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.
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.
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
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:
