Samaritan House ~ A Community Ministry for the Terminally Ill
Samaritan House, located at 3 Morgan Terrace, Wellsboro, is a community ministry coordinated by St. Peter's Parish. We offer residence to a person with an irreversible illness within the last three months of their life. Hospitality and comfort are provided by community volunteers in cooperation with a certified home health agency and area ministry. We believe that comfort can be maintained as death approaches in this home setting of warmth and personalized care. Our approach is holistic. Physical, emotional, social, and spiritual needs are addressed, as we affirm life without hastening or postponing death. Referrals may come from social workers, community health nurses, families, physicians, as well as dying individuals. Preference is given to those whose economic or psycho-social resources are lacking, or to those who are unable to remain in their own homes. Our commitment flows from a belief in the dignity and value of every person. As a Christian community, we are called by Christ to act as a Good Samaritan to each other and welcome everyone with the same unconditional love.
The time and talents of many enable this ministry to exist. Thus, volunteers are our greatest resource. We invite interested people of all ages from the area to this interfaith community of service. The opportunity to share another's precious last days of living is indeed a privilege and a blessing. Orientation and training is provided for those who meet the volunteer requirements. Training may include periodic in-service education.
Samaritan House charges no fee. We are supported by donations, grants, and fundraising efforts. For more information, please call one of the numbers listed below.
“Before and above all things, care must be taken of the sick, that they be served in very truth as Christ is served…” Rule of St. Benedict
For Admission Information Contact:
Daria Guelig, 570-724-3030 [email protected]
Karen Usavage, 570-724-3748 [email protected]
Jackie Murphy, 570-724-7334 [email protected]
To Volunteer contact:
Linda Sampson 570-404-2180
Volunteer Letter, Application, & Confidentiality Statement
Volunteer’s Thoughts
"It is a privilege to make sure people die well, and not alone. It's important for the family to feel that they are also cared for …” Trisha Kraybill
“Samaritan House allows the dying to leave this earth with dignity in a safe, peaceful, comforting environment. I feel I receive more than I give when I volunteer.” Deb Rudy
“I volunteer at Samaritan House because it’s a wonderful opportunity to really be a Christian.” Steve Bickham
READ THE LASTEST NEWSLETTER - JANUARY 2014
SAMARITAN HOUSE FACTS AND FALLACIES
Samaritan House is a home for the terminally ill. It’s mission is to enable a person to die with dignity in a homelike setting.
FALLACY: Guest can be referred only by the hospital.
FACT: Guests are referred by social workers, home health agencies, hospitals, family, health care providers or by themselves. The house can only accommodate one guest at a time. Preference is given to guests who lack social, emotional and/or financial support to remain at home during the the dying process.
FALLACY: Guests have to be Catholic.
FACT: Guests do NOT have to be Catholic or active in any faith. The majority of guests have not been Catholic.
FALLACY: Volunteers have to be Catholic.
FACT: Volunteers do NOT have to be Catholic. Although the house is owned and operated by by St. Peter’s church and community, many volunteers come from different faiths or none at all. Samaritan House is an ecumenical, community based mission. WE CONTINUE TO NEED VOLUNTEERS. Our goal is to have a minimum of 75 in order to provide adequate support to our guests for 24 hours a day.
FALLACY: A volunteer is required to work a certain number of hours a week.
FACT: The times a volunteer works are flexible. A volunteer may work as many or as few hours a week as they are able. Shifts are four hours. The volunteer can self schedule. If the volunteer is unavailable certain times they only need to communicate their needs and availability to the Volunteer Scheduler.
FALLACY: Only nurses and health care workers can volunteer.
FACT: ANYONE can volunteer!! We offer a training program for volunteers. No experience in the health care field is necessary to volunteer at Samaritan House.
FALLACY: It is very difficult to work with someone who is dying.
FACT: Volunteering offers an opportunity to minister to a dying guest and share a rich human connection with them and with their loved ones. Volunteers often comment on the positive experience they have received from this experience.