By Beverly Shrumm, Executive Director Our history as an agency has relied on faithfulness to our core mission and on an openness to strategic changes to further that mission. Another significant strategic change lies ahead. I have determined, considering the costs we face and our reduced need for a such a large facility, that selling our building in the Green Lake neighborhood is our...

Remarkably Bright Creatures, by Shelby Van Pelt, surprised me with its charming characterizations, implausible interspecies relationships and healing connections. Tova Sullivan, the main character, lost her son, Eric, years ago when he was just 18, and she was recently widowed at the age of 70. Facing an unknown future, she copes with her loneliness by staying busy at her night job...

I am 3 months postpartum and am shocked by how angry I am all the time. I’m not an angry person, and I don’t know why I feel this way. What is wrong with me?

by Isaiah Lin, Psy.D There is renewed hope every new year as the struggles of the previous year give way to a fresh start. As January 1st strikes, people all over the world join on a journey of change as they make their resolutions for 2024. It is the day gyms are most crowded and the most promises are made. Well, we’re now into February. How are we doing, folks? Did you know...

By Carl Hilton VanOsdall, LCSW, MDiv A friend recently shared with me their copy of Nikita Gill’s book, Where Hope Comes From. The first poem, entitled “And a Message from the Universe,” goes like this: In every moment of your existence, Several realities Are bursting across the cosmos.  Planets explode. Stars burst. Solar systems dissolve Or welcome a new planet Into the orbit of...

My partner and I argue frequently, sometimes bitterly. I think some arguing is normal, right? Yet I do worry that it’s become a problem. When is the right time to start couples counseling?   Eric Stroo, LMHC, responds…   Thank you for this question! It is such a common one for many couples who are trying to decide what is normal and what is a serious warning sign. The...

One of the strengths of Samaritan is that we are available to help people in an ongoing way with the problems that inevitably arise in life.

It was not the Fourth of July. But it was a real celebration. The Samaritan faithful gathered—in person—at Green Lake park on Saturday, August 26, for a picnic and gabfest. It was also a chance to honor the dedication of those all across the agency and its board who have seen us through to what feels like a new beginning for Samaritan Center.   The turnout was strong (nearly 40...

Samaritan Center exists to help people cope, rebound, and heal from the unexpected difficulties life can bring.

Robin Wall Kimmerer writes: “I could hand you a braid of sweetgrass…. But it is not mine to give, nor yours to take.”