Good Samaritan

GOOD SAMARITAN ACTION TEAM

Purpose/Mission Statement

To show the love of Christ to our neighbors in need through Salem’s Good Samaritan Fund. (Luke 10:25-37)

Responsibilities

1. Annual review of Good Samaritan Fund guidelines and policies
2. Annual audit of Good Samaritan Fund
3. Work with and support Salem’s Pastor/office staff as issues arise in regard to Good Samaritan Fund distribution or recipients.
4. Pray for Good Samaritan Fund recipients (not that you will know names)
5. Maintain confidentiality in regards to Good Samaritan Fund recipients and donors, etc…
6. Attend Good Samaritan Fund Action Team Meetings as scheduled, unless otherwise excused.

Goals/Objectives

1. Funding or making sure there is money in fund
2. Reach people that need the funds
3. Work with area agencies and organizations to help people in need
4. Funds be a line item in Salem’s annual budget
5. Salem members are aware of the fund, its purpose and that they can contribute to it
6. Written guidelines and procedures for distributing funds
   • Determine amount to be given and frequency of funds received
7. Develop form for recipients to fill out and sign when receiving funds
8. Develop procedure for fund distribution in the absence of Salem’s pastor

Communication

1. Written report in Salem’s Annual Meeting Report describing, without breaking confidentiality, what the Good Samaritan Fund has ‘done’ the past year.
2. All withdrawals from Good Samaritan Fund over $250.00 at one time, must be approved by no less than two Good Samaritan Action Team Members.

Programs

1. Good Samaritan Fund Task Force

Budget

The Good Samaritan Fund was set up by a family who were members of Salem. They had been in a car accident and Salem had helped them financially by holding a Pie Auction to help with their expenses. In response to Salem’s gift, the family wished to ‘pay it forward’ and generously donated $4000.00 to be used, at the discretion of Salem’s pastor, to help others in need. The budget thus far, has been drawn from the original $4000.00 donation. If Salem is to continue this ministry, we will need to be included in Salem’s Annual Budget and/or solicit funds from the congregation through fundraising.

Evaluation

The Good Samaritan Fund will be reviewed annually by the Good Samaritan Fund Action Team and/or as needed.

Meeting Time

Four times per year or as needed. Date and time will be scheduled around Good Samaritan Fund Action Team Members’ calendars.

Responsible To

• Salem’s Serving Ministry Team.

Good Samaritan Fund Guidelines

• We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, national origin, color, sex, age, or physical address.
• We will not give funds to recipients more than two times per year.
• We will not distribute cash nor will we give money directly to a recipient’s personal bank account, but will give gas cards, or will write checks out directly to a licensed business.
• Good Samaritan Funds do not have to be repaid, they are not loans but gifts.
• All recipients will need to provide or fill out an information form including providing photo id such as a current driver’s license.
• We will work with area agencies and organizations when requested, to help resolve immediate financial needs, and provide referral information as needed or requested.
• All withdrawals from Good Samaritan Fund over $250.00 at one time, will be approved by no less than two Good Samaritan Action Team Members.
• Written report in Salem’s Annual Meeting Report describing, without breaking confidentiality, what the Good Samaritan Fund has ‘done’ the past year.
• We will keep receipts and/or records of funds distributed.
• We will keep completed, Good Samaritan Fund Forms for two years in a secure file. After two years, forms will be disposed of properly to protect fund recipient’s information.