About Us
About Us
Reducing Homelessness and Stabilizing At-risk Neighbors
The Mission of the Samaritan Resource Center (SRC) is to break the cycle of homelessness and poverty by meeting the physical and spiritual needs of the homeless and other at-risk folks in East Orange County as a witness to the love of Jesus Christ.
The Samaritan Resource Center was incorporated in 2013 as a 501(c)3 nonprofit and formed through a partnership with several churches in East Orlando. Participating churches, includes but not limited to, Grace Journey, Orlando Wesleyan, Spirit of Joy Lutheran, University Presbyterian, and Woodbury Presbyterian. We are always looking for more partnerships with churches who can align with our Christian Mission Statement.
Since we began operating at our Colonial Drive center in 2013 we have helped 2,000 homeless individuals by providing assistance through applying for food stamps, SSI/SSD, Assurance phones; through partnerships with Goodwill’s Job Connection Center, and with Lakeside Behavioral Center/Aspire; and through offering haircuts, clothing, prayer, and much more!
We are an official ACCESS FLORIDA Site.
Reducing Homelessness and Stabilizing At-risk Neighbors
The Mission of the Samaritan Resource Center (SRC) is to break the cycle of homelessness and poverty by meeting the physical and spiritual needs of the homeless and other at-risk folks in East Orange County as a witness to the love of Jesus Christ.
The Samaritan Resource Center was incorporated in 2013 as a 501(c)3 nonprofit and formed through a partnership with several churches in East Orlando. Participating churches, includes but not limited to, Grace Journey, Orlando Wesleyan, Spirit of Joy Lutheran, University Presbyterian, and Woodbury Presbyterian. We are always looking for more partnerships with churches who can align with our Christian Mission Statement.
Since we began operating at our Colonial Drive center in 2013 we have helped 2,000 homeless individuals by providing assistance through applying for food stamps, SSI/SSD, Assurance phones; through partnerships with Goodwill’s Job Connection Center, and with Lakeside Behavioral Center/Aspire; and through offering haircuts, clothing, prayer, and much more!
We are an official ACCESS FLORIDA Site.
OUR HISTORY
1998
Members from local churches served breakfast at Downey Park every Saturday to help the increasing homeless population in East Orlando.
2007
A local church hosted Project Homeless connect, which brought other church partners and Orange County together to start thinking together how to meet this need.
2010
Volunteers at the SRC began providing mobile services for the homeless and at-risk population of East Orange county at three sites providing clothing, portable showers and other assistant services.
2011
The SRC is formed through a partnership with several churches in East Orlando, including Grace Journey, Orlando Wesleyan, Spirit of Joy Lutheran, University Presbyterian, Woodbury Presbyterian among others.
April 18, 2011
The SRC was officially incorporated and registered in the State of Florida as a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization giving the ability to accept financial contributions and donations.
2013
2013 (June) – With Orange County Government’s support, the SRC began operating at 9833 East Colonial Drive providing multiple services to the homeless in East Orange County. This building is better known as the Jordan River.
2015
Orange County government purchased and renovated the next-door building, 9837 East Colonial Drive, for the SRC to provide additional services including medical care. A partnership was signed with Shepperd’s Hope to provide medical service.
2017
The Samaritan Resource Center Inc. signs a funding contract with Orange County to provide services to the homeless in East Orange County.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Paul Scheck
Board Chair
PAUL J. SCHECK
Paul Scheck is a partner in the Orlando office of Shutts & Bowen LLP, where he is a member of the Labor and Employment Practice Group. He joined the Board of Directors at the Samaritan Resource Center on February 2019.
A Martindale Hubbell AV® rated attorney, Paul has been named one of the Best Lawyers in America® in Labor and Employment Law. He has worked with employers and human resources professionals for almost 20 years, and has assisted them through many labor and employment challenges, from corporate policies to wage and hour matters, non-compete claims to discrimination and harassment cases, ADA Title II accessibility claims to unfair labor practice charges.
With a sole focus on representing management, Paul is thoroughly familiar with the employment issues that arise in day-to-day operations. This strength allows him to anticipate potential problems and build strategies to help avoid disputes. He also represents clients in litigation, both in state and Federal courts, as well as before administrative agencies including the EEOC, FCHR and NLRB.
Outside of litigation, Paul often advises clients on personnel consultation, labor union avoidance and supervisory training, as well as corporate policy issues. He additionally has extensive experience in public and private sector union matters, ranging from union avoidance to collective bargaining issues.
Dawn Haynes
Immediate Past Chair
DAWN HAYNES
Dawn Haynes is CEO of Community Resource Network (CRN), the non-profit organization founded by Dr. Joel C. Hunter. CRN is leading and facilitating a coordinated community-wide system of support for families who are experiencing precariously housed homelessness in Central Florida. She joined the Board of Directors at the Samaritan Resource Center in February 2019. Dawn also serves on the Central Florida Commission on Homelessness Board and the Community and Support Services Board for Catholic Charities of Central Florida.
Dawn has over 30 years’ executive leadership experience driving strategy, business growth and economic development across a broad spectrum of industry sectors in both domestic and international markets. She has worked for multi-national organizations including British Airways, The Walt Disney Company, and Weight Watchers International, as well as running her own consulting company that assisted both corporate and entrepreneurial clients. Dawn holds an MBA from the Crummer Graduate School of Business at Rollins College, and has served as an Adjunct Professor in the professional MBA program at the UCF Executive Development Center.
Dawn’s “People First” philosophy, collaborative leadership style, and passion for problem-solving has supported the facilitation of numerous successful alignments of people, processes and systems to implement strategic solutions to maximize cultural, social and commercial impact.
Michele Wales
Treasurer
MICHELE WALES
Michele Wales is a partner and the national director of tax services for BMWL. She has supervisory responsibility for the firm’s tax practice, with expertise in federal, state and local tax issues affecting nonprofit organizations and their affiliates. She is also responsible for training members of the firm who specialize in this area of taxation. Michele has more than 20 years of experience in public accounting, and has also served as chief financial officer for a large nonprofit social services agency and controller for an airplane manufacturing company.
She has been a conference speaker on nonprofit taxation issues at both the local and national levels. Michele has previously served on the Board of Directors of a charter school in Seminole County, Florida, and PPP of Orlando, Inc. (the local chapter of the Partnership for Philanthropic Planning). Her community activities include serving as a religious education teacher, Eucharistic minister and ministry team member for her church. Michele graduated with honors from the University of Florida, receiving her bachelor of accounting degree and her master of accounting degree.
Bill “Roto” Reuter
Past Chair
BILL “ROTO” REUTER
Bill “Roto” Reuter is the President and Chairman of the Board for the Samaritan Resource Center. He is one of three boys and grew up in a small Key West community. His lifelong dream was to become an astronaut. Although he gave it his best shot, his “dream” of becoming an astronaut never came to fruition. However, in the process of trying to reach it, he became a successful and respected Navy pilot and officer.
One of his more demanding positions was as a test pilot, where his focus and that of his team’s was ensuring the safety for our nation’s pilots who would eventually use the same equipment after it was fielded. For Roto, these were the times he developed his clarity of purpose. He tested and qualified equipment and safety measures – some that might have saved not one, but two of his lost fellow Navy pilot friends had they been in place. It was in that environment — stressful but exhilarating, fulfilling and sometimes tragic — Roto began to develop his own understanding of what motivates people, how one builds trust and why groups achieve success.
As a natural progression, Roto went from test pilot to commander for the Navy’s premier training system research and development organization, managing more than $1 billion in training solutions annually, and leading a diverse team of more than 1200 Navy professionals, both active duty and civilians.
Roto’s commitment to service, his love for country, and his deep respect and care for humanity are evident in his zeal for life. His passion is to help people and organizations identify their challenges and implement plans for improving processes and organizations, and to help inspire leaders and encourage personal growth.
Ed “Jez” Jezisek
Secretary
ED “JEZ” JEZISEK
Ed “Jez” Jezisek is an active Board Member of the Samaritan Resource Center since 2017. He currently the Senior Business Development Manager for Saab Defense and Security USA LLC, Training and Simulation.
He manages U.S. business development efforts that reinforce and grow the business objectives of Saab within the military, government, and commercial/industrial sectors; and leads the capture of major programs for Saab Training and Simulation Site Orlando, Florida.
Ed previously served in the United States Air Force as Deputy Group Commander and Squadron Commander, and maintained combat readiness in flying as part of multiple fighter units in peace and at war; and served as Deputy Commander of the Warrior Preparation Center in Germany. He deployed multiple times to locations around the world including command of the 4th Expeditionary Air Support Operations Center supporting the US Army V Corps in Iraq in 2003.
His education includes a Master of Aeronautical Science degree from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, a Bachelor of Engineering degree from the US Air Force Academy, and various military education achievements including Air War College, Air Command and Staff College, and Squadron Officer’s School.
Ed is active in the Orlando Modeling and Simulation community and is an active member of the following: National Defense Industrial Association, the Order of Daedalians, the Air Force Association, U.S. Air Force Academy Association of Graduates, and the Army Aviation Association of America.
Ed is also an active member of Northland Church, Oviedo campus and serves on the Board of Directors for the Samaritan Resource Center to help break the cycle of homelessness and poverty in our area.
Ed is an instructor and evaluator pilot with over 4000 flight hours, primarily in the A/OA-10, T-38 and T-37 and earned the Bronze Star medal in combat supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003. He has an extensive background in platform instruction and courseware development; and led the development and implementation of the Night Vision Goggle curriculum for the A/OA-10 fleet in the late 1990’s. In July 2009, Ed retired with honor from the U.S. Air Force after 25 years of continuous active service in the rank of Lieutenant Colonel, USAF.
Jamie Feagan
JAMIE FEAGAN
Born and raised in Titusville, Florida, Jamie’s journey seamlessly blended a passion for tennis with a dedication to serving others. After earning a degree from the University of North Florida, Jamie excelled as a four-year starter on the tennis team, consistently ranking among the nation’s top five teams.
For over 25 years, Jamie thrived as a tennis professional, overseeing premier clubs and resorts across Florida. However, burnout from relentless exposure to the elements prompted a transition to the realm of insurance, driven by a deep-seated desire to continue helping others.
Throughout Jamie’s illustrious career, accolades adorned the journey, including being NCAA Division II National Runner-Up and clinching titles such as National Grass Court Champion in both singles and doubles at the Philadelphia Cricket Club, and National Hard Court Champion in doubles in Palm Springs, California.
Today, Jamie’s legacy stands as a testament to the power of passion, perseverance, and the unwavering commitment to making a positive impact in the lives of others, whether on the tennis court or in the realm of insurance.
Daila Espeut-Jones
DAILA ESPEUT-JONES
1SG Daila Espeut-Jones, U.S. Army (Ret)
First Sergeant Espeut-Jones is the Founder and CEO of Green 2 Grey, LLC. Green 2 Grey was born from the idea of touching and changing veterans lives. Her work focuses on helping active duty service members, veterans and their families connect with available resources in their local communities in Central Florida.
First Sergeant Daila Espeut-Jones was born and raised in Jamaica until the age of 15 years old. In 1979, she migrated to Boston, Massachusetts and later joined the Army in 1982 where she served on active duty for 22 years. First Sergeant Espeut-Jones retired in 2004.
During her military tenure, she served in many positions around the world which includes Squad Leader, Platoon Sergeant, Training Non-Commissioned Officer, Customs Supervisor, Plans Supervisor, Area Support Team Leader, Korean Linguist, Senior Transportation Supervisor, First Sergeant and Acting Transportation Division Sergeant Major.
She was awarded the Bronze Star Medal during her deployment to Southwest Asia in 2003 and the Legion of Merit in 2004 upon retirement. Her additional military awards and decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal (w/2 Oak Leaf Clusters), Army Commendation Medal (w/ 2 Oak Leaf Clusters), Army Achievement Medal (w/ 3 Oak Leaf Clusters), Joint Meritorious Unit Award, Army Good Conduct Medal (7th Awd), National Defense Service Ribbon (2nd Awd), Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Humanitarian Service Ribbon, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Non-Commissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon (w/Numeral 3), Overseas Service Ribbon (5th Awd), Drivers and Mechanic Badge, Parachutist Badge, Expert Weapon Marksmanship Badge and the German Silver Marksmanship Badge.
She is the Immediate Past President for Association of the United States Army (AUSA) Sunshine Chapter in Orlando and is also the current Chair of the Orange County Mayor’s Veterans Advisory Council. She is an active member of Women in Defense (WID) Central Florida, Kappa Epsilon Psi Military Sorority, Inc., Buffalo Soldiers Motorcycle Club Orlando, National Defense Industrial Association (NDIA), Semper Fidelis of America, Veterans of Foreign War (VFW) Post 4287, Gary Sinise Foundation Central Florida Chapter, Orange County Veterans Court Mentorship Program and Florida Governor’s Women Veterans Fact Finding Committee.
In 2015, First Sergeant Espeut-Jones was selected as one of Orlando Business Journal’s Veterans of Influence.
In 2020, she was inducted in the Florida Veterans Hall of Fame, recognized at the US House of Representatives during Women’s History Month and received the Citizen of the Year Award by her employer, ZELTECH, LLC.
She holds a Master of Science degree in Human Resources Management from Strayer University.
In addition to her numerous organizational affiliations, she represents the Orlando community by being a veteran’s advocate and volunteering over 20 hours per week assisting other veterans, active duty service members and citizens in the community. She frequently participates in local television and radio shows advocating on behalf of active duty service members, military veterans and their families.
First Sergeant Espeut-Jones is one of the co-authors of Amazon’s best seller, Girlz Run the World in Pearls.
Gustavo Mujica
GUSTAVO MUJICA
Gustavo Mujica is the Chaplain Manager for AdventHealth East Orlando. Since very young, Gustavo has been interested in helping people and connecting with them where they are in life. Chaplaincy has been a gift given to him that has helped him articulate and channel proper ways to help people process their spiritual and emotional needs/struggles.
With principles as the power of vulnerability, belonging, purpose, trust, and hope, Gustavo leads a team of chaplains in the hospital setting. These resources help him and the team to keep each other accountable and to stay relevant within their community context by providing and connecting resources that will benefit the greater whole. Gustavo believes that by serving God’s creation he serves God.
When he is not at work, you can find him sitting on his piano at home playing some music, exploring a beach in FL, chatting with neighbors about life, or walking his stubborn/funniest English Bulldog with his wife Brenda.
Gustavo has earned a bachelor’s degree in Biblical Pastoral Theology from Antillean University, PR, a Master of Divinity from Andrews University, MI, and 4 CPE units ACPE certified.
Lorianne Woldehanna
LORIANNE WOLDEHANNA
Lorianne Woldehanna is a passionate and dynamic learning and development leader and facilitator with 9 years of finance and brokerage knowledge. Her wide array of experiences in training creation and development, business operations, and compliance have allowed her to make deep impact both in her career and in volunteering. Using her organizational and program management proficiencies, Lorianne has created full financial training programs and has facilitated learning to audiences of over 3,000 people. She is a consummate learner whose creative ideas help enlighten complex topics and processes.
Lorianne is currently a senior manager of learning and development at Ramp Business Corporation. Within her role, she oversees product training across the firm along with supporting the customer experience team for all training needs. Her expertise stretches from brokerage, compliance, accounting, and customer service allowing her to have a robust understanding of many facets of finance. Lorianne’s previous brokerage experience at Charles Schwab and Robinhood and having obtained her Series 7 and 63 licenses, have allowed her to appreciate and approach regulatory oversight and the financial markets in a fresh, new way. Lorianne has also taken time to develop her learning and development career path by obtaining her Master Trainer certification from the Association of Talent Development. The combination of awareness and real work experience has provided Lorianne with a deep understanding of how important and necessary financial knowledge is.
Lorianne is incredibly passionate about teaching and learning. As a first generation American, she has experienced first-hand the importance of generational wealth and financialknowledge. During her career span, she has partnered and volunteered with non-profit organizations focused on financial knowledge and those moments proved to be the “why” for Lorianne. She is dedicated to using her proficiency in both the public and private sectors to allow for access to high quality financial education by supporting a forward-thinking approach, eliminating barriers to entry, and building strong communities and connections.
Lorianne studied political science at Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, holds her Series 7 and 63 brokerage licenses, and a Master Trainer certification.
Annette Shaffer
ANNETTE SHAFFER
Annette Shaffer has been a dedicated member of the Samaritan Resource Center for over three years, contributing her skills across various roles. Her involvement includes food distribution, communications, videography, fundraising, and active participation in the events committee responsible for successfully planning and executing the Transforming Lives Breakfasts for the past two years. Additionally, Annette, along with her small group Bible study, regularly provides nourishment to SRC clients on a monthly basis. Recently, she organized a BBQ and Bingo event, showcasing her commitment to the organization. Overall, Annette dedicates 1-3 days each week to assist the SRC and its clients.
Alongside her volunteer work, Annette shares a 23-year marriage with her husband, Stephen, and they have been active members of St. Luke’s Lutheran Church in Oviedo for 15 years. As part of her faith journey, Annette actively participates in the Lutheran Women’s Missionary League and advocates for and informs others about the challenges faced by unhoused individuals.
Annette and Stephen are proud parents of two adult daughters. One of them is a Certified Public Accountant, while the other is nearing confirmation as a Deaconess. Professionally, Annette brings a wealth of experience, having held various roles, including Director of Member Services for private resorts and working with financial matters and event planning at Mead Botanical Gardens. She holds a degree in Graphic Design from Seminole State College.
Her guiding scripture is Matthew 19:26 (NIV) – “With God all things are possible.”
Jermaine Hampton
JERMAINE HAMPTON
Jermaine has over 29 years of Leadership, Logistics, and Program Management experience in Government and Industry, with proven specialization in Acquisition, Procurement, Integrated Product/Logistics Support, Supply Chain Management, Inventory Principles, and Management.
Currently, he is a Logistician for the U.S. Navy’s Aircraft Simulations and Trainers at NAWCTSD, at Research Park here in Orlando, FL. He has been a civilian-government employee since relocating here from Detroit, MI in 2020. He is responsible for logistics management and maintenance planning, supportability, installation, integration, test, acceptance, and sustainment as it pertains to training systems and simulators acquired and fielded his program.
Jermaine began his military service by enlisting in the United States Marine Corps from 1994 to 1998, as a Military Intelligence Specialist. In 1999, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and within two years was accepted to attend U.S. Army Officer Candidate School (OCS) and was commissioned an Infantry Officer in Dec 2000. Following graduating from OCS, Jermaine graduated the Infantry Officer Basic Course, U.S. Army Ranger School, and the Infantry Mortar Leadership Course.
Having served in several leadership positions up throughout the battalion level, to include a Platoon Leader, an Infantry Company Executive Officer deployed to combat operations in Afghanistan (‘04-05), a Battalion Logistics Officer emphasized deploying an 800-personnel and equipment battalion overseas to Iraq as well as commanding a Light Infantry Company during the Iraqi Surge (‘07-08). After 11 years of Infantry operations, Jermaine was selected to the Army Acquisition Corps.
Jermaine’s Army Acquisition experience called for him to serve as an Assistant Project Manager position for several Army tactical vehicles, such as the Armored Multi-Purpose Vehicle (AMPV) and the Bradley Infantry Fighting Vehicle. During his tenure he managed an average annual of $300M and a staff consisting of engineers, contract specialists, cost analysts, test experts, and quality control personnel towards updating and improving our military’s fighting capabilities. He has demonstrated the ability to lead people and manage complex projects, delivering results on time and within budget.
He retired as a Major, after 24 years of active-duty service in 2018.
Originally from the Bronx, NY, Jermaine holds a master’s degree in public administration from Central Michigan University and a bachelor’s degree from Troy University, AL. He is also a graduate of the Commanding General Staff College (CGSC), U.S Army Airborne School and U.S. Army Air Assault School. He is DAWIA Level 3 certified in Program Management, Level 2 in Life Cycle Logistics and Level 2 in Test and Evaluation.
STAFF
Zeynep Portway
Executive Director
ZEYNEP PORTWAY
Zeynep Portway is the Executive Director for the Samaritan Resource Center (SRC) since June of 2020. She is responsible for providing leadership in creating the organization’s consistent achievement of its mission and financial objectives.
Diana Geremi
Director of Operations
DIANA GEREMIA
Operations professional focused on bottom line results.. Considerable experience in talent management and talent development. Experience includes organization development, along with performance improvement for individuals, teams & organizations.
Background in developing strategies to support business strategy.
Understand and see the big picture to assist with identifying the issues that are prohibiting the ability to reach goals and developing the strategies necessary in reaching those goals.
Considerable experience in strategic planning, HR development and support, organizational development, training, operations management, process improvement, change management and reorganization. Extensive experience in employee training and performance mentoring. Profound knowledge of interviewing and hiring procedures. Strong generalist background in all areas of operations including accounting, finance, and risk management.
Nancy Martinez
Program Manager
NANCY MARTINEZ
As the Program Manager at Samaritan Resource Center, I am passionate about working in a role where I can make a meaningful impact on the lives of others. I thrive in environments where I can offer support, care, and listen to the stories of those I serve. My career has been built on a foundation of compassion, dedication, and a strong desire to help others.Nelixsa Colon
Employment Specialist
NELIXSA COLON
I am from Puerto Rico, and I am deeply passionate about helping others create better futures for themselves. With almost five years of experience working with those experiencing homelessness, I am grateful for the many lives I’ve had the privilege to touch and support along the way. Currently, I serve as the Employment Specialist at Samaritan Resource Center, where I take great pride in assisting clients in launching new paths through education and employment opportunities.Christina Moore
Case Manager
CHRISTINA MOORE
Originally from Memphis, TN, Christina Moore is a dedicated professional with a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology from the University of Memphis. Christina has spent the past three years as a real estate agent in Central Florida, assisting clients in finding their dream homes.
With five years of experience as a homeless case manager, she has been committed to providing support and resources to individuals in need, advocating for their well-being and stability.
Christina’s passion for helping others drives her work, making a meaningful impact in her community. In her spare time, she continues to leverage her sociological insights to foster meaningful connections within her community.
Yanira Rivera
Case Manager
YANIRA RIVERA
With approximately seven years of dedicated experience in case management within the Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) field, I am passionate about supporting individuals and families in need. Originally from New Jersey, I bring a strong sense of empathy and understanding to my role, specializing in housing support and advocacy. Driven by a commitment to making a meaningful impact, I focus on connecting clients to resources and services that enhance their quality of life. My approach is rooted in compassion and a genuine desire to help others achieve their personal goals and independence.Cristina “Cris” Rosario
Case Manager
CRIS ROSARIO
Cristina “Cris” Rosario is a passionate and dedicated professional, mother, and advocate for community well-being. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Fordham University in New York and is currently pursuing her MBA. As the Outreach Case Manager at the Samaritan Resource Center, Cris takes immense pride in helping clients secure stable housing and supporting them through challenges like substance abuse, mental health obstacles, and homelessness. Since 2019, she has found purpose in guiding clients as they transition to stability, creating lasting memories in their own homes.
VOLUNTEERS
The Samaritan Resource Center is a primarily volunteer operated resource center. We are blessed to have an average of twenty volunteers on a daily basis providing services to our clients. Since 2015 our volunteers have contributed over 30,000 hours of their time to fulfill the SRC’s mission. They check-in clients, provide them food, clothing, counseling, showers, haircuts, laundry services, laundry among other services. Without their commitment, punctuality, care and love to help the homeless, this would not be possible.
We Love Our Volunteers… they are the Heart of the SRC!!
None of us are as powerful as all of us
None of us are as powerful as all of us
OUR GENEROUS COMMUNITY PARTNERS
DO YOU NEED HELP OR KNOW SOMEONE WHO NEEDS HELP?
DO YOU NEED HELP OR KNOW SOMEONE WHO NEEDS HELP?
The SRC is a faith-based volunteer operated resource center for those experiencing homelessness
in East Orange County.
We are a drop-in center helping adult individuals get back on their feet through case management, mental health counseling, and basic life essentials such as food, clothing, and hygiene supplies.
If you or someone you know needs help,
contact us at 407.482.0600 to get more details.
The SRC is a faith-based volunteer operated resource center for those experiencing homelessness in East Orange County.
We are a drop-in center helping adult individuals get back on their feet through case management, mental health counseling, and basic life essentials such as food, clothing, and hygiene supplies.
If you or someone you know needs help, contact us at 407.482.0600 to get more details.
