The Parent Council Good Samaritan Fund: Lending a Helping Hand

The Parent Council at Messiah College is comprised of current parents who serve as a resource and sounding board to the College on a variety of issues. In 2008, this dedicated group of parents took their commitment to the student body to a higher level by creating the Good Samaritan Fund, a rescue fund for students facing unexpected financial hardship.

Members of the Parent Council had heard stories from their own children about friends whose educational opportunities were uncertain because of sudden unexpected circumstances. Thinking of the kinds of situations that many families face, the Parent Council voted to establish a fund that will provide a revenue source that the College administration can use to help students in crisis situations.

The Good Samaritan Fund is an un-endowed fund that is used to meet tuition expenses for current students whose families cannot afford to pay their bill due to unforeseen, crisis-type situations. There are a number of circumstances that could impact a student's ability to pay for a Messiah education, including the disability or death of a parent or sibling, extended illness, extreme change in financial status, etc. The reservoir of resources made available through the Good Samaritan Fund provides critical emergency assistance for students who demonstrate that they are in need of such relief.

To date, four Messiah College students have been assisted through this fund. Parents of former and current students can continue to give to replenish the fund in the spirit of helping those in need.

For more information about making a gift to the Good Samaritan Fund, contact Rachel Pease, director of annual giving, at 717-796-5066 or RPease@messiah.edu.