from the foundation Planting seeds for a successful future


By Theresa Wambach, Director, Grants and Research The Evangelical Lutheran Good Samaritan Foundation


I


invite you to take a moment to think about that person, or maybe it was a group of people, outside your immediate family who supported, advised and listened to you during your growing up years. It may have been a teacher, coach, neighbor or member of your extended family. For me, that special person of influence came from a group of people: my four aunties.


I was blessed to grow up in a large family. It was not uncommon to have a 1-month-old and a 94-year-old at the same family gathering. My aunties were rather quiet. But when they spoke, you listened. They advised me on school, friendship and life’s big decisions. They always listened to me and never preached at me. Their wisdom came from life experiences and wanting me to have the best life possible. Even today, they continue to make a big difference in my life, though most of them have passed away.


“Alone


we can do so little.


Together 20 The Good Samaritan • 2011 • Vol. 45 • No. 1 we can do


At the Good Samaritan Society, the people we serve, their families, our donors and granting organizations are among those special people who provide that valuable feedback, advice and ideas about the future. From those who receive services and care from the Society, and their family members, we get feedback and advice regularly through informal conversations, satisfaction surveys and input given during focus groups. From donors — such as you — we receive valuable support and feedback through your gifts. Together, these groups provide the seed for planning our future as an organization of service to others, and they help make our vision a reality.


I’ve had the privilege to work with and cultivate relationships with many granting agencies. These relationships are critical to achieving our goals. The relationship is unique and focuses on working together to find and implement solutions that make a difference in people’s lives. Granting agencies seek out organizations that have a mission that is similar to their own.


so much.”


– Helen Keller


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