Helping Others Since 1832
It isn’t always a major disaster that pulls the rug out from under us. Sometimes it’s a relatively small thing, but, for most of us, it’s a temporary setback, something from which we can recover and move ahead. But for some people a sudden illness or loss of a job is a game changer.
The Samaritan Charitable Society of Salem, better known simply as the Samaritans, is a small, all-volunteer group that helps Salem residents in temporary financial distress get back on their feet. Our mission has remained virtually unchanged since our founding in 1832.
“To provide occasional financial assistance to those in less fortunate circumstances. It is our goal that by our actions we will help the recipients lift themselves up into a better position with a brighter future.”
On December 10, 1832, perhaps inspired by the approach of Christmas, a “few ladies of Salem” established the Samaritan Charitable Society of Salem to provide occasional help to keep “desolation from the homes” of those less fortunate.
The glory days of Salem’s maritime trade had passed. Cotton mills, leather factories, the coal trade and waves of immigrants were beginning to characterize the city. The number of those living in poverty was rising. Not surprisingly, the new charitable society received many requests for assistance over the years that followed.
Incorporated in 1881, the Samaritans established a tradition—still followed today—of focusing on specific, one-time assistance to help an individual or family overcome temporary financial difficulties. Thousands of requests have been honored over the past 180+ years. The needs have changed, but there remains no shortage of good people trying to make ends meet as they face eviction, shortened work hours, or other adversities.
The Samaritan Charitable Society of Salem has an illustrious if little known history. Today, we strive to broaden our reach, form new partnerships, help more people and live up to a noteworthy legacy.
Meet our board of directors and contact us if you would like to know more about the Samaritan Charitable Society of Salem and our mission of helping.
Rachel Lutts, President
Jeffrey Beale, Treasurer
Debra Glabeau, First Vice President
Shelby Hypes, Second Vice President
Maureen Dalton, Secretary
Marie Cardillo
Leni De los Santos
T. Jane Dwyer
Jean Karam
Janet Kendall
Gina Maniscalco
Steve O’Connell
Julie Rose
Dakota Russell
Bob Strom
Amanda Thompson
Kate Merry Walters
The Samaritans respond to one-time needs for assistance as opposed to providing ongoing financial support. Recipients must be Salem residents (or come from Salem). Often their need arises from the loss of a job or inability to work due to injury or illness. Today, too many people have had their financial stability upended by the pandemic. We have honored thousands of requests over the years.
We receive requests for assistance from a variety of organizations. Their referrals are usually related to a personal need that falls outside the organization’s funding abilities.
We could not operate without our partner organizations bringing people and families in need to our attention and serving as the means by which we deliver financial assistance. They educate, advise, and enlighten us.
Action, Inc. • AgeSpan • Boys and Girls Club of Greater Salem • Catholic Collaborative (St. James & Immaculate Conception Churches) • Centerboard, Inc. • City of Salem Neighborhood Stability Coordinator • Eliot Community Human Services • Essex County Community Foundation • Family Promise North Shore Boston, Inc. • First Baptist Church of Salem • Grace Church in Salem • Harborlight Community Partners • Healing Abuse Working for Change (HAWC) • Independent Living Center of the North Shore/Disability Resource Center • Lahey Cancer Center • LEAP for Education • Lifebridge North Shore • Massachusetts General Cancer Center • North Shore Community College • North Shore Community Development Coalition (NSCDC) • North Shore Community Action Programs. • Pathways For Children • Plummer Youth Promise • Root-Salem • Salem Academy Charter School • Salem Children’s Charity • Salem Council on Aging • Salem Female Charitable Society • Salem Housing Authority • Salem Police Community Impact Unit • Salem Public Schools/City Connects • Salem State University • Salem YMCA • Seamen’s Widows and Orphans • St. John the Baptist Ukrainian Catholic Church • St. Nicholas Orthodox Church • St. Vincent de Paul Society • Tabernacle Congregational Church • The House of the Seven Gables • The Salem Pantry • Wesley United Methodist Church • Woman’s Friend Society • YMCA of the North Shore
We always welcome referrals and opportunities to partner with other organizations. If you are an organization that serves Salem residents, please contact us.
Thanks to such referrals, the Samaritans have: