The new "Carriage" is on the road!
MERRY CHRISTMAS
We are rejoicing!
The new bus is out and about.
Our vision to spread wonder and joy will continue for many years to come.
About Us
Meet the Executive Director
My name is Sara Buchholz. I am the executive director of Samaritan's Carriage. I started working for Samaritan's Carriage in January 2022. Previous to Samaritan's Carriage, I worked 32 years for Grand Rapids Christian Schools, 23 years in the Administrative Offices.
I love working with Samaritan's Carriage and I am having a marvelous time meeting guests from each of the ten homes and connecting with the Life Enrichment Coordinators and all of the volunteers.
My favorite part of each outing is listening. Once a question is asked our guests begin to talk and the words just flow. We hear about their lives and the adventures they went on as children. Sometimes we hear about their children and grandchildren. It is alway enlightening to
hear their life experiences.
Recently on an outing to a park a gentleman was painting as we walked by. He stopped and interacted with the guests, later he came by our group and commented on
the "angels" he had spoken to.
"Every outing is an adventure and a blessing!"
2024 Outings
Samaritan's Carriage began the 2024 season with trips to Meijer Gardens. Every group enjoyed the butterflies.
The next round of adventures were to Countryside Greenhouse. There were rows and rows of beautiful flowers.
In June, the excursions were to the Rockford Dam. It's a beautiful location to watch nature all around. We watch the fish jump at the dam, the ducks and swans and their little ones swim in the river.
We have picnics in the park and stroll along the trails.
In July our teams head over to Meijer Gardens again to enjoy a tram ride through the sculpture park. One of the teams went to the Anema Family Friesian Horse Farm. They had a great time feeding carrots to the horses.
Our August trips took us to Lake Michigan. We visited both Holland and Grand Haven. A visit to the Grand Haven lighthouse was a highlight.
Our fall outings took us to ArtPrize, the Holland Bowl Mill, bowling, VerHage Motors and Terrytown to check out some Classic Cars. The memories that came flooding back seeing the cars was a lot of fun. On Veteran's Day we visited the Gerald R Ford Museum, a very moving experience for our veterans that day.
December takes us back to Meijer Gardens to close out the year seeing Christmas trees from around the world.
THANK YOU!
The purchase of the new bus is a huge answer to prayer. Once the bus was ready to go the inaugural outing was to the Holland Bowl Mill, the next group went to Grand Haven to walk the pier all the way to the light house. The third outing went to the Anema Family Friesian Horse Farm.
We definitely get around.
In 2024 we are serving 10 senior living homes. We are
thrilled to bring joy to those living with limited mobility.
Now having achieved our goal of purchasing a new bus we know that we will continue bringing joy to lonely people
for many years to come.
Samaritan's Carriage creates experiences for 50 seniors every month.
But, not only are the seniors blessed. Every volunteer is blessed too. The families of our guests are blessed to know their loved one is getting out of their room. The homes are so appreciative of Samaritan's Carriage coming every month to offer an experience for their residents and our volunteers love the outings we offer as much as our guests.
Joni writes, "You don’t know what a blessing you all are
to our staff and residents."
Your donation isn't just for one person's experience,
it benefits the entire community.
Who We Are
Our History
Our History
Samaritan's Carriage is a nonprofit organization dedicated to bringing joy to those with limited mobility in the greater Grand Rapids area. The Samaritan's Carriage itself is a bus with a lift that can seat up to five people in wheelchairs. We are partnered with nine nursing homes in the Grand Rapids area. Each nursing home is designated
Samaritan's Carriage is a nonprofit organization dedicated to bringing joy to those with limited mobility in the greater Grand Rapids area. The Samaritan's Carriage itself is a bus with a lift that can seat up to five people in wheelchairs. We are partnered with nine nursing homes in the Grand Rapids area. Each nursing home is designated one day a month to go on a special outing with a team of Samaritan's Carriage volunteers. Each team of volunteers is made up of five companions, and one driver. The companions push the guests in wheelchairs and spend time getting to know the guests. What makes our ministry so special is that we provide these outings and experiences free of charge.
Samaritan's Carriage, Inc. is an independent 501 C (3) non-profit organization. We are completely funded by donations. All contributions are tax deductible.
Our History
Our History
Our History
Samaritan's Carriage was founded in 2002 with the goal to bring some joy to the lives of people living with limited mobility especially in nursing homes in the greater Grand Rapids area. During Covid our carriage sat idle for two years. Now that Samaritan's Carriage is able to go out again we are having such wonderful experiences. It doe
Samaritan's Carriage was founded in 2002 with the goal to bring some joy to the lives of people living with limited mobility especially in nursing homes in the greater Grand Rapids area. During Covid our carriage sat idle for two years. Now that Samaritan's Carriage is able to go out again we are having such wonderful experiences. It doesn't matter if the sun shines or the rain falls the ability to leave their homes and see some sights again is a huge blessing.
Our 20th year was fabulous. We visited twenty-two different locations. The guests and the volunteers have been blessed to spend time together. We all learn from each other.
We are now in the midst of the 2024 outings and we're having a blast. We discovered a few new locations to explore. Anema Family Friesian Horse Farm, Meijer Heritage Museum, VerHage Car Museum and Terrytown.
Our Mission
Our History
Our Mission
As an expression of God’s love, Samaritan’s Carriage tailors experiences and personal encounters that affirm, bless and bring joy into the lives of persons having limited mobility.
Sharing God's love with Persons with Limited Mobility
Photo Gallery
