Volunteer Opportunities and Events

The Ministry – In 1986, St. Mark’s established Samaritan Ministry along with 11 other churches in the metro area.  The goal was to help adults with seemingly insurmountable challenges transform their lives through a program combining compassion, coaching, and accountability. Since that time, the partnership has grown to include over 50 Episcopal churches in the District, Maryland, and Virginia, as well as the National Cathedral, the Episcopal Diocese of Washington, and several churches in other denominations.

The Method – The cornerstone of the Ministry’s approach is its “Next Step Program” in which caseworkers help participants set realistic goals in employment, housing, health, and education and then define manageable next steps to achieve them.  Sixty percent of program participants are returning citizens, homeless, or have chronic health problems (or all three).

Professional case-workers and trained volunteers provide participants with counseling, skills training, help with resumes, job searches, applications, referrals, and other assistance.  As long as participants are making progress on their “next steps,” the Ministry supports them, as needed, with food, toiletries, clothing, transit cards, and access to tablets & laptops.

Growth in Programs — In 2016, SMGW became the local affiliate of STRIVE, a national workforce development program with a 53% job placement rate and an 84% retention rate. A key component of STRIVE is a three-week training program that places participants in a simulated work environment. This training takes place at the Skyland Workforce Center in Southeast Washington. Graduates of STRIVE also have the option of continuing with more focused occupational skills training in such fields as construction, healthcare, and hospitality, leading to industry-recognized credentials.

In 2022, Reformation Lutheran’s Southeast Ministry merged with Samaritan Ministry. Established by Reformation in 1990, Southeast Ministry offers basic education and pre-GED classes to adults with limited skills in literacy and math.

 

Sam Tanner flanked by Byte Back trainer Andew Quilpa (left) and STRIVE trainer Antoine Johnson (right)

Impact – Currently the Ministry has offices in Anacostia, Congress Heights, and Arlington.  The Anacostia office is near the Mayor’s Office of Returning Citizens Affairs, which sends many recently-released individuals to Samaritan Ministry for help in getting an ID, a GED or other training, and assistance in finding housing and a job.  In 2024, the Ministry assisted 3,024 adults, of whom 1,757 participated in its Next Step Program.

Staff and volunteers at Samaritan Ministry understand that participating in the growth and development of another human being is a mutually transformative experience.  The following brief presentations (6-9 minutes) by two participants and one volunteer clearly reveal that impact:

Charles Hopkins – After being incarcerated for 47 years, during which he took steps to change his outlook and get educated, Charles turned to Samaritan Ministry for support in taking the “next steps” to become a successful returning citizen.

Antoinette Green – After surviving several abusive relationships, Antoinette found herself with a young son, a high school degree, and a job as a cashier at a local museum.  When she lost that job, she first felt hopeless but then Samaritan Ministry’s STRIVE program.  She credits it and the support of SMGW staff for giving her the confidence to keep going, secure a new job, and create a better life for herself and her son.

 

Karen Neal – Inspired by testimonials from program participants at a Next Step Breakfast event, Karen volunteered to work at the Ministry’s Southeast office, where she was trained as a Caseworker Associate. She her presentation at the Next Step Breakfast telecast where she spoke of the impact that working with staff and participants had on her.

St. Mark’s Involvement – Our church supports the Ministry with an annual contribution. Numerous members have served on the Ministry’s Board of Directors, represented our church on its Partner Council, or volunteered on-site as front office coordinators, resume writers, and tutors. Parishioners have also supported the Ministry with financial contributions, donated food, toiletries, clothing, and gift cards for distribution to program participants, sponsored or attended its Next Step Breakfast in the spring and its fall Gala & Auction, or donated theme baskets and other items for the auction.

Volunteer Opportunities — Individuals who are able to devote a few hours during weekdays to assist Samaritan Ministry can find current opportunities listed on the web site. For more information, contact Sy Jones, Volunteer Manager: syjones@samaritanministry.org.

To Learn More – Speak with St. Mark’s current Representatives on the Ministry’s Partner Council, Sydney Register and Peter Hawley.  Look for updates in the Sunday Announcements and on the Outreach “bulletin board” in Baxter Hall.

Explore the Ministry’s web site, sign-up for its In Step, newsletter, and consider attending the Next Step Breakfast and Annual Gala.