International Samaritan

International Samaritan Fighting poverty for children and families in garbage dump communities around the world. International Samaritan was founded in 1994 by Father Don Vettese, S.J.

International Samaritan is an international nonprofit dedicated to raising the standard of living in garbage dump communities. For 25 years, we have worked to change the lives of the most vulnerable people in the world through a unique blend of hands-on service and advocacy work. On a school trip to Guatemala, Father Vettese’s group was diverted from their route due to traffic and drove through th

e garbage dump community instead. Father Vettese was horrified by what he saw and pledged to do something about it. That chance encounter led to the creation of International Samaritan. All these years later, International Samaritan has grown beyond Guatemala, and our mission is carried out by people across many nations and faiths. International Samaritan currently has offices in Guatemala, Honduras, Jamaica, Nicaragua, and Ethiopia, and gained consultative status with the United Nations in 2011. Our United States office is located in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

We’re excited to begin a new project focused on supporting parents and caregivers in Villa Guadalupe through workshops, ...
06/01/2026

We’re excited to begin a new project focused on supporting parents and caregivers in Villa Guadalupe through workshops, conversations, and community learning. 💛

From positive discipline and emotional education to respectful communication and navigating technology, these Friday sessions are creating a space for families to grow together. Huge thanks to everyone who joined our first meeting with such openness and enthusiasm — we can’t wait to keep building this together!

At a school International Samaritan supports in Guatemala, the students got a sweet surprise! 🍩 The 5th and 6th-graders ...
06/01/2026

At a school International Samaritan supports in Guatemala, the students got a sweet surprise! 🍩 The 5th and 6th-graders have been learning new skills every week. To keep things fun, correct answers were rewarded with a donut! We love seeing their confidence and excitement grow.

Future plans are taking shape! ✨ Thanks to social work students from the National Autonomous University of Honduras, our...
05/29/2026

Future plans are taking shape! ✨ Thanks to social work students from the National Autonomous University of Honduras, our students explored different university programs and career paths during a special career fair—discovering new opportunities and dreaming about what’s ahead. 💙

Planting seeds in more ways than one. 🌱 As Ethiopia leads a nationwide effort to care for the environment, our Bible st...
05/27/2026

Planting seeds in more ways than one. 🌱 As Ethiopia leads a nationwide effort to care for the environment, our Bible study group joined in with a lesson on creation and our role in protecting it.

They took it a step further by planting herbs at home—rosemary and rue—simple, sustainable, and full of purpose. Now the fun part begins … watching them grow. 💚

Today was full of learning, laughter, and the smell of fresh cinnamon rolls! 💛Women from the El Buen Samaritano communit...
05/26/2026

Today was full of learning, laughter, and the smell of fresh cinnamon rolls! 💛

Women from the El Buen Samaritano community in Tegucigalpa, Honduras, joined a small business training led by university social work students. Then, they made cinnamon rolls and flour flakes together.

It’s so special to see these women gaining new skills, new confidence, and new opportunities beyond the garbage dump — and to have our center filled with so much hope.

Welcome, St. Mary Student Parish! A group from the Ann Arbor church recently traveled to Tegucigalpa, Honduras, for a se...
05/22/2026

Welcome, St. Mary Student Parish! A group from the Ann Arbor church recently traveled to Tegucigalpa, Honduras, for a service-learning trip! Our scholarship students and their families led activities and made everyone feel at home. The volunteers from St. Mary's worked to build a latrine for a scholar and her family. And the trip wrapped up with a community pool party! A great time was had by all!

With limited food and fees required to stay in school, life isn't easy. But Joseph is holding onto his dream of becoming...
05/21/2026

With limited food and fees required to stay in school, life isn't easy. But Joseph is holding onto his dream of becoming a Kenya Defense officer—to protect his family, his village, and his country. There is light at the end of the tunnel. ✨

Using their talents! Some parents of our scholarship students in Ethiopia are using their sewing skills to make beautifu...
05/20/2026

Using their talents! Some parents of our scholarship students in Ethiopia are using their sewing skills to make beautiful, eco-friendly bags. Since plastic products are now banned in Ethiopia, many people are turning to environmentally friendly alternatives. Making bags and other non-plastic materials can be another way for parents of our scholarship students to generate income.

Our scholarship students' radiant smiles as they danced, drummed, and performed were far more than moments of entertainm...
05/18/2026

Our scholarship students' radiant smiles as they danced, drummed, and performed were far more than moments of entertainment; they were powerful expressions of growth. See how a new generation of confident, capable leaders is rising in Uganda, on our blog: intsam.org/strength-to-rise

Join us to reminisce and celebrate the impact of your journey at the Marian International Samaritan Travelers Reunion, T...
05/16/2026

Join us to reminisce and celebrate the impact of your journey at the Marian International Samaritan Travelers Reunion, Thursday, May 21st.

Gather with fellow travelers to share stories and memories. You'll hear the latest Learn Serve Grow effort from our partnership with Marian High School , and how you can continue to walk hand-in-hand with garbage dump communities.

Refreshments will be served in the Marian High School Student Dining Area (SDA), 7 PM! RSVP to [email protected]

Tag a friend you traveled with below.

Address

803 N Main Street
Ann Arbor, MI
48104

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+17342220701

Website

https://intsam.org/

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when International Samaritan posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Organization

Send a message to International Samaritan:

Shortcuts

Share