The organisation provides a number of social support services for the homeless and people with disabilities.
On October 14, 1984, the Newcastle Anglican Board of Social Work was redefined as the Samaritans Foundation (or “Samaritans”) with the expressed mission to “assist in the expansion of the social and community service work within the Diocese.” The organisation's early work began with a few key services including emergency relief, a family centre and op shops.
[1] Samaritans operates a number of homelessness support services including youth refuges and women's shelters.
[5] In February 2016, Samaritans appointed Peter Gardiner as the organisation's new CEO.
The previous CEO, Cec Shevels, had held the post for 25 years before announcing his retirement from the Anglican organisation.