Honoring and Uplifting Seniors Across the Globe
At Samaritan’s Feet, we believe dignity and mobility should be accessible at every age. That belief is at the heart of the Samaritan’s Feet Seniors Program, which since its creation in 2021 has provided over 25,000 pairs of shoes to older adults across the United States. The program is dedicated to equipping seniors with anti-slip, lightweight shoes that help prevent falls, encourage independence, and promote overall wellness while reminding them that they are seen, valued, and loved.
This September, our commitment to older adults took center stage as we recognized National Fall Prevention Awareness Month. Across seven states, Samaritan’s Feet hosted senior-focused shoe distributions, serving more than 1,100 seniors with new anti-slip shoes designed to support safety and comfort. Volunteers shared conversations, laughter, and heartfelt moments with participants, creating experiences that went far beyond the gift of shoes. Each pair represented connection and care, reminding every senior that their steps still matter deeply.
That same spirit of compassion extended beyond U.S. borders as Samaritan’s Feet partnered with its global affiliates to honor the International Day of Older Persons on October 1st. From Ghana and South Africa to Nigeria, the Philippines, El Salvador, Hong Kong, and several communities across the U.S., teams came together to celebrate and serve older adults in meaningful ways. Each country approached the day uniquely, with some offering health screenings and fellowship events and others pairing distributions with local outreach and intergenerational connection, but all shared a common purpose: to show gratitude and love to those who have given so much.
“As Manager of Senior Programs at Samaritan’s Feet International, I’ve witnessed the profound difference a thoughtful gift of shoes can make to seniors worldwide, especially as we honored National Fall Prevention Awareness Month and the International Day of Older Persons,” said Deborah Cox-Roush, Senior Programs Manager. “These specially designed shoes don’t just fit comfortably—they empower seniors with greater mobility, reduce the heartbreaking risk of falls, and restore a vital sense of dignity and independence. Each pair we distribute is more than footwear; it’s a beacon of hope, enabling our elders to step confidently into their golden years, surrounded by the care and support they deserve.”
In total, our affiliates served over 3000 seniors across the world in celebration of this special day, demonstrating the incredible power of unity when compassion crosses borders. These efforts highlight how small acts of kindness can create lasting impact by reducing fall risks, fostering independence, and honoring the wisdom and strength of our senior community.
As we look to the future, Samaritan’s Feet remains committed to expanding our reach, strengthening partnerships, and continuing to bring comfort, safety, and encouragement to seniors everywhere. We invite you to join us in this mission, your support helps us reach more communities, touch more lives, and provide even more seniors around the world with the confidence and care that comes from a new pair of shoes.
