Samaritas Company Profile

Background

Overview

Samaritas, formerly known as Lutheran Social Services of Michigan, is a 501(c)(3) non-profit human services organization headquartered in Detroit, Michigan. Established in 1934, Samaritas has grown to become the state's largest private foster care and adoption agency, offering a comprehensive suite of services aimed at enhancing the well-being of Michigan's residents.

Mission and Vision

Samaritas operates under the mission statement: "Serving people as an expression of the love of Christ." Its vision is to "walk alongside individuals and families to nurture lasting personal growth, connection, and empowerment in order to realize their fullest potential, creating the opportunity for people and communities to thrive."

Primary Area of Focus

The organization focuses on a wide array of human services, including:

• Foster Care and Adoption: Providing support and services to children and families in the foster care system, as well as facilitating domestic adoptions.

• Family Preservation: Offering programs designed to strengthen families and prevent the need for foster care placements.

• Refugee Resettlement and Employment Services: Assisting refugees in resettling and integrating into Michigan communities, including employment support.

• Senior Care and Living Communities: Providing independent and assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing options within a faith-based community.

• Affordable Housing: Offering housing solutions for adults with developmental disabilities, homeless families, and affordable living communities for those eligible for HUD housing.

Industry Significance

Samaritas is recognized as the largest faith-based non-profit human service organization and private foster care agency in Michigan. It is also one of the largest providers of refugee services in the state.

Key Strategic Focus

Core Objectives

Samaritas aims to:

• Enhance the well-being of individuals and families across Michigan.

• Strengthen families through preservation programs.

• Provide comprehensive support to refugees and immigrants.

• Offer quality senior care and affordable housing solutions.

Specific Areas of Specialization

The organization specializes in:

• Foster care and adoption services.

• Family preservation programs.

• Refugee resettlement and employment services.

• Senior care and living communities.

• Affordable housing initiatives.

Key Technologies Utilized

Samaritas employs various technologies to support its operations, including:

• Website Technologies: Utilizes platforms such as jQuery, Google Drive, and Google Tag Manager to enhance online presence and functionality.

• IT Infrastructure: Projected to spend $1.9 million on IT in the current year, indicating a commitment to maintaining robust technological systems.

Primary Markets or Conditions Targeted

Samaritas primarily serves:

• Children and families in need of foster care and adoption services.

• Families requiring preservation programs to maintain family unity.

• Refugees and immigrants seeking resettlement and employment opportunities.

• Seniors in need of various levels of care and housing.

• Individuals and families requiring affordable housing solutions.

Financials and Funding

Funding History

Samaritas operates as a non-profit organization, primarily funded through:

• Government grants and contracts.

• Private donations and fundraising efforts.

• Partnerships with other organizations and community stakeholders.

Total Funds Raised

Specific figures regarding total funds raised are not publicly disclosed.

Recent Funding Rounds

Detailed information about recent funding rounds is not publicly available.

Notable Investors

As a non-profit entity, Samaritas does not have investors in the traditional sense but relies on community support, grants, and partnerships.

Intended Utilization of Capital

Funds are utilized to:

• Expand and enhance service offerings.

• Maintain and upgrade facilities.

• Support operational costs and staff development.

Pipeline Development

Key Pipeline Candidates

As a non-profit human services organization, Samaritas does not have a product pipeline in the traditional sense. Instead, it focuses on developing and expanding its service programs to meet community needs.

Stages of Service Development

Samaritas continually assesses and develops its services, including:

• Enhancing foster care and adoption programs.

• Expanding family preservation initiatives.

• Improving refugee resettlement and employment services.

• Developing senior care and affordable housing solutions.

Target Conditions

The organization targets:

• Child welfare and family stability.

• Refugee and immigrant integration.

• Senior care and housing needs.

• Affordable housing for low-income individuals and families.

Relevant Timelines for Anticipated Milestones

Specific timelines for service development milestones are not publicly disclosed.

Technological Platform and Innovation

Proprietary Technologies

Samaritas utilizes various technologies to support its operations, including:

• Website Technologies: Platforms such as jQuery, Google Drive, and Google Tag Manager to enhance online presence and functionality.

• IT Infrastructure: A projected IT expenditure of $1.9 million in the current year, indicating a commitment to maintaining robust technological systems.

Significant Scientific Methods

While Samaritas is not a research-focused organization, it employs evidence-based practices in its service delivery, particularly in areas such as:

• Trauma-Informed Care: Implementing approaches that recognize and respond to the impact of trauma on individuals.

• Behavioral Health Interventions: Utilizing therapeutic methods to address mental health and substance use disorders.

AI-Driven Capabilities

There is no publicly available information indicating the use of AI-driven capabilities within Samaritas' operations.

Leadership Team

Key Executive Profiles

• Sam Beals: Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

• Professional Background: Extensive experience in non-profit leadership, focusing on human services and community development.

• Key Contributions: Overseeing organizational growth and strategic direction.

• Vickie Thompson-Sandy: President

• Professional Background: Background in social services and organizational management.

• Key Contributions: Leading program development and implementation.

• Leigh McLeod: Vice President

• Professional Background: Experience in human resources and operational management.

• Key Contributions: Managing organizational operations and staff development.

• Deedre Vriesnan: Executive Director

• Professional Background: Expertise in program management and community outreach.

• Key Contributions: Overseeing program execution and community engagement.

Leadership Changes

Specific details regarding recent leadership changes are not publicly disclosed.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

Samaritas operates in the human services sector, focusing on foster care, adoption, refugee resettlement, senior care, and affordable housing. The market is characterized by a high demand for these services, driven by factors such as population demographics, economic conditions, and social challenges.

Competitor Analysis

Key competitors in Michigan include:

• Wellspring Lutheran Services: Offers similar services in foster care, adoption, and senior care.

• Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska: Provides services in family support and refugee resettlement.