HEART of the MISSION JULY 2016
Summer
STRUGGLES FOR THE
HOMELESS
HOW YOUR GIFTS HELP IN THE EXTREME HEAT
YOU ARE A SOURCE OF HOPE W ITH YOU R H E LP, LIV E S A RE BE ING SAV E D REV. GLENN CRANFIELD
President and CEO
DO NOT NEGLECT TO DO GOOD AND TO SHARE W H AT Y O U H AV E , F O R SUCH SACRIFICES ARE P L E A S I N G T O G O D.
HEBREWS 13:16 ESV
D
uring the hot summer months, Nashville Rescue Mission will not be on a vacation or even on a relaxed schedule. It used to be that the Mission’s beds would be filled during the cold winter months, then slack off during the hot summer months. But, today the Mission frequently uses overflow sleeping areas to meet the need year round. Why? There are thousands of people in Middle Tennessee in crisis and they are turning to the Mission for a lifeline. Most of the men and women we serve never expected to need our help. Some have
Hydrate
THE HOMELESS
YOUR DONATION PROVIDES RELIEF AND GIVES HOPE! Pick up some extra water on your next trip to the grocery store and help provide a cup of cold water to the homeless in Nashville. All Donations: 616 7th Avenue South, Nashville, TN 37203 2 HEART of the MISSION
JULY 2016
experienced the loss of jobs, severe financial difficulties, and loss of housing. Others have been struggling with alcohol and drug addictions for years, some for decades. Whatever their stories, they face an uphill road to recovery and restoration—and they need you. You make it possible for the Mission to meet the demands for bed space, meals, counseling, recovery, and discipleship. You are making a real difference in their lives. It’s no exaggeration—YOU are saving lives, restoring families, and impacting our community!
LISA SPENCER Mission
IN MY WORDS
Ali (daughter) and mom Lisa enjoy serving together
Serving others has always been important to me. It is a value my father instilled in me from an early age. Whether it was giving presents to a family in need at Christmas, or volunteering to coach little league, my dad’s life is a reflection of who he is and who he wants us to be. I learned a lot from him. Since moving to Nashville 15 years ago to work as a meteorologist with WSMV, I’ve had numerous opportunities to serve in my own community. One of my favorite experiences is volunteering at Nashville Rescue Mission. When I serve meals, I notice a lot of the men and women who walk through the line never look up. Maybe they don’t feel noticed. But I see them, and I do my best to engage them with a smile. I make a point to wish them well and tell them to enjoy their meal. It’s so important to make that connection, to let them know they are valued and appreciated. And it’s always fun when one of them looks up, smiles, and sometimes recognize me as “the weather lady on TV” (even in my hairnet).
temperature gets above 103 degrees, they are subject to heat exhaustion, heat stroke, and even death. While it might be hard to believe, there are more heatrelated deaths than there are any other weather-related deaths. In Nashville, this is a definite concern to those in the homeless community. I cannot imagine how hard it must be to not have a home and be labeled homeless. But I do know God loves each of His children. Whether someone is homeless or not, we are all the same in the eyes of God. It’s one of the reasons I support Nashville Rescue Mission. The Mission provides all their services for free. They are open 24 hours a day, every day of the year. They are on the streets when it’s hot, handing out cold bottled water, and offering those in need a cool, safe, shaded place to stay. They do all of this without taking any money from the government so they can proudly share the Good News with everyone who walks through their doors.
“WHETHER SOMEONE IS HOMELESS OR NOT, WE ARE ALL THE SAME IN THE EYES OF GOD.” As a meteorologist, it’s my job to study the weather. Since most of our summer air in Middle Tennessee comes from the Gulf of Mexico, it’s not uncommon for it to feel like 105 degrees on a 95-degree day. And just like in the winter when it’s cold, we need to be concerned for those living on the streets when it’s hot. If a person’s body
I look forward to serving at the Mission. I always leave feeling so blessed. I’m amazed at all they do for those in need in our community, and it’s all because of generous donors and faithful volunteers. Nashville Rescue Mission is changing lives. It’s an honor and privilege to serve alongside them.
LISA SPENCER is the Chief Meteorologist at WSMV Channel 4. You can catch her weekdays at 5, 6, and 10 p.m. She has won eight regional Emmys and was recently named “Broadcaster of the Year” by the National Weather Association. JULY 2016
HEART of the MISSION 3
Summer
STRUGGLES FOR THE
HOMELESS
HOW YOUR GIFTS HELP IN THE EXTREME HEAT
“The hardest thing about being homeless for me was not knowing where I was going to lay my head at night,” said Ricky. 4 HEART of the MISSION
JULY 2016
After six months of being homeless, Ricky (34) was grateful to find Nashville Rescue Mission, a place he’s called home for six weeks. “Before coming to the Mission, I slept wherever I could—sometimes on benches, on the grass, and even under a bridge,” he recalled. “I’m grateful I now have a roof over my head, a bed to sleep in, hot meals to eat, and quick access to water. This gives me a glimmer of hope that things can get better for me.”
“There’s a perception that during the summer, the basic needs of homeless people are lightened; and as that happens, support of the Mission drops off,” said Rev. Glenn Cranfield, president and CEO of Nashville Rescue Mission. “But the demand for food and shelter are as great in July and August, as in the winter. Thankfully, faithful supporters like you make it possible for the Mission to offer those in need cold water, air conditioned facilities, and safe refuge from the extreme heat. These are lifesaving measures for those living on the streets.” Extreme heat events pose a serious danger to people throughout the United States. Studies conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have shown that exposure to extreme heat can increase discomfort and fatigue, cause heat cramps, and increase emergency room visits and hospitalizations. In some cases, it can also kill.
and by bad choices I mean drinking too much.” Roy has struggled with episodes of homelessness off and on since 2008. “I’ve found shelter in a number of places,” shared Roy. “But nothing compares to Nashville Rescue Mission—this place is a ‘Spiritual Hospital.’ Not only have I received food for my body, I’ve received food for my soul. I might be homeless, but I’m happier than I’ve been in a long time.”
SPECIFIC HIGH-RISK GROUPS, like the homeless, typically experience a disproportionate number of health impacts from extreme heat events says the Environmental Protection Agency. There are physical, social, and economic factors and specific actions that put the homeless at high risk: poor, over 65, mentally impaired, physically impaired, poor health, on medication, or under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
“This gives me a glimmer of hope that things can get better for me.” “Particularly during the summer, the homeless are at a greater risk for dehydration,” said Mike Tatar, lead case manager for the Mission. “Water, shade, and refuge from the heat can be difficult to come by for someone who is homeless. When the humidity is high, sweat does not evaporate rapidly, preventing the body from releasing heat quickly. This can easily lead to heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke, which can be deadly. Nashville is known for its humidity.” AT 59, ROY HAS SEEN his fair share of hard times. “I
used to be a hearing aid dealer,” said Roy. “I was happy and successful. But my bad choices caught up with me—
AFTER BATTLING AN ADDICTION to drugs and alcohol, Karl made his way to Nashville Rescue Mission. “I’ve struggled with drugs and alcohol off and on for years,” said Karl (52). “This has led to multiple episodes of homelessness. I can tell you one thing, sleeping outside is not fun.” With four grown children, and four grand children, Karl wanted something better for his future. “I came to Nashville Rescue Mission in need of a safe place. I found that and so much more. I have been so blessed by the Mission staff and volunteers. Over the past six months I worked closely with a case manager who helped point me in the right direction. Participating in the Pathways to Work program allowed me the opportunity to work and save money. I found a job at Belmont University and recently found a place to call all my own.”
Because of your support, Ricky, Roy, Karl, and many others just like them have hope for tomorrow. JULY 2016
HEART of the MISSION 5
C O M P A S S I O N AT E
COUNSEL VOLUNTEERING that started with prayer
“God does not have problems, only plans, and it was abundantly clear that He had planned this meeting for His purposes.” The first Compassionate Counsel legal aid clinic for participants in the Mission’s Life Recovery Program was on January 14, 2012. Since that time, hundreds of men and women have received free legal council as Nick Tidwell and several other attorneys volunteer their time and talents to help them. Whether it’s helping assist someone with bankruptcy, court fines, expungements, or debts, Nick and his team volunteer every other month and serve 15 to 20 men and women each session. When asked why they do this, Nick replied, “We are Christ followers. We are following Him. He met needs. He was willing to have His schedule interrupted because He cares about people. We do this to demonstrate to those we serve how much God loves them.” 6 HEART of the MISSION
JULY 2016
BEFORE MOVING TO NASHVILLE, Nick was always looking for opportunities to serve others. “I fully believe that because I am saved, I am called to serve,” shared Nick. “I’m blessed. And I believe God has given me an opportunity to minister to others through my profession. I found myself asking the question, ‘Where can I do pro bono work while also sharing the Gospel?’” He found different opportunities to do pro bono work, but nothing on a consistent basis. The desire to serve in this capacity never went away. After moving to Nashville in 2005, Nick and his wife have volunteered many times in the kitchen at the Mission. “I quickly learned that the Mission is Gospel-focused and desires to share and show the love of Christ to those in need,” said Nick. “The Lord clearly opened the door for Compassionate Counsel to serve at Nashville Rescue Mission. The ministry of Compassionate Counsel had just been launched in 2011, and we were seeking where the Lord would have us start our legal clinics.”
NICK CLEARLY RECALLS his first meeting with a couple of Mission staff members to explore the possibilities. “Before I shared a word about the ministry, we started our meeting with prayer. The simple, yet powerful act of asking the Sovereign Lord to guide the meeting encouraged me, as I knew they too desired the Holy Spirit to lead. Before we finished praying, I knew I was in the right place, and after sharing how we could potentially serve, it was exciting to hear that they had been praying for a group of attorneys that could help.”
7 Best Ways TO HELP THE HOMELESS THIS SUMMER
1
DONATE BOTTLED WATER
2
MAKE A FINANCIAL DONATION
3
DONATE NONPERISHABLE FOOD
4
CLEAN OUT YOUR CLOSET
5
GIVE TOILETRY ITEMS
6
VOLUNTEER
7
PRAY
We’ll have it in our building and also pass it out on the streets to keep the homeless hydrated.
If you don’t have time to go the store, donate online and we’ll do the purchasing.
Homeless shelters tend to run low on food during this time of the year.
“Seeing how lives are being impacted by the Lord through the Life Recovery Program makes it a joy to serve...” “God does not have problems, only plans, and it was abundantly clear that He had planned this meeting at the Mission for His purposes,” said Nick. “To date, we’ve been blessed to serve hundreds for the Lord’s glory since that first clinic on January 14, 2012, but it began with prayer. Seeing how lives are being impacted by the Lord through the Life Recovery Program makes it a joy to serve alongside others at the Mission. The faithful servants at the Mission do what they do because of the transformative power of the Good News of Jesus.” “NICK TIDWELL and his team of attorneys with Compassionate Counsel are a great example of individuals using their special gifts and talents to serve those in need,” said Rev. Glenn Cranfield, president and CEO of the Mission. “We are so grateful for their service.”
Think about cool and light items like white T-shirts, tank tops, and shorts. We need underwear too (but new ones, please).
Travel-sized toiletry items (alcohol-free) are best.
Give the gift of your time. Bring your smile and help us serve.
You can do it anywhere, anytime—when you drink your own water or see someone on the curb.
JULY 2016
HEART of the MISSION 7
School
HELP A HOMELESS STUDENT HEAD BACK TO SCHOOL We need your help in filling more than 100 backpacks with essential school supplies for the kids who call the Mission home.
• Backpacks • Pencils (#2), pencil box, and sharpener • Ink pens (blue, black, red) • Crayons and colored pencils • Highlighters and washable markers • Glue sticks and white school glue • Scissors and rulers • Pocket folders (3-prong) • 3-ring binders (1 and 2 inch) • Notebook paper (not college ruled) • Spiral and composition notebooks • Copy paper
• • • • • •
Combination locks Facial tissues Antibacterial soap and wet wipes Plastic freezer bags (quart and gallon) Kindergarten mats Regular and scientific calculators
SCHOOL UNIFORMS:
• • • •
Bottoms: navy blue or khaki slacks Tops: white button-up or polo Socks and underwear Sizes: 5 to 14 (boys and girls)
DROP-OFFS
LIVES YOU HAVE TOUCHED
May 2016
Daily Avg.
Monthly
1,600
49,603
Nights of Lodging
787
24,401
Chapel Attendance
554
17,170
Education Hours
87
2,709
Bible Class Attendance
27
851
Decisions & Prayers
31
961
Volunteer Hours
111
3,440
Meals Served
Travel n/a Assistance Program n/a Graduates
119 1
M I S S I O N ’ S D O NAT I O N C E N T E R 616 7th Avenue South, Nashville, TN 37203 Mon.- Sat., 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. is a proud member of
Sending Hope WRITE THEM A NOTE
You can help an outstanding student start the year off right. Write them a note of encouragement on the enclosed tag. 639 Lafayette Street, Nashville, TN 37203 615-255-2475 | nashvillerescuemission.org