about Joanne, a volunteer who has come to us recently and has already brought so much to the Samaritan House community.

Food, Fun and Laughs
By Tabby Boring, Samaritan House volunteer

On Sunday June 14th volunteers from Fusion Church and the newly formed Young Professionals organized a barbecue for residents of Samaritan House. The Young Professionals group is made up of professionals under the age of 40, dedicated to raising awareness about Samaritan House. Fusion Church provided the barbecue equipment and a delicious spread of hamburgers, hot dogs, pork chops, chips, cookies, and refreshing drinks, while the Young Professionals organized an entertainment program that brought many smiles and laughs to the party-goers.

Fusion Church Volunteers

The weather was hot, but the array of food, refreshing drinks, music, and entertainment brought out over 100 residents to the party. Entertainment included a family of Texas trick ropers who displayed their wild-west roping skills, while the crowd marveled at the performance. The nationally recognized Texas Trick Ropers are three generations of West Texas ropers: attorney Kent Durham, his father and Kent’s 7-year old son perform all around the country and are part of a dwindling few who are skilled in this cowboy staple. The crowds cheered as ropes twirled in impossible ways to the tunes of familiar country western songs.

The residents had no idea what was in store after the roping and were very surprised when the King of Rock & Roll stopped by to sing a few of his classics, such as “Hound Dog” and “Teddy Bear.” Elvis Presley really got the residents “all shook-up” at the barbecue with his swinging hips and smooth moves. Even Director of Development Beverly Belle-Isle was star-struck when Elvis pulled her aside and sang a few unforgettable lines just to her. Young Professional group member Keith Hollar was the Elvis impersonator for the event. Hollar performs his Elvis impersonation for other organizations, and his enthusiasm seems to rub off on all who watch his show.

The barbecue was a real hit for residents, thanks to Fusion Church and the Young Professionals group. Both volunteer groups had a great time at the event and are planning more good times that are hoped to bring even more smiles and laughs to the lives of the residents.

Samaritan House has been fortunate to have so many wonderful volunteers who take time out of their busy lives to help make it a better place. Volunteers are essential to the success of Samaritan House, and the residents are immensely grateful for all the support. There are many ways to volunteer at the Samaritan House and we are always looking for help. Please call (817) 332-6410, ext. 162 or email info@samaritanhouse.org for further information about volunteer opportunities.

Finding New Meaning By Christian Piatt

		There are many typical responses to the grief associated with the loss of a loved one. Some simply deny the absence, while others slip into despair or immerse themselves in their careers. Joanne Jackson has decided on a different response: making a difference for others who are going through similar experiences. For her this was the perfect prescription. Samaritan House is fortunate that her choice for filling this prescription involves volunteering one day a week for our agency.

“Unfortunately, there was not an organization like Samaritan House available to my family member who died of AIDS many years ago,” says Jackson. “I think of the residents I have met here and the stories they have shared. So many have said that they have no idea where they would be without this incredible organization. It is a wonderful feeling to be a part of it.”

Having recently retired from over 20 years at the North Central Texas Council of Governments in Arlington, Jackson brings a wealth of personal and professional experience to the organization, including a background in development. Already she has forged a partnership with new Development Director Beverly Belle-Isle, who is partnering with Jackson on a new fundraising effort.

“Joanne is a very capable person with many skills. I am so pleased that she chose Samaritan House as a place to contribute some of her many talents,” comments Belle-Isle. “Joanne is one of those people who truly have given back to their community. I am very happy to have her on board.”

Though Jackson shares her time elsewhere, she feels a special connection with Samaritan House. “I love Samaritan House,” she explains, “because I can actually see how people who have lost everything and feel there is no hope, are helped and welcomed with open arms. Their lives have totally turned around. Seeing someone hope again is beyond measure!”



Though born in Massachusetts and raised in New Mexico, Jackson attended graduate programs at both Texas Christian University and the University of Texas at Arlington. She has put down roots in north Texas, with a husband, twin stepsons and a daughter-in-law. Jackson believes that anyone will get back at least as much as they put forward as a volunteer, especially at Samaritan House.

“Take a SamariTour,” Jackson suggests. “You will see the incredible facilities, get a chance to talk to staff and most importantly, have an opportunity to meet and connect with the residents.”

For more information about SamariTours or to volunteer at Samaritan House, email ddugan@samaritanhouse.org

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A Leg Up, Not a Hand Out
By Syleenia G., Villages Resident (adapted from her article for the resident newsletter)

Diana E.

Congratulations to the 2009 resident scholarship recipients: Diana E., Sue I., Cynthia S. and Danny V.! These scholarships are funded by First Command Educational Foundation (FCEC), whose generous support makes it possible for residents to move ahead in rebuilding their lives.
This year’s four recipients of FCEC scholarships decided to exceed self-expectations to achieve their passions, drives, and interests. We are so proud of the hard work and thought they put into their application process. As part of their applications, they have agreed to provide 25 hours of volunteer work per semester, as a way to give back for the assistance they are receiving. Here is an inspiring look at their future plans and dreams:

This year’s four recipients of FCEC scholarships decided to exceed self-expectations to achieve their passions, drives, and interests. We are so proud of the hard work and thought they put into their application process. As part of their applications, they have agreed to provide 25 hours of volunteer work per semester, as a way to give back for the assistance they are receiving. Here is an inspiring look at their future plans and dreams:

Sue I.

Diana E. is studying at Tarrant County College (TCC) to become a Respiratory Therapist. Her six-year-old son’s asthma generated her interest in this career. I commend Diana on her dedication and perseverance. She has been a working mother, attending college part-time for many years trying to complete her degree. Diana is grateful to FCEF for this opportunity to speed up her academic route so she can become the Registered Respiratory Therapist, a position she has definitely earned. Her ultimate goal is to work with children who suffer from asthma, as well as learn how to protect her own son from asthma attacks. Diana wishes to volunteer by giving encouragement and support to single moms such as herself. Diana professes, “I almost didn’t complete the application, but I kept hearing a little voice telling me to complete it and turn it in. I am so glad I did. I would tell anyone to apply for the scholarship if you want more for yourself, your family, or just to do something different.”

Sue I. has an Associate of Arts degree in accounting and has worked in this field for ten years. Her FCEC scholarship has made it possible for her to prepare for an Accounting Technician certificate at TCC. She will donate her time and use her expertise in a hospital setting.

Cynthia S.

Cynthia S. will attend TCC and work toward her LCDC (Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor) certification. She has taken business courses in the past, but basically this is a fresh beginning for her. She feels that work and school help to develop positive self-esteem. She plans to utilize her degree in the social work field as an alcohol/drug counselor. She will meet her volunteer service hours by becoming a contributor to the resident newsletter and by continuing her work of speaking at SamariTours and at parole board sessions for recently released ex-offenders. In just one year at Samaritan House, Cynthia has found the courage to envision and pursue a new life for herself.

Danny V. is a mental health/psychology student at the new Trinity campus of TCC. This is his second time to be awarded this scholarship. Way to go, Danny! Danny experienced a calling from God in this field and now desires to make it “official” with a degree and LCDC license. He also is driven by a 13-year addiction and 38 months of sobriety. His career plan is to counsel adolescents with drug problems. Danny volunteers his time, with a smile, to anything Samaritan House needs. He passionately describes his sentiments toward the life offered to him by Samaritan House: “Samaritan House has given me so much. I couldn’t finish school without this scholarship. I have learned to be more empathetic toward others’ trials and tribulations as well as how to act and not react.”

Danny V.

Cynthia and Danny both work at Z’s Café, the new eatery at the Community Arts Center that employs Samaritan House residents.

Good advice was given by Diana to residents who may want to apply for scholarships in the future: “Let go of doubt and fear, step out on faith. Do something for yourself and you will be helping others when you are done.” Each of the recipients conveyed profound appreciation to First Command Educational Foundation and Samaritan House for making it feasible for them to complete their college education.

Conclusion
The work of a necessary organization like ours is never done, but thanks to our wonderful volunteers, staff and residents, we’re making strides every day toward overcoming the many challenges HIV/AIDS presents to our community. If you haven’t yet joined us for a SamariTour, click here to find out when you can come see first-hand what’s going on. And who knows – maybe you’ll become the next chapter in our ever-growing story.