The Good Samaritan Society and Samaritan’s Feet International. It looks like perfect partners to provide the elderly with suitable footwear.

“This is the message of hope. Very similar to John 13, we are going to wash our feet as we bring this message of hope to our elders,” says Deborah Cox-Roush, Seniors Programs Manager for Samaritan’s Feet International.

In John 13:14, Jesus says, “Now that I, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet, you also must wash one another’s feet.”

“Oh man, that kinda takes your breath away,” Nate Schema, the Society’s president and CEO, said after washing a resident’s feet.

Teachings of Jesus, on display, at Good Samaritan Society Independent Living – Sioux Falls Village in South Dakota.

“We always talk about being the hands and feet of Jesus. To be able to sit down and meet Beverley (Halbritter) and be able to serve her in this very special way is quite humbling. Just fills your heart,” Schema says.

It also fills a need.

“Samaritan’s Feet is a global non-profit organization. We are present in 108 countries, 450 cities in the United States. Our mission is zero children without shoes. We changed that mission in the summer of 2021 to include our aging population,” says Cox-Roush.

“Non-slip and non-slip” shoes for seniors

Resident Beverly Budahl feels pampered.

“I love these new stockings. I’ll have new shoes soon too. Also, I got a pedicure. I don’t get one very often,” Budahl says.

These new shoes are designed specifically for seniors.

“These are slip-resistant, non-slip, lightweight shoes with Velcro closure to provide mobility for seniors,” says Cox-Roush. “It became very personal for me. My father fell in May and he did not survive the fall.

Falls prevention is a top priority for both organizations.

“We know this is one of the most important events that can happen in a senior’s life. Anything we can do to make sure they have the right socks, the right shoes, that can be a game-changer for us,” Schema says.

Approximately 100 residents of Sioux Falls Village and Good Samaritan Society – Luther Manor are receiving new equipment. This is part of a national rollout for Samaritan’s Feet Seniors.

“I love it. It’s such a big event and we get to share our faith with our family members and show how much we appreciate them. It’s amazing,” says Matt Ditmanson, volunteer and program director. Sanford Health Community Benefits.

“Great partners from day one”

Sanford Health has a long history of supporting the Samaritan’s Feet mission.

“Sanford Health was on board and so engaging when we started talking about serving seniors. In fact, they designed a brochure for us that every senior will receive today,” says Cox-Roush.

“I can’t say enough about Good Samaritan Society or Sanford Health. They have been great partners from day one.

Propelling residents forward by protecting their feet and giving hope for the future.

“To be able to come back to a place again, to serve people in a tangible and real way, that’s pretty damn special,” Schema says.

A simple act like this is a glimpse of how the Society cares for others on a daily basis.

“It’s often hard to describe until you see it. You see this love. You see these interactions between team members who treat these residents as if they were their own family,” says Schema.

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Posted in Community, Services for seniors, Sioux Falls