Since 1983

OUR HISTORY

Samaritan Center is a unique blend of organizations who have a history of serving the disadvantaged and are committed to the continuing redevelopment of Detroit’s east side. This venture is spearheaded by SER Metro-Detroit, a community-based organization providing numerous education, training and employment programs, and economic development for Detroit residents and their families.

Here’s how Samaritan Center developed into Michigan’s largest one-stop, multi-service community center, attracting 1,500 visitors daily and providing services and support to one of Detroit’s most underserved communities:

1983: Mercy Hospital opened a new health care campus at 5555 Conner Avenue—the present site of Samaritan Center. The hospital served the eastside Detroit community for 18 years.

2001: Trinity Health chose to close the facility and donate the 580,000-sqaure-foot hospital and campus to a community organization committed to serving the needs of the community. Holy Cross Children’s Services and SER Metro-Detroit, two of the leading community resource organizations in metro Detroit, assumed ownership and converted the property into a center for community programs and services. Samaritan Center opened as a hub of educational, social, recreational, healthcare and community services.

2019: Lack of long-term capital funding, sustainability and investment in the campus infrastructure stalled progress and brought Samaritan Center to a critical juncture as needs in the surrounding neighborhood continued to grow. This indicated a need for a clear mission, vision and campus management plan. A new Samaritan Center Board of Directors made a commitment to creating a long-term strategic plan for a vibrant and sustainable community center.

2020: FCA Chrysler signed a long-term lease at Samaritan Center and created a wellness center for its employees on the campus. The Center entered into a long-term contract with Beanstalk Real Estate Solutions—a professional, on-site property management team—and committed to developing an integrated, wellness-centered community. The Center also engaged a consulting firm to develop a business plan and created a realistic financial plan for funding and development over the next two years.

2021: Samaritan Center’s financial health strengthened with a new 20-year note on the campus and grants to meet initial capital expenditures. A new Strategic Plan—including a detailed campus master plan and infrastructure improvements—was developed and presented in June. A full-time Executive Director will join the team to guide fundraising, rebranding and marketing, as well as continue to develop partnerships and collaborations with stakeholders committed to the future of the community.

Samaritan Center has an extremely bright future and it will make a tremendous impact on Detroit’s east side as master plan improvements are completed. The Center will emerge as a community beacon, leading the way in proactive healthcare, education, childcare and overall physical and mental well-being.