Women lacking income or insurance are able to receive services from the Samaritan Counseling Center regardless of their ability to pay full fee, because of the Silent Samaritan Fund. Thanks to an incredible group of women in the community who contribute to the fund, the Silent Samaritan Fund provides more than 750 hours of counseling each year to women in need of services but unable to afford them. Initiated in 1996, the Silent Samaritan idea attracted over 150 women who contributed $100 each to establish the fund – raising over $16,000 in its first year! Now in our fifteenth year, over 800 different women have contributed to the fund, bringing the total raised for the Silent Samaritan Fund to over $450,000.

To celebrate the generosity of the Silent Samaritans, the Samaritan Counseling Center holds an annual “Celebration and Thanks Giving Luncheon” on the Monday after Thanksgiving. Silent Samaritans gather in tables of eight for food, fellowship and an uplifting and inspiring presentation by women of achievement. The Samaritan Counseling Center has been extremely fortunate to have Metro Bank supporting the 2009 luncheon!

With each dollar raised, we know that more women will be able to receive the counseling they seek – especially during difficult transitions in their lives – without regard to their ability to pay. The Silent Samaritan program is a wonderful demonstration of incredible generosity and a powerful reminder of what women of strength can do when they join their efforts in a cause.

If you are interested in more information about becoming a Silent Samaritan, please contact either Kristine Campion or Anita Hanna at 717-560-9969.