Samuel’s House is thanking the Florida Keys community for its continued support while preparing for the holiday season and seeking additional donations and volunteers to help women, children and families in need.
Deputy Director Maria Protopsaltis joined Good Morning Keys on Keys Talk 96.9/102.5FM this morning to talk about the organization.
Samuel’s House is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing safe, supportive housing and essential services to women, children and families experiencing difficult circumstances.
“Through our programs, we work to provide more than just a roof over someone’s head,” Protopsaltis said. “We strive to create an environment where individuals and families can regain stability, rebuild their confidence, and work toward a brighter, more independent future.”
The organization recently participated in Speed on the Water, an annual boat racing event that Protopsaltis described as a tremendous success. She thanked the event’s organizers and supporters, including Yvonne Aleman, Greg Harris, Tim Hill, Matt Trulio and Jason Johnson, for continuing to include Samuel’s House.
The organization was able to sell T-shirts and participate in a GoFundMe fundraiser, although the final fundraising total was not yet available.
Protopsaltis said the event provides more than just an opportunity to raise money. It also allows the organization to connect with people and educate them about its mission.
“Any opportunity we get to connect with our community and educate them about our programs” is valuable, she said.
She noted that Samuel’s House operates four programs: the Mary Spottswood Women’s Center, Kathy’s Hope, Casa De Meredith, which provides shelter for families, including fathers with children.
Protopsaltis emphasized that Samuel’s House fills an especially important need in the Florida Keys.
“We’re the only shelter in the Keys that accepts children,” she said. While other programs may provide shelter for women or men, Samuel’s House provides an option for women who need housing alongside their children.
She said the organization is grateful for the community partnerships that make its work possible.
“We couldn’t be here without our community and without these partnerships,” Protopsaltis said.
Samuel’s House is also preparing to participate in the Wesley House Holiday Village on December 4. The organization plans to bring back its Elf Beauty booth, offering activities for children that may include face painting, hair painting, nail art and games.
Protopsaltis said the holiday event is one of the organization’s favorite annual activities.
“This is one of our favorite holiday years. I feel like it kicks off the holiday season,” she said.
Volunteers are needed to help staff the booth and assist with the activities.
The organization also recently benefited from Catterdays, a monthlong October fundraising effort with the Sloppy Joe’s Foundation. Community members could purchase cat ears to support Samuel’s House.
Protopsaltis said this year marked the first time the organization was permitted to participate during Fantasy Fest. With five Saturdays in October, organizers are still waiting for the final fundraising total but hope to exceed previous results.
She also thanked Samuel’s House board member Shayne Brindisi for spearheading one of the Saturdays.
“We had a blast,” Protopsaltis said, adding that she is grateful for the partnerships that help make these events possible.
As the holidays approach, the organization is also asking the community for donations of grocery gift cards to help residents purchase food.
Protopsaltis said food assistance has become one of the greatest needs among the women and families served by Samuel’s House.
“What everyone seems to be asking for and everyone’s struggling for is basic needs,” she said. “The ability to acquire food, to be able to eat.”
Gift cards from local grocery stores, including Publix, Winn-Dixie and Fausto’s, would be especially helpful.
She explained that the cards give residents the ability to purchase groceries for themselves and their families, whether they are single women or households with children.
“It’s a great way to help a family, actually, whether it’s a single woman or a family, to be able to feed themselves,” Protopsaltis said.
Protopsaltis encouraged anyone interested in volunteering or supporting the organization to visit www.samuelshouse.org or email her directly at [email protected].
Samuel’s House has been serving the Florida Keys since 1999, providing assistance to women in crisis, mothers with children and families seeking stability.
Protopsaltis also encouraged women and families who need assistance to reach out to the organization.
“If you are one of those single women or women with children in need, please give us a call. We’re here for you,” she said.
The organization uses an initial telephone screening process to help ensure the safety of its residents. Those seeking assistance can call 305-296-0240.
Protopsaltis expressed her appreciation for everyone who contributes to the organization’s work.
“We are humbled, and we don’t even have the words,” she said. “We’re just so grateful for each and every person that reaches out to us.”