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SAMMinistries is an interfaith ministry whose mission is to help the homeless
and those at risk of becoming homeless attain self-sufficiency by offering,
with dignity and compassion, shelter, housing and services. SAMMinistries
also provides volunteers opportunities to be renewed and fulfilled as they serve.
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Being Good Stewards of Your Time!
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 Dear ,
 So much is going on and we would like to fill you in on everything. However, in an effort to be good stewards of your time, we are trying to limit the items we share. We have come to realize that sometimes our e-newsletter is so long, you may not have the time to "read all about it!" This means that you miss out on something that you would have liked to know more about, but just didn't have the time to read it.
We are discerningly looking through each issue deciding which articles are most pressing and which ones can wait. In fact, earlier this month, we sent an opportunity that was so timely, it couldn't wait for the e-newsletter. The LocalSteals coupon email was set up to benefit SAMMinistries, but had to be released on the 5th. We will post the link on our website in a few days in case you deleted the email, but we saved room by not offering it again in this issue.
That is not all that was cut! Believe it or not, we had to cut other articles from this month's issue, simply because we are so busy that the e-newsletter was overwhelmingly long.
But one thing I don't like to cut is our Volunteer Spotlight article! We had to cut this section last month, but I know you are going to love reading about Paul and Barbara Slattery as the spotlight shines bright on them!
So, in this issue we are presenting you with several different opportunities to learn, serve, save money and have some fun--all of which, benefits the homeless in one way or another.
Without any further ado--please enjoy your latest issue!
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Baby Boom Equals Baby Items Needed!
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New babies need our
attention and help!
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We are having a baby boom! As you know, homelessness does not just strike adults, but children, including infants, are a large portion of people we serve each and every day.
Currently, we have 71 infants and toddlers in our care. This creates a need for hundreds of diapers, cases of formula and countless baby supplies that are needed each week.
So, the next time you are at the grocery or your favorite department store, please pick up some of the items on the list below. It would help these little ones get what they need to have a good start in life.
If you have any questions or would like to have a donation drive for these little ones, email
Melanie Cawthon or give her a call at 210-883-4771.
- Diapers (sizes 1,4,5,6)
- Toddler Pull-ups
- Formula
- Small Ice chests (size for a 6 pack of soda) for baby bottles
- Diaper rash cream
- Baby shampoo, powder, lotion
- Teething rings
- Crib sheets
- Onesies
- Bars of baby soap
- Car Seats
- Strollers
- Cribs
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Free Workshop Offered: Understanding Mental Illness
for our Brothers and Sisters on the Margins
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Learn more about:
- Mental health and the factors leading to poverty and homelessness.
- Resources that are available
- How you can help and make a difference
Event info:
- Date: November 5
- Time: 9:00am - 2:00pm
- Place: Norris Conference Center-4522 Fredericksburg Rd, Ste A100, 78201
- Free conference and lunch!
- Online Registration ends 5:00pm,October 28th.
CEU's offered for:
- Nurses register for the event on SAMMinistries' website and then you may register for CEU's at the conference
- LPC, LMFT, LSW, LCDC, LCSW and LMSW, register for conference and credit through the Ecumenical Center.
Collaborating partner: National Alliance on Mental Illness.
Funding for this workshop provided by Methodist Healthcare Ministries.
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Pose for a Cause-Art Sales & Yoga Benefit SAMMinistries
|  Southtown Yoga Loft is helping us overcome homelessness in San Antonio through art sales and a special one-hour yoga class.
The Southtown Yoga Loft located at 724 S. Alamo Street, Suite 3, San Antonio, Texas 78205. Is donating 50% of any art sold throughout the month of September to SAMMinistries! Then, on Saturday, September 24th, Donna Anfuso will be leading this heart-opening, hour-long yoga class! They will accept donations (a minimum of $10) for the class to help provide shelter and care for the homeless of San Antonio. ** Limited space available... please RSVP to guarantee your spot! Bring a friend! Light refreshments to follow. Contact Kristal at 210-838-0643 for more information or . . .
Click Here to Sign Up For the Class Now!
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Volunteer Spotlight: Paul and Barbara Slattery
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Dr. Paul and Barbara Slattery-Faithful Volunteers!
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Barbara Slattery knows a lot about Haven for Hope. As a Haven for Hope Docent, she gives tours, hosts orientations, and communicates the mission, history, and vision of homeless services in San Antonio. However, Barbara's heart for the homeless does not stop there. For the past year, Barbara and her husband, Paul, have been volunteering every Monday in the SAMMinistries' Play Room and Teen Room.
We are blessed with beautiful facilities on the new campus. A new Play Room, Teen Room, and Family Reading Room offer places for children and adults to interact and bring a little bit of fun to life on the campus. However, to be able to use these areas, volunteers are needed to assist and monitor the children and teens.
So, when giving tours in July of 2010, dozens of children saw Barbara coming toward the rooms and asked, "Are you going to open the Play Room?" Her heart ached as the kids would walk away in disappointment. Barbara saw the need, and, with the full support of Paul, contacted our Volunteer Services and asked, "What do we need to do to open the Play Room?" The Slattery's saw a need and stepped out in faith to be hands and feet to the homeless.
Within a week, Paul and Barbara were not only opening the Play Room, but the Teen Room as well. Paul Slattery has been fully committed to serving at SAMMinistries as well. He opens the Teen Room so the teens on campus have the opportunity to watch TV, play video games, air hockey, foosball-all the things kids love to do-in a space all their own. Paul enjoys his time volunteering, "Not a week goes by that I don't learn something from these kids. They show me the simplicity of being happy and joyful. In addition to that, I have really improved my Wii Skills!"
The Slattery's are so loved by the kids on campus that they are greeted, by name, with smiles and hugs! We are blessed and thankful for their selfless services and leadership in volunteerism, but the Slatterys are blessed too. Barbara said it this way," As a volunteer, it's always true that you receive more than you give. In the playroom, the rewards are great . . . lots of smiles and hugs from the beautiful children and thank you's from their parents. I enjoy spending the time together, and always keep these friends in my prayers. I'm grateful to SAMMinistries for the opportunity to serve."
Paul and Barbara have been two of our most dedicated volunteers in our first year of serving families on the new campus and we are grateful for their compassionate service!
Volunteers are still needed on a nightly basis for these three special places. If you are interested in joining the Slattery's in service to others weekly, monthly or quarterly, please contact our Volunteer Services at volunteer@samm.org.
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NEW!! Women of Faith Conference One-Day
Tickets Now Offered for $69.00!
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 If you want to go to The 2011 Women of Faith "Over the Top" Conference, the last day to buy discounted tickets from SAMMinistries is October 13th, so this is your last reminder!
This two day event will be held at the Alamodome, Friday and Saturday, October 21-22. Get the group rate ticket price, even if you just buy one ticket, if you buy it from SAMMinistries!
Special Ticket Prices:
- $89 for the full two days or $69 for a one-day pass
Women of Faith is donating $20 from each ticket we sell to SAMMinistries!!
More details about the event:
Friday: 10:00am - 3:30pm and 7:00pm - 10:00pm
(Doors open at 9:00am and 5:30pm)
Saturday: 9:00am - 5:00pm
(Doors open at 8:00am)
Featured Speakers: Patsy Clairmont, Marilyn Meberg, Lisa Whelchel, and Sandi Patty
Special Guest: Andy Andrews
Musical Guests: Mandisa, Amy Grant Drama by: Katherine Everett
Things to know before you purchase tickets:
1) $20 from each ticket sold will go to SAMMinistries.
2) No refunds/exchanges will be given for the tickets
3) SAMMinistries has been given tickets to sell to the event to be sold at the $89.00 group rate price-whether you buy one ticket or twenty.
4) Tickets for this year's event are for reserved seating-there is no open seating. Buy your tickets together to ensure that you sit with your special friend or group.
5) You will receive vouchers to be turned in for tickets at the will-call window the day of the event.
7) Ticket price includes the price of 2 boxed lunches which includes: a sandwich, chips, cookie, fruit, and bottled water - NO outside food will be allowed in the Alamodome-you may only bring one bottled water in the door.
How to Purchase Your Tickets:
Online: Click here to take you to our Donation page where you can buy tickets; select "Women of Faith Tickets" in the "Campaign" drop-down and fill in your information. You can use your credit card or checking account on our secure site. Make sure your address and contact information is correct before completing your ticket order! Charge by phone: Call our Administrative Offices at 210-340-0302 and charge your tickets over the phone!
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Top Three Volunteer Opportunities
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For more information on any of these or any other service needs,
please contact Volunteer Services at
volunteer@samm.org
SAMMinistries' Transitional Living and Learning Center (TLLC):
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Teen Room fun!
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Monday Night Childcare: We need four volunteers, 15 years and older, who can watch infants to 12 year old children on Monday nights as their parents attend classes at TLLC. Volunteers must complete a Volunteer Application to assist with the children. For more information, contact Volunteer Services at volunteer@samm.org.
Teen Room Hosts: Do you like teenagers? If you do, this is the perfect volunteer 'fit' for you! Our Teen Room at TLLC-5922 Blanco Road-is a fun place for our kids to hang out and be teens! There are several things to keep them busy; video games, pool table, air hockey, and computers, so you will just need to be there and have fun! Join in or watch-it's up to you!
Volunteers must be at least 18 years of age and everyone will need to complete a Volunteer Application. For more information, contact Volunteer Services at volunteer@samm.org.
Help needed in our offices at all locations:
Administrative Support: If you know your way around an office, we need you! We now have openings for office support volunteers at all of our locations: Administrative Offices-5254 Blanco Road; TLLC-5922 Blanco Road, and The SAMM Shelter on the Haven for Hope campus-1 Haven for Hope Way.
If you are available, anytime, Monday-Friday from 8:00am-5:00pm, we need your help. Volunteer one day or two; half days or whole, we are flexible! All volunteers must complete the Volunteer Application and, if you volunteer on the Haven campus, you will be asked to attend a Haven for Hope Orientation on the campus. Please contact Volunteer Services at volunteer@samm.org for more information.
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Furniture For A Cause hosts Tables for Thanksgiving
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Furniture For A Cause is hosting Tables for Thanksgiving this fall season!
Together with Furniture For A Cause, you can Help make this Thanksgiving a memorable one for an underprivileged family.
- Event and Goal: Tables for Thanksgiving is an event with a goal to provide families with a table to celebrate their Thanksgiving.
- Plan: Receive 100 tables and donate them to underprivileged families by October 21, 2011.
- How you can help: Beginning Sept. 19-Oct.21, if you have a new or gently used dinette set you would like to donate to this cause, you may sign up online or contact Furniture For A Cause at (210) 442-2440 and schedule a pickup for your donation.
- Pickups Available: Oct. 31-Nov.11 Tables and chairs will be picked up by Furniture For A Cause staff so they can prepare the items for delivery.
- Grand Finale: Nov. 12 at 11AM, volunteers and Furniture For A Cause staff will meet at Furniture For A Cause at 5254 Blanco Rd to review delivery safety precautions and get an address to the home of an underprivileged family for the delivery.
Watch for more information online at www.ffac.org beginning September 19, 2011.
If you have a new or gently used table you would like to donate to this cause, would like to be a Tables for Thanksgiving volunteer, or would just like more information, please e-mail us at ffac@samm.org
If you have a piece of gently used furniture you would like to donate to FFAC, please visit our
Donations Page, or contact our donation line at (210) 442-2440.
 Have you liked us on Facebook yet?
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See what I mean about pressing events and opportunities? Everything listed is something that begins or ends before our next e-newsletter-we are so blessed! From yoga and art to a workshop on mental illness, we try to offer a wide range of opportunities for you to get involved! I hope you found something that interested you!
 Navarra R. Williams President and CEO P.S. Click here to give a financial gift today! |
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