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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.
November 2011
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Many blessings to all!
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 Dear ,
 I can't believe that Thanksgiving is just days away! I love this time of year!I pray that you will take some time over the next few days and think about all of the things for which you have to be thankful.
On Thanksgiving, my family gathers around the table and each one of us expresses the things for which we are thankful. So, in the spirit of Thanksgiving, I would like to start a little early and tell you, as President and CEO of SAMMinistries, the things that make me thankful for this past year!
I am so thankful for all of our volunteers who have made so much possible this past year! Thousands of hours of service were provided because you cared about those in need!
I am also thankful for our financial and in-kind donors. Wow! I cannot say enough, we just couldn't serve the thousands of men, women and children in our care without your support.
As you will read, we are preparing for the upcoming Christmas holiday. Once again, we are asking your help in a BIG way!
Please, read this e-newsletter with an open heart and find a way that you would like to help!
I know that you will be blessed through your generosity!
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Santa Needs Your Help-NOW!!!
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Santa checks his list
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With over 400 children and 150 families to serve, you can imagine the HUGE need! We can't do it without you. Our first gift wrapping day is fast-approaching, WE NEED YOUR HELP!
URGENT GIFT-GIVING AND WRAPPING NEEDS:
- Sponsor one or more families. You'll receive their wish list to use to shop; (Contact us for more details about drop off dates-Santa@samm.org or 210-321-5611.)
- Shop for one or two special needs. If you can't sponsor a family, don't worry! We still need gifts for all ages! Contact us for ideas and drop off times-Santa@samm.org or 210-321-5611.
- Gift cards to Payless Shoes, Target, Wal-Mart, etc.
- Leapfrog items
- Bikes
- Mp3 players
- Toy Story and Disney Princess toys
- Donate gift wrapping supplies. With hundreds of packages to wrap, we will need paper, tape, ribbons and bows galore! We have two days scheduled for wrapping-Dec. 3rd and Dec. 10th-more days may be added. (Let us know you are bringing supplies- Santa@samm.org or 210-321-5611.)
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES:
Activities, treats, caroling, music, gift wrapping, set up and tear down-different times and days are open, so check your calendars now. Please contact our Volunteer Services Department soon! volunteer@samm.org
Look for more specifics for these opportunities on our website!
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Homeless Persons' Memorial Service-December 21st
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Join us on the longest night of the year to remember the members of our community who have passed away this year while they were homeless.The ceremony will include prayer, music, scripture and naming of those we have lost. This meaningful evening service serves to remind us that all of God's children are important and will not be forgotten.Date: Wednesday, December 21
Time: 7:00pm
Place: Milam Park, 500 W. Commerce, downtown San Antonio Top of Page |
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Our Honored Volunteers
|  Thanks to all of the wonderful volunteers who came to the Volunteer Appreciation Banquet. It is always so encouraging to be around the truly selfless people who serve those in need.
The night began withhandshakes and hugs for our volunteers, followed by a great meal prepared by the San Antonio Food Bank.
The night was a great delight to our staff who met with our volunteers and thanked them with a night of fellowship, food and fun! A special thanks to President and CEO of SAMMinistries Navarra Williams for his phenomenal presentation and question and answer session.
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Jerry Pruitt with Matt Curtis
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Awards and door prizes were plentiful!We were blessed to have an excellent array of door prizes provided by local companies including San Antonio Museum of Art, Starbucks, Willie's Icehouse, California Pizza Kitchen, La Madeline, Chipotle, CiCi's Pizza , Cheesy Jane's, the Witte Museum, Laser Quest, Grooming by Gloria, and the San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo. These local businesses made an extra sacrifice by donating gift certificates in
honor of the incredible efforts to serve the homeless
that our all of our volunteers provide.
This year we also presented special awards to a few volunteers who have made a deep impact in the lives and facilities of SAMMinistries Residents.
 | Don Beck and
Matt Curtis |
Mentor Award - Don Beck
Ministry Award - Dean Fleming
Special Event Award - Father's Day Feet Washing -
Jerry Pruitt
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Santa Marin accepts for New Creation Christian Fellowship
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Church Ministry Award - New Creation Christian Fellowship
(accepted by Santa Marin)
Outstanding Eagle Scout Project -
Jake Fox Outstanding Eagle Scout Project -
Chris Perez
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Alec Rodriguez with Matt Curtis
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Outstanding Eagle Scout Project -
Alec Rodriguez Volunteer Leadership Award - Josie Martinez Outstanding Volunteer - Samantha Benn Teacher Award - Barbara Sternitzki
We LOVE all of our Volunteers-many thanks!!
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Now through November 30, 2011-- Denver Mattress MATCHES YOUR GIFTS
|  The Denver Mattress Company has graciously offered to MATCH any donation made to SAMMinistries (up to a $2,500 total) through their special SAMMinistries' donation web page through November 30th.
It's simple and easy to do! The link below will take you directly to the page. What a great way to make your gift this month! That's right, now through the end of this month, your gift will be worth DOUBLE!! If you would like Denver Mattress to match your gift and help TWICE as much CLICK HERE and make your donation today! |
Top Volunteer Opportunities
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For more information on these or any other service needs,
please contact Volunteer Services at
volunteer@samm.org
Santa's Workshop Helpers:Christmas is around the corner and it is time to start spreading the word about this years Santa's Workshop Festival. This year we need more elves than ever. We need volunteers to provide snacks, host crafts, host games, wrap gifts, and we even need a Santa!
Place: Transitional Living and Learning Center-5922 Blanco
Date: December 17th
Time: 10:00am-4:00pm
Place: SAMMinistries at Haven for Hope campus-1 Haven for Hope Way
Date: December 17th
Time: 1:30pm-4:00pm
Family Wing Hosts at SAMMinistries at Haven for Hope
We need volunteers to serve during the Christmas break when our kids will be out of school. If you would like to serve in the Playroom,Teen Room or Reading Room Monday through Friday in 2 hour shifts from 10:00-12:00pm, 2:00-4:00pm, & 6:00-8:00pm, or if you have questions about any volunteer opportunity, please email Volunteer@samm.org or call Sara at 210-321-5647.
Childcare for Street2Feet participants at our Transitional Living and Learning Center: Street2Feet has come to TLLC and we need volunteers to watch the children while their parents' train.
Place: Transitional Living and Learning Center-5922 Blanco
Date: Monday and Wednesday
Time: 5:30pm-7:00pm
Place: Transitional Living and Learning Center-5922 Blanco
Date: Saturday
Time: 8:30am-10:00am
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November Savings at Furniture For A Cause!
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 Find the perfect dining table to host your Thanksgiving at Furniture For A Cause!
Thank you San Antonio!
Furniture For A Cause thanks the community of San Antonio for their generosity and in-kind donations. We had such an overwhelming response to our "Tables for Thanksgiving" donation and drive and as a result, were able to provide a great number of families with tables and turkeys this Thanksgiving.
Furniture For A Cause November Holiday Hours
Wednesday, November 23..........10a-5p Thursday, November 24 (Thanksgiving)..........Closed Friday, November 25 (Black Friday)..........9a-7p 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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This time of year can be very difficult for the families in our care. When I look at the kids' faces and see their innocence and genuine Christmas excitement-I can't help but want them to be like any other kid, surrounded by family and gifts on Christmas morning! Then I look into the faces of the parents, full of worry and regret for what they cannot provide this year; it breaks my heart.
Of course, we must not forget our single adults. Many times, they feel forgotten by society, so I pray that they feel the warmth of this season of caring, too.
In closing, I pray you saw something that moved your heart to help during this special time of year and all of the needs of our families and single adults will be met!
Blessings to you and yours!
 Navarra R. Williams President and CEO P.S. Click here to give a financial gift today! |
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