BUNNELL, Fla. – This year marks a major milestone as Samaritan Ministries celebrates its 25th anniversary of serving women and families in crisis throughout our community.
Founded by Lorraine and Van Vickery alongside Maggie Williams, Samaritan Ministries was born from a compassionate vision to provide safe, loving, Christian support for single women facing difficult circumstances. Twenty-five years later, that vision continues to change lives.
While this anniversary is a time of celebration, it is also an opportunity to honor two extraordinary women whose faith and dedication helped establish the ministry. Founder Lorraine Vickery went home to be with the Lord on January 18, 2021, and founding member Maggie Williams passed away on October 4, 2023, surrounded by the love of family and friends. Their legacy lives on through every woman and child who finds hope, encouragement, and support through Samaritan Ministries.
Today, the ministry’s board of directors remains committed to carrying their vision forward. The need for compassionate care continues as many women still face domestic abuse, homelessness, and other life crises. Samaritan Ministries remains dedicated to offering a safe place, practical assistance, and Christ-centered encouragement for women and their children.
To commemorate this Silver Anniversary, Samaritan Ministries will host its Annual Banquet on Friday, November 7, at 6 p.m. at Palm Coast Bible Church, 94 Whiteview Parkway.
The location holds special meaning. Lorraine and Van Vickery were members of Palm Coast Bible Church, whose congregation faithfully supported the ministry from its earliest days. The church hosted numerous events over the years, including meals catered by Café Barnabas, Samaritan Ministries’ food service training program, as well as Car Care outreach events that served women in need.
“In many ways, this anniversary celebration feels like coming home,” ministry leaders shared. “We are deeply grateful for the churches, volunteers, donors, and community partners who have walked alongside us for the past 25 years.”
The ministry also looks forward to celebrating future anniversary banquets with First Baptist Church of Bunnell, another longtime supporter whose partnership has helped strengthen Samaritan Ministries’ mission.
As Samaritan Ministries reflects on a quarter-century of faith, service, and transformed lives, the organization remains focused on the future—continuing to offer hope, healing, and practical support to women and families for generations to come.
