James Samaritan

We mobilize and equip local communities to meet the critical needs of our foster care and transitional youth, right where they are. We are creating a culture where our most invisible and vulnerable are better supported and empowered.

Life Network
Our vision is a community where all youth transitioning from foster care to independence in Louisiana are connected to caring adults who support them, are living in a safe place, and are earnestly pursuing an education or training that will help them establish a productive life. Life Network consists of three areas. Life Line- A help line for youth, foster parents, and community partners to call when they have a need. Life Coaches- One on one mentoring to youth ages 14-24 who will be aging out of foster care. Each participating youth is teamed up with a trained and caring adult. Together they work on establishing a relationship and working toward goals that are the foundation for a successful future. Life Group- This group will serve as an "extended family" to the youth and LIFE Coach. They pray for the youth regularly, serve as a valuable, extended network of support for them, and send encouraging letters, care packages, and small gifts on their birthdays and holidays.
Gift A Lift
This program was created to help transitional youth and others 18 years and older who are licensed, insured, and "driven" to succeed. If transportation is the main obstacle for a young person to remain independent and thrive, James Samaritan will "gift" a vehicle to those that meet the criteria. The recipient is educated on car maintenance and fiscal responsibility prior to giving them the means by which they can break whatever vicious cycle they have fought so hard to overcome. We invite the community to partner with us in this endeavor by donating time, talent, and treasure for the following areas:
-We need vehicles, if you know of any fleet managers or other companies that have vehicles they would like to donate.
-We need mechanics who would like to give their time to make sure the vehicles we receive are in good working order.
-In-kind donations such as gift cards for car wash, coupons towards auto part stores, detailing
-Cash donations to go towards title transfers and registration
for more information please contact giftalift@jamessamaritan.org

Testimonials

Ya'll are The Very Best! In the Faith Based Community meeting last week, when the need was expressed regarding learning devices for our children, Glen didn't hesitate a moment to say "we can help with that!" Your organization is amazing and many families are being blessed during these especially challenging times.

Many thanks again!
Volunteers for Youth Justice

I just want to make Mrs. Swayzer and Ms. Griffith aware that James Samaritan went above and beyond in accommodating us for a parent/child visit. Thank you for giving the bio parents a gift card and giving the dad gas money out of the kindness of your heart. I could tell it made both of their days! Thank you for the Easter basket treats for little Elijah! Our Agency really appreciates all you have done in accommodating us for the visits. I just want to really make it known that you have offered so much support for the bio parents already in your first time meeting them. They can always use more support especially when they feel like they have none or limited support. Thank you for everything you do!

DCFS

Thank you to you and your team at James Samaritan for walking along side of the Department of Children and Family Services to improve the lives of children and families in the foster care system. We appreciate how you have jumped right in and delivered a can do, problem solving approach to work with the members of DCFS. You and your James Samaritan team are truly helping to make a difference in the lives of the most invisible and often hurting children in the State.

Rhenda Hodnett