Women Helping Women
Empowering women in Lancaster County by providing access to life-changing mental health counseling, regardless of their ability to pay the full fee.
In an ideal world, every women would have immediate access to high-quality mental health care whenever life’s challenges become overwhelming. However, many women in our community face unique emotional and financial obstacles that prevent them from receiving the professional support they deserve.
The Silent Samaritan Fund was created to directly address this need, ensuring that no women is ever turned away from Samaritan Center due to inability to pay the full fee. Through a collective network of Women Helping Women this fund has provided a reliable lifeline of healing, resilience, and hope to thousands of local women. Because the need for affordable mental health care remain critical, our shared mission stands ready to continue this vital legacy of care.
Voices of Strength and Hope
Every Women’s Story
Together we give these important stories a voice. By lifting one another up, we provide a vital lifeline of resilience – empowering women to move forward and thrive.
The 2026 Silent Samaritan Luncheon
Join us to celebrate resilience, community, and the collective power of women helping women. This year, we will explore “Every Woman’s Story” through three powerful, unique perspectives in our community:
- The Voice of Youth: Dara Hager (Resident Therapist), Supporting the mental health of young girls and teens.
- The Voice of Community: Michelle Rybner (Clare House Program Director), The holistic impact of mental health access in transitional housing.
- The Voice of Healing: Brandy Griffiths (Resident Therapist), Sharing her journey from clinical intern to resident therapist caring for women at Clare House.
Event Details:
When: Friday, November 6, 2026 Time: 11:30am to 1:30pm Where: The Eden Resort + Suites, Lancaster, PA
Deadline: Secure your seat online or return your mail-in registration form by Friday, October 23, 2026.
Ways to Support the Silent Samaritan Fund
Need to coordinate details?
If you would like to submit names of women to add to our luncheon invitation list, or if you would like to create a tailored sponsorship package, please reach out directly:
Nancy Pleger┃717-560-9969 ext. 235┃npleger@samaritanlancaster.org
Our History and Impact
- Origin: In 1996, a Samaritan therapist and a devoted volunteer noticed that a disproportionate number of clients needing financial assistance were women. To help them, they organized a woman-only luncheon, raising $16,000 to establish this fund.
- Growth: What began as 150 caring individuals standing in solidarity has grown into an enduring community tradition.
- Milestone: Over the last 30 years, nearly 2,000 unique women have responded to the call. Together, they have raised over $1.7 million – directly ensuring that accessible mental health care belongs to every woman in Lancaster.
Here are testimonials from some of our Silent Samaritans:
“It has been my honor to partner with Silent Samaritans. The group’s mission reaches beyond the concept of wellness and appropriate mental health. It is about women helping women reach a place of true authentic purpose. Silent Samaritans, and the women who benefit, move beyond circumstances and situations to a powerful place of peace and acceptance.”
Kim Lemon, WGAL
“During the past several years, I have bought a table at the Silent Samaritan luncheon so that many of my friends could be aware of the varied and valuable offerings of the Samaritan Center as well as recognize the quality of its supporters.”
Pat Burnley Coon, Founder of Kitchen Kettle Village
“I learned of the Samaritan Center years ago when they offered a series on loss. The opportunity to be part of that at that time of my life was a great comfort to me. It is a privilege to help make that possible for women who can’t afford it. I attend (the luncheon) because I love being surrounded by women who feel the same way.”
Kit Slaugh
“The Silent Samaritans have directly and indirectly touched the lives of thousands of women who would not have received services otherwise. All of these are women who were in need of help at a very difficult time in their lives. For many years, counseling was the only way in which this assistance could be given, but recently, due to the expansion of our services, we have been able to help several women sort through vocational challenges or receive mentoring as well. The Silent Samaritans are truly a great example of women helping women.”
Judy Sandt
