Silent Samaritan Linda Schwarzbach Zook

I heard about the Silent Samaritans just five years ago. I was new to the area and was drawn immediately to the mission of this organization – Women Helping Women: Empowering Lives…Inspiring Hope. I grew up in Pittsburgh and enjoyed a carefree childhood. However in my young-adulthood, life became much less carefree. After college I moved out of state and married a man who, over a number of years, became a violent alcoholic. His explosive behaviors became frequent in our home, and he often had a controlling and threatening edge about him when we went out together. Eventually guns began showing up in our house.

I had a professional career and my work became my refuge. I began to dread going home. I remember one day on my drive home, four blocks from our house I became aware that I had begun to automatically transform myself, shifting into an emotionless stiff shell as I armored myself for whatever the evening might bring.

I needed counseling. I was emotionally paralyzed. Counseling helped me to face my reality and think through my decisions. My counselor never told me what to do; he helped me to think through options and alternatives. He empowered me and inspired hope in me, and with God’s grace, gradually I grew stronger and found streams of light coming into my life illuminating a future I didn’t fear.

Because I know the positive impact of counseling, I want other women also to have access to such resources. I know the power of healing that can come from counseling. When a woman is in crisis and her safety is in jeopardy, critical thinking is not always her greatest strength. She needs a safe person to confide in, a safe place to let down her guard. The Silent Samaritans provide access to someone who will offer that safety. I hope you will join us in our work.

I had just moved to Lancaster when I heard about the Silent Samaritans Luncheon. I hadn’t met many people and didn’t know of anyone who was attending. With my history, you can imagine that their mission spoke to me, and so I sent in my registration. I went alone but considering this organization’s mission, I knew every person would be warm and welcoming. I stopped at the side of the room and saw tables where some women were already seated. I chose one table and simply said, “May I join you?” I was welcomed by many wonderful, caring, and thoughtful women that day; and I found friends who shared my interest in Empowering Lives…Inspiring Hope just as my counseling experience had done for me.


Silent Samaritan Kristen Ferree

Kristen Ferree is a vivacious, warm, caring, confident and bright young woman. Engaged to Andrew Meksulsia, she is the daughter of Kim and Tom Jordan and considers York County her hometown. Kristen works at Metro Bank as a Vice President, Retail Market Manager and when she’s not working she volunteers on the Board of Directors for the Hands On House of Lancaster County and is on the Silent Samaritan Committee where she is always ready to pitch in.

What are you passionate about? What energizes and fulfills you?
I am passionate about helping others and making a difference in someone’s life is what truly fulfills me.

How did you hear about Silent Samaritans?
I attended their annual luncheon in November of 2009.

How did you get hooked on the Silent Samaritan cause?
When I attended my first luncheon it was my first day back to work after my father’s passing. I was completely touched by all the fellowship and moved by the speakers. I reflected for many days on how blessed I truly am by having my wonderful support group of family members and friends. I wanted to give back to others that are not as blessed as I am so I signed up to be a Silent Samaritan. After two years, I have been rewarded with many new friends and during this involvement I have turned my mourning of the sudden loss of my father into a time to give back to others. It has energized me!