Good Sam USI Partnership
Good Samaritan Launches New $1 Million Program to Expand Mental Health Access in Rural Indiana
Good Sam teams with USI to strengthen mental health and addiction support in underserved communities.
September 26, 2025
The Good Samaritan Home, Inc. has committed $1 million to launch a new internship and faculty program in partnership with the University of Southern Indiana, expanding mental health and social services for underserved communities in southwestern Indiana.
The gift will create hands-on learning experiences for social work students while helping deliver vital services in rural and underserved areas, part of Good Sam’s enduring commitment to care, compassion, and community health.
Founded more than 60 years ago as a ministry of the United Churches of Christ, The Good Samaritan Home has long been committed to the well-being of older adults and those on the margins. Today, that commitment continues through strategic partnerships like this one, building capacity in the next generation of caregivers while expanding access to care.
“This gift from The Good Samaritan Home is both generous and visionary,” said Steve Bridges, USI President. “It addresses an urgent need in our region by preparing more students to become highly skilled social workers while also extending vital services to communities that need them most. We are deeply grateful for this partnership and the impact it will have on our students, our University, and the people of southwestern Indiana.”
Internship eligibility will be limited to USI students enrolled in USI Social Work Programs who meet prerequisites for generalist or clinical internships and demonstrate an interest in supporting underserved or rural communities. The program will be overseen by USI in close collaboration with Good Sam, which will help guide its impact and ensure alignment with regional needs and Good Sam’s values.
The USI College of Liberal Arts, in partnership with the Social Work Program leadership, will oversee the program and collaborate with The Good Samaritan Home to establish outcome metrics.
“We are very excited to be partnering with USI to help create more highly skilled social workers in southwestern Indiana and to provide critically needed mental health services in this region,” says Rev. Michael Erwin, Good Sam Executive Director. “The Good Samaritan Home was an innovative outreach of the United Churches of Christ when it was begun 60 years ago. Times have changed, but our focus has not, serving those in need with care, compassion, knowledge, and expertise. We are grateful for this partnership and look forward to its future.”
Through the USI–Good Samaritan Internship Program, Good Sam is investing in the future of social work and mental health care in our region, equipping students and communities alike with tools for healing, connection, and hope.
Good Samaritan is a ministry and member of the United Church of Christ, in covenant with the Indiana-Kentucky Conference, and the Council for Health and Human Service Ministries.