We thank you for your interest in bringing your group to the Rio Valley, Southwest Good Samaritan Ministries. If
you have come before, you know the powerful difference our volunteers can make in the lives of refugees and the
“poorest of the poor” in the Rio Grande Valley. If this is your first trip, know that your efforts will bring you joy and
will be such a blessing to us.
We will send you Guidelines, with cost and other valuable information. There is a $100 registration fee that will be
deducted from your total stay; however, it will not be returned if you change your date 2 months prior to coming
since the timing may prevent our securing another group for that date on the calendar.
Your work project fund is whatever you bring with you. Our budget allows no money for work projects, so we
rely on our volunteers to fund the costs of the materials needed while they are here. Each individual group brings
their own money for projects through individual donations or fund raisers prior to coming. Usually, the cost of
work group housing and materials for the group’s project averages around $200 per person. This does not
include food and travel costs, which are also the responsibility of the group. For example, you have 10 people
coming; your total money raised would need to be around $2,000. In some cases, groups have been able to raise
more than $200 per person, and we can assign more ambitious home improvement or building projects. We also
appreciate any donations for our ongoing ministries.
There may be some materials/tools left from other projects, and we are happy to show you what we have when
you arrive. You can buy the materials and supplies you need here in the Valley, and SWGSM has some
discounts and tax-exemption options to save money.
Project opportunities depend upon the skill levels of your work group. Project possibilities include:
1. Paint the campus buildings as needed/inside or outside
2. Landscape around buildings
3. Plumbing or electrical repairs
4. Dig trenches for waterlines or flood protection
5. Rebuilding or renovating homes for families in need in the Valley
Regrettably, given the risks associated with travel to Mexico, we are not arranging for work group projects in
Mexico at this time.
The group identifies from their number a principal contact and a work crew leader who will share information and
assign tasks to the others in the group. We will need to know your planned dates to insure that no one else has
those dates already scheduled for the dorms. Please call or email to discuss the timing of your visit.
THANK YOU again for your interest. We will be looking forward to hearing from you so that we might agree on
dates and arrangements.
info@swgsm.org
PO Box 273, 28259 Pereira Compassion Rd. Los Fresnos, TX 78566
Ph. 956.233.5198 Fax 956.233.8802
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P. O. Box 273 □ 28259 Pereira Compassion Road
Los Fresnos, TX 78566
(956) 233-5198 □ (956) 233-8802 – Fax
E-mail: info@swgsm.org Website: www@swgsm.org
WELCOME – BIENVENIDOS
We are so pleased that you want to bring a Mission Work Group to
SWGSM, and we offer these Guidelines
1. Establish the number of individuals that the group will consist of and discuss with your
group the work that you are interested in or are skilled to do. Typically, work groups help
with construction or improvement to homes or to buildings on SWGSM property.
2. Establish preferred dates for participation and call our office to determine if your
preferred dates are available.
3. Return the completed questionnaire (attached) to the SWGSM office along with a deposit
of $100 to secure your work group dates.
4. Preferred arrival is on Sunday. Departure needs to be on Friday in order for ample time to
be afforded our housekeeping/maintenance personnel to prepare for the next group(s).
Weekend Mission Work Groups can be accommodated if the calendar allows.
5. Confirm your final arrival plans with the SWGSM office or e-mail message at least ONE
MONTH prior to your trip.
6. Remember, your generosity and participation is used for the Lord to minister to the poor
in our part of the country. You are precious to us, and we want you to enjoy your trip
to the Rio Grande Valley. Please contact us with any questions or concerns.
( Please read the requirements and general information in this packet. )
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SWGSM Requirements and General Information
Our work consists mainly of light construction, painting, home repairs, plumbing, and electrical
work, on some occasions. Because SWGSM has no funds for work projects, we ask that the
group raise funds for work project materials and supplies.
Deposits:
•
•
$100.00 facility reservation deposit. Please send the deposit as soon as possible to
secure your preferred dates of participation. This deposit is non-refundable if canceled
within 2 months of the reservation date. Deposit will be applied to housing
charges.
$100.00 van rental deposit, if you have need of one or both of our vans. Deposit will be
refunded or used as payment for the van if van is left in good condition and filled with
gasoline before departure. In addition, the van MUST BE PICKED UP and
RETURNED to the SWGSM Bayview facilities.
Work Project Funds Payment:
•
Your Work Project Funds may be deposited in the Office and drawn on as needed.
(SWGSM has no funds for projects.)
•
When a work project has been selected and approved, your Work Project Funds can be
mailed to SWGSM, P.O. Box 273, Los Fresnos, TX, 78566.
•
Work Project Funds are deposited with our office and drawn on as needed.
Charges:
•
•
•
Dormitories - $13.00 per person per night
Van Rental - $50 per day.
Payment can be made at the Bayview office at any time during your stay.
Facilities Available:
During your stay here at SWGSM, you will have the following available to you:
•
Dormitories with bunk beds and bathrooms with a shower.
•
Kitchen furnished with refrigerators, stove, microwave, and coffee pot.
•
A washer and dryer (Bring HE laundry soap and softener)
•
Dining area
•
Chapel
•
Play yard
•
Outdoor Worship Center
•
Trash disposal (Bring own trash bags needed for 13 gal. and 45 gal. containers)
Thank You For:
 Conserving electricity by turning units on low or turning off during your absence.
 Placing trash in plastic bags in trash containers and putting bags into Trash Dumpster
outside main gate.
 Not smoking and/or drinking alcohol; no banned substances.
 Returning items to their original positions when you leave. (Chairs and tables in dining hall
need to remain in the dining area.)
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“What-to-Bring” Checklist
(Please feel free to copy this sheet for everyone in your group.)
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Raised monies for work projects and housing. Van rental is available, if needed.
Utensils, dishes, cookware and linens needed for meal preparation and eating on site.
Groceries and drinking water
Pillows, bed linens, blankets or sleeping bags
Towels and washcloths
Toilet paper for all bathrooms used during your stay
Trash bags for all areas used during your stay
Laundry soap and/or softener
Dish washing soap for kitchens
Antibacterial soap for all bathrooms used
Cleaning supplies as needed to clean showers and/or kitchens used
Bug spray
Sun screen
Hat
Any other personal items (clothes, toiletries and medications) you would pack for a trip, including
proper shoes and clothing for working safely
Proof of health insurance
What Are You Going to Do?
Project opportunities depend upon the skill levels of your work group. Please pick out projects that fit
your budget and fit your expertise. Project possibilities include:
1. Paint the campus buildings as needed/inside or outside
2. Landscape around buildings
3. Plumbing or electrical repairs
4. Dig trenches for waterlines or flood protection
5. Rebuilding or renovating homes for families in need in the Valley
Regrettably, given the risks associated with travel to Mexico, we are not arranging for work group
projects in Mexico at this time.
The group identifies from their number a principal contact and a work crew leader who will share
information and assign tasks to the others in the group.
Projects do change unexpectedly; however, we will make every effort to accommodate your
group’s interests and skills.
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Select from the following accommodations:
□ Los Fresnos, Iglesia Ebenezer, (these facilities are on the church property in town)
205 W. First Street
Los Fresnos, TX, 78566
956-233-5198
□ Dorm #1 = 7 lower bunks & 7 upper bunks, 1 shower/sink/toilet
□ Dorm #2 = 7 lower bunks & 7 upper bunks, 1 shower/sink/toilet
with kitchen facilities, dining room, and extra shower/sink/toilet behind kitchen area
□ Bayview, SWGSM facilities (these facilities are in the countryside)
28259 Pereira Compassion Road
Bayview, TX (location of SWGSM office and facilities)
(for mail, use Los Fresnos, TX, 78566)
□ Dorm #1 = 7 lower bunks & 7 upper bunks, 1 shower/sink/toilet
□ Dorm #2 = 7 lower bunks & 7 upper bunks, 1 shower/sink/toile
□ Dorm #3 = 7 lower bunks & 7 upper bunks, 4 showers/2 toilets for men and 4
showers/2 toilets for women attached with kitchen building
□ Kitchen building and Dining Hall
□ Compassion Building (2 stories, no elevator) Upstairs Dorms:
□ North side = 10 lower bunks & 10 upper bunks, 1 shower/sink/toilet
□ South side = 10 lower bunks & 10 upper bunks, 1 shower/sink/toilet
□ Downstairs Kitchen and Dining Area with 1 shower/sink/toilet
Will you be able to join us for worship (in Spanish) at 11:00 a.m. on Sunday at Iglesia Cristiana
Ebenezer? □ Yes
□ No
Attach this form and the completed Mission Work Group Questionnaire, and send with your $100
deposit. Please make a copy for your records and return to the following address:
Southwest Good Samaritan Ministries
P. O. Box 273
Los Fresnos, TX, 78566
Ph. 956-233-5198 □ Fax 956-233-8802
info@swgsm.org
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Thank you! ¡Muchas gracias!
Please send to:
SWGSM
P. O. Box 273
Los Fresnos, TX, 78566
SWGSM Mission Work Group Questionnaire
This questionnaire is to follow-up on your recent request for assistance in organizing and
implementing a Mission Work Group to SWGSM. In order to process your inquiry suitably, we will
require the following information as well as your $100 reservation deposit.
Name of Church/Organization: ________________________________________________
Address: ________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
Telephone number: ___________________ E-mail address: ________________________
Name and E-mail of principal contact person:
________________________________________________________________________
Telephone #: _______________ and/or Cell phone #:________________ of contact person.
Gender representation of group: # of women _____, # of men_____,
# of adults (18+)_____ , # of youth (12-17) _____
TOTAL Participants: ___________
Date of Mission Group Trip:
Arriving: _______________________ Departing: _____________________________
Purpose and/or project, if known, for this trip:____________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
List additional specific type of activities, if any, in which your group seeks to participate in as a
part of the trip:
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
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Southwest Good Samaritan Ministries VEHICLE RENTAL FORM
___________________________________________________________________________________________________
SWGSM is pleased to provide van rental services to volunteers and groups who need them. $100 deposit is required.
Name: ________________________________________________________________________
Church/Group/Organization: ______________________________________________________
Dates of use: ______________ through _____________.
We have two vans available, one a 15 passenger vehicle with build in step and one an 8 passenger vehicle. THE USER MUST
PICK UP AND RETURN THE VAN(S) TO THE SWGSM BAYVIEW FACILITIES.
Vehicle(s) requested:
 15 passenger van
 7 passenger van
(Please only check one vehicle per form)
Condition of Vehicle when received:
 Full tank gas
 ¾ tank gas
 ½ tank gas
 ¼ tank gas
 Very Clean
 Clean
 Dirty
 Very dirty
Mileage when received: _______________________________________________________________
Concerns prior to use: ________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
Signature of Renter (when receiving keys): _______________________________________________
Signature of SWGSM Staff member: ____________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________
Condition of Vehicle upon return: Renter must return vehicle with a full tank of gas or the $100 deposit will be
forfeited.
 Full tank gas
 ¾ tank gas
 ½ tank gas
 ¼ tank gas
 Very Clean
 Clean
 Dirty
 Very dirty
Mileage when returned: _______________________________________________________________
Condition changes during use: _________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
After fully experiencing the vehicles of SWGSM, we wish that you keep our security deposit as a donation toward
the “new vehicle fund!”
 Yes
 No, please put my deposit toward rental cost.
Vehicle rental is $50/day: Number of days _____ × $50 = Total amount owed __________________
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