On Sunday, December 6, 2015, I had the pleasure of meeting with Susan White, daughter of former Executive Director Walter W. White, and her sons Nick and Christopher in my office at Mariners Inn.

Instantly, after brief introductions, I could feel the type of connection that has been evident in this organization since its inception as a beacon of hope and renewed health.

Listening to Susan reminisce about visiting Mariners Inn when it only consisted on the 445 building was both inspiring and enlightening.

When I informed her that one of our philosophical tag lines is "This is where the miracles happen", she immediately responded that her dad would tell everyone that "this is where the magic happens".

I learned that a number of the recovery tools that her father implemented during his tenure are still being used today to promote self-determination.

Susan was able to transform our conversation in a way that made me feel that Rev. White was in our midst. When I informed her that one of our philosophical tag lines is "This is where the miracles happen", she immediately responded that her dad would tell everyone that "this is where the magic happens".

After the goosebumps subsided, I took the family on a tour of the new additions and the original 445 building that Susan was still familiar with after nearly 30 years. It was a truly awesome experience that I will treasure always. It is empowering to know that the mission of Mariners Inn was deeply rooted in the leadership of Rev. White, and that his legacy of helping traditions lives in us today.

It is empowering to know that the mission of Mariners Inn was deeply rooted in the leadership of Rev. White, and that his legacy of helping traditions lives in us today.

I thank God for reconnecting us with the White family, and I look forward to continuing the mission of Mariners Inn. Thank you, Susan, Nick, Christopher, and the White family.

- David Sampson, CEO, Mariners Inn

Dear Mariners Inn,

With the Christmas season approaching, our Mother/Grand mom/Great Grand mom wanted to do something special this year for her six children, her eight grandchildren and eight great grandchildren. She wanted to make a donation in the name of our father, who loved Christmas and giving to others, especially to those in need. As the former Executive Director, Mariners Inn was an important part of his life and played a part in all of our lives as well as we were growing up.

Our father lived in his office during his first year at Mariners Inn, sleeping on a cot and eating with the men. His family was still in West Virginia and two weekends a month he would drive home to be with us. Eventually he found us a home in Michigan and we made the move. One of the men from Mariners Inn, Erskin Langston, helped us with our move and went with us as we went to our very first Detroit Tigers game.

We knew these men our father worked with had addictions or were down on their luck but Dad didn't dwell on that, instead he told us of the kindness and compassion they showed.

Dad would come home and tell us stories of the men he got to know: Big John, a man with a big heart and bigger smile. Trinkets, who wore a trench coat filled with small trinkets he would sell on the street. Dad would tell stories of taking the men camping and on their first canoe ride, the canoe tipping over and how the laughing echoed across the lake. We knew these men our father worked with had addictions or were down on their luck but Dad didn't dwell on that, instead he told us of the kindness and compassion they showed. Our family dog, a Golden Retriever named Buck, became the unofficial mascot for Mariners Inn for several years. When Buck was older and was dying, several of the men stayed up with him through the night to help ease his suffering until he passed, gently stroking him, making sure he had his favorite ball with him.

Dad spoke of the gardens the men planted and how they would tend to the flowers and food they planted. He took us to the Mariner's Church, introduced us to the Bishop and Board members, but the men were the most important. He would tell us that no matter what we have, there are others with less. If we were hungry, there were others who didn't know when or where their next meal would come from. Yes, Mariners Inn and the men who reside there played an important part in all of our lives.

When we visited, Dad would introduce us to the people who worked there as well as the men who lived there. In showing us the Chapel, Big John said to one of us, "This is where the real magic happens". But we would disagree - the real magic may begin in the Chapel but it happens all over Mariners Inn.

the real magic may begin in the Chapel but it happens all over Mariners Inn.

Our mother wanted to give to us by giving to Mariners Inn in the name of our father. We took her idea and decided to add to her gift. So please accept this gift in memory of Walter White, former Executive Director of Mariners Inn, and in honor of his wife, Helen White. For the men who live there, the people who work there, and for the lives you have changed and hearts you have touched over the years and for continuing to do so every day. Our father would be so proud of how Mariners Inn has grown.

Thank you and Merry Christmas!

From the family of Helen White and the former Executive Director, Walter White