Be The Change You Wish To See In The World-- Ghandi

Monday, June 6, 2011

Fish Samaritan Experience

Fish Samaritan is responsible for a plethora of things, they provide food, clothing and household items for those who express need for it as well as bring a sense of community and unity to their program. First off, Fish has extended their hours for the summer:

 Monday- Thursday 9-5
Friday & Saturday 9-3
Sunday Closed

I was able to spend a little time with the Fish family this past Saturday and all I can say about the people that work there are great things. When I was elected on the Board of Directors in April I was unsure of what I was getting myself into. The President, Linda Lee could only describe to me that Fish Samaritan was like a family to not only eachother but the community as well.

All the workers at Fish not only spend time with eachother within the work place they also spend time together outside of work, dinners, parties, festivals...they are family to eachother. When one is in need, the co workers of Fish are there to serve and help as much as possible.

Now, this doesnt just apply to those who work at Fish. Those that come in looking for food, clothing etc are also treated as family. Our Executive Director, Clarence Thigpen knows the majority of people that walk into Fish, he knows their kids, their mothers, their fathers.. he connects with them not on just a business level but personal. Fish Samaritan House is a prime example of community togetherness and positive unity that we have been striving for, for so long.

I could not be more tickled to know that I am apart of such a wonderful family. Won't you stop by and introduce yourself? Meet Clarence, meet Ms Tina, meet Ms. Kayce-- there are so many awesome people waiting to reach out and help you and your family.


Also, remember we are still in serious need of people to buy tickets for our Wine Tasting. Call us at 330 746 4190 for additional information or questions!!

Wednesday, June 1, 2011

Fish is suffering! FEMA Information!

"FEMA" stands for: U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency.

This is listed on the http://www.fema.gov/ website:
"Advising on building codes and flood plain management...teaching people how to get through a disaster...helping equip local and state emergency preparedness...coordinating the federal response to a disaster...making disaster assistance available to states, communities, businesses and individuals...training emergency managers...supporting the nation's fire service...administering the national flood and crime insurance programs...the range of FEMA's activities is broad indeed and spans the life cycle of disasters.
The disaster life cycle describes the process through which emergency managers prepare for emergencies and disasters, respond to them when they occur, help people and institutions recover from them, mitigate their effects, reduce the risk of loss, and prevent disasters such as fires from occurring.
And at every stage of this cycle you see FEMA -- the federal agency charged with building and supporting the nation's emergency management system."


Fish Samaritan is suffering due to on a national level FEMA money WAS NOT released to any progams such as Fish. This money is extremely important in helping feed those in need or whom request assistance in foods. The great employees at Fish are struggling to help those in our neighborhood and are doing such a fantastic job of trying to make ends meet thus far. But, like everything this will only go so far before all options have been exhausted.

Sales have also been lagging recently, so Fish Samaritan decided to extend their hours and even talk about special Saturday hours during the summertime.

So I ask to you friends and family-- next time you have a garage/yard sale, the next time you clean out your attics or basements or do that major spring cleaning. Consider donating to Fish Samaritan House, all the money from their sales goes to feeding those in need and paying our employees who help keep Fish Samaritan progressing and successful! They even do special delivery and pick ups from your business or house!

Fish Samaritan House, 17 Kenmore Avenue Youngstown, Ohio 44507 (330) 746-4190.

Friday, May 13, 2011

Hello Everyone!!

I decided to start a blog in honor of Fish Samaritan House on Youngstown's Southside. First though, I shall tell you a little bit about myself first. My name is Jaime Hughes, I am a 22 year old native of Youngstown and doubt that I will ever leave this place. I am slowly chipping away at YSU where I will graduate with a degree in history then go onto Graduate school for a Library Science Masters degree. I was first introduced to Fish Samaritan as a 2007 Cardinal Mooney senior where our Service class would volunteer their time and energy with the Fish Samaritan family. Years later, I decided that I wanted to continue my service to the community and was voted into the Fish Samaritan Board of Directors in April 2011. Being the youngest board member in the Fish Family I really want to breathe some youthful excitement into the program and all that they do.

Many of you may not be familar with Fish Samaritan and their services. Please, stop down anytime between Monday-Friday from 9am-2:30pm and meet the director of fish, Clarence. He is a really wonderful, passionate man whom is very dedicated to his city and his neighbors. He reflects the vibe and attitude of those involved with Fish Samaritan; positive, hope, compassion, love and dedication. Every worker and person involved wants to do as best as possible to help one another, the organization and the community. I am so honored to be apart of such a wonderful organization.

Anyway, the Fish Samaritan helps in various ways. Spring cleaning? Have extra items you didn't sell at the yard sale? Moving and need to get rid of items? Fish Samaritan will come to you and take any extra items off of your hands!! They find and have a purpose for everything and anything donated. They take in items from clothes, baby items, toys, furniture, household goods and non perishable foods! They reach out to families and individuals that may be struggling and need a small pick me up. In this economy this is extremely important, not only to help one another but continue to do something good as well as caring for one another.

Over the next few weeks (I will post once a week), I will introduce you to people that work for Fish Samaritan, how you can volunteer, events and so on. Stay tuned and remember to love your neighbors!