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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 4,000 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 several special populations including those who are homeless for more than two years.
Denise Hitt is our Homeless Prevention Case Manager. With over 15 years of social service experience, Denise has worked with several special populations including those with mental health barriers and those who are homeless.
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.
Wayne Allen is the Housing Resource Case Manager. Wayne administers the RSOS HPRP grant which assists clients who are homeless to move into permenant housing. Wayne has over 5 years of experience working with special populations.
The RSOS is pleased to have Sheila Wilhite as the Administrative Assistant. Sheila serves as the point of contact for all mass shelter feedings as well as all in-kind donations. A current calendar list of scheduled feedings and any availabilities can be found on our homepage.
David services the RSOS residential clients through daily transportation to and from medical appointments, employment opportunities, and long-distance travel terminals.
Judee Cogbill has volunteered at the RSOS since 2001. Judee serves as the Volunteer Coordinator and is the point of contact for all volunteer/community service activities. If you are interested in volunteering, please click here for a list of Volunteer Opportunities.
Board of Directors
Mark Storey, Barbara Cannedy, Bill Caller
Fr. Douglas Anderson, Judee Cogbill, Julie Collins
Nita Craytor, Gail Eichler, Jeannie Miller
Paul Patterson, Dr. Cindy Porter
Patti Schaffer, Don Shipp
402 Oak Street
Texarkana, TX 75501
(903) 792-7024
