About Us
We Are On A Mission To Reduce The Homeless Population And Stabilize Our At-risk Neighbors In East Orange County.
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.
We Are On A Mission To Reduce The Homeless Population And Stabilize Our At-risk Neighbors In East Orange County.
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.
OUR HISTORY
Since 2013 the SRC has 2,000 active clients utilizing our services and have provided over 125,000 services such as assistance in applying for food stamps, Assurance phones, providing counseling, food, clothing, showers, laundry services, haircuts, and medical services through Shepperd’s Hope, and Lakeside Behavioral Center/Aspire and by offering prayer, and more! 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 services.
The SRC is here for a HAND UP, not a hand out. We are an official ACCESS FLORIDA Site.
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
Dawn Haynes
Board 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.
Bill “Roto” Reuter
Immediate 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.
John Webb
Treasurer
JOHN WEBB
John A. Webb is the Treasurer for the Samaritan Resource Center. He currently serves as Partner Senior Business Adviser for Strombeck, a CPA/Consulting firm in Orlando, Florida. He has held senior financial management positions in companies public and private, profit and non-profit, from startup to $350M in revenues. He spent 16 years on the staff with Cru, and is an elder at University Presbyterian Church. He is the husband of Dianne, and father of Adrien, Krissa and Erica, and ‘Papa’ of Emma. He has earned his MBA from Rollins College and a BS in Accounting from the University of Arizona.
Prior to joining the Strombeck firm, John served as CFO and VP of Operations of a publicly trade biotech firm. He has also served as Controller for a $160 million family-owned manufacturing firm, and CFO for a VC-funded technology start-up. This wealth of public company experience enables him to improve private business client’s compliance, which increases their competitive advantage when “running with big dobs.“ As much and MBA and CP, John knows how important business strategy is for increasing profits. With 30 years under his belt in corporate and entrepreneurial financial management, John is able to assess element of strategy beyond finance. His industry media/publishing, real estate and beauty/skin care, financial services and agricultural industries.
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.
Paul Scheck
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.
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.
Robb Richardson
ROBB RICHARDSON
Robb Richardson has worked for more than 35 years in the financial services industry in roles that have spanned from Main Street to Wall Street. His current role focuses on technology and automation strategy. Prior to this role, his work focused on employee engagement strategies and team member development. He holds multiple industry credentials, including being a Certified Quality Manager and Lean Six Sigma Black Belt.
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.
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.
Lynn Montgomery
Case Manager
LYNN MONTGOMERY
After graduating from High School, I joined the United States Women’s Army Corps. I met my husband in the Army at Fort Sam Houston Texas and we got married and had (3) children. While traveling around the world I was able to obtain a bachelor’s degree in Sociology. For (10) years I was employed as a Social Worker at the Comprehensive Employment Training Act office. After (10) years I went to work at the Department of Children and Families Services in Illinois. While working at DCFS I completed my master’s degree in Social Work at the University of Illinois. Upon completing my master’s degree, I accepted a position as a school Social Worker. While I was employed as a Social Worker, I attended Bradley University and completed a master’s degree in Educational Leadership. I then moved to Florida and began volunteering at Samaritan Resource Center. Last June I accepted a position as a Case Manager at Samaritan Resource Center. My passion is helping others to becoming self-sufficient and independent.
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
NANCY MARTINEZ
Graduated from High School in 1985 (business school). However, I have always had a passion for helping and caring for others. After graduation I went on to continuing my education and worked as an optometry assistant/apprenticed optician for 11 years. I started to seek other opportunities. I wanted a job where I could interact and be more hands-on. I took a training and became a certified Medical Assistant and an EKG/ECHO Tech. In 2000 I moved to Orlando Florida. I worked at an HIV organization and through them I learned about Street Outreach. I became super compassionate for the homeless population and for the last 17 years I worked as an Outreach Specialist targeting the people who live in the woods and on the streets of Central Florida. Though, I enjoy working in a healthcare setting my passion is helping those less fortunate and those who do not have a place to live. A client who lived in the woods once told me ” I am not homeless, I am houseless “. WOW! Really made sense…
VOLUNTEERS
The Samaritan Resource Center is a 96% 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!!
VOLUNTEERS
The Samaritan Resource Center is a 96% 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
OUR GENEROUS COMMUNITY PARTNERS
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.
