Our Purpose
Connecting Good Samaritans to create a safe and sustainable future for women and children in need.
Our Programs
In 2021 our programs will reach over one thousand women, children and families through thirteen programs spanning four countries.
In line with the Benedictine philosophy, we aim to ‘listen with the ear of the heart.’ That means we don’t impose solutions but aim to engage with the communities in which we work. In some cases, that means the process may be slower, but we believe the result is a more respectful and genuine relationship. Some of the results we will deliver in 2021 include:
- 600 families provided with a regular meal or food pack from the Good Samaritan Outreach Centre, Bacolod, the Philippines.
- Over 120 students receiving scholarships in Railaco, Timor Leste.
- More than 1,000 bed nights at Good Samaritan Inn, Melbourne for women fleeing family violence
- Over 50 refugee and asylum seekers provided with support for their essential medical needs.
Our operating expenses are covered by an administration grant provided by the Congregation of the Sisters of the Good Samaritan. That means 100% of all gifts and donations we receive are directed towards ministries and programs. Many of our programs are supported by volunteers which keeps our costs low and personal connections high.
We are convinced that Good Samaritans come in many forms, whether they be professed Sisters, Oblates, community members, men or women. Partnerships with like-minded people and organisations are increasingly part of our model, as we seek to extend the reach and capacity of our programs. Our work will always remain grounded in community and in connection to the Spirituality and stories of the Good Samaritan Sisters.
PHILIPPINES
| GOOD SAMARITAN KINDER SCHOOL | A pre-school and supports for children from poor families |
| GOOD SAMARITAN KINDER SCHOOL – FEEDING | A daily meal for children at the Good Samaritan Kinder School |
| OUTREACH CENTRE PROGRAMS | Programs for women and families living in local squatter settlements |
| TERTIARY SCHOLARSHIPS | Tertiary scholarships for young people from the squatter settlements |
| COVID 19 – EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE | Food and support to alleviate COVID impacts on very poor families |
KIRIBATI
| EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTRE | A free preschool and family supports |
| OTHER PROGRAMS | Programs of support for vulnerable women and children |
TIMOR LESTE
| SCHOLARSHIPS | Scholarships for high school and tertiary education |
AUSTRALIA
| EDUCATION GRANTS | Needs-based grants for high school students |
| GOOD SAMARITAN INN | Short term emergency housing for women fleeing family violence |
| REFUGEE & ASYLUM SEEKER MEDICAL FUND | Emergency fund to assist with essential medical costs |
| REMOTE OUTREACH | School / tertiary study assistance for young indigenous students |
| REMOTE PASTORAL SUPPORT PROGRAM | Support for women in remote community pastoral roles |
| SANTA TERESA SPIRITUALITY CENTRE | A safe place for women to share culture and generate income |
Our most recent year audited financial results are available for download here.