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Pilgrimage A newsletter published by the Samaritan Center 2011 ANNUAL REPORT |
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Reflecting on 2010 as the Samaritan Center’s Board President, I cannot help but be thankful for the dedicated Center Staff, selfless Board Members, amazing Donors and Supporters, and most importantly the courageous clients we serve on a daily basis. Without these unbelievable people, the Samaritan Center would have had no chance to pursue its healing mission in Elkhart County for 38 years.
This past year brought anticipated challenges and unforeseen hurdles. The lingering strife from the economic downturn remained prevalent throughout our community, putting tremendous financial strain on the Center early in the year. The continued focus on increasing productivity and broadening our referral source base remained at the center of our activities. Our core ministry of Healing, Hope & Growth got off to a slow start, but with unwavering perseverance, the clinical staff were providing services at near capacity levels during the fall months. The Center was blessed to welcome nearly 300 new individuals to the Samaritan Center family, while amassing nearly 3100 hours of direct service. While these are not record-breaking numbers, they mark a significant re-stabilizing factor for the Center, which was a wonderful threshold to cross!!!
Early September brought us the opportunity to re-unite with past board members, friends and associates, as we gathered to celebrate Dr. Greg Hinkle’s 20 years with the Samaritan Center (fourteen as Executive Director). Another BIG thanks for all you do, Greg!!
The second-annual “Still Dancing in Elkhart County 2010” (our “Dancing with the Stars” event) was another HUGE success!!! The unbelievable financial windfall certainly was the headline of the evening, but I was personally excited about how many ‘new’ people learned about our Samaritan Center. Nearly half of the sold-out crowd of 350 heard about the Samaritan Center for the first time!!! The event will continue in 2011, but will have to set very lofty goals to surpass this year’s performance, and the dance committee’s selection of amazingly talented dancers and performers.
The dawning of each new year brings the promise of things yet to be achieved, and the hope to find the fortitude to accomplish heights never imagined. The Center Staff and Board of Directors have been hard at work formulating the strategic outline for 2011, with the goal of finding collaborative and innovative ways of bringing the “Healing, Hope and Growth” message to those in need throughout Elkhart County. Through our Covenant Congregations and partnerships throughout the community, we will continue striving to make OUR Samaritan Center the thriving epicenter for expert psychotherapy and faith-integrated counseling.
I know I speak on behalf of everyone associated with the Center when I thank you for your continued support of the Samaritan Center, for it is only with your heartfelt and generous financial help that we are able to continue serving. |
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Surviving - And Even Thriving - in 2010 —2011 Board President Juli Meyer |
