A Celebration Of New Ownership!
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Ann Leen
PH: (248) 404-7166
Email: aleen@sermetro.org
Detroit Nonprofit Completes Acquisition of Samaritan Center
City’s eastside facility provides urban expansion
DETROIT, Mich., October 28th, 2024: SER Metro-Detroit, Jobs for Progress, Inc. (SER) has completed an acquisition of the Samaritan Center on Detroit’s eastside. The purchase of the 50% stake in the Center previously held by Holy Cross Services was completed in August 2024.
A commemoration of new ownership and new beginnings for this critical space will take place Monday, October 28, 2024 at the Samaritan Center Kilpatrick Room beginning at 11:30am at 5555 Conner Street in Detroit. All community members, residents, and supporters are welcome to join.
The Samaritan Center is a one-stop multi-services community hub located in one of Detroit’s most challenged neighborhoods. It encompasses 27 acres, including four-buildings totaling 529,000 sq. ft., hosting nearly eighty human and social services agencies that provide critical services to more than 50,000 community residents annually. The Samaritan Center has established itself in the community as a trusted place where Detroit residents can gain access to a wide range of services.
“At SER Metro-Detroit, we are extremely proud to have completed the acquisition of the Samaritan Center. It was by no means an easy task, but we could not be more proud to continue to be a beacon of hope for the thousands of individuals who seek support from the Center,” said Eva Garza Dewaelsche, SER Metro-Detroit’s President and CEO. “There is still a lot to be done as we move forward with improvements to make the campus even better and to offer much needed services to Detroit residents. Under SER Metro-Detroit’s leadership, the Center will emerge as a community beacon, leading the way in meeting Detroiters’, and their families’, most pressing education, employment, health care, childcare, physical and mental health needs.”
SER Metro-Detroit has been co-owner of The Samaritan Center with Holy Cross Services for the past 23 years. After discussions with Holy Cross about the Center’s future, SER launched an effort to buy out the remaining 50%. Simultaneously, fundraising efforts began to ensure the space remained a vibrant entity for tenants, and partners. This resulted in a $3.2 Million PACE loan, and a $2 Million grant through the MI Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity. Future funding will be needed to secure the long-term sustainability of the Samaritan Center.
About SER Metro-Detroit
SER Metro-Detroit, Jobs for Progress, Inc. (SER) is a community-based organization that believes in the potential of each and every individual. For more than 53 years, SER has assisted thousands of at-risk and disadvantaged residents from across the City of Detroit and the region in becoming self-sufficient through quality employment, education and training programs. For more information visit http://www.sermetro.org.
About Samaritan Center
Samaritan Center is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) wellness-centered community center that meets the quality of life needs in Detroit’s eastside neighborhoods. We partner with tenants and other community organizations to offer vital services that spur urban growth and revitalization. For more information visit https://samaritancenterdetroit.org/
