Samaritan Ministry’s Second Annual Next Step Breakfast - May 8

A light rain did not dissuade over 300 people from making their way to the National Press Club by 8am on May 8.  And they were not disappointed. The program for the second annual Samaritan Ministry Next Step Breakfast was engaging and inspiring.

The morning began with a welcome from broadcast journalist Judy Woodruff, followed by an inspirational vocal medley by the Welcome Table choir from the downtown Church of the Epiphany.  Comprised  primarily of homeless people, the choir concluded their presentation with a rousing version of This Little Light of Mine, and many of the audience  joined in.

 

Following an invocation by The Reverend Mpho Tutu attendees enjoyed the continental breakfast and conversation with fellow guests.  David Downes, executive director, gave an engaging presentation on the founding of Samaritan Ministry using a modern day version of the age old parable of the Good Samaritan. David also shared his thoughts on the future of Samaritan Ministry.

“My vision is that in five years Samaritan Ministry will be capable of serving twice as many people and offering twice as many opportunities for life-enhancing volunteer service,” he said.

 

“Our dream and our goal is to expand the Next Step Program as far as our resources will allow, to meet the growing needs of homeless and poor people in the Washington region, including the areas outside the city where so many people are now searching for gainful employment and homes they can afford,” he continued.

 

The need for Samaritan Ministry was visually shared through the words of participants in the inspiring video, “Moments in Grace” produced by Nina Richardson.  Telling personal stories of struggle and homelessness, Samaritan Ministry participants left no doubt about how the Next Step program has helped them turn their lives around.

 

Kate Dorrell, volunteer resume writer in Samaritan Ministry’s Northern Virginia office, shared how this experience has changed her life.  Said Dorrell, “this is the best paying job I’ve ever had.” 

Sharing his moving personal story,  Next Step Program participant Ken Harris eloquently shattered many stereotypes about homeless people.  

 

Many generous and caring people were moved to support the work of Samaritan Ministry through gifts and pledges over five years totaling almost $300,000.  Samaritan Ministry President Ron Tipton announced a combined leadership pledge of $75,000 from Charles and Sally Garr Brodhead, Michael and Carla Durney and Lisa Birchard inspiring breakfast attendees by their generosity and commitment to the work of Samaritan Ministry.  We are thankful for all of the excitement generated at the breakfast and the financial support of so many.

 

We are also grateful to our breakfast sponsors and supporters including 87FLORIDA, IPA, PEPCO, Heuristic Solutions, America the Beautiful Fund, and PMI parking whose generosity helped make the breakfast possible.

 

Photos from the event:

For more information about  this memorable event, please contact Samaritan Ministry's Director of Development, Diane Aten at 202-722-2280 or at daten@samaritanministry.org .