A Tradition of Success

The excerpts below describe some of Samaritan House's successes. Click the links to get the full stories.

 

	A Life that Defies the Odds by Christian Piatt
	According to Terrance’s physician, he should have died seventeen years ago... At first, he did not know where he could turn after his doctor gave him only five years to live. More >>
	Choosing Recovery by Christian Piatt
	Wes lives with two threats to his life every day: HIV and addiction. A self-described former "club kid," he was an active user of drugs and alcohol for many years. In February 2000, he was diagnosed with HIV. More >>
	A Fairytale Romance by Christian Piatt
	In less than one month, long time partners and Samaritan House residents Chalk and Melanie will make it official. As winter makes way for spring, they will get married after more than sixteen years of partnership. More >>
	From the Street to the Straight and Narrow by Christian Piatt
	Jackie’s entire adult life has been marred by addiction. By the age of sixteen, she was using, and her habits steadily grew until they became the focus of her life. For three decades, she actively used narcotics, from ecstasy to cocaine, heroin, ice and more.  More >>
	If There is Breath, There is Hope by Christian Piatt
	In the mid-seventies, Juretha enjoyed the freewheeling lifestyle like many others. The threat of AIDS was yet to emerge on the horizon, and ‘high-risk behavior’ carried a different meaning. Unfortunately for Juretha, the party lasted too long.  More >>
	The Will to Live by Christian Piatt
	Annette lived a full life. She worked for ten years at the Ridglea Country Club, had a husband and two sons. HIV was the furthest thing from her mind. Then one day her husband left her with her two children, one of whom has special needs, and soon the pressure of daily life came crashing in on her.  More >>
	Through the Eyes of a Child by Christian Piatt
	For three and a half decades, Gina’s life reflected the American Dream. She graduated from college got a great job with excellent benefits, owned a new car and her own condo. At the age thirty she became a mother, and nothing seemed to stand in the way of her fulfilling all of her goals and dreams.  More >>
	A Higher Calling by Christian Piatt
	At age 45, Demetra has lived a hard life. Originally from San Francisco, she was drawn in by the temptations the big city had to offer. She became heavily involved in drugs, and upon moving to Fort Worth, got into a relationship with a major drug supplier. She lived her life as if every day would be her last, absent of hope or visions of the future.   More >>
	"I'm Living Now" by Christian Piatt
	Many residents at Samaritan House have faced tremendous adversity, and likewise, many have overcome incredible personal challenges. But few have experienced the range of struggle and success that Chuck Potter have. More >>
	"Trials" and Triumphs by Christian Piatt
	If Allen Plaster doesn't look you in the eye, don't take it personally. Retinitis rendered him nearly blind several years ago, affecting his ability to drive, and seriously hindering his efforts to work independently. More >>
	"I Came Here to Die..." by Christian Piatt
	Fifty-one year old Judy M. has spent much of her life in hospitals. However, most of that time was spent as a nurse, caring for the needs of others. For twenty years, she worked in emergency rooms and intensive care units, helping those who were clinging to life. More >>
	Gaining a Positive Attitude by Michael W.
	I am a 31 year-old gay white male, and I've been living with HIV for 12 years. I used to live in Dallas, but I became a resident of Samaritan House in December of 2003. When I got here, I was so far gone that I was at death's door. I had all but given up on life. More >>
	Windows of Opportunity by Christian Piatt
	Larry's life experience before coming to Samaritan House did not require much interaction with computers. Having worked for years as a live-in nanny, he favored interaction with people over machines. While he had always intended to learn how to use a computer, life had never provided him with an opportunity to expand his learning base. More >>
	Home Away From Home by Christian Piatt
	Cirilo calls Samaritan House "home," although his family is hundreds of miles away in Guerrero, Mexico. At 61 years old, he has seen and done more than most people will experience in a lifetime. He doesn't speak English, yet he finds comfort in the friendships and support he has found at Samaritan House. More >>
	Making Great Strides by Christian Piatt
	The first time I met Jack, his appearance made a distinct impression upon me. His wheelchair was not the initial thing I noticed, maybe because I knew he was limited in his mobility ahead of time. What drew my gaze immediately was the fuzzy, lopsided leopard-print hat he donned upon his sleek, bald head. More >>
	On The Road to Recovery by Christian Piatt
	James had plans for the future. He attended Texas A&M University for three years, and worked to maintain an independent and comfortable lifestyle. Things weren't easy, but he had hope. More >>
	A New Kind of Hustle by Christian Piatt
	Jerry has lived more in his life than most people ever will, or probably ever care to. He considers his current role as a leader among the residents at Samaritan House to be a blessing, especially compared to the hell he faced before he came. In this two-part article, Jerry recalls how his street game led him to Samaritan House.  More >>