SAISD Student Plans 5K and Raises Funds for SAMM's Street2Feet
Written by Taylor Martin
On Tuesday, May 21, Hawthorne Academy 5th grade student Sofia Quintanilla organized a 5K Fun Run to benefit SAMM's Street2Feet. The run began at the Pearl Amphitheater, and meandered along the museum reach area of the river walk.
Sofia beamed as participants donated new running shoes, sock and healthful snacks to Street2Feet. However, this event raised more than the spirits of participants. From a single handmade donation box, Sofia raised more than $240 in donations for Street2Feet.
Sofia will be moving on to middle school next year, where she hopes to make the run an annual tradition. She also plans to leave a legacy at Hawthorne Academy by recruiting a younger student to follow in her footsteps.
SAMM Ranks in 97th Percentile Nationally Among Charities
Written by Taylor Martin
For the 6th year in a row, SAMMinistries has earned the coveted 4-Star rating from Charity Navigator, the premiere charity evaluator of nonprofit organizations in the United States. The 4-star rating, Charity Navigator’s highest, is given to nonprofits that practice exceptional fiscal responsibility and governance in fulfilling their mission. It is a testament to SAMMinistries’ sound fiscal management and commitment to accountability and transparency.
In his letter to SAMMinistries, Charity Navigator’s President and CEO Ken Berger noted, “Only 3% of the charities we rate have received at least 6 consecutive 4-star evaluations, indicating that SAMMinistries outperforms most other charities in America. This 'exceptional' designation from Charity Navigator differentiates SAMMinistries from its peers and demonstrates to the public it is worthy of their trust.” Read the entire letter here.
SAMMinistries is happy to accept the accolades for what it means to the clients and community they serve. “It is always wonderful to be recognized for our good work. However, it is most important that we relay this information to our donors who support our programs and services. Our goal is to always serve our community first and apply best practices as stewards of our donor’s dollars,” reports Williams.
SAMMinistries is proud to announce its newest donation station, SAMMExpress, at 5246 Blanco Road, in the same shopping center as Furniture For A Cause. This location will accept donations of new and used items to help our SAMM families get back on their feet.
SAMMExpress will serve as the main donation location for in-kind donations of new goods, including back-to-school items, welcome baskets and Christmas items.
All donations to SAMM go to the people who need them most. Furniture and household items are given to families who complete our transitional program and move to permanent housing. Toiletries, clothing and bedding are used for families and children who are in our care.
SAMMExpress will be open Monday–Saturday:
5246 Blanco Road
210-321-5678
Monday, Wednesday and Friday 10:00am–5:00pm
Tuesday and Thursday 10:00am–4:00pm
Saturday 10:00am–3:00pm
"Realities of Overmedication and Medication Abuse" PowerPoint Presentations
Written by Pam Harper
Click on the presenters' pictures to download pdf copies of their
PowerPoint Presentations
given at the November 10, 2012 conference
"Realities of Overmedication and Medication Abuse"
Presenters
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| Dr. Dianne T. Robinson Back to the Basics: Prescription Privileges, Standards of Care, Purpose, and Trends | Terry Howard, MSIS, LCDC Illegal Drug Use and Understanding the Similarities Between Medication and Illegal Drugs |
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| Melanie Lane, LMSW, LCDC, AAC, CCS Withdrawal Symptoms from Prescription and Illicit Drugs and Referrals for Treatment in the Community | Vanessa Phillips, Pharm.D. The Role of Pharmacist and Medication Reconciliation |
Grant from AT&T Foundation Gives Employment Readiness & Job Training Program a Boost
Written by Pam Harper
The AT&T Foundation recently announced that a grant for $250,000 was given to SAMMinistries to expand our existing Employment Readiness and Job Training Program. With this added funding, participants in the program will have more opportunities for job placement and individualized assistance.
This extended service will also include testing and/or assessments for employment interests, aptitude, and educational and job readiness skills administered by collaborating partners.
Once their assessments are completed, Job Coach Susie Cadena will meet with each candidate and interview them to complete their individual service plan. She will also help them with resumes, applications, and provide those who are ready with job leads.
In addition to her assistance, each individual will have access to computers to help with software training, resume building, and job searching opportunities.
Once placed into a work program, Cadena will conduct on site visits designed to help the individual move closer to their ultimate employment. Mitch Herrick, Employment Development Specialist for SAMMinistries, will act as a “community builder,” engaging area employers to share their expectations and the skills that their future employees will need.
In turn, this will help train participants in their selected career fields and align the needs of the local businesses with the trainees’ skills. This is a real win-win situation for the workers and the community.
Additionally, Herrick will network and collaborate with other organizations to provide services to help further employment opportunities through GED classes and testing, academic programs, certificate programming, or field specialized job training.
Between the educational and job training opportunities, the participants in this program will be better equipped to get the right job for their skill sets and much more!
Herrick commented on the program, as a whole, “The job-training program will allow these individuals to become more well-rounded through a variety of classes and job training environments. As they enhance and develop the skills necessary to succeed in the work environment, their confidence levels and attitudes about their work and life will most certainly improve.”
SAMMinistries is excited about the future of our employment readiness and job training program as it expands further to meet the life-changing needs of those we serve.
SAMMinistries to offer employment services to homeless
Written by Pam HarperAT&T contributed $250,000 to SAMMinistries to provide job readiness and training to San Antonio’s homeless population.
SAMMinistries will use the funds to expand its existing programs by providing comprehensive employment readiness assessments, training, opportunities for educational advancement, supervised job placement and living-wage employment opportunities.
SAMMinistries has been recognized nationwide for sound fiscal management.
The San Antonio-based ministry to the homeless has been awarded a 4-star rating for financial management by Charity Navigator, says SAMMinistries President and CEO Navarra Williams.
Charity Navigator President and CEO Ken Berger says only 21 percent of the charities the organization rates have received at least two consecutive 4-star evaluations. This standing indicates that SAMMinistries consistently executes its mission in a fiscally responsible way, and also outperforms most other charities in America.
Harvey E. Najim Family Foundation Issues Million Dollar Challenge
San Antonio businessman and philanthropist, Harvey Najim, has generously offered to double gifts totaling up to $500,000 that are received through September 30, 2009. This means- with the matching funds from The Harvey E. Najim Family Foundation- your gifts will go twice as far, help twice as many people, and provide double the life-changing services!
When asked if the current economy played a factor in his decision to issue this challenge, Mr. Najim stated, ”The fact that we are in an economic downturn means that there are more families who need these services,” but he was optimistic as he continued, ”I have seen homeless families with minor children stay together by utilizing the Transitional Living and Learning Center as a new beginning to getting back on their feet. They learn the basic essentials of being on their own and are able to become self-sufficient.”
Mr. Najim is known for his deep desire to help those in need, especially children. His wish to give them a chance in life and his wisdom regarding the challenges facing homeless families is revealed as he reflected, “Unfortunately, most of us see the world the way we live – and not the way it is. We live in a great country – and we cannot let families with children live under bridges and in cars. We cannot walk away from them and not let the children live the American dream.”
SAMMinistries President and CEO, Navarra Williams, expressed his appreciation for Mr. Najim’s commitment. “Typically, we see a decrease in giving during the summer months. Harvey’s support during this time is so important to our work. This summer, thanks to The Harvey E. Najim Family Foundation Million Dollar Challenge, friends and donors have one million additional reasons to help over the next few months. Thank you, Harvey, for your support! You are a true friend to the homeless of San Antonio.”
Please consider giving a gift during this very special time period to help make the dreams of children in dire need become a reality!