JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (WHL) — One of the largest non-profit organizations in the region celebrated its 40th anniversary in the same building it started in on Sunday.

Mary Lou Copeland founded Good Samaritan Ministries from the basement of East Pine Grove Park Methodist Church.

Aaron T. Murphy, the executive director of the non-profit, has helped Good Samaritan Ministries serve nine counties throughout East Tennessee during that time.

“Some of the biggest accomplishments that we’ve done over the past 40 years are feeding the hungry. We believe that no family, no individual should go hungry,” Murphy told News Channel 11. “It wasn’t just the food, but it was rent and utility assistance. We also provide to those who are struggling and making ends meet.”

The non-profit’s secretary, Corey Blaske, said this region truly exemplifies what a good Samaritan is.

“Not even just in the ministry, but just out in the community, you can just tell that people really care about each other and want to do anything that they can for each other,” Blaske said.

Murphy and Blaske are now both setting their sights on the next 40 years.

Murphy told News Channel 11 that his goals were “sharing the love of Jesus. That’s first and foremost. But in addition to that, providing education to families, as well as mentoring.”

Blaske added that his goals were, “continued service is, you know, as we get more entrenched into the community, and more people are going to hear about us, and so just getting people involved.”

You can find more about the non-profit here.