The Samaritan Inn: A Beacon of Hope for Families and Individuals in Collin County in Need of a Helping Hand

Speech & Occupational Therapy of North Texas is honored to be a regular supporter of The Samaritan Inn, an incredible organization that offers help and hope to those experiencing homelessness in Collin County.

The Samaritan Inn is located at 1710 North McDonald Street in McKinney. Every day of the year the Inn is home to 160 people, one-third of whom are children.  Having a place to sleep is critically important; however, The Samaritan Inn is more than just a place to spend the night. It offers “a comprehensive homeless program that helps willing people regain their dignity and independence.”  They do this through a holistic approach aimed at teaching self-sufficiency and life skills which will enable those they assist to successfully integrate back into their community.  I have long supported community efforts that help people gain stability and meaning in their lives.

Some may have had the great opportunity to read Same Kind of Different as Me, by Ron Hall and Denver Moore. This thought provoking book challenges us to examine how we are impacted by our circumstances. We can make a real difference in each other’s lives by striving to understand how our past experiences or a crisis can shape us and how we can share what we have with each other, be it finances, compassion or wisdom.  I became more familiar with The Samaritan Inn when Ron Hall and Denver Moore presented a book review at First Baptist Church in McKinney several years ago.  At that time I had the honor of meeting the Inn’s Executive Director, Lynne Sipiora, learning more about the remarkable work that takes place for those who find themselves experiencing homelessness in Collin County.  This meeting led to the decision to give back to the community through supporting the Inn on a regular basis.

As a speech language pathologist and a mother of an adult son with autism, I am doubly appreciative of ministries like The Samaritan Inn.   We strive to help our pediatric clients become as successful, self sufficient and independent as possible with communication and activities of daily living.  I also have the same goals for my son, Sam.  I am thankful that he has been able to do some volunteer work with The Samaritan Inn, again highlighting their commitment to recognizing the potential in everyone.

This Holiday Season is a great way to remember The Samaritan Inn, when needs are especially high.  So if you are looking for a wonderful, local non-profit cause to gift during this Season of Giving, check them out.  You can find them on the web at  http://www.thesamaritaninn.org or call them at 972-542-5302. Tell them Speech & Occupational Therapy of North Texas sent you!

Anne Bramlett, MS, CCC/SLP
Owner, Speech & Occupational Therapy of North Texas