September 2021 Newsletter

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New Playground Structure

Our Samaritan Inn has a new playground structure. Playgrounds are an important part of child development for the mind and body. They are a place for children to use social, emotional, physical, and mental skills. Children develop hand-eye coordination and balance. Imagination and a sense of adventure grow. Muscles build and children become stronger. Playing with other children, they learn social skills, communication, boundaries, sharing. Playgrounds help to counter the increase in childhood obesity, no doubt caused in part by electronic devices. They provide opportunity for fresh air and sunshine, to expend energy outside. There is a sense of freedom, a distraction from the chaos of being homeless, even a preparation for school and life. And they are fun.

An on-site structure has several advantages. Going to a public park or school is not an option for some mothers that have been restricted to Samaritan Inn by the Department of Human Services or Parole and Probation. There is some concern from mothers about problem behavior from certain adults in parks, so they feel safer in our gated community. Mothers and children that are victims of domestic violence have greater security from their abusers by staying on campus. And it provides for the observation of mother and child interaction by authorities for the reuniting of families.

Six years ago, we moved Samaritan Inn from three residential houses into the old Umpqua Medical Center, that we had remodeled for our use. Our houses had a wooden play structure that could not hold up to the excessive use even then. Moving it to the new larger operation, with a greater demand, would not have worked. As we remodeled the new facility, we considered a commercial grade play structure made of steel. One was actually custom designed for the ideal location. However, remodel costs kept us from buying that structure as non-essential to opening the facility. Since then, other upgrade projects have been prioritized. The location of the structure has been obvious from the beginning. We did not want to change the general layout of the well designed campus, or lose parking spaces that may be needed as a requirement for future on-site building. The central courtyard remains intact. When resources became available, the existing plan was put into action. The structure complies with the Consumer Product Safety Commission regulations for structural integrity, minimum use zones, engineered wood fiber surface material, and drainage system. It was installed by a subcontractor of the manufacturer.

The playground structure is designed for children two to twelve years old. Children here average in age between five and six years old. Six of the 27 children, that stayed here the night the photo was taken, are shown. There were 15 mothers plus other single women. Because of schedules and privacy concerns, most of our guests declined to be in the picture.

Anonymous donors provided the funds for the structure. They chose to leave a legacy donation in their estate planning, that will have a significant impact on many homeless youth for years to come. Satisfaction will not be in donors seeing bright-eyed children at play, but in knowing that they are a part of a ministry bigger than themselves. Homeless mothers and children will know that a community loves them.