Good Sams Foundation

02/11/2026

Listening beyond words

At the Good Samaritan Inn, listening is an important part of helping women and children recover from family violence.

When a two-year-old girl arrived, she was anxious and withdrawn. Her first signs of feeling safe came in the garden, searching for tiny Alpine strawberries.

With time and the patient support of staff, she began to smile, explore and play alongside other children. Today, she is growing in confidence, laughing with friends and has started childcare.

Sometimes, listening to a child begins by noticing what they tell us without words.

21/09/2026

Today, 21 September, is the United Nations International Day of Peace. UN Secretary-General António Guterres reminds us to draw inspiration from those who champion peace in “neighbourhoods, classrooms and communities.” Peace can feel like a big idea, but it is also very practical. Sometimes peace is knowing you are safe and you can stop worrying for a while. Through the Sisters of the Good Samaritan programs, we see conditions for peace being created every day through education, food security, and shelter from family violence and climate emergencies.

24/06/2026

I've enjoyed talking with many of you during the first half of this year. Through our conversations, you've shared the stories, memories, and family connections that have shaped your relationship with the Sisters of the Good Samaritan.  Thank you! Change rarely happens all at once. It grows through...

18/05/2026

Happy National Volunteer Week to everyone who gives their time to help create stronger, more compassionate communities for people living in challenging circumstances.

At the Good Sams Foundation, we are beyond grateful for the advice and guidance of our volunteer Board members, the Finance, Risk & Audit Committee, the Governance Committee, specialised subcommittees, and the subject-matter experts who work outside these structures. Thank you for sharing your professional expertise so generously.

09/05/2026

A prayer in gratitude for our mothers

Good and Gentle God,

We pray in gratitude for our mothers and for all the women who have joined with you in the wonder of bringing forth new life.

You who became human through a woman, grant to all mothers the courage they need to face the uncertain future that life with children always brings.

Give them the strength to love and to be loved in return, not perfectly, but humanly.

Give them the support of family and friends as they care for their children's physical and spiritual growth.

Most of all, give them the wisdom to turn to you for help when they need it most.

Author Unknown

09/05/2026

Dear friends,

Tomorrow, I’m looking forward to celebrating my mum, and to acknowledging the ‘other mothers’ in my life — the people who show up with care and support, not out of obligation, but by choice.

I find it 'tricky' to capture motherhood in just a few words. It surfaces different emotions — connection, love, affection, commitment, responsibility, confusion — sometimes experienced all in the same breath!

It can feel joyful or challenging, simple or complex, depending on the day. And so much of it goes unseen — many behind-the-scenes moments are rarely photographed, yet they are deeply felt.

Below is a special moment for me captured on camera - my youngest grandchild, Sofia, and I mid-giggle.

This Mother’s Day, I'd like to take the opportunity to thank you for showing up - unseen - for the mothers and children in our ministries. Your care and compassion matter more than words can say.

Happy Mother's Day, good Samaritans!

Sonya - Good Sams Foundation

05/05/2026

Kiribati is a small island nation in the central Pacific, where the Sisters of the Good Samaritan run an Early Childhood Centre in Abaokoro village, North Tarawa.

Since opening in 2009, the centre has offered young children a place to learn and grow through play, friendship, and creative expression.

During a visit last year, I watched a young student carefully build a block tower. He patiently adjusted each piece as he searched for balance.

When the tower finally stood tall, his face lit up with pride. There weren’t many blocks to work with, but he created something wonderful from what was there.

His creativity speaks to the potential that exists in every child when they are given even a small opportunity to explore and learn.

To find out more about our programs, subscribe to the Good Sams Foundation's monthly newsletter www.goodsamsfoundation.org.au

20/04/2026

I recently visited the Philippines, and while there were many inspiring moments, this one left a lasting impression.

Four young women, graduates of the Sisters of the Good Samaritan Kinder School, sat across from me. They were now tertiary qualified, employed, and confident.

They began their journey with us as tiny scholarship students. When I asked about their hopes for the future, I expected career goals or personal milestones. Instead, every single one spoke about wanting to provide stable food, safe housing, and education for their families — and to give back to the Good Samaritan community that helped create opportunity at a time when it was hardest to access.

One graduate is already volunteering at the Outreach Centre, speaking with new scholarship students about what helped her keep going.

This is what long-term investment in women and children can look like. Watch their story here → https://lnkd.in/gjkWBm4w

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