Popular director handing over reins to the Samaritan Center
By Angela Randazzo Special to the Acorn

JANN HENDRY/Acorn Newspapers PASSING THE BATON- Newcomer Betty Eskey and outgoing Samaritan Center director Virginia Nelson exchange a few gardening tips outside of the center on Wednesday. Eskey started her new job this week, taking over for the retiring Nelson, who has been the heart and soul behind the morning drop-in center for the homeless for the past four years.

Monday was Betty Eskey's first day on the job as executive director of the Simi Valley Samaritan Center.

Keeping the center running smoothly, serving meals and coordinating the churches, civic and service organizations that assist the city's homeless will be among her responsibilities. But recruiting more volunteers, Eskey said, is at the top of her "to do" list.

"My main goal is to develop a strong volunteer base. I can do the administrative tasks, but there's no way just a few people can do this," Eskey said.

Eskey took over the job after Virginia Nelson, who held the position the past four years, announced her retirement earlier this year.

"I turned 62, and that gave me the motivation to move on," Nelson told the Simi Valley Acorn. "I've worked pretty diligently all my life, and I'd like to devote more time to my family."

A longtime force in the community, Nelson was recognized at a recent City Council meeting for her years of service.

On hand to celebrate the honor and sing her praises was a packed house that included several residents who lauded Nelson as a lifesaver and a difference-maker.

Greg Seymour, program coordinator at the Samaritan Center, expressed similar feelings.

"The center is still open because of Virginia," he said. "She's helped the people here through a lot of hard times. It's not only a job for Virginia- she's given of herself and her spirit."

Fifteen years ago, Nelson started out at the Samaritan Center by helping with the nonprofit facility's dinner program. After retiring, she plans to take up the soup bowl again as a volunteer. She also plans to continue her volunteer work with the city's task force on the homeless.

"I can see in the (homeless) people that we have been able to make a difference in our community," Nelson said. "We helped many people rent a room, get into rehab or move back with their family. Our dinner program also helps lowincome families."

Nelson said she values the friendships she's made with those who use the services at the center.

"I got a Mother's Day card signed by all of them. It's one of my most treasured gifts," Nelson said. "Handing over the reins is like a mother leaving her children. I will still be part of the team of volunteers. I wouldn't walk away totally."

In addition to her work at the center, Nelson's served as caretaker of Strathearn Historical Park together with her husband of 12 years, Ronn.

When asked about her successor, Nelson said Eskey's the right one for the job.

"Betty is very confident and competent in what she is doing." Nelson said. "It's nice to find someone who has the same kind of passion to come here as I do."

Eskey has a history of helping those in need- from infants to teenagers, both locally and in Mexico.

Thirteen years ago she started volunteering through Sonrise Christian Fellowship to help an orphanage in Tijuana.

"I've always had the heart to help anyone in need," Eskey said.

While volunteering, Eskey ran an in-home day-care center and later worked for Grace Brethren School in Simi Valley.

Eskey and her husband, Tony, an auto mechanic, have been married for 21 years and have lived in town for nearly as long. The couple has three daughters. Alex, 17, and Nikki, 15, are enrolled in Monte Vista, an independent study program through the public school system, and Betsy, 29, runs the High Hopes family preschool in Lancaster.

The Samaritan Center is open from 7 to 11 a.m. Monday through Friday and has a small staff- the directorship, a fulltime salaried position, and three part-time workers.

The center serves breakfast and lunch; most evening meals are served by volunteers at various church sites.

Those who are homeless can do their laundry at the center and get help with medical, legal and other needs from professional volunteers.

Eskey estimates around 200 people will seek help this week from the center.

"I'm hoping to make the community aware of the services and the need for volunteers. It's a safe environment for volunteers to come," Eskey said. "We want to help the homeless to move on and give them hope."

For more information about the Samaritan Center or to volunteer, call (805) 579-9166. The center is located at 280 Royal Ave., Simi Valley.