1/7/2008 - SINCLAIRVILLE
By ALPHA HUSTED Special to the OBSERVER
The old, white church remained vacant for several years after the Park United Methodist congregation moved to its new building.
Today, as the home of Samaritan House, the village landmark at 2 East Avenue is an oasis for those in need. While the pews are gone, prayer is very much a part of the community outreach program.
It all started in 2004, when Maureen Schafer, a member of Park UMC, was given a greenlight to establish the program by the church and its pastor, the Rev. James Bailey.
“The old church had been empty for a long time,” Schafer said. “I thought it would be a great place for an outreach ministry. The goal was to provide a helping hand to those in need by collecting and providing low-cost clothing and other necessities.’’
Armed with an indomitable passion to help others, Schafer opened Samaritan House. Four years later, the Park UMC community ministry continues to be operated entirely by volunteers through donations and financial contributions.
The Rev. Bailey says the program offers an opportunity to fulfill more than spiritual needs in the community. Samaritan House, he says, enables the church to address the need for basic necessities such as clothing, food and shelter, and to help people deal with other issues and problems as well.
Classes As Well As Clothes
Samaritan House is open to the public from 2-7 p.m. Wednesdays and Fridays. Many who seek assistance at the outreach center receive more than belts, boots, bedding and clothes.
This year, eight weeks of life skills classes were provided by the Cornell Co-Operative Extension Service. Sessions will be continued in 2008. For those lacking high school diplomas, GED studies are offered free of charge to those 17 and older by Erie 2-Chautauqua-Cattaraugus BOCES. Classes are scheduled at 12:30 p.m., Wednesdays.
“We’ve come a long way over the past four years,’’ said Schafer, director of the program. “We started out with about three tables of items. Now, every niche of the building is filled with clothing and household goods, furniture, appliances and health care equipment, from wheel chairs and walkers to crutches and canes.”
On an average day, more than 300 clothing items are picked up by families and individuals — people who are recouping from disastrous house fires, others who have just moved to the area for a new start, and still others whose financial straits are linked to job layoffs, illnesses, and other problems.
In addition to the need for clothing, Schafer said, there are endless requests for appliances and furniture.
“We sell all items at very low prices,” she said. “Those in great need are simply served at no cost. Very few donations are discarded. That’s because people are thoughtful enough to drop off items in good condition.”
At Samaritan House, contributions of artificial flowers and other small articles and materials are sent to area nursing homes, where they are used in crafts. Stuffed animals have gone to the Park UM Christmas gift program and to the Teddy Bears for Soldiers in Salamanca. This past year, Schafer said, 23 book-bags were distributed to students of all ages, and that project will be offered again in 2008.
Samaritan House Partners
Samaritan House also partners with a number of other agencies including St. Pauly Textile, Inc, of Rochester, a company whose mission is to get useable clothing to people in the United States and to others in third world countries.
St. Pauly provides drop-off boxes, free of charge, to 130 outreach missions throughout Western New York, including Samaritan House, where the large structure behind the building is referred to as the “donation shed.’’
“Over the past year,” Schafer said, “we’ve already sent 21,415 pounds — or about 10.5 tons — of clothes to St. Pauly. By Dec. 31, we will be up to 11 tons.’’
In addition, clothing and small toiletry items are sent to VIVE La Casa in Buffalo, an interfaith organization offering support and legal help to refugees.
Samaritan House, Schafer said, has “benefitted tremendously” through working with such organizations as Chautauqua County’s Faith Based Initiative. The faith based community and Social Services Department group, she said, focuses on improving networking between communities and church denominations.
Other outreach partners are Community Helping Hands and the Western New York Central Referral Service.
“We have become much better equipped to assist people through contacts with other churches, social service caseworkers, and Visiting Nurses,” the Samaritan House director said.
Volunteers, New Windows Needed
With many already considering New Year resolutions, volunteers at the outreach center are hoping others will make a commitment to join them. “We are in great need of volunteers,’’ said Schafer, noting that people willing to assist may set their own hours by calling Samaritan House at 962-2246.
Organizations, such as senior and youth groups, church groups, girl and boy scouts, and school clubs also are invited to consider work missions at Samaritan House.
Especially needed at this time is a maintenance man. Several interior carpentry and painting projects have been on the agenda for some time. “Right now,” the director said, “we are hoping to sell the old stained glass windows which will be replaced to conserve our heating bills — when we’re able to raise enough funds for the project.”
Meanwhile, bagged donations of clothing may be dropped off anytime at the donation shed. Household goods and appliances are accepted at Samaritan House during open hours or by appointment.
More information on the outreach program is available on the Website,
http://www.samaritanhouse.us.
