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As a civil war refugee from El Salvador, Miguel Ayala first came to Good Samaritan in 1992 for ESL classes. He learned English, earned a GED, and began volunteering to help Good Sam families. Deeply concerned about the adverse effects of violence, drugs, and gangs on community children, and desperate to give youth a positive, healthy alternative to the streets, Miguel responded by forming the Good Samaritan Youth Soccer Program. With the help of the Mission District Police Department, Mission Soccer League, SF Parks and Recreation, and other community supporters, Miguel has organized his Good Sam kids into a strong, disciplined, 8-team soccer league which has been involved in local and statewide competitions since 1993.
Miguel is truly dedicated to helping his community. “After I got my GED, I was able to teach other adults how to prepare for theirs, too,” he says. He also organized professional asthma and dental screenings for children in local public schools and at Good Samaritan Family Resource Center. “I enjoy working with youth and families,” he says simply. Our community is blessed to have had 15 years of selfless, compassionate service from Good Samaritan people like Miguel Ayala.
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When I was new in town seeking help, I was lucky to find Good Samaritan. I got professional guidance and services from the staff. During my many visits here, I saw that the staff offered many useful resources and services to the immigrant community and treated everyone with compassion and respect. It is good to know that we can count on Good Samaritan when we are in need of a helping hand.
