FortCollinsRescueMission.org
September 2013
A Purposefu l Lif e “The best thing about living here is the staff. They are so supportive and helpful. They gave me the chance to learn and grow and become successful. - Jim, Steps to Success Participant
It is only with your support that we can continue to serve the homeless and hurting in Fort Collins!
A Purposefu l Li f e
"The Christian way of life is so positive for me. It's helped me make wiser decisions and become a better person,” says Jim. Two years ago, Jim had a good job, a girlfriend, living life for Jesus Christ. I had always believed a great apartment, and a solid group of friends. in God, but I didn't really think that it would help Money troubles and homelessness were the furthest me,” remembers Jim. He entered the program things from his mind. But within a week's time, he eight days later. experienced a bad breakup and lost his job. This led Jim put his skills to work and started cooking for to the loss of his apartment and his lifestyle. In the guests in the Mission’s kitchen. “You should try my spring of 2013, he found himself with no money blueberry pancakes!” he encourages diners. He also and nowhere to sleep. He came to Fort Collins utilized the networks and from Denver, hoping a experience of the staff to Within two weeks of being in the program, Jim change of scenery would build his resume and apply was employed full-time at a restaurant in town. help his chances at finding for jobs in Fort Collins. a job. “I never expected Within two weeks of being in the program, Jim myself to be in any kind of situation like that. I was employed full-time at a restaurant in town. thought I would always have a job and never fall “I’ve maintained a full-time job, and I'm putting on bad times. I thought I would always be successful money away to save for permanent housing and due to my hard work and diligence,” says Jim, still to pay off my student loans,” he explains. surprised by his circumstances. Jim goes to class each Wednesday night at the He came to Fort Collins Rescue Mission at the Mission to strengthen his faith and grow in his end of his second day in the city: “It felt like I had knowledge of the Bible. “I accepted Christ after nowhere else to turn. Dave [Facility Assistant] told me about the Steps to Success program and about
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Fr om t he C EO Dear Friends, It is not uncommon to think that all homeless people have drug and alcohol problems, but this is simply not the case. Sometimes other life circumstances are the reason people have to come to us for help at Fort Collins Rescue Mission (FCRM). The loss of a job, medical expenses, the loss of a spouse or family member, the loss of a home—all of these things can lead to someone finding themselves all alone, with no place to go. People just like you and me, normal folks, who’ve just experienced some hard luck. Fortunately most of us have a safety net of family and friends who can help see us though a rough time until we get back on our feet. At FCRM we are that friend, that family, some people do not have. At our place, people get a chance
to correct the downward spiral, take a moment and breathe deeply, and assess their situation. No matter the reason for homelessness—and yes, sometimes it is drugs and alcohol— we are here to help. We are ready with an outstretched hand and an encouraging word, focused on a new beginning, helping them to develop a plan, all through the power of Jesus Christ. Thanks for partnering with us. We need your continued support to make a difference! God Bless,
Brad Meuli, President/CEO Denver Rescue Mission/Fort Collins Rescue Mission
A Purposeful Life continued a month at the Mission,” he says: “I realized that God has a plan for me. I read the Bible all the time now. I have a home church; I go to Bible study. I'm trying to be active in the community.” Jim is looking at housing and wants to be in his own apartment by the holidays. He’s excited to start his new life and to give back to those less fortunate than he. “Eventually, I'd like to come back and volunteer at the Mission. It's not about money for me; it's about giving back. Now I know I have a purpose in life, and with His guidance I can get through anything,” Jim says with determination. Your support helps men like Jim realize God’s plan for their lives!
Please use the enclosed envelope or visit FortCollinsRescueMission.org/donate to make your donation today.
Jim’s favorite place at the Mission is working in the kitchen. “Coming to the program was the best decision I ever made. I've established some community support here and made some positive friends!”
July
Statistics: How You Help Change Lives Meals Served
Beds
Chapel Attendance
Churches Involved
10,268
4,113
668
23
Changing Lives is a news publication of Fort Collins Rescue Mission. Director: Jim Carmack Director of Communications: Christine Gallamore Designer: Rachel Vigil Writer: Rachel Greiman | 316 Jefferson Street • Fort Collins, Colorado 80524 • 970.224.4302
To post a note of encouragement for Jim on the Mission's Facebook page, visit Facebook.com/FortCollinsRescue.
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A P ur posefu l Lif e
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Life is unpredictable. We don’t know what trials we're going to face or in what situations we may one day find ourselves. But in the midst of difficult circumstances, with God’s guidance, we often find true purpose. Because of your generous donations, Jim was able to experience God’s presence at the Fort Collins Rescue Mission at a time in his life when he needed it most.
F in d J im ' s Sto r y In side