Picking Up the Pieces
Serving Utah's Refugees & Others
Our organization is changing lives and bringing hope to refugees.
Good Samaritan Foundation's (GSF) mission is to empower refugees and others to obtain the means, skills, and education necessary leading to employment, independence, and self-reliance.
We do this through providing opportunities, services, and resources within Neighborhood Centers located where clients live. Whether it takes 2 steps or 200 steps, we work with individuals every step of the way to ensure they are meeting their goals and finding success!
We are grateful for our partners!
1. English Language Support
Understanding & Moving Forward
Every individual has value and worth
GSF believes that English Skills Learning is foundational to the success of those we serve. Learning English skills is one of the biggest challenges facing refugees and others in their journey towards independence.
Refugees come from all walks of life. Many were doctors, teachers, and other professions before coming to Utah. Still, others come having had no formal education, many times not able to read or write in their native language. All bring a rich culture and diverse understanding that is meaningful and valuable.
GSF provides high-quality English Skills Learning programs catered to the language level of every individuals.
2. Living Wage Employment
Becoming independent and self-reliant
Success is obtained through hard work & opportunity
GSF believes that through hard work, opportunity, and community support, all individuals can find success through meaningful employment.
GSF works with individual clients to create self-reliance plans that may include: English skills training, enrollment in education or training programs, understanding how to submit forms or build a resume, etc.
Whatever the need, GSF's Career Services staff along with volunteer Career Mentors are committed to supporting clients throughout their journey.
3. Education & Training
Reaching for the future
Education is key to large scale change
GSF believes that education is key to large scale change for all communities. We partner with local organizations, schools, and others to support high school aged youth and beyond to obtain education and/or training that will not only lead to success for themselves, but success for future generations as well.
What are others saying?
Refugees, Donors and Volunteers Agree!
This moment does not define them, but our response will help define us.
"Being a refugee may be a defining moment in the lives of those who are refugees, but being a refugee does not define them. Like countless thousands before them, this will be a period—we hope a short period—in their lives. Some of them will go on to be Nobel laureates, public servants, physicians, scientists, musicians, artists, religious leaders, and contributors in other fields. Indeed, many of them were these things before they lost everything. This moment does not define them, but our response will help define us" – Elder Patrick Kearon, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
“GSF builds friendships first, and then volunteers are better equipped to meet the needs of those we are here to help.”
- Jeri and Duane R., GSF Volunteers
"GSF doesn’t create something and find people, GSF finds people, and then creates something that meets their needs.”
- Tom Lloyd, Donor and Co-Founder
"Sometimes, I get a call in the middle of the night from someone who tells me, ‘I got a job!’ I feel grateful that I can help them.”
- Jean-Claude, Congolese Refugee,
GSF Employee
In 2018, GSF met and exceeded its first year goals:
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Languages SpokenHow Can You Help?
You are the missing piece.
Effecting Lives, Providing Hope, Helping Others
GSF relies on positive collaboration, meaningful community partnerships, and passionate volunteers to achieve success. Without these connections, we would not be able to provide valuable services for those individuals whom we serve.
It is vital that donors, volunteers, and other community members cultivate awareness and compassion for the experiences our clients have had and the challenges they face. Many of these challenges may seem insurmountable, but with patience, understanding, and commitment, you can be part of helping individuals rebuild their lives and create a new home here in Utah. You can make a difference in the lives of others by giving what you can!
You can always start by being a friend.
