The History of Samaritan Gulf Coast Counseling
In 1996, the long-range planning committee of the Church of the Palms conceived of the idea for a counseling ministry for the community. In 1997, this group decided on the Samaritan Institute model and a board of directors was elected whose chief responsibility was to achieve 501 (c) 3 status, raise substantial start-up capital and hire an executive director. By September 1999 the Board had successfully accomplished all three tasks. Rev. Richard O. Howell was hired as the first executive director. Ten years have passed and the ministry has experienced solid and consistent growth in a variety of areas. The composition of the board of directors has changed from a 10 member board completely representing Church of the Palms to a 15 member board representing churches from across our service area. Samaritan has been able to attract, hire and maintain a core group of highly competent, licensed clinicians. We have expanded our ability to cultivate and retain new donors resulting in expanded funding sources — extremely important in these challenging economic times. In addition we have established a solid financial and clinical foundation which allows deliberate and intentional expansion, both in terms of additional counseling services, new programs and clergy and congregational care. Continuing to evaluate and implement procedures, which increase our sustainability. will be vital to our health in the future.
The Samaritan Institute
The Samaritan Institute is a nonprofit organization headquartered in Denver is the international office for a network of counseling Centers. Samaritan Counseling Services of the Gulf Coast, Inc., accredited by the Samaritan Institute, is a member of this network called The Samaritan Ministry. This network is one of the largest providers of professional counseling in the United States.
Counseling centers affiliated with the Samaritan Ministry provide professional mental health services, healthcare education, and consultation in more than 481 offices in 389 communities throughout the United States and Tokyo, Japan. Annually, over $20 million of subsidized counseling is provided for those who cannot afford the full cost of counseling. The Centers served, had office sites in, and/or employed staff members from 26 different denominations and faith groups. In 2008, almost 500,000 counseling hours were provided by the various Samaritan Ministry Centers. The growth of the Samaritan Ministry has been in direct response to the needs of congregations and communities.
Counseling centers affiliated with the Samaritan Ministry provide professional mental health services, healthcare education, and consultation in more than 481 offices in 389 communities throughout the United States and Tokyo, Japan. Annually, over $20 million of subsidized counseling is provided for those who cannot afford the full cost of counseling. The Centers served, had office sites in, and/or employed staff members from 26 different denominations and faith groups. In 2008, almost 500,000 counseling hours were provided by the various Samaritan Ministry Centers. The growth of the Samaritan Ministry has been in direct response to the needs of congregations and communities.
