Samaritan inn
PURPOSE
The Samaritan Inn is a transitional housing facility for homeless children and their parents or caregivers. The program is designed to help families become self-sufficient in a safe environment while teaching them life skills, supporting them as they pursue their personal goals and providing them with spiritual guidance during their journey. The Samaritan Inn is the only residential program in Lake County that accepts families with both men and women and is one of only three in Central Florida.
PROGRAM DETAILS
Qualified applicants are accepted into the Samaritan Inn transitional residential program and begin their stay by getting acclimated and adjusted. We soon begin formulating an initial case plan, which includes regular church attendance, Bible classes and spiritual development. They are offered various support services such as job search services, connections for childcare and daycare referrals, as well as access to the our Benevolence Center for food, clothing and personal needs.
The program length of stay is 12 months, during which time the family contributes only $200-$400 per month toward a program fee, which is determined by family size. Each family works with our staff to expand their case plan with requirements to help them move forward toward sustainable independence at the completion of the program. The expanded case plan includes creating a monthly 30% savings goal, debt reduction, parenting and financial classes, and personal and vocational counseling. Our desire is to see each family leave with a closer relationship with Christ, consistent income, steady housing, and better life skills for stability and security.
FACILITIES
The Samaritan Inn facility features 12 residential rooms, two laundry rooms, a commercial kitchen, dining room, tutoring room, nursery/child care area, a family room for movies, study, and fun games. The property also enjoys a gazebo with picnic tables, an outside porch area for gatherings, a splash pad and two playground areas.
Each resident room is approximately 288 square feet and can sleep four and an infant, if necessary. Rooms are furnished with a full bed and bunk beds, dressers, a television, refrigerator and microwave. They are lovingly decorated by the volunteer housekeeping staff, who stock them with linens, quilts, stuffed animals for the kids, toiletries and a Bible.
HISTORY
The Bible talks a lot about the unity of the family, and while the Christian Care Center had a place for men, a place for women and a place for children, we had no place for intact families. To remedy that problem the CCC purchased the Big Bass Motel in 2009. Once a haven for travelers and fishermen, it had fallen into disrepair and was being used primarily for drug activity and prostitution. The renovation project became a collaborative venture with numerous churches, community groups and individuals partnering financially and laboring together to transition the rundown motel to open its doors in 2010. Since the renovation was completed in late 2012, the inn has been home to hundreds of families who have experienced the marvelous touch in their lives that only the Lord can do through people who pour into their lives.
PARTNERING OPTIONS
Partnership opportunities include:
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Organize a cook and serve dinner night with our families.
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Mentor moms, dads, and/or children
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Provide childcare while parents are in classes
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Participate in light handyman repair work
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Build relationships with Pizza/Game night
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Organize onsite or offsite outdoor activities
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Help with special events
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Sponsor a family for $42 a day, $300 a week or longer.
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Provide funding to refurbish a room to create a comfortable space for a family to call home
STAFF
The Samaritan Inn staff consists of four positions:
The Director oversees all operations of the Samaritan Inn, its programs, facilities, staff and residents.
The Assistant Director assists in the operation of the Samaritan Inn by coming alongside residents as a case plan manager to help them navigate the challenges necessary for a successful future.
The Resident Manager and house mom provides security and assistance for residents mainly after hours while residing on our property.
The Cook maintains the kitchen and plans, prepares and serves the daily evening meal.
Kathy Salerno
Director | Samaritan Inn
Kathy became the Director of the Samaritan Inn after serving as the Assistant Director for 3 years. Throughout her many years of vocational ministry, she has served in various roles in inner city churches working with those experiencing life controlling issues, crisis, and trauma related struggles. She has a degree of ministry in Biblical Studies and is a certified mental health coach. Kathy’s greatest joy is serving others by helping them experience true identity and growth in Christ, to showing them how to obtain wholeness and freedom through Christ, so they can fulfill their life purpose for Christ.