Character in Action!
The Samaritan House Recognized for Character In Action!
The Samaritan House, a ministry of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, received recognition by the Character Council of Edmond as a non-profit that demonstrates Character in Action! These honorees receive a certificate celebrating their role in building a stronger Edmond through their positive impact in the community.
St. John’s parishioners, Jerry Knight and Peggy Patton started the Samaritan House about 25 years ago. They utilized a small office and food storage closet in the Parish Annex building. Later, the family of Erna Appis donated her house to St. John’s after she passed away. The small house located on 9th street became the ministry’s new home. The ministry gradually expanded under the care and nurture of Larry Melius, Amy Dennis and many faithful volunteers. Dennis became the parish’s first Outreach Coordinator in 2010.
The Samaritan House serves the people within the boundaries of their parish as designated by the archdiocese. Their mission is to provide food assistance to those in need. They also offer financial assistance to people who have received either an eviction notice or a cut-off notice for their utilities. Another facet of providing financial needs is through a program to single mothers called, My Way Forward.
The current Outreach Coordinator, Dr. Jesus Medina joined the Samaritan House as a volunteer under Dennis about a decade ago. He is a retired medical doctor trained as an Otolaryngology (ENT) with a sub-specialty in cancer surgery. He was at M.D. Anderson Hospital in Houston for four years. He and his wife, Libby, moved to Edmond in 1984. Dr. Medina spent 40 years at the Health Sciences in Oklahoma. Medina describes his retirement from the medical profession as “trickle down.” He succeeded Dennis as coordinator in 2019 but didn’t fully retire until 2024. In May of 2026 the Samaritan House moved to its current location. After 20 years, it became more difficult to keep up with repairs on the small house. The maintenance building behind the house became available. Monsignor William Novak, Dennis and Medina began to reimagine the maintenance facility as a new home for the Samaritan House. With the help of St. John’s and a grant from the City of Edmond, they were able to make the remodeling happen. The small house was demolished in March.
There are 37 volunteers who serve the Samaritan House, all St. John’s parishioners. Medina said, “They are a fantastic group. To me, they are an inspiration because they are committed. They give their time and are very reliable. The most important thing is that they are all very kind to the people who come. They exemplify practicing charity as an art of giving without making the receiver feel any discomfort. In fact, they make them feel welcomed.”
Linda de la Garza, a St. John’s parishioner and a 2024 Champion of Character for her loyalty, volunteers at the Samaritan House. De la Garza said, “The people who receive our help are so appreciative of what we do and how we treat them here. We treat them like we would want to be treated if we were in their shoes.”
The Samaritan House provides proteins such as poultry, fish, meat or eggs and essential non-perishable foods, like spaghetti, macaroni and cheese, cereals, green beans, peas, corn, cereal and peanut butter. A partnership with the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma supplies most of the perishable and non-perishable foods the food pantry receives. Medina said, “The Food Bank provides us with items from the USDA free of charge, as well as donated or purchased items that they sell to us at cost or at a steep discount.”
“Panera Bread of Edmond is also a valuable partner that donates bread to be distributed by the Samaritan House several times a week,” said Medina.
Additionally, St. John’s parishioners donate items needed for the food pantry that are listed in their bulletin. Medina said, “They are very generous. They also give monetary donations, used exclusively to provide food or financial assistance.”
Citing their 2025 Annual Report, Medina said, “The Samaritan House provided food for almost 900 households. They can receive food twice a month. It is the only food pantry in Edmond that provides food every two weeks. So, in total there were 11,310 people who were fed.”
Initially, The Samaritan House only offered food assistance but later they began to give financial aid, as well. They extend help when there is a notice of eviction, depending on the individual circumstances. If someone is behind on their utilities, The Samaritan House advises them to contact the City of Edmond or the utility company to arrange a payment plan. For the Samaritan House to administer financial help, a cut-off notice is needed. Even though their resources aren’t unlimited they try to help as much as possible.
More recently, The Samaritan House began offering aid to single mothers to receive education or training through the My Way Forward program. It was developed in partnership with Francis Tuttle. Single mothers often find themselves in a position in which they are unable to better their situation. Through My Way Forward, Francis Tuttle will wave tuition. Currently, they have funds available for two spots per year. There is an interview process to determine the amount of financial support needed.
De la Garza said, “I have been amazed at how many people in our community need help. They come from all walks of life and most never expected to be in their current situation. I’m so happy for the opportunity to help them and show them people really do care.”
For more information about The Samaritan House, check out their website at https://www.stjohn-catholic.org/samaritan-house
The Character Council of Edmond, a grassroots nonprofit organization, is committed to creating a citywide initiative to build Edmond into a "community of character."
Character in Action! honors Edmond's businesses, nonprofits, and organizations that embody the values of community, integrity and strength of character
To learn more about the Character Council or to nominate a citizen as a Champion of Character, for someone who exemplifies the current month’s featured character trait, go to www.edmondcharacter.org or write: Champions of Character, PO Box 392, Edmond OK 73083-0392.
Contact:
Gloria Baumann
(405) 317-9089
Pictured: Dr. Jesus Medina