Samaritas

⬅️ #ThrowbackThursday 💜 In 1988, we launched our Family Preservation program, dedicated to keeping at-risk elementary school children out of foster care. This initiative began in our Lansing Child and Family Services office and has been making a difference ever since. Learn more about Samaritas' current Family Preservation program: https://lnkd.in/gbqgbQ6D 🔗

Happy 4th of July from all of us at Samaritas! 🇺🇸✨ As we celebrate our nation's independence, let's also take a moment to appreciate the freedom, unity, and community we cherish. Wishing everyone a safe and joyful holiday filled with laughter, love, and fireworks! 🎆❤️

We had an amazing time with Ascend Church MI at Gateshead on Saturday! The residents were treated to delicious breakfast treats, coffee, fun games, and tech help. New friendships were formed, and everyone had a blast! 🌟 A huge thank you to Ascend Church and Rodney Golpe’s community for their incredible support and enthusiasm. We can't wait for future collaborations! 😊 If you or your company would like to plan an event like this, please contact Kayla Park at [email protected].

The winner of our 2024 Foster Care Zehnder's Splash Village Hotel and Waterpark Contest, The Nelson Family, had an unforgettable trip! 💚 From surprise gift baskets and Splash Village fun to delicious dinners, the weekend was filled with joy and magical moments. We're so glad we could provide this much-needed break for such a deserving family. Thank you, Nelson Family, for sharing your experience and allowing us to be a part of these cherished memories. 🌟💜 "Thank you so much to Samaritas for the trip to Zehnder's Splash Village and Frankenmuth. The kids had so much fun and were in awe of every new experience they had this weekend. They told us so many times how excited they were and how much fun they were having. This weekend was filled with all kinds of fun - from checking in and seeing a surprise gift basket in our room to Splash Village, to the chicken dinner at Zehnder's. The kids (and adults) loved every second of it and we are so appreciative to Samaritas for allowing us to have this experience. In the midst of parenting high needs, big behaviors, and so many little ones, it's easy to lose sight of the little things. We are so grateful we got this time to slow down and spend time all together. Once the week starts again we'll be back to therapy, caseworker visits, work, daycare, sports practice, and the millions of other things we cram into each week. This weekend trip was so needed for ALL of us. We loved watching the kids experience so many magical moments and it is not lost on us what a privilege it is to be walking alongside these children through these experiences. We made sure to take lots of pictures and videos to send to their biological parents as well. Thank you again for this opportunity. All the best, The Nelson Family" Learn more about upcoming foster care events: https://lnkd.in/egBD6JCu 🔗

Samaritas hosted World Refugee Day to thank our partners who work to foster greater community support and understanding for refugees. Volunteers, donors, corporate sponsors, university representatives, and governmental leaders celebrated the spirit and strength of the diverse families establishing deep roots in local communities. The event offered a variety of activities, including face painting, YMCA sports, arts and crafts, fishing, bubbles, and chalk stations. Refugee families also enjoyed participating in the raffle game, adding to the fun and excitement. Employee teams from Rocket Companies, DTE Energy, AAM - American Axle & Manufacturing, and the YMCA of Metropolitan Detroit offered games, crafts, and sports, beating the heat. The Wayne State Women’s Health division and mobile unit, Delta Dental of Michigan, Karmanos Office of Cancer Health Equity and Community Engagement, and the Michigan State University Extension provided critical health resources in various languages and cultural approaches (along with a popular ice cream cooler stocked with treats!) Officials from the cities of Detroit and Dearborn joined the Office of Global Michigan’s State Refugee Coordinator, Ben Cabanaw, and his team in meeting families and sharing their stories. We thank our extensive community for lifting up our newest neighbors, coworkers, business owners, parents, and people of faith! Thank you, Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib, Ripples Gala Chair Anida Sabanovic Powell, and her teammate Hussein, both representing Comerica Bank, for celebrating this special day with Samaritas. Thank you, American Axle team, Board member, Kirk Dornbush, Foundation Trustee, Rev. Dr. Chip Hardwick, and Ben Cabanaw and the Office of Global Michigan team. We extend our heartfelt thanks to the community for their support and participation in this celebration. A special thanks to our generous sponsors for their donations: Cakes With A Whisk, Detroit Mini Donut, Domino's, Farhat Sweets, Graze Craze, La Gelati - Michigan, Paris Pastry, Trader Joe's, Urban Air Adventure Parks, Wayne State University, Office of Women's Health, YMCA of the USA (National Resource Office) of Royal Oak and Detroit.

Samaritas in the News 🗞️ 💫 Every year, nearly 25% of foster youth nationwide face homelessness, and another 25% could end up in jail after aging out of the system. As Michigan's largest private foster care organization, Samaritas is dedicated to changing these statistics. On Wednesday, over 150 foster teens gathered at Western Michigan University for the 19th annual Michigan Teen Conference, aimed at equipping them for adulthood. "It teaches you how to have your power when you're in foster care and feel powerless," shared Angel Rivera, a former foster child now paying it forward by helping with the conference. With around 500,000 foster care kids in the U.S. and 10,000 in Michigan, the need for support and positive narratives is critical. Laura Mitchell, Samaritas Executive Director of Family Services, emphasizes the importance of focusing on the strengths and potential of each child. Join us in supporting foster teens as they transition to adulthood. Let's make a difference together. 💜 Read the full News Channel 3 WWMT TV article: https://lnkd.in/eU_N8h75 🔗

⬅️ #ThrowbackThursday 💜 1987 - A milestone year for Samaritas! We expanded our Grand Rapids outreach by opening a 25-person unit for individuals with developmental disabilities and established our first two group homes in the city. Proud moments of progress and compassion! Learn about Samaritas' current PWD programs: https://lnkd.in/ek4-X9Nj 🔗

Network with influential power couples at our 2024 Gala events and be part of a memorable evening. Celebrate with us as we rejoice in nine decades of life-changing compassion at Samaritas' Homecoming-themed Galas. Join us for an inspiring night filled with community, connection, and the spirit of giving back. Together, we can continue to make a difference and build a brighter future for those in need. Get your tickets, today! Ripples: https://lnkd.in/gA7bFe7n Rocks: https://lnkd.in/e47jeUX

Members of the Greater Detroit of United Methodist Church District came together to welcome a newly arrived family, providing essential items like beds, furniture, and cleaning supplies. This beautiful experience was made even more special by the presence of Ahmad, a young man the church co-sponsored through Samaritas in 2016. Ahmad, now a U of M graduate, joined us to translate and support the new family, exemplifying the full circle of community care and connection. Thank you to everyone who made this day memorable! 💜 Learn about Samaritas' opportunities for New Americans: https://lnkd.in/etf-5wx 🔗

🎨 The 2024 Refugee Youth Art Show is LIVE 💜 Art appreciation is one of the enrichment activities for Samaritas refugee foster youth, unaccompanied refugee minors, and other unaccompanied children in our care. The talent on display at the Samaritas Youth Art Show exemplifies the creativity, vibrancy, and energy of the young people we nurture who have fled from their homelands. Art is an outlet to express themselves. Talent like this should not, and cannot be contained, which is why we need your help to ensure we have plenty more programs to diversify their experience. https://lnkd.in/guHBTeCQ