The Samaritan Connection Vol 35 Issue 2 October 2024 - 2

Samaritan's
RIGHT
Core Values
Respect
We believe people have
inherent dignity and through
compassionate interactions honor
their thoughts and perspectives.
Integrity
We pursue excellence and
do the right thing even when
no one is looking.
Growth
We understand building healthy
minds and strong communities
is a journey, and pursue growth
rather than perfection in a
collaborative spirit.
Hope
We believe hope exists even in the
most challenging situation.
Trust
We provide a safe and confidential
space to ask for and receive help.
Samaritan Center
Opens Its Doors
in Downtown Lancaster
On April 1, 2024, Samaritan Center opened a new location in downtown Lancaster.
Located at 33 N Market Street, across from Lancaster Central Market, this additional
office will allow the Center to expand its reach and offer counseling services to those who
live in the city.
" As our main location on Oregon Pike filled up after returning to the office postCOVID,
we knew the time had come to secure additional space. " explains Steven
Schedler, Samaritan Center Executive Director. " The opportunity to be so centrally
located in Lancaster City will allow us to meet the needs of community members who
might not be familiar with our services or who are unable to make the trip out of the city, "
he continues.
As the Center expands geographically with the addition of Samaritan Center North
Market, its team also continues to grow. " Each of our new staff brings diverse sets of
experience and we look forward to learning from them as we continue to evolve as an
organization " , says Jimmy Elsner, Operations Manager.
With furniture and signage in place, Samaritan Center therapists welcomed their
first clients at the beginning of April. " Our location downtown enables us to serve more
people, meet additional needs, and enlarge our table so there's a seat for everyone, " remarks
Deborah Miller, Therapist at SC. " For some, the wall of transportation, financial means,
or insurance kept us separated. Now we'll be in the neighborhood. And the door will be
open! " , she says. Many clients have expressed how convenient it is being able to walk to
their sessions and some have even incorporated going out for coffee before or after.
Samaritan Center Introduces
Dance for Mental Health Class
With Renée Kutz, Dance/Movement Therapist
2
This past spring, the Samaritan Center held its first Dance for
Mental Health program, facilitated by Renée Kurz, LPC, BC-DMT. As
one of Samaritan's therapists at our new downtown location on North
Market Street, Renée became acquainted with the owner of Move It
Studios, two floors below. She began to conceptualize a class that would bring together
her love of dance with her experience as a dance/movement therapist. The six-week pilot
program would be geared towards women in the local community, regardless of prior dance
experience, and would focus on offering movement experiences to support releasing stress
and tension in the body, reconnecting with oneself, and restoring a sense of vitality.
The Dance for Mental Health program debuted in April of 2024 and as the class
progressed, the women expressed appreciation for the intimate setting and the sense of a
close-knit community. Many also shared that they would think of the class throughout
the week and be reminded to hold space for themselves. Throughout the six weeks, Renée
watched as the participants became more comfortable and even expressed feeling nourished.
" Many were always caring for others - and now had found the space to care for themselves, "
she explains. All expressed an interest in attending the class again in the future.
As she reflects on the debut Dance for Mental Health program, Renée is reaffirmed by
the experience: " It's impactful to know that we will carry this powerful encounter with
us - and it was reassuring to see that it did meet the needs of women in our community. "
The Samaritan Center will offer additional Dance for Mental Health classes this fall at
our downtown Lancaster location. The Dance for Mental Health classes will be held on
Fridays at 10:30 a.m. from October 4 through
November 8, 2024. For more information or to enroll,
please call 717-560-9969.

https://samaritanlancaster.org/

The Samaritan Connection Vol 35 Issue 2 October 2024

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of The Samaritan Connection Vol 35 Issue 2 October 2024