RiverRun will present the third annual Can Film Festival to benefit Samaritan Ministries on Saturday, December 7 at Marketplace Cinemas (2095 Peters Creek Parkway in Winston-Salem). Bring 2 cans of food and watch a holiday film for free! “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” will show at 12:30 p.m. and again at 3 p.m. and “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” will show at 7:30 p.m.
Hunger & Homelessness Week
Samaritan Ministries will be recognizing “National Hunger & Homelessness Week” during November 18-22 on social media, as well as through community partnership events. We will be partnering with Mi Pueblo, Forsyth Health & Human Services, and Winston-Salem State University (The Delta Alpha Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Incorporated). Please feel free to join us for any and all of the following events:
Schedule of events:
- November 18th: Homeless Awareness Week Begins!
- November 19th: Discussion Panel with Executive Director, Jan Kelly, and Cornerstone Guests. Our Project Cornerstone guests will be sharing their experience and growth. The event is at 6:00 PM in the Forsyth County Central Library on 660 West 5th Street, Winston-Salem.
- November 19th: WSSU Candlelight Vigil at 7:14 PM. The event will be located in the center of WSSU campus at the clock tower outside of the Cleon F. Thompson Center.
- November 20th: Samaritan Ministries Tabling Display at WSSU Women’s Basketball Game
- November 20th: Mi Pueblo Mexican Grill will be hosting a fundraiser for the Samaritan Ministries Penny Campaign from 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM. Visit locations at 644 South Stratford Rd. and 2905 Reynolda Rd. in Winston-Salem to eat tacos and show your support!
- November 21st: WSSU Movie Night
- November 22nd: WSSU 28th Annual Sleep Out for the Homeless
Other Opportunities at Samaritan:
- Give $10 to provide 3 meals in our Soup Kitchen!
- Sign up to volunteer at Samaritan. There is an urgent need for consistent helpers and on-call volunteers in the Soup Kitchen.
- Drop off an item from our Samaritan Wishlist.
- Wear orange and purple in support of the nationwide recognition. Send us a picture and tag us on social media.
November E-News is out!
July E-Newsletter Is Out!
Read about the milestone Samaritan Ministries reached in July.
HanesBrands Sock Drive Provides Much Needed Items to Samaritan Guests
For over 14 years, HanesBrands and Hanes for Good have been working with homeless shelters, organizations, community groups and individuals from across the country to help create an awareness for those who are homeless or in transitional housing that are often over looked.
Socks and underwear are among the most requested, but least donated items at homeless shelters. Each year, Hanes for Good works to bring some comfort to those in need by simply providing a clean pair of socks.
Thank you Hanes for your support and partnership. Our guests got to pick from a beautiful array of socks in different styles and colors and their day was brightened by your generosity.
Jim Graham Announced a Winner of the 2024 Forsyth County Governor’s Volunteer Service Award and The Bronze President’s Volunteer Service Award
CONGRATULATIONS to Jim Graham! He is a winner of the 2024 Forsyth County Governor’s Volunteer Service Award and The Bronze President’s Volunteer Service Award!
For over 18 Years, Jim has invested countless hours into working to improve the lives of the unhoused. Initially drawn to Samaritan Ministries through his church, Jim’s commitment deepened over time as he witness firsthand the transformative power of putting his faith into action. From participation in outreach programs to leading volunteer teams, Jim’s impact extends beyond the kitchen sink; even if you’ll find him there washing pots and pans weekly, he embodies compassion and humility, often sharing meals and moments with guests. His consistent efforts reflect his belief in the mission of Samaritan Ministries and the inherent dignity of every individual.
Jim was nominated by Samaritan Ministries’ Volunteer Coordinator, Shirelle Stewart-Riddick who notes, “He is willing and commits to be the hands and feet of God serving at Samaritan Ministries.”
Every Tuesday Jim and his wife, Beth volunteer together blessing our ministry with their commitment.
Congratulations to James Combs Winner of The William Pickens Project Cornerstone Award
James Combs has been chosen as the 2024 recipient of the William Pickens Project Cornerstone Award.
James Combs battled addiction for 35 years until he ended up in jail and homeless. He came to Samaritan Ministries for shelter and soon joined Project Cornerstone.
There James found structure, and the support he needed to maintain his sobriety. He also came to know how important a support system can be and now he gives back by remaining active in the aftercare program.
James has been truly committed to his sobriety and Project Cornerstone, and he serves as an example of devotion and dedication to others.
May Is Mental Health Awareness Month
The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) today launched Take the Moment, a campaign that empowers people to collectively embrace the power of now for Mental Health Awareness Month 2024.
As stigma around mental health persists and the national mental health crisis evolves, Take the Moment encourages individuals to prioritize and talk about their mental health without feeling guilty or ashamed. Take the Moment also highlights NAMI’s resources including its HelpLine, programs, and initiatives that support individuals and their loved ones in their mental health journeys.
“NAMI’s Take the Moment campaign is a reminder that amidst life’s chaos, we all deserve a moment to refocus, recharge and nurture our mental health,” said NAMI CEO Daniel H. Gillison Jr. “Together, let’s use this moment and month to make our mental well-being a priority and pave the way for healthier minds and happier lives.”
The 2024 Myrtie Davis Lifetime Volunteer Servant Leadership Award Winner is Announced
The Myrtie Davis Volunteer Servant Leadership Award was established in 2017 to honor a long-time volunteer for selfless commitment to Samaritan Ministries and our guests. The Award is meant to be an encouragement to all of us to act on the words of Jesus in Matthew 25. The award inspires others to give of their time, talents and resources to help the hungry and homeless of our community.
Myrtie Davis began volunteering at Samaritan Ministries in the Soup Kitchen in 1981 and served faithfully on the Monday team for over 20 years. The inspiration for her service came from Jesus. She always put Samaritan’s guests first, serving with humility and empathy. She was known throughout the community as an intentional listener and prayer partner. Everything she did pointed to Christ. As a Soup Kitchen volunteer, Myrtie often filled the building with music. She was known to identify needs of mothers and children in the Soup Kitchen and return with those items the following week. Myrtie began volunteering to help homeless people when downtown churches opened their doors as shelters in the 1980s. When those churches founded Samaritan Inn in 1988, Myrtie continued her involvement. She joined volunteers from First Presbyterian through the overflow shelter and at Samaritan Inn multiple times a year. She is beloved by Samaritan guests, volunteers and staff.
Matthew 25:35-40 “For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me. Then the righteous will answer him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you.’ And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’ ”
This year’s award recipient of the Myrtie Davis Lifetime Volunteer Servant Leadership Award is Arzaia Thomas who has been volunteering with us for FORTY years!
Arzaia truly embodies selfless commitment to Samaritan Ministries. She volunteers every week with us and is a true inspiration.
Past Award Recipients
2023 – Kathryn Harris and Margaret Mills
2021 – Irma Jackson and Minnie Blakely
2020 – Elizabeth West
2019 – Emily Seawell
2018 – Myrtie Davis
Samaritan Ministries Chosen as the Novant Health Cares Donation Recipient of the Month
Samaritan Ministries is the Novant Health Cares Donation Recipient of the Month!
At Novant Health, there is a team member volunteer program called Novant Health Cares in which every month of 2024, a team member who logs their volunteer hours in our online platform is chosen randomly to direct $5,000 to the qualifying charity in which they volunteered.
Lauren Carmichael (Community Health Worker) was recently selected and has volunteered with Samaritan Ministries and will be directing this donation to our cause.
Lauren shared that she has seen firsthand the compassion and care we provide our guests daily from the Soup Kitchen, Shelter, and Project Cornerstone.
Monica presented the check and remarked on the longevity of the organization serving the community for decades. During her volunteering, she was amazed at how quickly we can prepare and serve 300 delicious meals daily.
This gift will help us serve over 1,400 meals.
Thank you Novant Health.
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