SAMSON IS BACK IN THE BLACK!
Thanks to solid fourth-quarter donations totaling $168,721, Samson House overcame a substantial deficit to end 2024 in positive financial territory, with a balance of $4,401 after expenses!
Looking ahead, the board of Samson House has taken steps to reduce and refocus our operating expenses during this critical phase of the Society’s growth. Full-time paid positions have been suspended, and volunteers and part-time staff are working together to train and equip more men.
In another piece of good news, our operating revenue is slowly improving as more Pirate Monks are including Samson in their regular giving. Our goal this year is to be truly “self-supporting through our own contributions” without the need for special appeals.
AARON PORTER ACCEPTS A PART-TIME POSITION
Aaron Porter, the longtime co-host of the Pirate Monk Podcast and a leader in Samson since 2006, has agreed to serve as Bosun for Samson House on a part-time basis in 2025.
What is a bosun?
On a pirate ship, the bosun (also spelled “boatswain”) was responsible for keeping the ship in good condition for travel and battle. He planned each day's work and assigned tasks to the deck crew. As work was completed, he checked it for quality.
Outside of his supervisory role, the bosun regularly inspected the vessel and performed a variety of routine, skilled, and semi-skilled duties to maintain all areas of the ship. Those duties could include cleaning, painting, and maintaining the vessel's hull, sails, and weaponry. He was responsible for fighting fires and keeping the ship afloat during battles, and for supervising repairs afterward. His effectiveness hinged on his ability to motivate and regulate a very diverse crew.
On the SS Samson, the bosun is responsible for monitoring the daily operation of the ship and maintaining the morale of the crew. He also oversees improvements and repairs. Mindful that most of the crew are volunteers, he encourages individual initiative while providing direction and support. He leads firefighting efforts when necessary, but focuses on fire prevention.
As Bosun for Samson House, Aaron will be roaming the ship in 2025, helping our various volunteer teams and staff. His priorities for 2025 include launching a new website, improving intensives and retreats, connecting and strengthening groups, developing training materials, and increasing the level of communication between members.
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