Our History

In 1995, the Community Stewardship Council, a St. Joseph Hospital Governing Board Committee composed of area agency representatives and staff of St. Joseph Hospital, identified Respite Care as a need in the Howard County community. This need was also confirmed by other sources throughout Kokomo and became the focus of the Community Stewardship Council (CSC), whose role has been one of being a catalyst through collaboration with others in responding to the Howard County community health care needs.

In researching possibilities for developing Respite Care, it was found that a ntional organization, Interfaith Volunteer Caregivers (IVC), had many successful units established in hundreds of cities throughout the United States. The purpose of this group was "to promote, in all congregations throughout the United States, the ministry of caregiving to disabled persons and their families without reference to age, gender, race, or religious affiliation." Volunteers, organized through a coalition of congregations and agencies, would be trained and coordinated through participating churches by a central director. These volunteers would then be available to be scheduled for response to respite care needs as well as to other possible services which tend to "fall through the gaps" within a community.

At the invitation of the CSC, two generous volunteers, Jane Brown and LaVerne Grothouse, attended a workshop given by the IVC in Monroe, Michigan. They returned with valuable information about the organization and the development of local units. A major requirement for success in such ventures was seen as the establishment of the coalition through a strong steering committee, composed of representatives of the participating churches/ congregations and key agencies in the area.

After meeting with the Howard County Ministerial Association, a steering committee of community leaders was formed to assist in planning for the development of an IVC group. The group began meeting in April 1996 and continued to meet monthly to plan and develop an IVC Program. Between April and September the group completed the following:

- established the model (independent or agency sponsored IVC)
- clarified/quantified the needs identified
- educated area churches and agency members
- drafted By-Laws/Articles of Incorporation
- developed a job description for project director
- drafted a mission statement
- developed project funding
- located project office
- established the Board of Directors

In the process of identifying the model, the group met with the Salvation Army Board members, seeking their approval for sponsorship as an agency sponsored IVC Program. The members of this Board were most receptive and encouraging, and played an essential role in furthering the development of the project at a very vulnerable time in the process.

The support of this and other groups throughout the area, along with the development of other financial support through grants and other possibilities, became key elements in the choice of an independent model IVC Program (IVCP). In July 1996 a $5,000 Seed Money Grant was awarded to the Community Stewardship Council from the St. Joseph Foundation for the IVCP. Howard Community Hospital matched that grant, making a total of $10,000 available for the initial development of this IVCP.

In August 1996, the steering committee named the fledgling project Samaritan Caregivers and finalized the mission statement. Subcommittees began working on Bylaws, Board member roster, grant development, the project director job description, and the lease agreement for the office. The office space was generously donated by the South Side Christian Church and was designated in the budget as an in-kind donation. Incorporation was obtained and tax exemption status was applied for.

The Steering Committee had a joint meeting with the new Board Members at its October meeting, turning over Samaritan Caregivers to the new Board for the November 1996 meeting. The Board consisted of representatives from the six area churches and six agencies which had committed to the project, as well as two volunteers.

The Development Committee was instrumental in the procurment of a $25,000 Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) grant as well as a $5,000 grant from the Community Foundation of Howard County. St. Joan of Arc Church generously enabled the reception of grants through the use of it's 501c3, monitoring the funds received from the RWJF grant while Samaritan Caregivers sought its own tax exempt status. The Development Committee continues to "develop" funding sources through donations and fund raising events. The Grant Committee continues to pursue funding sources via available grants.

On February 17, 1997 a landmark was reached as the first Executive Director, Sue Thurston, began her work with Samaritan Caregivers. Sue's first projects included: setting up the office at South Side Christian Church, networking with the Board members on the respective committees, developing the volunteer training program in coordination with the Board's Volunteer Training Committee, and beginning the interview process for volunteers and for clients. The doors officially opened in May 1997 with six trained volunteers being matched to waiting clients.

In 1998, the Board petitioned for and was granted membership as a United Way agency. Samaritan Caregivers, Inc. received their first allocation January 1999.

In November 1998, St. Joseph Hospital graciously offered an in-kind donation of office space and then in February 2000 another move was facilitated through the generous in-kind donation by a local dentist. Businesses and service agencies donated office furniture and equipment and generous volunteers helped with cleaning, repairing, and moving in.

Finally, in January 2004, that same dentist deeded over the property at 2705 S. Berkley Road, Suite 3C to Samaritan Caregivers where we have resided since October 2004. That office space was completely renovated through the 100% in-kind donations of many construction, heating and air conditioning, painting, electrical, and plumbing professionals headed by Capt. Jon Fruth and David Anderson, general contractors. With this renovation over 80% of the materials were donated.

As with any new organization, Samaritan Caregivers has had its challenges and growing pains. Through it all God has continued to bless us with loving, committed volunteers and generous funding sources as God has lead us into service to those in Howard County.

As the needs are identified and matched with volunteers, Samaritan Caregivers will truly be able to respond to the mission which has been set forth: "to utilize volunteers in providing free help to people in Howard County who are elderly, ill, and disabled."