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History
The Randy Sams' Outreach Shelter, Inc., a 501 c(3) organization, was developed as a product of a labor of love. Randy Sams was a local teenager who volunteered at the local Outreach Kitchen. In May 1993, Randy was tragically killed. In honor of their son, Randy's parents donated land and seed money to establish a shelter that would serve the Greater Texarkana community, hungry, poor, and homeless. The RSOS opened on January 6, 1996, and now averages between 60 and 70 guests per night. To date, the RSOS has transitioned over 500 clients to permanent housing from the RSOS and over 5,000 community clients have received utility assistance, rental assistance and food baskets.
About Us
Mission
Our mission for the homeless is to meet the immediate needs of safe temporary lodging and food for the poor and homeless who come into our midst until their return to self-sustained community life.
Vision
Our vision is to provide the tools needed to restore as many of our clients as possible to self-sustaining, productive members of society. To accomplish our mission, it is our intent to work cooperatively with other local agencies to provide shelter, food, medical assistance, addiction counseling, employment counseling and training, and family, parenting, and life skills training.
Meet the Staff
Jennifer Laurent is our Executive Director. Jennifer has worked with special populations including those who are homeless for more than three years.
Erin Scott is our Residential Services Case Manager who works with our residential clients to develop a discharge plan into permanent housing. Erin has several years of experience working with special populations.
Darryl Mallett is the Administrative Assistant. Darryl serves as the point of contact for all mass shelter feedings as well as all in-kind donations.
David services the RSOS residential clients through daily transportation to and from medical appointments, employment opportunities, and long-distance travel terminals.
Thelma Sanders, Cook
Thelma is our full time cook. She plans, cooks and serves meals and runs the kitchen.
Thelma is our full time cook. She plans, cooks and serves meals and runs the kitchen.
Board of Directors
Barbara Cannedy, Bill Caller, Fr. Douglas Anderson, Julie Collins,
Nita Craytor, Nan Fry, Barbara Larry, Jeannie Miller, Leisa Pearlman, Dr. Cindy Porter
Patti Schaffer, Glenda Thrash, Steve Thompson, Patrica Watkins
402 Oak Street
Texarkana, TX 75501
(903) 792-7024
