Community Interest
Fig Origin Story: Samaritan Center
Samaritan Center was established in 1988.
Planting the Seed
In 1985, a group from Highland Presbyterian Church explored the possibility of establishing an accredited, interfaith counseling center that would make its services available to all individuals, regardless of their ability to pay. Just three years later, in 1988, the first Board of Directors was formed and the doors of the Samaritan Center officially opened. As the Samaritan Center has grown, so has its programs and services. Always focused on creating and expanding access to mental health services, Samaritan therapists are credentialed to serve both Medicare and PA Medicaid clients, as well as many other types of insurance.
Rooted in Lancaster
Samaritan’s outreach to the community includes TeenHope, a mental health screening program for students in local middle and high schools; school-based counseling; and services to address older adult mental health Samaritan strives to provide counseling services throughout the whole life span. Samaritan has two offices—one on Oregon Pike and one in the heart of Lancaster City—but many of its services are also provided onsite at its community partner locations. With mental health needs on the rise and a lack of qualified mental health providers, Samaritan is committed to growing and expanding its Training & Residency Program to sustain and improve access for the local community.
Tending New Growth
Almost four decades after Samaritan Center was created, the mission remains the same: To foster hope and healing through professional counseling, consultation, and education, while respecting and integrating personal and spiritual values. At its core, Samaritan’s success is thanks to generous donors and volunteers throughout the life of the Center.
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