Society offered hope when staffer felt hopeless

Posted: 03/14/2022

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Finding connection with others at the Good Samaritan Society can be a lifesaver.

Singing “Amazing Grace” with piano-playing resident Dorothy Manz, Traie Dockter can’t help but think of a tumultuous time before her service at the Society.

“That’s my story. I was lost. I was in a very dark and lost place. I came to the Good Samaritan and it gave me hope. God helped me see light,” the senior living sales specialist says.

‘Socially disconnected, emotionally in pain’

When Traie isn’t shining on residents at Heritage Grove, she’s moving people into one of the 94 apartments or spreading the good word out in the community of East Grand Forks, Minnesota.

“Oh, Traie! She’s just always ready to be here and handy. Anytime I need her there she is,” resident Jeannine Aflaa says.

Before joining the Society five years ago, Traie’s life was heading in a different direction.

“I’ve been moved by her growth. I just see a confidence in her that was not there when I first met her and I’m grateful for that,” administrator Michaun Shetler says.

Underemployed or without work for four years and going through a divorce, the mother of two was applying for two positions a day with no luck.