Donnie Pope is the first to admit that he has lived a difficult life, however, his hope has been restored by the love and mercy he has received through Jesus Christ.

HOPENOWA Publication of the VISALIA RESCUE MISSION

rescue - recovery - restoration Spring 2014Volume 5 | Issue 1

Danny LittleMark Shelton

Jessica CavaleMolly Schengel

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENTDIRECTOR OF COMM. DEVELOPMENT

Mark SheltonCHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD

John AndersonVICE-CHAIR

Linda LaFleur SECRETARY

Josh BergmanSteve BiswellScott BoslerKaren De GrootMike De GrootJohn KosterRance Milliniks

Brad ReendersMarc SchuilRob Van GrouwJudy Vannette

Hope Now 2

HOPE NOW MAGAZINE

TABLE OF CONTENTS

THE ISSUE OF HOMELESSNESS

VOLUNTEERING YOUR VOCATION

You’ve probably seen them around town. Maybe in The Oval? Asking for money on the side of the road? It’s no surprise that the issues of homelessness has populated the front of the paper or been discussed at City Council meetings. Read more about some of the solutions we are offering. Pgs. 4 - 8

A year ago, we were approached by a couple who had heard Danny speak at their church. Moved to action, they wanted to not only offer their time, but their vocation. See how they are using their vocation to help change lives. Pg. 14

04

14

MAILING ADDRESS: P.O. Box 109 Visalia, CA 93279TELEPHONE: 559.740.4178 EMAIL: hope@vrmhope.org

WEBSITE: www.vrmhope.org

Spring 2014 | Volume 5 Issue 1 | April 7, 2014

Produced byPublished by Connect with us on these Social Media Platforms

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Hope Now 3

LETTER FROM DANNY

Please continue to pray for us in our desire to facilitate

change so that the human heart can be directed to our

Lord Jesus Christ.

Danny Little

Executive Director

“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that

they may have life, and have it to the full.” - John 10:10

As we are well into

2014, we are ready to

press on to meet the

needs of this coming

year. On average

we now house over

200 individuals each

night. We will house,

clothe, bathe, and feed many of our community’s

hurting with the hope of life change. We have seen

over 210 of our previously homeless men placed into

permanent housing. What we are ultimately striving to

offer is hope. Hope for safety, hope for change, hope

for tomorrow, hope for a Savior.

12

REPURPOSEDTREASURES

OUT OF THE SHADOWS

We are excited to announce that we are expanding our Simply Chic Boutique location on Main Street to house and sell restored furniture! We have extended our store into the old Embellish and Restore location.Pgs. 12 - 13

Donnie came to the Rescue Mission for a bed, and instead found a new start to life. After staying in our Overnight Shelter for a month, he entered our Next Steps Program. It was there that his life really started to change. Pgs. 10 - 11

10

Hope Now 4

HomelessnessTHE ISSUE OF

Hope Now 5

Hope Now 6

HomelessnessYou’ve probably seen them around town. Maybe in The Oval? Asking for money on

the side of the road? It’s no surprise that the issues of homelessness has populated

the front of the paper and been discussed at City Council meetings. Panhandling

and homelessness have become a popular topic of conversation in our community,

and for good reason. Homelessness is a real issue.

According to the most recent Point-in-Time Homeless count, nationally there are

633,782 experiencing homelessness on any given night1. In our community alone,

there is an average of 2,115 homeless individuals sleeping on our streets. 2

Each one of these individuals has a unique story to tell about how they ended up

on the streets. Some were born into families of addiction, some suffer from mental

illness, and some have just fallen on hard times.

THE ISSUE OF

We have an amazing team in our community that annually surveys

homeless individuals to hear their story, collect data, and listen

their needs. According to these volunteers and the Kings/Tulare

Continuum of Care on Homelessness, the top three reasons for

homelessness are lack of affordable housing, unemployment

and substance abuse. On top of that, 37.7% are disabled, 31%

suffer from mental illness, and 13% are veterans struggling to re-

acclimate to society3.

When asked, local homeless community members said their top

three areas of need were food, housing assistance and health care.

Sometimes, something as simple as a meal is all an individual

needs to get back on their feet. For others, it might take case man-

agement and connecting them to local resources. Thankfully, that

is why the Rescue Mission exists. To help meet each of these needs,

so that each individual can get back on their feet, knowing the love

At the Rescue Mission, we focus on 3 main goals: RESCUE – RECOVERY – RESTORATION.

When it comes to addressing the needs of our homeless community members, we provide the following…

(1) U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Annual Homelessness Assessment Report 2012. https://www.onecpd.info/resources/documents/AHAR-2013-Part1.pdf(2) Kings/Tulare County Continuum of Care on Homelessness. 2013 Point In Time. 2013.

(3) National Alliance to End Homelessness. Snapshots of Homelessness.http://www.endhomelessness.org/pages/snapshot_of_homelessness(4) USC School of Social Work. Facing Mental Illness. 2011.http://msw.usc.edu/mswusc-blog/facing-mental-illness-infographic

of Jesus Christ. Homelessness may be an issue but there is HOPE.

Through our services and the Next Steps Program, in 2013, 210 of our

guests got off the street and into permanent housing. We have put a

lot of time, thought and prayer into the services we offer down at the

Mission, and we know that the services we provide are working! Each

and every program at the Mission is provided so that we can share the

love of Christ. From that, people are being fed, individuals are getting

off the street, and lives are being changed.

So yes, homelessness is a real issue in our community, but there are

solutions. The staff at the Visalia Rescue Mission is working hard to

provide holistic services that meet the spiritual, physical and emo-

tional needs of our guests. We invite you to join with us as we open

our doors to help those in need to get off the streets and back on their

feet with dignity.

Our Approach

Our community

Kitchen serves 500

meals a day; 365

days a year. We serve

breakfast, lunch, and

dinner to anyone who

might be hungry, no

questions asked. We

will never turn anyone

way. We believe that a

warm meal is our first

connection to getting

them the help they

need. Hope begins

with a meal.

For anyone who

comes to us, we

provide daily shower

times for them to

come and keep clean,

preventing diseases

and the spreading of

illness.

We have an overnight

shelter for men and for

women and children.

We provide showers,

laundry, bedding,

and storage to those

who do not have a

safe place to stay.

We believe that by

providing a safe, good

night’s sleep, these

individuals will have

a better chance of

getting back on their

feet.

In collaboration with

the City of Visalia, we

opened a Storage

Program last year,

allowing individuals

who are living on the

streets a safe and

secure place to store

their belongings.

Participants no longer

have to lug around

their belongings and

can instead focus on

what they need to do

to get back on their

feet and possibly into

one of our programs at

the VRM.

Those who come

to us for help have

an option to meet

with one of our

case-managers. The

case-manager takes

time to listen to their

story and map out a

individualized action

plan of what steps

they need to take to

get off the streets.

This is the most

dynamic service we

offer to homeless

individuals. For

those who choose

to enroll in our Next

Steps Program, they

live on campus,

receive training, case

management and

job experience. Each

individual volunteers

32 hours a week back

to the Mission in a

variety of ways. By

doing so, they are

gaining valuable work

experience.

food showers shelter storage casemangement

next stepsprogram

Collaborative Storage Program: the Visalia Rescue Mission has partnered with the City of Visalia to facilitate a storage program that allows

individuals who are living on the streets a safe and secure place to temporarily store their belongings.

COMMUNITY KITCHEN

COMMUNITY CENTER

Below is our VRM Resource Card. We ask that instead of

handing out money to those in need, that you hand out this

card, which has all of our information, locations and meal

times. This is a great way to provide someone in need with

WHAT CAN YOU DO TO HELP?a valuable resource that will help them beyond just one

meal. Go online to www.vrmhope.org to print OR call us at

559.740.4178 and we will deliver a stack of resource cards to

your office or business.

Build with Us

If you are a regular giver to the Visalia Rescue Mission, we are asking that you give ABOVE & BEYOND

for these two years to help us reach our goal, transform lives and share the Hope and Restoration of

Jesus Christ to those in our City!

If you have not given to the Mission in a financial capacity before, we are asking that you become a reg-

ular donor towards our Capital Campaign for 2014 and 2015! This is an exciting time for the Mission and

we trust that the Lord will do great things through each of you!

If you have a business and would like to get your employees involved by launching a very simple em-

ployee deduction plan for this campaign, we’d love to help you! With the few easy steps you can get

your company and employees invested in the cause of life-change and transformation of the Visalia

Rescue Mission!

We invite you to join and Build HOPE with Us!

We are excited to launch a Capital Campaign for funding for 2014-2015! Our goal is to raise 1.6 million dollars which will

allow the Mission to move forward in meeting the growing needs of our community.

How Will You Build?

MAIL THE BOTTOM PORTION OF THIS PAGE BACK TO US IN THE INCLUDED ENVELOPE OR CONTACT US FOR MORE INFORMATION AT 559-740-4178 EXT. 204 | HOPE@VRMHOPE.ORG

Hope Now 10

Outof

the Shadows

Donnie first came to the Mission in search for a bed. After being released from Tulare County Jail late one night, he roamed the streets of Visalia for weeks, wondering what he would do and where he could go. “The streets were hard,” said Donnie, “I would just walk and walk and walk for days on end, because I didn’t know what else to do.”

Donnie came from a family of addicts. Born in Porterville, his parents were heroin addicts and alcoholics, exposing him to abuse at a young age. Personally, he struggled with drug abuse for 36 years of his life. Donnie continued, “I’ve come from a lot of evil, I have experienced dark and wicked places. But the VRM has

saved me from that darkness. They showed me that I had options, and that I wouldn’t be alone.”

Donnie came to the Rescue Mission for a bed, and instead found a new start to life. After staying in our Overnight Shelter for a month, he entered our Next Steps Program. It was there that his life really started to change. “Next Steps provided me the freedom to not have to worry about my next meal, or where I would sleep. I could finally rest and refocus on getting my life back together.” Donnie met with his caseworker and they worked out an individual action plan for the steps he needed to take. From there, he started volunteering his time back to the Mission by helping in the thrift

the Next Step Program

“Working at the Mission has taught me so much. It’s taught me

responsibility, time management and how to build healthy

relationships. It also taught me that I have something to offer, and

that I am valuable.”

Hope Now 11

department. It was there that he remembers feeling normal again. “Working at the Mission has taught me so much. It’s taught me responsibility, time management and how to build healthy relationships. It also taught me that I have something to offer, and that I am valuable.”

When asked what the biggest change in his life has been, he answered, “Learning about the love and

grace of a relationship with Jesus Christ. I feel like, through Jesus, I have been given another chance.”At 50, Donnie is a new man. He has been restored through a relationship with Jesus Christ and the help of our Next Steps Program. As I was wrapping up the interview with Donnie, he started to leave the room when he turned back and said, “ This is where my life starts. It’s by God’s grace that I have a new start”.

written by Molly Schengel

N E W L Y E X P A N D E D & G R O W I N G

Hope Now 12

At the Rescue Mission, we are in the business of restoration. We exist to restore purpose, hope, and dignity through Jesus Christ. We are also in the business of restoring and re-purposing furniture. Anything from side tables to dining room chairs, we see the beauty in unseen treasures. We rescue these amazing finds so that we can support the real life restoration happening on our campus.

We are excited to announce that we are expanding our Simply Chic Boutique location on Main Street. We have expanded our store into the old Embellish and Restore building, where we are now selling newly restored and hand painted furniture items. We invite you to come down and take a look at our newly expanded store and the extensive new collection of carefully refurbished furni-ture. As always, all proceeds from furniture sales and our Thrift Stores go directly to supporting the life changing programs at the VRM! So stop in for a visit and take a look at our amazing new line of beautifully restored furniture!

simply chic boutique

R E S T O R A T I O N

& R E C O V E R Y

Hope Now 13

simply chic boutique

come visit our new expanded store at 100 E. Main Street

Hope Now 14

Thanks to our Medical Clinic Volunteers, we are now able to

provide a more holistic service to those in need, ensuring that

life change is possible and it is taking place each and every day

right here in our community and at the VRM.

“It is a privilege to get to be a part of their recovery. The Rescue

Mission really is making a difference, and it is humbling to see.”

Maria, Healthcare Administrator.

Volunteering Your Vocation

At the Rescue Mission, we are always trying to provide the most well-

rounded and holistic services we can. We realize that in order for our

guests to get back on their feet, they have a lot of hurdles they need

to overcome. We also realize that we cannot meet these needs on

our own.

That is why we rely on volunteers to come alongside us and serve!

A year ago, we were approached by a couple who had heard Danny

speak at their church. Moved to action, they wanted to not only offer

their time, but their vocation. As a nurse practitioner of 30+ years and

a Health Care Administrator with 20 + years in rural health, they knew

they could offer a valuable service. In no time, they put together

what is now the Rescue Mission Medical Clinic. This clinic is open

to anyone in our Next Step Program or Drug and Alcohol Recovery

Programs. The clinic is hosted two times a month seeing anywhere

from 10- 20 individuals a night. The focus is first on listening to each

story, then they are able to screen, identify the need, treat, and

prescribe appropriate treatment. All for free.

“Most of what we see is fixable for 3 cents,” said Nurse practitioner

Paul,” but when it goes without treatment, they end up in the ER and

costing thousands.”

Not only are our guests being cared for and treated, but we are taking

key steps to make sure these individuals don’t end up in the ER.

“What they are really giving us is an opportunity for our residents to

heal physically so that they can really focus on healing spiritually,”

said Lindsay Baldwin, Director of Volunteers at the Mission

That is exactly what we are seeing. This amazing team of volunteers

that has grown from 2 people to 5 people. Each one taking a personal

interest in our guests as they hear their stories and determine the

best way to serve their physical needs.

Volunteer Highlights: Paul and Maria are nurse practitioners who heard Danny speak about the VRM and were moved to action. After realizing that there was no one providing medical sup-port for the homeless, they offered their services and opened a VRM Medical clinic.

Take Action! We are proud of the various ministries that

we’ve created, but maybe you see a way that

your skills and gifting could create greater

impact. Contact Lindsay Baldwin at lindsay@vrmhope.org or 740.4178

By Volunteering Your Vocation

Hope Now 15

Building “Hope and Restoration through Jesus Christ” is what the

Mission’s focus is all about. We

primarily do this by coming

alongside those that come to

us and provide for their physical

needs such as food, clothing and many other needs they may

have. In doing this we are allowed the privilege to share the

Gospel of Jesus Christ which is where restoration begins. Now

it is obvious, perhaps, that we need such supplies like food,

clothing and funds to provide these basic things. What may be

overlooked at times are the facilities and buildings needed to

provide such dynamic services. It was just over a year ago that

we completed the bottom story of the new Community Center.

But what many don’t know is that the second floor is still just a

shell inside and still needs to be completed. So we are setting

out to raise the money needed to complete that project which

will directly improve how we provide services to those that come

to us. We are very excited about getting this accomplished as

soon as possible. We are introducing the VRM’s Building Hope

Campaign for 2014-2015. We will need approximately $1,600,000

to fully fund our campaign. Please consider an additional gift

toward this project…. We would love to give you a tour of the

Community Center to see firsthand what needs to be completed.

Blessings….

Mark SheltonPresident of the Board

Letter from Chairman of the Board

FOR A TOUR OR CAMPAIGN INFORMATIONEMAIL: JESSICA@VRMHOPE.ORG

Easter Community Meal: Saturday April 19thCome join us as we serve our Community Easter Meal and celebrate the resurrection of Jesus together! We would love to have you come and serve alongside us! Contact Lindsay Baldwin at Lindsay@vrmhope.org.

Scott Smith Golf Tournament: Friday April 25th Registration 8am - Tee-off 9am The Visalia Association of Firefighters are holding a golf tournament in memory of Visalia Fire Captain Scott Smith. Come out for a fun day of golf and to remember an amazing man that served our community. All proceeds will go directly to the VRM. To sign up go to: www.golfcreekridge.com/smithinvitational.com

Visalia Prayer Breakfast: Thursday May 1st 7am - 9am The Visalia Rescue Mission will be hosting the Prayer Breakfast again this year! As a community, we will join in fellowship and pray together for our City, community, and churches. Come and join us for a dynamic morning of prayer and encouragement. For more information as well as ticket and sponsor options, go to www.vrmhope.org/calendar

Express Employment Refresh Leadership Simulcast: Wednesday April 16th The Refresh Leadership Live Simulcast is YOUR opportunity to come together with members of our business community to learn more about the principles of great leadership. Speakers this year include: John Mackey//Dick Vitale//Christine Cashen. All proceeds go directly to the Visalia Rescue Mission.For more information, go to www.refreshleadership.com/live

5th Annual Golf Skills Challenge: Friday August 15Registration 7:30am - Tee Off 9amCome and test your skills on the golf course and help support the VRM while you’re at it! Our Annual Golf Tournament is based on the “Big Break” and will be full of fun, competitive challenges. All proceeds will go directly to the VRM.

Frampton Guitar Circus: Friday August 29th

The Visalia Rescue Mission is presenting an amazing night of guitar-hero pyrotechnics and gutsy rhythm-and-blues. Grammy®-winning guitarist Peter Frampton and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee, the Real Deal, Buddy Guy, set the night on fire with indelibly searing performances. For tickets and more information, go to www.ovalpark.org or www.vrmhope.org

V ISA

LIA, CALIFORNIA 93277

NON-PROFITORGANIZATION

U.S. POSTAGE

PAIDPERMIT NO. 119

UPCOMING EVENTS

VisaliaPRAYERBreakfastThursday May 1stVisalia Convention CenterCommunity.Together.In Prayer