We also distribute CSFP boxes for Seniors and support over 4000 Akron students with weekend food bags. The Good Samaritan Hunger Center (GSHC) was the vision of Sister Jordan Haddad, a Dominican Sister of Peace who died in 2006. Sister Jordan was fierce in her fight to garner love and respect for the poor. She founded the GSHC in 1982 with goal that “one day no man, woman or child would go hungry”
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“She insisted that you give the poor the same love and respect as anyone else. She woke us up to a lot of things and reminded us that everyone deserves dignity and respect,” said Sr. Mary Ann Wiesemann–Mills, prioress of the Sisters of St. Sister Jordan was a tireless advocate for the homeless and the needy throughout her life. Along with founding the GSHC, she also helped the Summit County Catholic Commission develop ACCESS, a shelter for homeless women and children; organized the first Salvation Army Christian Kettle in Portage County; and established the Center of Hope in Ravenna, the County Clothing Center in Ravenna and the Kent Hot Lunch Program.
“She just had a great love for people,” said Sister Mary Ann. “She was so sure about her mission. She was always a fierce advocate for people who were disadvantaged in any way.”
The Good Samaritan Hunger Center continues to honor the legacy of Sister Jordan Haddad by working to feed the hungry in Akron and surrounding communities. Our current Executive Director, Michele Smith, is Sr.
