Letter from the President

A Message from the President

January 11, 2021 by Justin Feltman

Greetings and Happy New Year! Yes, HAPPY, HAPPY NEW YEAR! I too, am excited to put 2020 to rest, and welcome all the hope and promise of 2021. We can all agree that 2020 was an unprecedented year, but with God’s infinite grace and mercy, Samaritan Inns continues to provide structured housing and recovery services to homeless and at-risk men, women, and
families suffering from addictions.

I joined the Samaritan Inns family a few months ago because of my deep passion for the organization’s commitment to serving our city’s most vulnerable. Each day, I’m awestruck by the passionate commitment and loving care provided to our clients by the staff here at Samaritan Inns. Despite how difficult this work is—and how much more difficult it is during a pandemic, the team keeps showing up, working through the chaos and giving their ALL, each and every day. They work tirelessly to ensure the men, women and families we serve get the support and care that everyone deserves.

Like so many non-profits, Samaritan Inns has also been dramatically impacted by the pandemic. It has forced us to change how we conduct every aspect of our operations; and required us to reduce our capacity in order to keep our residents and our staff safe. But thankfully with God’s help, we make it work and I’m pleased to report that all Samaritan Inns programs have remained open throughout the pandemic; and that the number of COVID cases amongst our residents and our staff has been minimal. We have certainly been blessed and we are excited to open the doors to our brand new Women’s Transitional Living Program on Ontario Road later this month, making it the only program of its kind in DC.

Samaritan Inns has been providing exemplary services for more than 35 years, and we look to build on our legacy and increase the number of individuals we can serve. Over the years, Samaritan Inns has evolved to meet the changing needs of those we serve with innovative programs and services. What began as one transitional home in the heart of DC, has developed into a full treatment and recovery continuum with eight transitional homes and a proven formula in combating homelessness and addictions. Over the next several years, we will build on the vision and strength of Samaritan Inns through the addition of an outpatient treatment center for men and women; and a long-term recovery program for families.

We have much to do in this fight to combat homelessness and addictions and rebuild lives. But Scripture tells us that “If God is for us, who can be against us?” (Romans 8:31)

On behalf of the men, women and families we serve, our staff and our Board of Directors, and everyone involved with Samaritan Inns, I thank you for your continued support and I wish you a blessed New Year filled with peace, abundance, and bright moments. Please stay safe.

With gratitude,

Lauren C. Vaughan Announced as New President & CEO of Samaritan Inns

September 1, 2020 by Justin Feltman

On behalf of the Board of Directors of Samaritan Inns, we welcome Lauren C. Vaughan as our new President and CEO. Lauren has made the District her home for over 20 years and joins us from a varied and distinguished career in both private and public service. She has served as Executive Director of My Sister’s Place, as Secretary of the District of Columbia, and then as the Executive Director of Mentorprize. Her executive experience and commitment to the people of D.C. attracted us to her, and we look forward to her building on the vision and strengths of Samaritan Inns.

Please join us in welcoming Lauren. And please accept our deep gratitude for standing with us through this significant transition, especially during the hardships caused by Covid-19.

Gratefully,
Michael A. Alto, Board Chair
Christine Lambrou Johnson, Search Committee Chair

Letters from Larry: A New Year

January 17, 2018 by Justin Feltman

To Our Samaritan Inns friends and family,

2018 presents new opportunities and challenges for us all. At Samaritan Inns, we are no stranger to either. Each year, our nation’s opioid epidemic worsens, leaving lost love ones and broken families in its wake. Washington, DC is at the heart of many of the nation’s substance use problems, leading the nation in alcohol abuse.
However, there is hope. Thanks to your continued support, we provide a beacon of light for those needing help. Over the past year, over 250 clients entered our Adult Treatment Program, looking for a new beginning. About 25 mothers began building a healthy foundation with their families through our Women with Children Program. Men and women in our long term recovery program have strengthened their commitment to independent living, with 98% of alumni continuing to live drug and alcohol free.
The challenges we face, as a community and nation, seem insurmountable. However, we know that when we come together to face these challenges, hope will win. This year, I look forward to partnering with you as we work to restore hope and bring healing to our community.
Best,

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The Many Gifts of Christmas

December 16, 2016 by Justin Feltman

Dear Samaritan Inns Friends,

As we enter the Holiday season, we are reminded of the incredible gifts we are given by family and friends and, sometimes, from surprising places.

Here at Samaritan Inns, we know a lot about the surprising gifts. The clients who come to our Inns are seeking the gift of healing. However, they come away from our program with many more gifts. And, truly, we do too. Each client may come with a lot of wounds, but they also come bearing many gifts. We are blessed by each individual and what they share with us: their stories, music, art, poetry, compassion, and many others.

This Christmas, I am grateful for the gifts that we receive every day. Our entire family is blessed by each new face, whether they be a client, donor, volunteer, or staff member. Thank you for your gifts, and I wish every one of you a Merry Christmas!

With Gratitude,

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Thanksgiving with Our Family

November 24, 2016 by Justin Feltman

This year, as we all gather around the Thanksgiving table with our families, I am reminded of another family that I hold dearly to my heart, my Samaritan Inns family. This includes our staff, our board, and our supporters, both financial supporters and volunteers. But, most importantly, our Samaritan Inns family includes the residents and clients of our programs.

Each year, Samaritan Inns serves around 400 Men, Women, and now Mothers with their Children who are desperately looking for hope and recovery. Just as important, they are looking for family. At Samaritan Inns, we provide them with the love, nurturing, and caring that is so vital to their success and their relationships. Through your generous support, we provide a family.

So this Thanksgiving Season, I am thankful for the family we have built together over the past 30 years. Each year it grows in number but also in strength. I am truly blessed and grateful. Have a Happy Thanksgiving!

Larrys-signature

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