HEART of the MISSION JUNE 2015
Summer’s
NO
vacation when you’re homeless
But your gifts give hope for tomorrow
With your help, lives are changed
REV. GLENN CRANFIELD PRESIDENT AND CEO
“EACH OF YOU MUST BRING A GIFT IN PROPORTION TO THE WAY THE LORD YOUR GOD HAS BLESSED YOU.” DEUTERONOMY 16:17 NIV
During the hot summer months, we will not be on a vacation or even on a relaxed schedule here at Nashville Rescue Mission. In years past, our beds would be filled during the cold winter months, then slack off a bit during the hot summer months. But, today the Mission is at or near full capacity year round. Why? There are thousands of people in the Nashville area struggling with homelessness every day because they no longer can manage their lives. Whether it’s job loss, addiction, or simply struggling to make ends meet— more people than ever are coming to the Mission for help. The challenge for us is during the summer when services to those in need are on the rise, giving is often down. We make
every effort to prepare for the summer shortfall, but with record summer temperatures on the horizon, I know our limits will be tested. This is when your gifts make such a difference. The summer is hot! The homeless men, women, and children are searching for a cool, comfortable, safe place to stay, where they can receive help and hope. Because you give, our staff and volunteers are ready to provide both emergency and long-term help to all who enter our doors. Thank you for being mindful of the fact that homelessness doesn’t take a vacation.
SEE THE STORIES THROUGH OUR PICTURES A picture is worth a thousand words, right? So come join in the fun on Instagram! We love showcasing smiles and stories of hope. Follow us on Instagram to bring a little extra happiness to your social media feed and stay up to date on all things happening at the Mission. See you there!
2 HEART of the MISSION
JUNE 2015
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MISSION IN MY WORDS
Whenever I see someone who is homeless I’ve often wondered, “How did that person get there? What’s their story?” I’m sure most of their stories would include the line, “It wasn’t something I planned.” The truth is this could easily be me or you. Each of us could be one bad choice away from losing everything. People everywhere are hurting. I don’t think anyone plans to become homeless, or lose their job, or bury their child. But life happens. The challenges we face have a mind of their own. They don’t ask permission to enter our lives, and they don’t wait in line until we feel ready to deal with them. They rush in without warning—not one at a time, but in a flood. They become shackles that hold us down. No wonder God wants us to share our ups and downs with each other and puts different people in our lives! There is always someone who has walked through the fire before us. Their testimonies, examples, and guidance give us strength. When someone finds themselves homeless, I suspect they think they’re alone, but they’re not. God is there, and He’s reaching out to those in need here in our city through a place called Nashville Rescue Mission. Surrounded by a community of those who love the Lord and have these huge hearts of compassion for the hurting, that person who is homeless and feels very much alone can take refuge and find strength. One of the things I love most about living in Nashville is we go out of our way to take care of hurting people— especially the “least of these.” It’s something the Mission does every day. As a parent, it’s something I want to teach my kids, that it’s also our responsibility to help those who are in need.
When I stop for a second and realize, that this person, well, they’re also someone’s baby. Some momma rocked that child. And there’s nothing more precious than a child. In that moment, I catch a glimpse of how Jesus must see us— each of us is a precious child of God. “WHEN SOMEONE FINDS THEMSELVES HOMELESS, I SUSPECT THEY THINK THEY’RE ALONE, BUT THEY’RE NOT. GOD IS THERE, AND HE’S REACHING OUT TO THOSE IN NEED HERE IN OUR CITY THROUGH A PLACE CALLED NASHVILLE RESCUE MISSION.” Then I ask myself, “What can I do to help?” I can support the work of Nashville Rescue Mission. They exist to give help, hope, and healing to those who may think they are all alone—they want to be that “someone” for the one who feels they have no one. It’s why I believe in and support the work of the Mission. When I don’t know what to do, they do know how to help the homeless in our community. They do it every day, 365 days a year—and for that, I’m grateful. JASON CRABB, is best known as the lead vocalist for the awardwining group, The Crabb Family. With 10 Dove Awards and three GRAMMY™ nominations with his family, Crabb has performed on the Grand Ole Opry, at the final Billy Graham Crusade in New York, and with the legendary Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir. He released his first solo album in 2009, which landed him a GRAMMY™ award. JUNE 2015
HEART of the MISSION 3
Summer’s
NO
vacation when
But your gifts give hope for tomorrow you’re homeless
Instead of planning a vacation for her daughters this summer, Cynthia is homeless and searching for a safe place for them to live.
facility in Brentwood. They were living with her sister, when an unexpected conflict forced her into making a quick decision to move. “My biggest mistake was moving into an apartment without thoroughly examining it. I was under a lot of stress and needed to find a place fast. Looking back, I was too hasty and have paid dearly for my mistake.” What Cynthia thought was an “If you had asked me in 2012, what answer to prayer, turned into her I thought my future would look biggest nightmare. “I had no idea the like, I would have never considered apartment was infested with mold. At homelessness as a possibility,” says first, it was just a cough, then a cold, Cynthia, mom to Jessica (11) and Kyra but eventually I developed asthma (10). “Yet here we are. And while I and my health quickly deteriorated. I know this is only temporary, the stress was so sick and stayed sick for days of being homeless is taking its toll.” at a time. I missed a lot of work and because of it, they had to let me go. FROM 2009 to 2012, things were They didn’t want to fire me, but based going well for Cynthia and her two on their sick leave policy, they didn’t daughters. She had a steady job as have a choice.” a housekeeper at an assisted living 4 HEART of the MISSION
JUNE 2015
WITHOUT A steady income, Cynthia
didn’t know what to do. Her apartment was making her sick, and being sick made it difficult to look for a new job. Ultimately, Cynthia decided it was more important for her health and the health and well-being of her children to move out. “We couch surfed for awhile, staying with friends, or in motels when I could afford them,” shares Cynthia. “But the instability of the situation created even more stress. I was running out of options.” “I didn’t realize I would have so much trouble getting out of my lease,” says Cynthia. “I thought because of the mold, they would just let me leave. But I was wrong. They sued me for breaking my lease, and now I have a judgment against me, which I’m paying off. But it also prevents me from getting approved by any other apartment complex.”
WITH NOWHERE else to go, Cynthia
decided to turn to Nashville Rescue Mission. “I knew the Mission would have beds we could sleep in and meals we could depend upon. I knew we would be safe there.” “Growing up, I never lacked for anything, I never wanted for anything ... and honestly, I didn’t need anything,” recalls Cynthia. “It’s humbling to be at a point in my life where I have to depend on other people and the generosity of strangers for our most basic needs. But I’m so grateful. I appreciate Nashville Rescue Mission, the staff, the volunteers, and the donors. I don’t know where we would have gone were it not for the Mission.”
summer vacation is going to Chuck E. Cheese or Monkey Joes. But one day, I’d like to take my girls to Florida. I’ve never been and I would love for us to go to the beach and see the ocean.” AS CYNTHIA looks to the future, she
finds herself dreaming about an apartment. “It will be so nice when we have a place of our own. I can’t wait. And in the meantime, I’m so thankful to everyone who supports the Mission, because of you, my daughters and I have a roof over our heads, a safe place to sleep, and three hot meals a day. Thank you.”
“IT WILL BE SO
CYNTHIA IS looking forward to the future. “I’m focused on saving money, re-establishing my credit so I can eventually move us into an apartment. One that is clean, safe, and free of mold. I know this is not the most comfortable situation for my daughters, but I remind them and myself regularly—this is not our home and it’s only temporary. And we are grateful for it.” Not having a car limits Cynthia, but she still finds creative ways to create a sense of normalcy for her daughters. “We go to the library on days when it’s too hot, too cold, or rainy. When it’s nice outside, I like to take them to the park for a picnic. It helps to do something other families typically would do. I try to take them out to eat at least once a month. Last month, we went to a Mexican restaurant and had a wonderful time of being together.”
NICE WHEN WE
WHEN ASKED about taking a
HOT MEALS A DAY.
summer vacation, Cynthia replied, “The closest thing we’ve come to a
HAVE A PLACE OF OUR OWN. I CAN’T WAIT. AND IN THE MEANTIME, I’M SO THANKFUL TO EVERYONE WHO SUPPORTS THE MISSION, BECAUSE OF YOU, MY DAUGHTERS AND I HAVE A ROOF OVER OUR HEADS, A SAFE PLACE TO SLEEP, AND THREE
HOW CAN YOU HELP? You can help Cynthia and other moms like her when you: 1. DONATE 2. VOLUNTEER 3. PRAY
THANK YOU.” JUNE 2015
HEART of the MISSION 5
It‘s amazing what
30,000 cookies can do
“Coming to Nashville Rescue Mission is the highlight of my week!” exclaims Kim. What started out as volunteering to read to the kids staying at Nashville Rescue Mission, has evolved into a ministry Kim is passionate about—loving on the homeless women and children who call the Mission their temporary home. “I NEVER expected a volunteer experience to change me so much,” says Kim. “It has made me grow stronger in my own faith. There was a time when I went down the wrong path. So it’s easy for me to put myself in their shoes. I’m so blessed. And when you think about it, most people are just one paycheck away from disaster, so this could happen to anyone. I serve because I want those who have fallen on hard times to know just how much God loves them.” Kim’s ministry inlcudes a weekly visit to the Women’s Campus where she drops off homemade cookies that will be served to the homeless women and children at the Mission. “When a woman says to me, ‘Did you bake these just for us?’ with a shocked look on her face, I know I’m doing exactly what God wants me to do.” 6 HEART of the MISSION
JUNE 2015
WHEN SHE’S not baking cookies and putting smiles on
faces, Kim runs an antique mall in Franklin. “I enjoy my job,” shares Kim. “But doing this ... this is my JOY.” As she lovingly bakes over 200 cookies each week, Kim prays over the baking process and each cookie, knowing it has the potential to bless and bring a smile to someone who is hungry, homeless, and hurting. But Kim’s love for the women and children at the Mission extends beyond cookies. “This was my third year helping with the Mother’s Day Banquet,” shares Kim. “Even though my family lives out of town, my mom, sister, step sister, and niece came in to help me prepare and serve a special lunch to the women on Mother’s Day. There was a delicious lunch, goody bags for the moms and kids, and flowers on every table. It was a joyful day of celebrating moms. I’m already looking forward to next year’s banquet.” JUST IN THE last year, Kim has decided to bring either
a cake or cupcakes on a monthly basis to help those women and children celebrate their birthdays. “I love my birthday,” says Kim. “I can’t imagine not having cake on my special day. I was inspired to do this when we celebrated my daughter’s 26th birthday. Each of these women is someone’s daughter and they deserve cake!” Kim has no problem putting herself in their shoes.
“If I could give Nashville Rescue Mission my entire paycheck I would,” Kim declares boldly. “I love seeing how God works. There are so many things we can do as volunteers and donors to meet the endless needs they have at the Mission. For me, I do it out of love. I needed to see God, and serving at the Mission makes God real for me. It’s more than cookies and cake, it’s love.”
DO YOU HAVE A SPECIAL TALENT YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHARE WITH THOSE IN NEED?
Visit nashvillerescuemission.org and click on Get Involved.
COOL DOWN Imagine living on the streets. It’s hot. You’re thirsty. You want a drink of water. Nashville Rescue Mission is currently patrolling the streets in our city handing out water to the homeless and inviting them back to the Mission where they can rest and cool off. Please consider donating a case of bottled water to help those in need this summer. Donations can be dropped off at the Mission’s Donation Center, 616 7th Avenue South, Nashville, TN 37203, Monday through Saturday, 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. JUNE 2015
HEART of the MISSION 7
LIVES YOU HAVE
TOUCHED APRIL 2015
Your gifts will help the homeless celebrate freedom! This 4th of July, Nashville Rescue Mission will serve over 2,000 meals to homeless men, women, and children in the Nashville community in celebration of America’s independence.
You can make this day just a little brighter for those in need. Join us in making America’s Birthday—a day of life, liberty, and happiness for Nashville’s homeless. Your gifts will give them something worth celebrating.
DONATIONS • • • •
hot dogs hamburgers buns condiments
• • • •
soft drinks bottled water chips desserts
Donations can be dropped off at the Mission’s Donation Center, 616 7th Avenue South, Nashville, TN 37203, Monday through Saturday, 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Daily Avg
Monthly
Meals Served
1,714
51,431
Nights of Lodging
756
22,684
Chapel Attendance
547
16,421
Education Hours
80
2,411
Bible Class Attendance
32
963
Decisions & Prayers
1,408
47
Volunteer Hours
266
7,977
Travel n/a Assistance
52
Program n/a Graduates
13
WHAT YOU CAN DO
GIVE
PRAY
VOLUNTEER
SHARE
639 Lafayette Street, Nashville, TN 37203 615-255-2475 | nashvillerescuemission.org