May 2018 Organization & Volunteers of the Month
Each month we like to take a few moments to acknowledge individuals and organizations in the community that go above and beyond to support the Good Samaritan Inn’s mission. We are extremely excited to announce May’s Volunteer & Organization of the Month!
Volunteers of the Month: Jane and Bill Kaelin
There are a few individuals that always stand out from the crowd when they become partners of the Good Samaritan Inn, and Jane & Bill Kaelin are just that.
“When I call them and they’re available, they come in. No matter how much of a notice I give them.” - Francie, Good Samaritan Inn Volunteer Coordinator
They have always gone above and beyond to help the Good Samaritan Inn team when the need arises and continuously bring positivity and enthusiasm when they visit. We would like to extend our team’s gratitude to this wonderful couple who are kind enough to donate their time and effort to support our mission on a regular basis.
Organization of the Month: Central Christian Church and The Peace & Justice Task Force
The Congregation of Central Christian Church have been one of the many vital partners that helps The Good Samaritan Inn provide a warm meal in a safe environment 365 days a year. Without the passionate and ongoing support of the congregation of Central Christian Church, we would not have the labor needed to serve our daily noon-meal. Like many other local church congregations and businesses, members of the church graciously donate their time every month in helping us to do so.
“...They are always uplifting, and always smiling, and laughing, and very enthusiastic when they come in. There’s never any problems and we have had remarks from others that they love working with them because they are so enthusiastic and always having fun. They really seem to love what they do here.” - Francie, Good Samaritan Inn Volunteer Coordinator
The Peace and Justice Task Force, an initiative housed at Central Christian Church, provides monetary support for Mercy Programs, our farm to table culinary and urban farming job training program.
The Peace & Justice Task Force strives to meet the needs of the community and bring social justice issues to the forefront of community conversation. Their mission statement is as follows:
“As disciples of Jesus Christ, the purpose of the Peace & Justice Task Force is to promote peace and address injustice, discrimination and oppression in our church, in our community and in the world through education and advocacy.”
The Peace & Justice Task Force participates in several activities and concerns in addition to their work with the Good Samaritan Inn. These include some of the following:
Just Flicks Film Series – Host 10 monthly film viewings with another local church that have social justice content.
Peacemaker Award – Present annually with other local churches the Peacemaker Award to an 8th grader at each of the six Decatur schools with a junior high program, and to a senior at each of the two high schools.
Islamic Community Support – Interact with and support this Decatur community
Mental Health Issues – Frequently testifies before legislative hearings in Springfield to increase the awareness for the need of additional support for the mentally ill
350.org - Promotion of environmental awareness and fossil fuel use
Illinois People’s Action– Support legislation and participate in actions that combat payday and car title loans, hydraulic fracturing and other industry activities that threaten people and the environment, immigration reform, and seeking to have corporations pay their fair share of taxes
The Good Samaritan Inn team relies on the support of individuals, volunteers and organizations such as these every day. Without the generous monetary and volunteer support received from these partners, the team would be unable to continue the mission-centered work done every day. The needs of the community continue to rise, therefore so does the need for ongoing support of the organization. We thank each and every one of our volunteers and donors that help us continue to serve our economically disadvantaged, unemployed or hungry neighbors in the Decatur community.