June, 2007 
Samaritan Ministry Volunteers News

One-A-Day: Vitamins and Volunteers
How Volunteering Produces Health Benefits

 It turns out that in addition to a daily dose of vitamins and minerals, we all should be getting a daily dose of volunteering.   Volunteers help themselves to better health while helping others, according to a study released today by the Corporation for National and Community Service that reviews a compelling collection of recent scientific research.

 The Health Benefits of Volunteering: A Review of Recent Research has found a significant connection between volunteering and good health. The report shows that volunteers have greater longevity, higher functional ability, lower rates of depression and less incidence of heart disease. 

“Volunteering makes the heart grow stronger,” said David Eisner, CEO of the Corporation. “More than 61 million Americans volunteer to improve conditions for people in need and to unselfishly give of themselves. While the motivation is altruistic, it is gratifying to learn that their efforts are returning considerable health benefits.”

The Health Benefits of Volunteering documents major findings from more than 30 rigorous and longitudinal studies that reviewed the relationship between health and volunteering, with particular emphasis on studies that seek to determine the causal connection between the two factors. The studies, which were controlled for other factors, found that volunteering leads to improved physical and mental health.

Research suggests that volunteering is particularly beneficial to the health of older adults and those serving 100 hours annually. According to the report:

• A study of adults age 65 and older found that the positive effect of volunteering on physical and mental health is due to the personal sense of accomplishment an individual gains from his or her volunteer activities.
• Another study found that volunteering led to lower rates of depression in individuals 65 and older.
• A Duke study found that individuals who volunteered after experiencing heart attacks reported reductions in despair and depression – two factors that that have been linked to mortality in post-coronary artery disease patients.
• An analysis of longitudinal data found that individuals over 70 who volunteered approximately 100 hours had less of a decline in self-reported health and functioning levels, experienced lower levels of depression, and had more longevity.
• Two studies found that volunteering threshold is about 100 hours per year, or about two hours a week. Individuals who reached the threshold enjoyed significant health benefits, although there were not additional benefits beyond the 100-hour mark.

If you are interested in a copy of the report, just let me know. In the mean time- take your vitamins and volunteer! 

You Are STILL Invited to join hosts-

Peggy and David Beers, Ann Cashion, and Johnny  Fulchino

for dinner on Saturday, June 2nd, 2007 at 6:30 pm

at Johnny’s Half Shell Restaurant

400 North Capitol Street Northwest

to celebrate and honor Samaritan Ministry’s

incredible volunteers.

During the evening all of our volunteers will be celebrated. Several will be recognized for their unique service to Samaritan Ministry.

Our sincere thanks goes to Johnny’s Half-Shell owners Anne Cashion and Johnny Fulchino for providing the food and beverages and for hosting this event.

If you are able to attend this event, please contact Dianne Lewis at 202-722-2280 or cjames@samaritanministry.org

Welcome to Samaritan Ministry’s New Volunteers!

St. Andrew’s Episcopal School- 3/13-3/25

John Teel

Brook Hicks

Molly Widrick

Kelsey Freeman

Summer- Management

Erin Deroo (IPVS Intern for Communications)

Madeline Wallace  (May 21^st – July 27^th)

Summer Casework

Jenny Magill  (Truman Scholars Program)

Katherine Jares (Truman Scholars Program)

Isaac Beachy (Goshen College Service Inquiry Program)

Robin Williams- FOC NW and Computer Mentor

Glory Wells- FOC SE

Leslie Armstrong- FOC NoVa

Next Step Breakfast on May 8th

On May 8th, Samaritan Ministry hosted a fundraising event called the Next Step Breakfast at The National Press Club in downtown Washington, D.C..

The event included a compelling vision of Samaritan Ministry's work told from the perspective of staff, volunteers and participants who together impart an emotional message. Washington-based, Senior Correspondent for PBS, Ray Suarez was master of ceremonies for this special event.

See photos from this event

During the breakfast, attendees had the opportunity to view Samaritan Ministry's new program video which features the compelling stories of many of Samaritan Ministry's program participants. Music was provided by a choir from St. Andrew's Episcopal School.

Many thanks to all who attended or volunteered for this memorable event. For more information, please contact Samaritan Ministry's Director of Development, Diane Aten at 202-722-2280 or at daten@samaritanministry.org.

Next Step Experiences

"The homeless, poor and in need will show you the road of radical compassion. For on the road of life, they are some of the best teachers. "

                    Homeless Awareness Art and Poetry Entrant-

                                  Caroline Sullivan (Age 19)