Today we’d like to introduce you to Kellie Maynard
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
We are a comprehensive housing program that supports individuals in realizing dignity and gaining independence. Our purpose is to alleviate homelessness and create more resilient people and communities. The goals we pursue are increased self-sufficiency, greater economic mobility, and improved personal, mental, and financial health for low-income households.
Since our founding in 1984, we have dramatically grown our community partnerships and scope of services to become the largest homeless program in Collin County. We are the only county agency that serves single men and women over age 25, as well as families and children. We are also one of the only programs in Texas that provides on-site kennels for its clients’ cherished pets.
Our core programs and their related accomplishments are:
· INNspire: This cornerstone shelter system meets basic needs and provides vital case management, mental health counseling, career and financial education, and family support. Among 43 households that completed the program last year, 95% graduated.
· Gateway: Our reduced-rent housing program offers INNspire graduates a bridge to permanent housing and continued advocacy and support services. Last year 10 shelter graduates moved to Gateway and 11 residents transitioned to private housing.
· Front Door: This diversion program delivers immediate housing solutions and aid for those on the brink of homelessness. Launched in February 2024, this program has diverted 47 individuals from homelessness.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Some of our biggest struggles are the following, in order of importance:
1. Public transportation, 50% of our residents do not have transportation, so they must rely on our bike program, uber(very expensive) or Dart van.
2. Affordable housing, which is the #1 barrier to homelessness, we need more affordable housing, which is NOT section 8, its addressing AMI average of 40%.
3. Spreading awareness and how people can assist our unhoused neighbors.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Here is a portion of my bio:
Prior to her work in non-profits, Kellie held various department manager positions at JCPenney’s and eventually moved to the home office as a Buyer in the Home division. However, her true passion lies in supporting organizations that make a difference in people’s lives.
Kellie’s dedication to community service extends beyond her role at The Samaritan Inn. She has actively served on several non-profit boards, including Children Helping Children, Children’s Medical Center, Smiles charity with Dr. Jennifer Buchanan, Melissa Rotary Club, Lil Lambs Consignment, and RYLA camp advisor. In recognition of her outstanding contributions, Kellie has received the prestigious Paul Harris Fellow award from Rotary Club International twice, and she was named the 2019 Melissa, TX Citizen of the Year. Her commitment to making a tangible impact in her community is unwavering.
Although Kellie hails from a farm in Kansas, Texas has been her home since 1998. She has been happily married to her high school sweetheart for almost 30 years and is the proud mother of two boys, Keegan and Karson. Keegan, 20, attends Collin College, while Karson, 18, is a Senior at Melissa High School. Kellie actively participates in the Melissa Methodist Church, serving on the leadership board. You’ll find her enthusiastically cheering on her son in various sports in her spare time, particularly on Friday nights as a spirited team mom. She is also highly involved in volunteering within her community, serving as a member of the Melissa Rotary group, Rotary Youth Leadership Award Chairperson, and Melissa High School Interact club liaison. Kellie firmly believes in leading by example and showcasing the possibilities of success to inspire our youth, who represent our future.
Kellie is excited about collaborating with like-minded donors, volunteers, and organizations to establish lasting and sustainable relationships that align with The Samaritan Inn’s mission of helping individuals gain dignity and independence. With her expertise and unwavering dedication, she is committed to making a significant and enduring impact on the lives of those in need.
Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
Our greatest need at The Samaritan continues to be recurring financial monthly support. The shelter remains at full capacity, specifically with families right now, which looks like a single parent and 2 kids. Having these unrestricted funds allows us to pivot at any given moment to make purchases as opportunities arise.
We are currently looking for funders for our pet kennel expansion to double our dog kennel and add a cattery. We are unique in being able to provide a safe place for our residents pets. We are finding some residents who are accepted into the program will deny acceptance if we dont have a space for the pet,
Due to families staying almost twice as long as individuals, an average of 11 months, we see the need to add a family building. So, we are in the exploratory stages with our building task force to see what all this entails for a capital campaign in the next few years. We have 15 acres of land, so we always knew expansion was in our future. And as the growth continues to move north, with a 3% gain this year from Dallas County residents, we need to link arms with our partners to embark on a growth minded strategic plan for the future.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://saminn.org/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesamaritaninncollincounty/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SamaritanInn
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChAHYok6LK3emtXfDLOkO8A/videos
