Hurricane IDA
James Samaritan provides resources and creates healthy support systems for at-risk youth and families, especially those in the foster care community. We have been very fortunate to be able to help many youth and families that were displaced due to the hurricane. Immediately after the storm, our Open Table network throughout the state was able to seek out those that we serve to ensure that they were safe, had shelter and basic needs, and provide emotional support for yet another trauma, We helped with hotel stays for 5 families, one of which was the grandmother who has taken in 8 of her grandchildren, We distributed gift cards, clothing, food, and other supplies to many who needed help to get home after evacuating or who lost much of their belongings as a result of the storm, As a result of a social media post, we were able to provide a washer and dryer to a mother of 8. Furthermore, James Samaritan helped over 10 families with finding and paying for housing.
Although James Samaritan was blessed to be able to be the link in the chain for taking care of our most vulnerable, it is our community partners and churches that make it possible to fulfill our mission. Churches, Northshore Community Foundation and our local nonprofits have done a great job pulling together and assisting each other serve our community. Individuals are bringing us clothing, gift cards and other items to fill needs. And, our volunteers are instrumental in the logistics of getting supplies delivered.
Thank you to everyone who has been instrumental in providing for our most vulnerable and for helping those who have worked so hard to move forward with their lives and to overcome this major set back. The work has only just begun. We pray that everyone in Louisiana is seeing God at work and trusting that He will pull us through. We are so grateful to all of you for helping us to be His hands and feet in this process.
|
|
|
WELCOME TO THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
|
|
|
|
Cleveland Wester was born in Boynton Beach, Florida and graduated from Concordia University in Seward, Nebraska with a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) in 1986. Cleveland earned his Master of Social Work (MSW) with a specialty in Community and Organization from Michigan State University in 2006. Prior to being named CEO of Youth Service Bureau in 2020, Cleveland had recently begun work on his dissertation in business administration from North Central University in Flagstaff, Arizona.
A standout running back at Concordia University, Cleveland was inducted into his college's Football Hall of Fame in 2004. After college, Cleveland briefly played in the National Football League for the Detroit Lions. When his football career was cut short by injuries, Cleveland returned to his original dream of helping others. As far back as 12 years old, Cleveland set goals for himself of graduating high school and college, playing in the NFL, and helping children and families. Since 1988, he has been working in the nonprofit realm helping children and families believe they can succeed through hard work, despite challenging backgrounds or family situations.
Outside of work, Cleveland enjoys being in the gym, traveling, playing golf when time permits, and reading. One day he hopes to return to his love of horseback riding.
|
|
|
|
Glynn Robinson is Minister of Missions and Evangelism at First Baptist Church in Covington where he has served since 1997. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Southern Mississippi and a Master of Divinity degree from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. Prior to moving to Covington he served in churches in Hattiesburg, MS and Natchitoches, LA. Glynn gives leadership to FBC Covington’s local and international missions efforts. He also leads FBC Covington’s disaster relief response ministry and actively engages in community ministry partnerships with organizations seeking to make our community better and stronger. He is the director of the FBC Covington’s kid’s sports league, Upward Sports. Glynn and his wife Melinda are love spending their Saturdays watching Southern Miss football and hooking their camper up and going places they have never been.
|
|
Thrivent Matching Donations Until End of October
James Samaritan is blessed to partner with Thrivent!! This wonderful organization supports us year-round. With the dramatic increase in needs for at-risk youth and families, they have helped to launch a fundraising campaign. Thrivent will match the first $2500. Thrivent members can apply their Choice Dollars to the campaign, but all are invited to help. If you would like to give to at-risk youth and families post-Ida, this is a great opportunity!! Thank you.
|
|
|
|
James Samaritan's Gift-A-Lift Program gives vehicles to youth that are aging out of foster care and are "driven" to succeed. Mr. Tourelle is a shining example of a local business owner identifying an aspect of his business that he can use to help individuals in a BIG way. He and his team have partnered with our Gift-A-Lift Program to change lives now and in the future. By providing transportation, young adults who have overcome so many challenges have a broader range of opportunity in education and employment. Mr. Tourelle is uplifting our community one person at a time. His contributions will have a butter-fly effect for generations to come.
|
|
|
TARGET IS A COMPANY THAT CARES
Target in Covington is meeting needs throughout our community!! We sincerely appreciate their donating baby items, school supplies, toiletries and much more to those who lost so much!!
|
|
|
SUPPORT JAMES SAMARITAN WITHOUT INCREASED EXPENSE
|
|
|
SEND AN eGIFT CARDS TO FRIENDS, FAMILY, OR THOSE IN NEED - STAY IN BUDGET FOR FOOD, GAS, CLOTHING, & MORE EASILY FROM YOUR PHONE - ORDER ACTUAL GIFT CARDS TO SEND IN BIRTHDAY, CHRISTMAS, GRADUATION CARDS, ETC. - SIMPLIFY LIFE WHILE HELPING OTHERS
Merely download the free app using the James Samaritan Enrollment Code, and you are helping at-risk youth & families without spending any extra money. IT IS SO EASY. 750+ of the most popular retailers. You can click on the link below or download the RaiseRight app and start immediately.
For more information, email us at info@jamessamaritan.org or call us at 985-888-6100.
https://www.raiseright.com/
|
|
|
INTRODUCING OUR AMBASSADOR
|
|
|
|
|
Dr. Michael Sprague works tirelessly for the Kingdom. He and his wife Donna demonstrate their love for God and for His children in the many ways that they walk out their faith. Dr. Sprague is a champion for children and an advocate for James Samaritan. In recognition of all that he has done, we have invited him to be Ambassador for James Samaritan. We are honored that he accepted the invitation. Thank you, Pastor.
|
|
|
|
Tony LeMon loves helping children!! He is highly involved in the community and gives his time, talent and treasure to many organizations that serve kids. I was blessed to give him a tour of the James Samaritan Center. Those we serve will be blessed by his generosity. We are so grateful for his support!! Thank you, Tony!
|
|
|
|
BE SURE TO VISIT JAMES SAMARITAN IN THE CHILDREN'S AREA OF THE BLUESBERRY FESTIVAL ON OCTOBER 9TH.
|
|
|
|
|
