Samaritan Center, Lancaster

08/28/2026

Welcome to the third and final round of True or False: Make a Will Edition!

True or False?

“Writing a will is a long, complicated, and expensive process.”

This is false!

There are many experienced trust and estate attorneys in South Central Pennsylania. Many can do a simple will for a set cost and it will not take much time! Working with an estate planning attorney helps ensure your will meets all legal requirements and fully reflects your intentions. In addition, there may be other simple documents that you may want to consider beyond a will. Depending on your circumstances, you may want to consider the following:

· A durable power of attorney to name someone who can handle financial matters if you are not able to do so.

· A healthcare power of attorney to name someone who can make medical decisions on your behalf.

· A living will or advanced healthcare directive to state your wishes regarding life-sustaining treatment.

These additional documents help avoid confusion and prevent court intervention. Every family is different, so these documents may be right for your situation.

Even if your financial situation seems simple, a will can help clarify your intentions and make the process easier for your loved ones. It does need to be long or complicated, but it does need to be legally valid under Pennsylvania law.

This post is not legal advice. Everybody’s circumstances are different, and it is best to seek the counsel of a qualified trust and estate attorney to make sure that your will accomplishes what you want after you pass away.

08/26/2026

Here is the second round of True or False: Make a Will Edition!

True or False?

“My family knows what I want, so I don’t need a will.”

This is false!

While your family may know what you want, they will not get to make those decisions for you if you have not written them in your will. A will is the legal document that outlines how your assets should be distributed when you pass away. You choose who gets what and who will manage your estate. Without a will, the court will make those decisions for you based on Pennsylvania’s intestate succession laws. The state has a specific order for who inherits, but it does not take into account personal relationships, intentions, or wishes.

This post is not legal advice. Everybody’s circumstances are different, and it is best to seek the counsel of a qualified trust and estate attorney to make sure that your will accomplishes what you want after you pass away.

08/21/2026

Let’s play a few rounds of True or False: Make a Will Edition!

Test your knowledge on some common misconceptions about creating a will.

True or False?

“I only need a will if I have a lot of money or property.”

This is false!

Estate planning is not just for the wealthy or elderly. There are many reasons to have a will. It is something that every adult in Pennsylvania should consider. Creating a will is often one of the most important steps you can take to protect your family, make your wishes known, and prevent unnecessary stress for your loved ones in the long run. This is especially true if you have minor children because you can designate guardians in your will.”

This post is not legal advice. Everybody’s circumstances are different, and it is best to seek the counsel of a qualified trust and estate attorney to make sure that your will accomplishes what you want after you pass away.

08/19/2026

🎉 Congratulations to Andrew Bland, PhD, on his promotion to full Professor of Psychology at Millersville University!

After 5 years as an assistant professor and 7 years as an associate professor, Andrew continues to train the next generation of psychotherapists and mentors their research in psychology.

Andrew brings that depth of knowledge and clinical expertise to his work with Samaritan Center. As Executive Director Simon Dietz puts it, “I appreciate Andrew's depth of clinical expertise and the thoughtful insight and perspective he brings to our team.”

We’re grateful for all that Andrew contributes both in the classroom and to our Samaritan community. Congratulations, Andrew! 👏

08/13/2026

August is National Make-A-Will Month!

Most people who don’t have a will aren’t avoiding the idea; they just haven’t gotten to it yet. National Make-A-Will Month is a great reason to do that thing you have been putting off! Many people would be surprised by how simple and affordable the process can be, and how good it feels to have it done.

It’s easy to be tempted by the convenience and low cost of online will preparation or estate planning services. But, just as no two families are alike, neither are their estate plans. An attorney or certified financial advisor will take the time to understand your financial situation, family relationships, and long-term goals. This personalized guidance includes tax considerations, asset protection, and potential areas of conflict and may present you with options that you didn’t know were possible!

And, of course, we all know that life is unpredictable. Having a relationship with an attorney or financial advisor can help you know when you may need to update your plan to adapt to these changes.

If you have any questions, would like more information, or would like a list of trust and estate attorneys and other professionals in the Lancaster area, please contact Anita Hanna, Esq., Director of Development by email at [email protected], or by calling (717) 560-9969, extension 244.

07/27/2026

At this year's Silent Samaritan Luncheon, Every Woman's Story will be shared through three powerful voices from our community. One of those voices is The Voice of Community.

Meet Michelle Rybner, Program Director at Clare House, as she shares the holistic impact that accessible mental health care has within transitional housing. Through her work supporting women and families experiencing homelessness, Michelle has witnessed firsthand how access to counseling, stable housing, and a compassionate community can create lasting change—helping women heal, regain confidence, and build a stronger future for themselves and their children.

Join us to celebrate resilience, community, and the collective power of women helping women.

Click the link here to learn more about the Luncheon and how you can be an early giver: https://samaritanlancaster.org/event/silent-samaritans-voices-of-strength-and-hope/

07/21/2026

At this year's Silent Samaritan Luncheon, Every Woman's Story will be shared through three powerful voices from our community. One of those voices is The Voice of Healing.

Meet Brandy Griffiths, Resident Therapist at Samaritan Center, as she shares her journey from clinical intern to resident therapist and the privilege of walking alongside women on their healing journeys. Through her work providing counseling services at Clare House, Brandy has witnessed firsthand how compassionate, accessible mental health care can help women rediscover hope, build resilience, and move toward lasting healing.

Join us to celebrate resilience, community, and the collective power of women helping women.

Click the link here to learn more about the Luncheon and how you can be an early giver: https://samaritanlancaster.org/event/silent-samaritans-voices-of-strength-and-hope/

07/16/2026

At this year's Silent Samaritan Luncheon, Every Woman's Story will be shared through three powerful voices from our community. One of those voices is The Voice of Youth.

Meet Dara Hager, Resident Therapist at Samaritan Center, as she shares the importance of supporting the mental health of young kids and teens. Through her work with children and families, Dara witnesses firsthand how early access to compassionate mental health care can change the course of a young person's life—and why every child deserves the opportunity to be heard, supported, and empowered.

Click the link here to learn more about the Luncheon and how you can be an early giver: https://samaritanlancaster.org/event/silent-samaritans-voices-of-strength-and-hope/

07/14/2026

✨ Healing should be accessible to every woman. ✨

This six-week experience is designed to help women reconnect with themselves and others through movement, music, and community in a safe, supportive environment. No dance experience is needed—just come as you are.

💙 Scholarships are available on a first-come, first-served basis for women planning to attend 3–6 classes.

📅 Thursdays | 6:00–7:15 PM
🗓️ July 23, 30 & August 6, 13, 20, 27
💲 $15 per class or $75 for all 6 sessions
📍Thank you to St. Thomas Episcopal Church for hosting!

💃 Register today: https://samaritanlancaster.org/event/dance-for-mental-health/

🎓 Apply for a scholarship: https://forms.office.com/r/NHzemc9x8P

Space is limited to 20 participants, and only 3 scholarships are still available!

07/06/2026