The Dr. Cora Clemons Emerging Young Samaritan Award

The Story Begins...

The Dr. Cora Clemons award is inspired by the community service work and selfless spirit of our founder, Dr. Cora Clemons, R.N., M.F.C.C., M.P.H., Ph.D. In 1974, Dr. Clemons was concerned that basic social services of food, housing, and medical care were difficult to access. She saw a need and took action. When she convened her associates, family and friends to discuss the problem, they came up with the idea of forming a nonprofit social services agency located in the north central neighborhood of San Mateo. In December 1974, Samaritan House opened its doors in a two bedroom house with a Salvation Army worker, a representative from the U.C. Department of Nutrition, and visiting staff from the county health department.

Over the years, Samaritan House has grown into a vital countywide agency providing food, shelter, healthcare, clothing, counseling, worker resources, and holiday assistance to those in need. Samaritan House is more dedicated than ever to respecting and fulfilling Dr. Clemons’ vision by fighting poverty and lifting lives.

Inspired by Dr. Clemon’s life-long learning, dedication and advocacy, we are proud to announce the establishment of the Dr. Cora Clemons Emerging Young Samaritan Award.

Award Description

This annual $2,000 award recognizes a young change maker in San Mateo County, whose community service work models Dr. Clemons’ commitment to service. The award committee welcomes nominees who take initiative to make an impact in their community, and exemplify the value and power of compassion and empathy. Nominees can directly apply or be nominated by a community member.

The award committee welcomes and values all projects and work that honor Dr. Clemons’ legacy of fighting poverty and lifting lives.

Examples include, but are not limited to, the following:

Organizing and implementing community service programs/projects that serve others
Leading/promoting civic activism
Developing academic outreach programs to local individuals/groups
Advocating for environmental sustainability

Award Eligibility

The recipient should meet all of the following requirements:

16-22 years old on January 1, 2025
Lives in and serves community members in San Mateo County
Represents the commitment to community service that was modeled by Dr. Clemons

Applications must be submitted by midnight on Friday, January 24, 2025. The award recipient(s) will be selected in February and recognized at the annual Samaritan House Gala in March. To submit an application, go to https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/2025-Dr-Clemons-Emerging-Young-Samaritan-Award. You may submit the application online OR download a copy and send the completed form to [email protected].

For questions, please contact the Samaritan House Award Committee: [email protected].

Previous Winners

2024

Ethan Hua – Ethan launched the H.O.P.E. Uniforms Program to provide school uniforms to local students through an environmentally conscious initiative. The program collects gently used school uniforms and redistributes them to families in need at no cost. As of 2023, the H.O.P.E. Uniforms Program has received over 8,000 donated clothing items.

2023:

Amy Nguyen – Amy, along with a group of her peers, organized to provide menstrual products for their high school and their broader community, ensuring access to these basic supplies for all.

2022:

Emma Quanbeck – Emma created a mental health awareness campaign targeting other youth in her school
Avery and Roman Misner – Brothers Avery and Roman created and ran a food drive during COVID, collecting pantry essentials for Samaritan House at several locations.