SPRING 2013
A Quarterly Publication of the
VISALIA RESCUE MISSION
volume 4 | Issue 1
A CHANGED LIFE pg.
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“I can honestly say...I have no doubt there is a God and He loves me.”
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FUGAZZI’S GIVES BACK A favorite local restaurant is partnering with the VRM for a day of giving back on April 11th, 2013.
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SPRING CLEANING Spring Cleaning time is here again, but this year you don’t have to sweat it. We’re here to help.
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PRAYER BREAKFAST Join us on May 2nd, as we gather to pray for our Nation and Community. Featuring Will Graham.
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SPRING 2013 Issue 1 - April 15, 2013
Hope & restoration Discover What’s inside 03
Message From Danny
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VRM Needs List
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Events Calendar
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A Changed Life
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Spring Cleaning
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Volunteer Spotlight
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Fugazzi’s Gives Back
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Prayer Breakfast
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You’re Important
Executive Director Danny Little shares his thoughts from the winter season. We have created a list of items that would greatly benefit our Mission. See how you can help. See all the upcoming happenings with the Rescue Mission and plan to be a part. “God has brought me hope and restoration through the Rescue Mission...” -Program Graduate Want to find out where your donations to the Rescue Mission go? Find out more here. Meet one of our lovely volunteers, Margie Carrol, & find out about one of our newest volunteer opportunities.
our team EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Danny Little CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD Mark Shelton DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT Jessica Cavale DIRECTOR OF COMM. DEVELOPMENT Molly Schengel CREATIVE DIRECTOR Eric Riley PRODUCED BY 4Creeks Marketing PHOTOGRAPHY BY Third Element Studios PUBLISHED BY Visalia Rescue Mission MAILING ADDRESS: P.O. Box 109 Visalia, CA 93279 TELEPHONE: 559.740.4178 EMAIL: hope@vrmhope.org
Come and dine at Fugazzi’s on April 11th from 11am to 10pm and a donation will be made to the VRM. We will gather to pray for our Nation and Community & hear from Will Graham. find us on
Chairman of the Board, Mark Shelton, is grateful for this community. twitter
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FROM “DANNY The Lord gives us the daily privilege to intervene in lives that lack hope and are full of despair. I consider it a blessing to help...
e are just coming through a harsh winter. The temperatures were below freezing and the nights were miserable. We responded to a suicide call recently. A man wanted to jump off the 198 bridge and take his life, just to get away from the cold. Thank the Lord that the man did not jump and a VRM employee was able to talk him down. I am happy to report that the man is safe and is doing well. The Lord gives us the daily privilege to intervene in lives that lack hope and
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Sincerely, Danny Little John 10:10
are full of despair. I consider it a blessing to help wherever we are called and to share hope with anyone and everyone possible. Whether it be a hot meal or a warm place to sleep, these are ways that we are able to show the love of Christ. Thank you for the ways you give and support the Visalia Rescue Mission. It is a privilege to partner with such an amazing community of individuals who care so deeply for those in need.
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VISALIA RESCUE MISSION | Spring 2013
April 11th Fugazzi’s Gives Back: 11am - 10pm
Dine out and donate! Join us at Fugazzi’s on Main from 11:00am – 10:00pm and 20% of the total sales will go directly to support VRM programs! Enjoy a tasty meal at this local hotspot and help change a life.
April 26th Scott Smith Memorial Golf Tournament:
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
May 2nd
June 1st
Visalia Prayer Breakfast with Will Graham: 7am - 9am
This year the Visalia Rescue Mission will be hosting the Prayer Breakfast. 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.
May 22nd
Hunger Awareness Day: 9am - 2pm
Join us on National Hunger Awareness Day! Volunteer and host a table to collect donations at our local super markets! All donations will go directly to the VRM Kitchen to help serve the hungry in our community. To volunteer: Email Lindsay@vrmhope.org
August 16th Golf Skills Challenge:
Zumba Drive: 6pm - 8pm
Join us at the In-Shape on Demaree for an outdoor dance class. Get your dance on and give back to the community, just bring a donation for the VRM and your dancing shoes!
Registration 7:30am - Tee 9am
Come 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. Come show us what you’ve got! All proceeds will go directly to the VRM.
For more information about any of our events visit www.vrmhope.org
UPCOMING EVENTS
Spring 2013 | VISALIA RESCUE MISSION
NEEDS LISTS
Here are some amazing opportunities to connect and give back to our community and the Mission.
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MEN
• Socks • Underwear (Lg. - XXL) • Yard Equipment (Rakes, Hoes, Shovels, Brooms)
• Bike Locks • School Supplies (Notebooks, Highlighters, Pens, Pencils)
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WOMEN
Panties (Sizes 9 and up) Bras (Sizes 38D and up) Socks Razors Deodorant Day Bus Passes
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KITCHEN
Coffee Coffee Filters (Large) Sugar Ground Beef Plumbing Work Stainless Steel Welding Non-Perishable Food
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VISALIA RESCUE MISSION | Spring 2013
A CHANGED LIFE WOMEN’S SHELTER
The VRM Women’s Shelter and program offer refuge to hundreds of women who might otherwise have no place to turn for help.
Spring 2013 | VISALIA RESCUE MISSION
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angry when I woke up in the E.R and discovered I was still alive…What was I going to do now?
KRISTY Program Graduate
I started using drugs in my teens out of a need to be loved and accepted. Once I became fully addicted nothing was more important to me than the drugs…not my children, my husband, my family, or even me. I was out of control and it didn’t matter who I
I
The moment I arrived at the House Of Hope I was amazed by the love and encouragement I received from the staff, volunteers and the other women in the program. When I surrendered my life to God and started to develop a relationship with Him I started to truly believe there was hope for me to change my life. God is helping me to forgive myself and be content with who I am. My dream is to eventually become a drug and alcohol counselor so I can provide hope and encouragement to others who are struggling with addiction. I am so full of joy I just want to share God’s love with others.
I can honestly say I have no doubt there is a God and He loves me...God has brought me hope and restoration through the Rescue Mission and I am grateful to be alive.
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hurt to satisfy my addiction. I would lie, steal, and cheat to get what I wanted; I didn’t care about anything or anybody. Eventually, I was forced into treatment by the court. I completed a renowned 2 year rehab program in San Francisco; but 13 days after graduating I found myself in a bar.
There was a time that I cried when I shared my testimony because of the bad things I did, now I cry because of what God has done. God has brought me hope and restoration through the Rescue Mission and I am grateful to be alive.
Once again my life began to spiral out of control but this time was different. However, this time I felt shame and I had lost all desire to live. I eventually came to the point where I thought death was the only solution. So in June of 2012 I attempted suicide. Today, I’m grateful I survived but at the time I was
To find out more about the way we are extending hope to women through our House of Hope visit www.vrmhope.org
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VISALIA RESCUE MISSION | Spring 2013
RESCUED TREASURES
Inside the Rescued Treasure Thrift Store, we provide valuable jobs and opportunities that directly impact and assist our community.
SPRING CLEANING t’s that time of year where we roll up our sleeves and bust out that broom! SPRING CLEANING is here… but this year, you don’t have to sweat it. Spring cleaning is a great way to get rid of all that stuff that is collecting dust and making a mess of things around your house…
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So here are a couple of expert tips to keep in mind during spring cleaning! >>>
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EXPERT CLEANING TIPS
GETTING RID OF A FEW ITEMS?
1. Dust your light bulbs
The VRM will pick it all up for FREE! Every item you donate will help change lives here at the Visalia Rescue Mission! So donate your items and provide hope to someone in need. Your used goods really do make a difference down here at the VRM. Call for a free Pickup 559.740.4178
2. Wash the blinds 3. Replace old cleaning products 4. Clean out and wipe down the fridge 5. Replace batteries 6. Organize and clean out closets 7. Clean out/ sweep out the garage
WANT TO SEE WHERE YOUR DONATIONS GO? Come and take a tour and we will show you how your donations help change lives at the Visalia Rescue Mission!
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VISALIA RESCUE MISSION | Spring 2013
MARGIE CARROL Margie is one of our fabulous volunteers who has a smile that is contagious and a hug that warms your heart. She is one of our lovely volunteers, who gives her time as a “table host” for both of our Holiday meals. A table host is a new volunteer role that we are establishing and has already had a tremendous impact on the feel of our community events.
TABLE HOSTS
We have recently established a new opportunity to serve at the VRM. Table Hosts are there to welcome our guests and make them feel comfortable.
VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT Margie is one of our fabulous volunteers who has a smile that is contagious and a hug that warms your heart. She volunteered as a “table host” for our Holiday meals. Table host is a new high-impact volunteer role that we are establishing. We desire to make our guests feel loved and heard. Our table hosts welcome them, invite our guests to sit down and slow down. The table hosts are there to listen, to ask about their story and to make them feel welcomed and loved. “At first, I didn’t know what to expect. I was nervous that we would have nothing to talk about. But it was amazing what a smile did. All I did was smile and ask a few questions, and each person seemed to open up. You could tell that not a lot of them have been listened to,” said Margie. One individual that stood out was a young boy named Ricky. At first he was shy and quiet. Margie noticed that he came to the Thanksgiving meal in just a t-shirt when everyone else was dressed in layers and winter coats. After hearing more about his story and his family struggles, Margie realized what she had to
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Spring 2013 | VISALIA RESCUE MISSION
It was amazing what just a smile did. All I did was smile and ask a few questions, and each person seemed to open up. You could tell that not a lot of them have been listened to. Some people just needed to vent. Some I just complimented and they would light up knowing that someone had noticed them.
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do. That next week, she and her family gathered up a bag of coats and jackets and took them to Ricky and his family. Then again at Christmas, they delivered Christmas goodies and treats. “It was amazing to get to hear his story first and then find a way to help him out,” Margie said. Margie is a great example that the most touching and life-changing work done here at the Mission isn’t always big
projects and big results. Margie took her time to listen to the guests and to hear and share in their struggles….. and was touched and changed in the process.
Consider becoming a table host at one of our Holiday Meals!
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VOLUNTEER The Visalia Rescue Mission is looking for more people to give there time and hearts like Margie has. If you are interested in helping call Lindsay at (559) 740-4178 or lindsay@vrmhope.org
www.vrmhope.org
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VISALIA RESCUE MISSION | Spring 2013
photograph courtesy of Ryan Krauter
FUGAZZI’S GIVES BACK Come out and dine at Fugazzi’s on April 11th from 11am to 10pm and 20% of total sales from the night go directly to supporting the VRM Long time local favorite restaurant, Fugazzi’s, is partnering with the Visalia Rescue Mission for a night of giving back to our community. Come out and dine at Fugazzi’s on Main Street on April 11th from 11am to 10pm and 20% of total sales that night will go directly to supporting the programs at the Visalia Rescue
Mission. That means your money is going to help those suffering from addiction and chronic homelessness. This is the tastiest way to support the VRM...What’s not to love!
This night is a great excuse for... • • • • •
date night A A girls night out Family bonding Enjoying Downtown The dipping sauce
Take this page with you when you dine and present it to your server
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20% of the days total sales will go to support the Visalia Rescue Mission
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MEMORIALS & HONORS IN MEMORY OF
Albert Eugene
Robert Boydstun
Lana, JoAnn & Barbara Cordiero
Omar “DOC” Franklin M.D.
Betty Bradley
Marion & S.M. Clute Patrick & Cathrine Smith Paul Schommer Dru Owens
Tammy McQuilliams
Edwin Randall Sullivant Sr. Leticia Sullivant
Ronald Devins Lisa Todd
Bernice Hearin
Anonymous
Bonnie Damm-Chan
Brad Garver
Shirley Van Wormer
Henry Nelson
Gerri Mason
Frank Vaz
Dr. James English
Pamela Eickmeyer
Bonnie Damm-Chan
Kathy Zakarian
Anthony Vaz
Betty Sorensen
Everett & June Flanigan
Ricardo Perugorria
Linda & Doug Robinson
Frances Taylor
John & Dee Ann McNabb
Anonymous
Judi Pirnstill & Family
Victims of Connecticut School Shooting
Ken Friesen
Wayne Davidson
Teressa Friesen Ed & Becky Richert
Bob & Sheila Hefner
Margaret Broyles
Tomiko Harada
Mary Ann Sousa
Bel R. Martin
Manuel & Hazel Sousa
Linda Martin
Irene Eaves
Arnam B. Martin
Jacqueline & Ernst Ulbricht
Linda Martin
Joe Silva
Manuel J. Mendonea
Frank F. Silva
Manuel Pacheco
Randy Smith
Barry Smith
Verle L. Meredith Ronald L. Devins Melvin Mar Lawrence & Bonnie Chan
The Shannon Family Phil Shannon
The Hermosilla Family
Cora Donaghe
Phil Shannon
James Donaghe
Ellingson Familiy
IN HONOR OF
Phil Shannon
Candy Hilvers
Ty Perry
Anonymous
Anonymous
Mike & Sharon Shannon
Miles Shatzer Darrell & Sue Curtis Carolyn Pendery Forrest & Laura Busch Ronald Devins The Steve Carmichael Family
Anonymous
Marialee Brummitt
Beaulah Brown
Ralph M. Chapman
Robert E. Jackson
Margaret Broyles
Linda & James Goldsmith
Bob, June & Gary
Jack & Norma Mann
Dave Fowble
John Wayne Pitts
Margie Smith
Betty Parese
Joyce E. Willis
Manuel & Vitalina Pacheco
Robert & Sheila Hefner
Jack & Norma Mann
John T. Price
Dawn Pacheco
Barbara Swaggerty
Joan Chambers
Ernie & Martha Jimenez
Manuel & Vitalina Borges
Isabel Silva
Dave Warner
Ross Mortensen
Manuel & Vitalina Borges
Joe B. & Lucy Silva
Ron Warner
Anonymous
William T. Shearer Sr.
Virginia Flammang
Steve Seals
Maria Norman
Rita Crandall
Rev. Gus & Jacquelyn Browning Ruth Smith Michael & Sara Knight John Tallentire, Jr.
John Hipskind Anonymous
Rev. Dick Mills Leah Payne
Sandy Heynen
Betty Derr
Virginia Frances Daetweiler
Diesel Shiralian
John & Julie Boydstun
Anthony Wallen Linda Smith
Amanda Udell
Hanford Christian School
DETACH THIS LOWER PORTION AND SEND IN WITH YOUR MEMORIAL OR IN-HONOR OF GIFT
MEMORIAL GIFT CARD Mail your gifts to: VISALIA RESCUE MISSION
P.O. BOX 109 VISALIA, CA 93279
Name:
Phone:
Address: In Memory of: In Honor of: Check / Charge Amount: Charge My Visa/MC#:
Exp:
CIV:
Send Acknowledgment to: Address:
Email:
Thank you for your gift that goes to help so many in need of food & shelter. When you send your memorial or in-honor gift you will receive a tax-deductible receipt. A card will be mailed promptly to the person being honored, informing them of the gift.
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VISALIA RESCUE MISSION | Spring 2013
COMMUNITY. TOGETHER. IN PRAYER.
William Franklin Graham IV (Will) is the third generation of Graham’s to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ under the banner of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA). Will is the grandson of Billy Graham and the oldest son of Franklin Graham.
n May 2nd, as our Nation joins together in prayer, so will our community! In honor of the National Day of Prayer, the VRM will be facilitating this year’s Visalia Prayer Breakfast. It will be an amazing opportunity for us to come together as a community and lift our city up in prayer. We will recognize the issues our community is facing and the
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MAY 2ND VISALIA PRAYER BREAKFAST FEATURING WILL GRAHAM possibilities as we move forward and act together as the body of Christ. The keynote speaker will be Will Graham who is the grandson of Billy Graham and a world renowned speaker. He will spend the morning inspiring and encouraging us in our vision for Visalia. We believe strongly in the collaboration between businesses, city officials, churches and organizations. So it is our hope that we can come together, and lift up each aspect of our community in
prayer. This year’s prayer Breakfast will be on May 2nd at the Visalia Convention Center. Doors open at 7:00am and the program will conclude by 9:00am. It will be a morning of great worship, an inspiring speaker and interactive prayer. We hope to see you there! May 2nd | 7-9 am Visalia Convention Center
More Information & Ticket info at www.vrmhope.org
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YOU ARE IMPORTANT “ I am so impressed with the number of people that provide support to the Mission. Whether volunteering time or resources. It takes a lot to make it all happen and the smallest things are important to the VRM. Consider an airplane. What parts are not important? The pilot is no more important than the wing, and the landing gear is no more important than the engine. Without any one of those parts we are in big trouble. (1 Cor. 12) All the parts of the ministry are important. All the parts are necessary and that is the way God designed it. We need all of you. You are important and you are making a difference in many changed lives at the VRM.
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The human body has many parts, but the many parts make up one whole body. So it is with the body of Christ. But our bodies have many parts, and God has put each part just where he wants it. How strange a body would be if it had only one part! Yes, there are many parts, but only one body. The eye can never say to the hand, “I don’t need you.” The head can’t say to the feet, “I don’t need you.” All of you together are Christ’s body, and each of you is a part of it.
Thank you for playing the part you play! Blessings,
-1 Corinthians 12:12, 18-21, 27
Mark Shelton
PLANNED GIVING
Y
Memorials & Honorary Gifts
ou have the opportunity to continue your legacy by
A great way to memorialize or honor someone you love. Make a gift in his or her name to the Visalia Rescue Mission.
making a Legacy of Hope planned gift. Why do we
Gifts of Life Insurance
call it a legacy? Giving beyond your lifetime sends a
Making the Visalia Rescue Mission a beneficiary to part or all of your life insurance policy is a simple way to make a significant gift. You may receive a tax deduction for the cash surrender value, reducing your tax liability in the year of the gift.
strong message to your loved ones and peers; as well as to future generations of homeless men, women, and children served by the VRM. That’s quite a legacy! Leave a Legacy of Hope.
LEave a legacy. Contact us at 559.740.4178 or hope@vrmhope.org
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VI S A
C ALIF O R N IA
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NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
PERMIT NO. 119
NUMBERS FROM JANUARY TO FEBRUARY 2013 24,030 MEALS SERVED 5,525 CHAPEL ATTENDANCE 7 PROGRAM GRADUATES
BOARD OF DIRECTORS WAYNE INGRAM JOHN ANDERSON LINDA LAFLEUR RANDY VOGT MIKE ALLEN TRISH BURR JOHN KOSTER SCOTT BOSLER
MARC SCHUIL JACQUE BAXLEY BRAD REENDERS STEVE BISWELL JOSH BERGMAN MARK SHELTON CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD
DANNY LITTLE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
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