Samaritan House History
The idea for the Samaritan House was the brainchild of a former pastor. St. Peter’s Church owned the property on Morgan Terrace which was known at the time as “The Little Brick House”. This had been used as a rental property. Our pastor was not comfortable with our parish being a landlord, and always thought that the house could be put to a more socially constructive use.
Society has changed over the years such that it is often not possible for a family to care for a dying loved one in his or her own home. Family members are frequently scattered throughout the country or involved in work or other commitments that render it impossible for them to care for their loved one in the final days of life. The pastor thought that the brick house could become a place where people could come to die in a caring, nurturing environment. Volunteers could become the surrogate family for the dying person.
The concept of a home for the dying crystallized over the next few months. A core group of parishioners conducted various feasibility studies including renovation of the house, medical and legal concerns, and exactly how such a facility could be run.
Only two similar programs were in existence at the time, both in the Rochester area. Visits were made to both facilities, and the group decided to model their program after a home for the dying called Isaiah House. Two grants were written for and received from the Diocese; one from the Campaign for Human Development, and one from the Social Justice Fund. This provided the seed money needed to begin renovation of the house.
The house was completely gutted and re-modeled. The work was done completely by volunteers. Various local businesses and individuals contributed their time, resources, and talents to help with the beautiful renovations.
While the men were busy with the nuts and bolts remodeling, a group of social workers investigated the state and legal regulations and requirements for the facility. They also developed a mission statement and devised policies and procedures. Medically oriented people investigated how the facility should best be run from a medical standpoint, and with the social workers developed a volunteer training program and guest admission policy. An organizational structure was developed. The current structure consists of Program Director, a Medical Director, and Facilities Manager, Volunteer trainers, intake evaluators, and a per diem paid employee who does the scheduling of volunteers.
The final and most crucial step Samaritan House (as it was now called) needed, was recruitment and training of volunteers. Volunteers were recruited from throughout the community using church bulletins, newspaper articles, and the ever popular Wellsboro “word of mouth”.Volunteers come from throughout Tioga County, of all ages and occupations. Their common bond: a willingness to be “family” for a dying person. Our volunteers are the most vital resource for Samaritan House.
Volunteers are first trained in the philosophy of hospice and then receive “on the job” hands on training for guest care. No volunteer is asked to “go it alone” until they feel prepared.
The first guest to Samaritan House was welcomed in February 1998. Guests have been served at Samaritan House for time periods ranging from hours to four months. To date, the Samaritan House Ministry has served approximately seventy guests and looks forward to serving many more.
The idea for the Samaritan House was the brainchild of a former pastor. St. Peter’s Church owned the property on Morgan Terrace which was known at the time as “The Little Brick House”. This had been used as a rental property. Our pastor was not comfortable with our parish being a landlord, and always thought that the house could be put to a more socially constructive use.
Society has changed over the years such that it is often not possible for a family to care for a dying loved one in his or her own home. Family members are frequently scattered throughout the country or involved in work or other commitments that render it impossible for them to care for their loved one in the final days of life. The pastor thought that the brick house could become a place where people could come to die in a caring, nurturing environment. Volunteers could become the surrogate family for the dying person.
The concept of a home for the dying crystallized over the next few months. A core group of parishioners conducted various feasibility studies including renovation of the house, medical and legal concerns, and exactly how such a facility could be run.
Only two similar programs were in existence at the time, both in the Rochester area. Visits were made to both facilities, and the group decided to model their program after a home for the dying called Isaiah House. Two grants were written for and received from the Diocese; one from the Campaign for Human Development, and one from the Social Justice Fund. This provided the seed money needed to begin renovation of the house.
The house was completely gutted and re-modeled. The work was done completely by volunteers. Various local businesses and individuals contributed their time, resources, and talents to help with the beautiful renovations.
While the men were busy with the nuts and bolts remodeling, a group of social workers investigated the state and legal regulations and requirements for the facility. They also developed a mission statement and devised policies and procedures. Medically oriented people investigated how the facility should best be run from a medical standpoint, and with the social workers developed a volunteer training program and guest admission policy. An organizational structure was developed. The current structure consists of Program Director, a Medical Director, and Facilities Manager, Volunteer trainers, intake evaluators, and a per diem paid employee who does the scheduling of volunteers.
The final and most crucial step Samaritan House (as it was now called) needed, was recruitment and training of volunteers. Volunteers were recruited from throughout the community using church bulletins, newspaper articles, and the ever popular Wellsboro “word of mouth”.Volunteers come from throughout Tioga County, of all ages and occupations. Their common bond: a willingness to be “family” for a dying person. Our volunteers are the most vital resource for Samaritan House.
Volunteers are first trained in the philosophy of hospice and then receive “on the job” hands on training for guest care. No volunteer is asked to “go it alone” until they feel prepared.
The first guest to Samaritan House was welcomed in February 1998. Guests have been served at Samaritan House for time periods ranging from hours to four months. To date, the Samaritan House Ministry has served approximately seventy guests and looks forward to serving many more.