About Us
Meet the Executive Director
Sara Buchholz began in January 2022. Previous to Samaritan's Carriage, Sara worked 32 years for Grand Rapids Christian Schools, 23 years in the Administrative Offices.
She loves her new role with Samaritan's Carriage and is having a marvelous time meeting guests from each of the 9 homes and connecting with the Life Enrichment Coordinators and all the volunteers.
My favorite part of each outing is listening. Once a question is asked then our guests begin to talk and the words just flow. We hear about their lives and the adventures they went on as children. Sometime 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 and he shared a poem with us.
"Every outing is an adventure and a blessing!"
Where has the year gone?
What a fabulous fall, it was full of beautiful days of sunshine and
gorgeous colors on the trees. We enjoyed visits to Centennial Park in Holland, the Red Barn Orchard, Grand Rapids Public Museum, Rivertown Mall, a concert at Park Church, and the Colonial Clock Building in Zeeland,. Every place we go we meet wonderful people.
We finished up the year by visiting Meijer Gardens one more time when the Christmas trees were decorated. It's fun to see the trees from other countries and learn about the traditions of other nations. We share the globe with so many fabulous people and when we learn about other cultures it helps us love our neighbors even more. Samaritan's Carriage loves to introduce our guests to lots of new experiences.
We'll start 2023 by visiting the homes and checking in on our friends. The winter months may get long. We want our guests to know we won't forget them. We too are looking forward to new adventures.
THANK YOU!
Thank you to all our donors for making these outings such a blessing. We ended the year on a positive note with wonderful gifts from our generous donors. THANK YOU!!
The guests thank the volunteers over and over for giving them these glorious experiences. The volunteers have a blast hearing story after story. So donors, please keep up your contributions the joy you are providing is palatable.
The average cost of an outing is upwards of $250.
Thanks again for your generosity.
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 sit up to five persons 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 sit up to five persons 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 has been 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.
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.
