About Us
About Us
Who We Are
Our Approach
We meet people where they are, providing both immediate relief and long-term support through:
Basic Needs: meals, showers, laundry, hygiene, mail, and clothing
Case Management: individualized housing plans and goal setting
Health & Wellness: medical, mental health, and recovery care through partner agencies
Employment & Training: job readiness, placement support and social enterprises
- Faith & Fellowship: encouragement, prayer, and connection to a supportive community
Street Outreach: serve individuals where they are, including street medicine
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 from local churches 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
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
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
With Orange County Government’s support, SRC began operating at 9833 East Colonial Drive providing multiple services to the homeless in East Orange County. This building is better known as “Jordan River.”
2015
Orange County government purchased and renovated the next-door building, 9837 East Colonial Drive, for SRC to provide additional services including medical care. A partnership was signed with Shepperd’s Hope to provide medical service.
2017
Samaritan Resource Center signs a funding contract with Orange County to provide services to the homeless in East Orange County.
2020
Zeynep Portway becomes the Executive Director of SRC. She becomes the second of two employees working at SRC at this time.
2021
Our partnership with AdventHealth began with a grant for two in-house case managers, doubling our staff. This partnership also brought in a mobile medical clinic (AMCC) for health services.
2022
Orange County Government forges a partnership with Aspire Health Ministries for SRC. Through this partnership, clients have access to recovery-based therapy and mental health services 5 days a week, right at SRC.
Today
Our team of 20+ employees and 30+ weekly volunteers serve and support 100+ neighbors experiencing homelessness every day.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Annette Shaffer
Board Chair
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.”
Tim Frace
Vice Chair
TIM FRACE
Tim R. Frace is currently Managing Director of the Siemens Energy Competence Hub Americas. Since its inception in 2022, Mr. Frace has led the growth of the CH to 500+ employees with offices in Queretaro, Mexico.Paul Scheck
Immediate Past 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.
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.
Linda Sheehan
Secretary
LINDA SHEEHAN
As the CEO of Trident Enterprises International, Inc., Linda brings a wealth of experience and expertise in spearheading the growth of a nationwide fencing distribution and logistics services company.Bill “Roto” Reuter
Board Member Emeritus
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.
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.
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.
Courtney Rentz
Advisory Board
COURTNEY RENTZ
She created our Seeds of Hope initiative alongside numerous partners in hopes of bringing some joy and healing into our clients’ lives here at the center. It is there where she enjoys gardening next to individuals seeking recovery from life’s problems.
Courtney is currently seeking a degree in behavioral health science with an emphasis in substance abuse, with the hopes of eventually obtaining her masters and becoming a licensed mental health counselor. She aspires to own her own counseling practice one day. Courtney is also determined to create and build a new homeless shelter that serves individuals and families in the Orlando area when the time comes!
Her life verse is Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future’.”
Elizabeth Savettiere
ELIZABETH SAVETTIERE
Elizabeth Savettiere is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor with more than 15 years of clinical experience serving individuals with severe mental illness, intellectual disabilities, addictions, homelessness, and at-risk youth. Her professional background includes work in residential treatment, Medicaid care coordination, and mobile crisis intervention, where she provided urgent mental health support and connected individuals to critical community resources.
After relocating from New York to Florida nearly four years ago and opening her private practice, Elizabeth felt called to reconnect with community service. She joined the Oviedo Winter Springs Lions Club, continuing a lifelong commitment to service that began as President of her high school Leo’s Club. Through this work, she connected with SRC and quickly recognized it as a mission deeply aligned with her passion for advocacy, support, and community impact.c
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.
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 Geremia
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.Kimmy Zeiler
Development Manager
KIMMY ZEILER
Kimmy Zeiler is a mission-driven nonprofit professional with 15 years of experience connecting people to purpose. Rooted in a background spanning campus ministry, spiritual development, and diocesan leadership, she has spent her career building relationships, telling compelling stories, and helping organizations grow the resources they need to truly thrive.
Kimmy serves as Development Manager at Samaritan Resource Center in Orlando, where she leads fundraising, donor development, marketing, and communications efforts on behalf of a fantastic team dedicated to homelessness prevention and support services. She holds an MA in Theology from Franciscan University of Steubenville and a BA in Theatre from the University of Central Florida — a combination that, frankly, explains a lot about the deep thought and creativity that goes into her work. Her path to the development field was shaped by firsthand experience: watching underfunded missions fall short of their potential and then deciding to do something about it.
Over the years, she has cultivated first-time donors, re-engaged lapsed supporters, launched legacy giving campaigns, produced annual fundraising galas, and crafted the kind of storytelling that turns strangers into advocates.
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.
Brenda Vargas
Case Manager
BRENDA VARGAS
With nearly six years of experience supporting individuals experiencing homelessness, as well as three years working with immigrants and unaccompanied children, I have been privileged to walk alongside people in some of their most vulnerable moments. My work is guided by compassion, empathy, and a trauma-informed approach, always striving to sow seeds of hope and see them grow.
Currently serving as a Case Manager at Samaritan Resource Center, I specialize in housing support and advocacy, helping individuals and families access the resources they need to thrive. My career has been built on a foundation of dedication, faith, and a deep commitment to serving others.
Originally from Mayagüez, Puerto Rico, raised in New York, and a Florida resident for the past 34 years, I bring a diverse perspective and a strong sense of cultural understanding to my work. Beyond my professional role, my family remains my greatest source of motivation and joy.
Kizzy Murillo
Case Manager
KIZZY
Originally from Puerto Rico, I bring nearly five years of experience supporting individuals and families experiencing homelessness, as well as VOCA clients. My work is guided by passion, empathy, and compassion values that help me understand and respond to the trauma families face when in crisis.
I am currently working as a housing Specialist Case Manager supporting individuals and families by developing personalized plans to secure stable housing, access critical resources, and move toward self-sufficiency. My commitment is rooted in a genuine desire to help others build safer and more stable futures.
My faith in God and my two daughters are my greatest sources of strength and motivation. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family, crafting, and reading.
John Paulk
Street Outreach Case Manager
JOHN PAULK
John is passionate about helping people in the community find stability and support. In his role as a Street Outreach Case Manager, he connects individuals experiencing homelessness with essential resources, including identification, housing, employment, and healthcare. Outside of work, John enjoys sports, photography, nature walks, and tending to his plants. He is dedicated to empowering others to become the best version of themselves while fostering stronger, more compassionate communities.
Bryne Clark
Street Outreach Case Manager
BRYNE CLARK
My name is Brynne Clark, and I am an Outreach Case Manager at Samaritan Resource Center. I walk alongside individuals experiencing homelessness with compassion, advocacy, and a God-centered approach. My heart is to meet people where they are, build trust, and connect them with the resources and opportunities they need for housing, employment, and healing.
I believe every person is created with dignity and purpose, and I strive to reflect Christ’s love in the way I serve. By advocating for my clients and collaborating with community partners, I work to break down barriers and create pathways toward stability and lasting transformation.
For me, this work is more than a profession—it is a calling to serve God by serving others, offering hope, and empowering people to step into the life they were created for.
Betty Burr
Case Manager
BETTY BURR
As a Case Manager in the ARPA Department at Samaritan Resource Center, Betty assists individuals and families seeking rental arrears and move-in cost assistance. With over 30 years of professional experience in banking, Betty has strengths in client relations, documentation review, problem-solving, and handling sensitive financial information with accuracy and integrity.
In addition to her hands-on experience in social services, Betty is a second-year college student pursuing a degree in Social Work (BSW). Her combined professional background, education, and passion for helping others allows her to serve clients with empathy, professionalism, and a strong commitment to housing stability and support.
Betty’s work is driven by a genuine passion for helping individuals and families as they regain stability during difficult times. She believes every client deserves to be treated with dignity, compassion, and respect, regardless of their circumstances. Her approach combines professionalism, empathy, and active listening, allowing clients to feel heard and supported while navigating challenging situations.
As a second-year Bachelor of Social Work student who returned to college later in life, Betty understands perseverance, growth, and the importance of never giving up. Her faith, love for family, and desire to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives continue to be her inspiration for work each day. Outside of work and school, she enjoys music, encouraging others, and being a positive source of support in her community.
Julieth Campo Gonzalez
Case Manager
JULIETH CAMPO GONZALEZ
Julieth Campo Gonzalez is a Case Manager for the ARPA Program at Samaritan Resource Center. She has over four years of experience working in the healthcare field and is a licensed psychologist who is currently pursuing a degree in Nursing. Her professional background and passion for helping others allow her to provide compassionate, client-centered support to the individuals and families she serves.
Julieth is deeply motivated by the opportunity to make a positive impact in people’s lives through kindness, empathy, and dedication. She believes that serving others with compassion can create meaningful change and strengthen communities.
Outside of work, Julieth is a very family-oriented, charismatic, and dedicated person. She feels grateful to have found the right place to serve and grow professionally at Samaritan Resource Center.
Jasmine Harper
Data Entry Specialist
JASMINE HARPER
Jasmine Harper serves as the Data Entry Specialist at Samaritan Resource Center, where she helps manage digital records of daily services and serves as a primary point of contact for individuals seeking assistance through the organization’s programs. With several years of experience in service-oriented and human-centered work, Jasmine previously volunteered with SRC, where she worked directly with clients to help connect them with critical community resources and support services.
Jasmine recently earned her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Central Florida and is currently pursuing her Master’s of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Her educational background, combined with her hands-on experience in community service, reflects her strong commitment to advocacy, accessibility, and compassionate care.
What drives Jasmine’s work is deeply personal. Having witnessed close family members, including her brother, a U.S. Army veteran, benefit from organizations dedicated to supporting individuals experiencing homelessness and mental health challenges, she developed a passion for giving back to others in meaningful ways. She values creating a welcoming and supportive experience for every individual who reaches out for help and believes that empathy and consistency can make a lasting impact in someone’s life.
Jim Wales
SOAR Specialist and Retention Specialist
JIM WALES
Jim graduated from UCF in 2018 with a degree in Public Administration. He is both the SOAR Specialist and Retention Specialist for Samaritan Resource Center. His role with SOAR helps individuals apply for disability through the expedited SOAR program. As the Retention Specialist, Jim checks in on those who have received housing assistance from SRC to ensure that these individuals and families are still doing well and are not again at risk of homelessness. If they do have unmet needs, he strives to help them or provide them with resources where they can find the help they need. The support Jim provides is crucial to helping those experiencing homelessness find stability at last.
Dana Hall
Case Manager
DANA HALL
Dana is a native to Orlando, Florida. Her background is in Early Childhood Education, and she has almost 5 years of experience supporting the those experiencing homelessness.
Dana is a case manager supporting individuals by developing housing stabilization plans, helping them access critical resources and supporting them as they move towards self-sufficiency. She has found her true passion in helping others.
Outside of work, Dana enjoys spending time with her family, reading, and shopping.
Mercedes Bigelow
Housing Navigator
MERCEDES BIGELOW
Mercedes Bigelow moved to East Orange County in 1994. She has spent most of those years working with vulnerable populations challenged by justice involvement, homelessness, housing insecurity, and mental health. In her current position as a Housing Navigator with SRC, she seeks to identify affordable housing for clients facing eviction and/or homelessness.
Her knowledge of local resources, combined with legal training and investigative experience, allows her to advocate for clients and envision new programmatic solutions with an eye (always) on responsibly stewarding agency funds. In her spare time, she volunteers with Poodle and Pooch Rescue of Florida. She has officially entered her ‘bird watching’ era.
VOLUNTEERS
Samaritan Resource Center relies on 30+ volunteers a week to provide services to our clients. These volunteers provide food pick-ups, clothing distribution, mail sorting, donation intake, pantry requests, and hot meals on a daily basis. Their commitment, care, and compassion for our neighbors experiencing homelessness makes what we do possible!
We love our volunteers—they are the heart of Samaritan Resource Center!!
OUR COMMUNITY PARTNERS
OUR FAITH PARTNERS
DO YOU NEED HELP OR KNOW SOMEONE WHO NEEDS HELP?
DO YOU NEED HELP OR KNOW SOMEONE WHO NEEDS HELP?
Samaritan Resource Center (SRC) is a drop-in resource center serving individuals and families experiencing or at risk of homelessness in East Orange County.
As a faith-based organization, we provide compassionate, housing-focused support through case management, mental health counseling, healthcare, employment services, street outreach, and daily access to essential resources such as meals, clothing, showers, laundry, mail services and hygiene supplies—helping our neighbors take the next step toward stability and self-sufficiency.
If you or someone you know needs help, please call (407) 482-0600 or visit us at 9837 East Colonial Drive, Orlando, FL 32817 to learn more about our services.
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.
