Lynne Sipiora: Texan of the Year - Changing the world for people in need

Author's Note: This column appeared in the Op/Ed pages of the December 4, 2008 edition of the Dallas Morning News, in conjunction with the newspaper's annual Texan of the Year designation - due to be disclosed Dec. 30.
This is the original submission, which was edited for space requirements.
She has never thrown the winning touchdown pass to capture the Rose Bowl, Cotton Bowl or Super Bowl; nor has she won a Grammy or any political office. All she has done is … change the world; at least for some people in need here in Collin County.
As executive director of the Samaritan Inn, the only homeless shelter in Collin County, Lynne Sipiora proudly marshals the task of providing food, shelter, counseling and the possibility of a better future to a group of folks many would rather forget. And on April 9, 2008, she achieved one of her goals for the Inn – the finished construction and opening of the Gateway Apartments project in McKinney, the first transitional housing unit for homeless people in Collin County.
For that important achievement to humanity, she deserves her nomination for Texan of the Year by the Dallas Morning News.
Think for one moment what Gateway represents to its residents. For the first time in ages, 20 families (and more in the future) can re-emerge into society as functional, productive citizens; a crucial stage of establishing a sense of independence and dignity at a juncture when hope has been reignited after so much pain and loss. Plain and simple, without Lynne’s initiative and oversight, it would never have become a reality.
Sipiora singularly hoisted this challenge on her shoulders and willed Gateway’s completion, doing it without one red cent from any governmental agency. She found the perfect silent partner in Dallas philanthropist Marc Sparks, who totally funded the construction and property purchase; got the builders, Darling Brothers, to do the work at cost; and convinced numerous businesses, churches, social groups and individuals to sponsor various aspects of the everyday Gateway regimen.
Lynne’s daily task at the Inn is difficult enough; each resident has a tale of woe and reasons for their predicament. There is the added heartbreaking burden of having to turn away others (including families with children, the hidden innocent victims of homelessness) due to a lack of space and resources. This work can crush most normal spirits and souls, but she always rises to the challenge (even if it takes more than a scoop of Rocky Road as a boost).
Add to this her backbreaking schedule of meetings, speeches, fundraising activities, executive and committee session, as well as the role of mother and wife – at which she also excels.
“Sometimes it’s pretty overwhelming, but I love my job, it is my passion,” she once wrote me. Her passion and performance earned her the 2007 Executive Director of the Year award from the Texas Homeless Network – and that was BEFORE Gateway was finished.
With Gateway completed, Lynne has her sights focused on the next logical step – a homeless children’s day care center on property next to the complex. If office space were relocated, it would open an additional 30 beds to help people – to change their world. Only a foolish person would bet against her on this.
As many of you have read on these pages, no one can put a definitive face on “the homeless” – they represent the same cross-section of society, like most neighborhoods from which they come (race, age, gender, educational background, cause). In far too many cases, they have become mirror images of ourselves – people who worked hard, followed the rules and searched for the American dream.
However, a stumble here, an illness there, or a divorce where one former spouse was left without adequate financial support placed them into circumstances beyond their control … and out of control. The problem in these rough economic times is only becoming more acute, not better, and the services offered by the Samaritan Inn will be needed more than ever in Collin County.
If, for whatever reason fate decides, should it be you or I who faces such trials and tribulations, you need that oft-dreaded four-letter word, “help,” the person who want, you need, to be at your side is Lynne Sipiora – to change your world. She is truly a worthy recipient for any Texan of the Year honor.
To learn more about the Samaritan Inn, or to donate and/or volunteer, go to thesamaritaninn.org.