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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.
December 2011
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Peace on Earth!
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 Dear ,
 Brrrr! There is definitely a chill in the air. Although the winter season doesn't officially begin until the 21st of this month, we have already received a taste of what wintertime can bring!
With the changing weather comes an increase in the need for our services. The men, women and children who have been trying to make it on their own by living on the streets, can no longer endure the added risks that come with inclimate weather.
SAMMinistries is especially aware of the dangers that cold weather can bring to the poor and needy. Our service to the homeless began after a man tragically passed away from exposure on a cold January evening. Since then, we have stayed focused on our mission to "overcome homelessness'.
Whether it be preventing an individual or family from becoming homeless or being there during their struggle, SAMMinistries' job is to encourage, teach and comfort, because you cared enough to give!
I would like to invite you to this year's Homeless Persons' Memorial Service. It will be held on Wednesday, December 21st to remember and reflect on the men, women and children who have passed this year while they were homeless. For many of them, this will be their only service to mark their passing.
This poignant candlelight service touches many hearts. It is a wonderful way to stand together and say, "We care!" I hope you will take some time out of the hustle and bustle to join me-please read the details below.
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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 men, women and children 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 will 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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Santa's Helpers Make a Difference
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 | | Volunteers wrap gifts |
Over the past few weeks, volunteers and donors have come together to make Christmas a special time of year for hundreds of men, women and children! Just last Saturday, we had 87 volunteers wrapping gifts for Santa's Workshop. It was an amazing sight to see!THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!!
At the time of writing this, we are still very much in the midst of the holiday rush, but we want to take time to honor the hundreds of people who made a difference in the lives of the people we serve.Truly, if it weren't for the individuals and groups that sponsored families or held collection drives, wrapped thousands of gifts, stuffed backpacks, donated money and gift cards for shopping, gave gift wrapping supplies, made goodies for our residents, and provided snacks, activities and games for Santa's Workshop, Christmas just wouldn't be the merry time that it should be for the young and young at heart. With so many Santa Helpers, there is no possible way we could mention everyone by name, but may all of those who contributed in this year's community effort be blessed for their compassionate hearts!
Merry Christmas to you all!
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Pictures of Hope Cards Unveiled & On Sale Now
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The kids show off
their cards
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You may have seen them on the news and in the newspaper, but now they are available for you to purchase! The set of 15 Pictures of Hope cards were created from the photographs 12 of our kids took to represent their hopes and dreams.They all can be seen on the mysa.com website by clicking on the picture to the left.
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Proud big sister
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100 % of the sales of the cards will go to SAMMinistries and help serve these children, their parents and many more people just like them! The cards are sold in sets of 15 for $20 or two sets for $35. If you would like to purchase the cards and make their hope to help people come true, there are several ways to do so:
- At our Administrative Offices and/or Furniture For A Cause store: 5254 Blanco Road, Mon-Fri 8:00-7:00, Sat 10-6:00, Sun 12-5:00, and
- Cavender Family Auto Dealerships across San Antonio and surrounding areas.
The person behind the Pictures of Hope project is world-renowned photographer, Linda Solomon. Ms. Solomon is pictured along with Navarra Williams and Rick Cavender with the kids above. Cavender Cadillac and GMC were the local sponsorsfor the
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The Cavenders present cards to the kids
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project. In fact, the Picture of Hope cards unveiling took place at the dealership on Broadway.
Although the project is sponsored by General Motors, to support the kids' efforts and SAMMinistries, the entire Cavender Family Auto Dealerships will be selling the cards. We are grateful to Ms. Solomon and the Cavender Family for helping our kids express their hopes and dreams in this unique way. Top of Page |
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
Receptionist:
 | | Receptionist needed at TLLC |
Answering phones, receiving donations, monitoring the doors and helping families-all of these are part of this volunteer position. We need someone to cover every Thursday. However, if you can't volunteer every Thursday, but would like to help on some Thursdays, please contact us!
Place: Transitional Living and Learning Center-5922 Blanco Rd.
Date: Every Thursday
Time: 12:00am-4:00pm
Family Wing Hosts:
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 .
Place: SAMM Shelter on the Haven for Hope Campus-1Haven for Hope Way. Date: Monday-Friday during Winter Break
Time: 2 hour shifts: 10:00-12:00pm, 2:00-4:00pm, & 6:000-8:00pm If you have questions about any volunteer opportunity, please email Volunteer@samm.org or call Sara at 210-321-5647.
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It's Not Too Late to Give
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Click here to donate online
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If you have been too busy to sit and write a check for your year-end giving, we can help! Simply click on the gift at the right and you will be taken to our secure website where you can give your gift without leaving the comfort of your home. No stamps, no checks necessary-it's that simple and easy! Sit back and enjoy the experience of giving without any added hassle! You can make your 2011 tax deductible gift using a credit card or your checking account. Give a gift before 11:59pm on Dec 31st and receive credit for your 2011 income tax.Remember, your gifts will help serve hundreds of needy men, women and children right here in San Antonio! Thank you for caring! |
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Merry Christmas from Furniture For A Cause!
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 It's our gift to you! Spend $50 or more at FFAC and receive an envelope off our Christmas Cash Tree for instant savings on your same-day purchase! Visit www.ffac.org for details!
Shop FFAC from now through December 31st for end of the year savings on select merchandise! Look for the "year-end Floor Model SALE" tags on the sales floor!
Furniture Store Holiday Hours
Thursday, December 15..........10a-7p, closed from 11a-2p
Saturday, December 24 (Christmas Eve)..........10a-4p
Sunday, December 25 (Christmas Day)..........closed
Saturday, December 31 (New Year's Eve)..........10a-4p
Sunday, January 1 (New Year's Day)..........closed
If you have a piece of new or 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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As the end of the year draws near and a new one begins, I would like to send my best wishes to all of the wonderful people who have given so much to make a difference!
Because of you, lives have been saved; lives have been renewed; lives have been changed forever for the good!
I pray that you feel in your heart and soul the blessing that comes from compassionate giving!
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
 Navarra R. Williams President and CEO P.S. Click here to give a financial gift today! |
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