The Good Samaritan Community
Sharing God's Love
with Every Person
"Love one another as I have loved you."
— John 13:34
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The Good Samaritan Community
"Love one another as I have loved you."
— John 13:34
"Let your light shine before others." — Matthew 5:16
The Good Samaritan Community is a faith-driven nonprofit inspired by the example of an extraordinary Priest whom our Founder had the honor of defending in various causes in which he was unjustly persecuted for doing God's work among the most unfortunate. That Priest, without realizing it, taught her what it truly means to be A GOOD SAMARITAN — and above all, he taught her who she can lovingly call the neighbor that God has entrusted to her.
As Founder of The Good Samaritan Community here in the United States, Mirna Patiño and her team extend an embrace and a dedicated gaze toward spreading God's love through meaningful service and genuine human connection. Inspired by the parable of the Good Samaritan, we are called to stop, see, and serve — going out to meet each person where they are, with no judgment and no conditions.
We believe that every person deserves dignity, a sense of belonging through God's immense blessings, and hope in the face of every trial. We are here to walk in prayer, and before the eyes of God, alongside our brothers and sisters.
Mirna Patiño is Founder, CEO, and President with 35 years as a Lawyer qualified as Juris Doctor in the United States, with an extensive record as an advocate for the legal and fundamental rights of the most vulnerable individuals. During 8 years as Founder of The Good Samaritan Community, she has acquired knowledge in authorized organisms by the Federal Government, which has permitted her to unite her knowledge of God and her teaching profession to educate others on the ideal protection of each person living in the United States — from supplementary insurance to life insurance in all its categories. Mirna has also acquired knowledge through the Catholic Legal Immigration Network, the Immigration Institute of Florida, the National Immigration Project, and other distinguished institutions. With passion and purpose, Mirna has sought to bring to the American community the foundational values of love and respect for God, the Law, and Justice.
Through eight programs — serving children, youth, families, the elderly, job seekers, neighbors in need, those navigating legal challenges, and our beloved priests — we walk alongside people in the most important moments of their lives. We offer not just resources, but relationship. Not just assistance, but hope. Because we believe that when one person is lifted up, the whole community rises with them.
All our work is grounded in scripture and guided by the teachings of Christ's love and compassion.
We serve everyone — regardless of background — meeting people where they are with grace and kindness.
We invest in sustainable growth through mentorship, education, and long-term relationship.
Each program is designed to meet real needs in our community while sharing the love and truth of Jesus Christ.
We help children build strong foundations through reading support and skill development. Children take part in fun activities, learn to read the Bible and pray, and are celebrated with gifts on special occasions like Christmas.
Building Little LightsNo young person should ever feel alone. We offer mentorship, fun activities, and after-school classes where youth learn to pray, read the scriptures, and develop essential life skills for a bright and purposeful future. We also help students identify and apply for scholarships to enter top universities — including faith-based institutions like Ave Maria University — because every young person deserves the opportunity to pursue higher education and fulfill their God-given potential.
Mentoring the Next GenerationWe help families thrive through practical skills in parenting and marriage, and offer healing through faith-based counseling, workshops, and supportive community circles for families navigating life's challenges.
Strengthening FamiliesJob readiness training, career coaching, nutrition coaching, cooking classes, and chef preparation — equipping individuals with the confidence and skills to pursue the purpose God has placed in them.
Empowering FuturesWe visit the elderly, the sick, and anyone who simply needs a friendly face, a thoughtful gift, or a warm hug. No one should ever feel forgotten — every person deserves to know they are loved and valued.
Love in ActionWe extend a helping hand to neighbors, single moms, the elderly, and anyone who needs support at home, with their car, or with tasks they simply cannot handle alone. God's love made visible through service.
Serving Our NeighborsNavigating legal matters can be overwhelming — no one should face it alone. Our legal services program offers basic guidance and support to community members who need a helping hand understanding their rights and options. We also provide aid opportunities by application to those who need financial assistance, ensuring that no one is turned away simply because of their circumstances.
Justice with CompassionOur priests give their lives in service to God and His people. Through this initiative, we seek to honor, encourage, and provide for the spiritual fathers of our community — because those who pour out so much deserve to be lifted up in return. Whether through prayer, resources, or acts of kindness, we invite you to join us in showing gratitude and love to the men who shepherd our faith.
Honoring Our ShepherdsOur Prayer Team is not a program — they are the spiritual heartbeat behind everything we do. This dedicated group of prayer warriors covers our 8 programs, our team, and every community need in intercessory prayer. They are the unseen foundation that holds our mission together.
Intercession & Spiritual SupportWe encourage not only our own events, but anything of faith or skill that can help you and your family grow, heal, and thrive together.
📍 Miami, FL🗓 Date TBAA powerful women's retreat — a time of renewal, healing, and deep encounter with God.
📍 Conference Room🕙 10:30 AM — SaturdayCome learn how you can serve and make a real difference in your community. All are welcome!
📍 Details Coming SoonAn evening of praise, worship, and prayer open to all. Bring a neighbor and experience the joy of community.
📍 St. Margaret Catholic Church🗓 Date TBAA celebration of community — games, food, fellowship, and joy for the whole family.
📍 Details Coming Soon🗓 August — Date TBAA free community information meeting offering guidance on insurance options and real estate resources available to you and your family. Open to all.
Each member of our team brings unique gifts and a shared heart for serving God and loving people unconditionally.
Dr. Mirna Patiño holds over 35 years of studies and experience in the legal field, criminology, organizational relations, and other areas. She is passionate about defending the human rights of individuals. Throughout her professional career, she has participated in serving communities across different countries. In her service to the American community, our leader has been chosen by God for a very special mission: to found and lead an organization where the most vulnerable find not only the hand of a Good Samaritan, but also empathy, education, and support in their different life processes. Throughout her life, Dr. Mirna has dedicated herself to helping individuals and families overcome challenges, reach their goals, and find hope through faith, compassion, and guidance. Throughout her entire journey, she has truly practiced love for others, as her own challenges have never been a limitation to offering a warm embrace, a smile, and excellent service to people. The wisdom, joy, strength, and unwavering commitment of Dr. Mirna Patiño toward people have become the heart of this community. Her passion for serving others, combined with her deep faith in God and years of professional and humanitarian experience, inspire every program and initiative we carry out. Every program has been proposed, created, and driven forward by her. Those who know Dr. Mirna recognize her by her servant's heart, integrity, and dedication to guiding those in need to turn their challenges into strengths, achieve their goals, and present them to God. Dr. Mirna leads our Good Samaritan Community with love, purpose, and faith — and maintains the firm belief that every person deserves dignity, support, and many opportunities to thrive in every positive aspect of life.
Arlene Milagros Carratala is a dedicated servant leader with over 30 years of experience in administrative management, nonprofit operations, and community development. Her extensive background spans organizational leadership, program coordination, and strategic planning — bringing both structure and heart to everything she does. For 25 years, Arlene has served as a Youth Director, pouring her passion and expertise into the lives of young people, guiding them toward faith, purpose, and personal growth. She has also directed a wide range of community programs, consistently demonstrating her ability to build meaningful connections and create lasting impact across diverse populations. As Executive Assistant to the Founder and CEO, Arlene is the steady hand behind daily operations, ensuring that the vision and mission of The Good Samaritan Community are carried out with excellence, compassion, and integrity. Her unwavering commitment to God, people, and service makes her an irreplaceable pillar of this ministry.
Fabiola Hernandez brings both a nurturing heart and a strong passion for serving others to her role within the community. As Co-Founder of The Good Samaritan Community, she is dedicated to creating faith-filled, welcoming spaces where children and families can learn, grow, and feel supported. Through her work, Fabiola focuses on developing community programs that promote education, compassion, guidance, and hope for all underserved families and individuals — including immigrants, low-income families, the elderly, and anyone in need of legal guidance and support. Currently pursuing her legal education in the United States, she is passionate about helping others navigate life's challenges with dignity, empathy, and integrity — whether related to immigration, family matters, housing, workers' rights, or other legal needs. Her commitment to faith, family, and community service continues to inspire programs centered on love, encouragement, and meaningful support for those in need.
Fabiana Hernández is a professional specialist in Culinary Arts and a career Chef in the United States, with a passion for cooking that began at just 12 years of age. She has developed and specialized in the Michelin and fine dining industry across the United States, bringing excellence, creativity, and dedication to everything she creates. Fabiana is a talented and accomplished Chef with a beautiful heart, known for her remarkable ability to craft rich flavor combinations and seasonings that have earned her the admiration of the American community that has watched her grow — both as a Chef and as a citizen who contributes meaningfully to American society. Fabiana has a deep love for serving and teaching others to thrive. As time goes on, she continues to strengthen her faith in God, knowing that He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. She also believes that helping others nourish themselves wisely and healthfully is a beautiful expression of the First Commandment — to love God above all things and to love your neighbor as yourself. Through nutrition education, culinary programs, and wellness guidance, Fabiana seeks to reach every person, inspiring a spirit of gratitude and prayer at every shared meal — grateful to God for His provision and joyful in the gift of serving others. We are grateful to Fabiana for joining us in this mission of serving God and our community.
Flavia Hernandez is a Co-Founder of The Good Samaritan Community whose heart for people and deep faith in God drive everything she does. She is currently pursuing her degree in Counseling with the vision of one day overseeing the Counseling Program within this nonprofit — bringing professional healing, guidance, and hope to the many individuals and families who need it. Flavia believes that true healing begins with God, and she is committed to preparing herself to serve others with excellence, compassion, and purpose. We look forward to the tremendous impact she will have on this community in the years ahead.
By Mirna Patiño
Each of us was born carrying a world of emotions within us — some given to us at birth, others shaped by the seasons of life, and others born in the quiet or turbulent moments we have lived. Por Una Emoción invites you on a profound journey inward, to understand the emotions that have driven your choices, shaped your identity, and defined your story.
Through wisdom, reflection, and faith, Mirna Patiño guides readers to discover the emotions they were born with, those created through life's experiences, and those awakened by every moment lived — and to find healing, purpose, and God's love at the center of them all.
Whether you serve once or become a weekly cornerstone, every act of love matters in God's kingdom. Join us on July 19th to learn how you can get involved.
"Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me." — Matthew 25:40
