LIST OF CURRENT
Needs
The following items are ongoing needs for guests in our overnight shelters and LifeChange Academy. All items collected will be distributed to guests according to greatest need. Thank you for caring for these men, women and children!
SHELTER ITEMS: PILLOWS TWIN SHEETS TOWELS WASH CLOTHS BLANKETS TOILETRIES DEODORANT HAIRSPRAY HAIR GEL MEN’S/WOMEN’S SOCKS MEN’S BOXERS WOMEN’S UNDERWEAR RAIN PONCHOS ADULT BIKES
TABLE OF
CONTENTs 06
In our Spring issue we updated you on some
KITCHEN ITEMS: COFFEE SILVERWARE COFFEE DISPOSABLE CUPS (PAPER OR STYROFOAM)
ACADEMY ITEMS: PENS HIGHLIGHTERS SPIRAL NOTEBOOKS READING GLASSES ADULT BACKPACKS
State of the Union Part 2 financial hurdles affecting the Mission. Here is what we’ve done to address this burden.
08 THE PRICE OF FREEDOM Three graduates share their struggles with drugs, alcohol and the law and how they lived to smile another day.
10
EVENT Highlight: Run for hope: A Family Story It’s fun to give back to the community — it’s even better when it’s with your family.
TO DONATE: PLEASE DROP OFF NEEDS LIST ITEMS TO THE VRM COMMUNITY CENTER OFFICE AT 741 N. SANTA FE ST. MONDAY-FRIDAY DURING BUSINESS HOURS (8AM-4:30PM)
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Life-change Academy highlight: VICKI’s Story Read about how Vicki dug deep and allowed God to change her from the inside out.
2
UPCOMING
events
LETTER FROM THE
Director S
ergio, James and Annette are all very different
Sergio, James and Annette all know the past cannot
people who were searching for significance
be changed, but rather the meaning of the past has
either in hero worship, athletic accomplishment
already changed now that Jesus is the center of their
or love relationships. They all found the hard truth
lives. As a result, the trajectory of their lives is altered.
that none of these things could provide the hope
They have hope and a confident expectation of good
they so desperately sought. But three very different
for their futures. This confidence radically changes
people all found the one person who could restore
the present. Their lives have significance. Joy
significance, hope, love and even life: Jesus Christ.
replaces sorrow. Hope replaces despair. Life replaces
They found that hope and restoration comes
death. All through Jesus.
OCTOBER 10TH 4TH ANNUAL RUN FOR HOPE At Cutler Park
OCTOBER 20TH ANNUAL BANQUET HOPE: A STRONG ANCHOR
through a relationship with Jesus. Around here, we witness the miracle of changed lives At Visalia Rescue Mission, we believe that the
on a daily basis, and would love for you to join us in
essential nature of all human beings is spiritual; and
the greatest adventure in heaven and earth.
that the only One who can replace spiritual death with spiritual life is the living Savior — Jesus Christ.
Al Oliver, Executive Director
At Gateway Church
BOARD OF DIRECTORS John Anderson
CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD
Mike Allen VICE-CHAIR
Steve Biswell TREASURER
Josh Bergman Mark Condie Karen De Groot Mike De Groot Jay Irvine
LAST MONDAY
John Koster Brad Reenders Rob Van Grouw Judy Vannette
of the month | 5-9pm
PIZZA WITH PURPOSE
Wayne Ingram SECRETARY
EDITOR | Ryan Stillwater EDITOR | Kristin Eichbauer LAYOUT / DESIGN | 4Creeks Creative PHOTOGRAPHY | 4Creeks Creative
Published by
FALL 2015 | OCTBOER 2015 - Volume 6 Issue 1
CONTRIBUTORS | John Anderson Lindsay Baldwin Shon Baldwin
Rick Berbereia Al Oliver Chelsea Stemkoski Sherri White
MAILING ADDRESS: P.O. Box 109 Visalia, CA 93279 TELEPHONE: 559.740.4178 EMAIL: hope@vrmhope.org WEBSITE: vrmhope.org
cut here and keep this reminder of our upcoming events
HOPE NOW CONTRIBUTERS |
At The Planing Mill Artisan Pizzeria
For more information:
VRMHOPE.ORG/EVENTS
3
SAVE THE
NOVEMBER 6TH ENTERPRISE RENT-A CAR’S CRAB FEED At Clovis Memorial Hall
NOVEMBER 14 SPIRIT 88.9’S TURKEY TOSS
TH
At Visalia Grocery Outlet
cut here and keep this reminder of our upcoming events
Date
volunteer Spotlight BY LINDSAY BALDWIN
EDITOR’S NOTE: While we normally feature one of our superb volunteers in each issue of HopeNOW, there are many exciting changes coming our way regarding volunteerism at VRM. We asked our Volunteer Coordinator, Lindsay Baldwin, to give you a glimpse into her Visalia history and her passion for practical ministry.
I
’ve spent eleven of my sixteen career years working for non-profit organizations. It’s simply where I feel most at home. I first worked at the Council on Alcoholism
and Drug Abuse in Santa Barbara with at-risk youth helping implement drug and alcohol prevention and intervention programs. Later, I joined Self-Help Enterprises here in Visalia to help families acquire fair loans and grant funds to build homes of their own. For the past three years, my time at VRM has been spent in a beautiful medley of both experiences, while
DECEMBER 11TH 35TH ANNUAL CHRISTMAS TREE AUCTION at Visalia Convention Center
JANUARY 1ST BANK OF THE SIERRA’S ROCKIN’ RESOLUTION RUN at Downtown Visalia For more information: vrmhope.org/events
4
serving our homeless community members who often struggle with addiction. Two days a week, I get to bring home to work with me in a carpool with my husband, Shon, VRM’s Finance Director. We have a beautiful daughter, Bailey, who keeps me busy at home the rest of the week. Shon and I are both native Visalians and love the surrounding skyline invaded by the Sierra Nevada mountains. Since returning from maternity leave this year, our staff has started talking about how to fit my full-time role into part-time hours. This dialogue has allowed me to focus
“my t im e at V RM h a s b e e n s p e n t i n a b e a u t i fu l m e d le y o f bot h experien c es, w h il e s e rvi n g o u r h o m e le s s co m m u n i t y m e mbers w h o o f t en st r u g g le wi t h a d d i ct i o n �
Lindsay and Shon Baldwin with newborn Bailey.
on what I am truly passionate about: high-impact volunteers.
As our volunteer partnerships evolve to meet the needs
This category of volunteers includes those who are able to
of our students, don’t worry, there will still be ways to
provide more robust educational and vocational support for
meet and connect with our guests by serving a meal in
our students in our Life-Change Academy.
our Community Kitchen. Your service blesses the staff and guests alike, with the donation of your time and even
In the coming months, I will be focusing this passion
just a friendly smile.
into three main categories:
1 2 3
Join me in this next season as we develop this new
Tutors and teachers to encourage and equip students
means of providing hope and restoration to those on the
to complete their high school diplomas
margins.
Business partners to host Academy students and graduates in job internships
I firmly believe this restoration of lives can only happen by
Mentors to accompany our students relationally along
restored people, in the context of a community wielding
their life-recovery journeys.
the power tools of kindness and compassion.
5
PART 2 BY SHON BALDWIN
I
Please prayerfully consider the end-of-the-year donation you will be making to Visalia Rescue Mission, or commit to a monthly donation now at: vrmhope.org/give
n our Spring issue, we addressed the major financial hurdles coming to us from different angles as an organization here in California: increases in health care
costs, workers’ compensation, and minimum wage. This $350,000 anticipated increase to our operating expenses was actually closer to $400,000. In response to this burden, we have reduced our annualized costs in director and staff salaries, as well as operating expenses by $283,000. With numbers this formidable, it’s easy to get distracted and forget why we exist in the first place — to provide hope and restoration through Jesus Christ to the neediest members of our community. As Howard Shultz, Starbucks CEO, said in a recent interview, “You can’t create an emotional attachment if you stand for nothing.” In a roundabout way, this tough financial season has been a great reminder that we stand for something and many of you see it (see our Ministry update on page 12). There are a few partners in this community who have stepped up to help us make it through this season. They are part of the “downpour” we mentioned in the last issue — the
gave from her livelihood — the very portion from which she
ones with an emotional attachment to this ministry, who
needed to live.
have heeded the voice of the Lord by donating generously. These anonymous supporters are the stones in God’s sling
While we have yet to fully realize the impact of our large cuts
that will defeat this regulatory giant.
in our operating expenses, and with another increase in minimum wage coming January 1, we’re still standing with
In addition to these partners, many of you have contributed
the best weapons that we’ve had all along: faith, hope, and
faithfully over the years — your donations are perhaps
love.
smaller in size, but equally great in impact. Like the widow in
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Mark 12 who gave only a small portion, was acknowledged
After the support you and many in this community have given
by Jesus to have given more than all the others because she
us over the years, we know you stand for these, too.
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three visalia rescue mission graduates share their struggles with drugs, alcohol and the law and how they lived to smile another day
PRICE OF FREEDOM “You don’t live on faith. You live on reality.” BY RYAN STILLWATER
J
ames Stallworth has much to say about his early life. This statement summarizes the world as he saw it — a world ripe with possibility and distraction. A promising athlete at 18-years-old, James set the National Federation of State High School Associations record with a long jump of over twenty-six feet. He went on to attend the 1990 World Junior Championships in Athletics in Bulgaria, where he surpassed his own personal record while winning the gold medal in the long jump competition. He also left with the bronze medal in the 200-meter. The next year, instead of starting a promising college career, James found himself in a prison cell for selling $20 worth of cocaine to four undercover police officers. His full-ride to Fresno State University was terminated. Soon after, he became a father with the birth of his first daughter. Twenty-four years later, James still has the look of an athlete at 6’3” with a thin, athletic frame. He carries himself with a quiet confidence and inviting smile. Ask him about his past and his eyes seem to glance
8
over to a scene playing out before him: “I
one day. “It’s when they were building the
think about that night every day,” James
new Community Center, and I thought,
said. “I can’t even tell you why I did it. It’s
I don’t want to go back to where I came
the lifestyle, it was the attention. I thrived
from, I want to change my life. I want my
on that. I was hanging with my friends
children and my grandchildren in my life.
and doing what they were doing. I just got
So when I was released, I got a ride to the
caught up in it.”
[VRM] Shelter and they told me about the House of Hope. That program changed
Fast-forward to December 2014 —
by life.”
James’ journey brought him right here to
•••
Visalia Rescue Mission. “The Mission has
Sergio Rocha is a 44-year-old grandfather
been awesome. There has been a lot of
with a good job — a truck driver who
discovery. God is good, and without Jesus
works six days a week, yet is soft-spoken,
Christ, I don’t know where I’d be.”
kind, and shows no sign of his former
•••
A NNE T T E E D WA RDS
lifestyle.
Around the same time James found himself in jail, Annette Edwards was living a
Before coming to VRM, Sergio was
similar life. “When I was growing up, drugs,
serving a 12-year-sentence as penance
alcohol, and violence were normal to me.”
for a life of drug use and sales. His drive into this lifestyle was fueled not by his
Spending time in juvenile hall by age 12,
hardworking and sober family, but by
pregnant by age 16, selling drugs by age
the movie, Scarface. “I wanted to be like
17, Annette was pursuing the only lifestyle
Tony Montana. I wanted to have power,
she knew. At age 23, Annette lost custody
women, and money. I was the black
of her children after her husband died and
sheep of the family back then.”
the children’s biological father assumed custody.
Prison didn’t play into the glamorous portrayal Sergio saw in a criminal culture.
Custody hearings weren’t the only issue
“I had a lot of guilt and pain thinking about
landing Annette in court. “I lived recklessly
my family. I would be in my cell at night
for six or seven years. The judge got tired
and couldn’t sleep. I’d cry thinking about
of seeing me, so I would serve a year for
not being there to help them or save them
a misdemeanor, instead of the typical 90
from anything.”
JA ME S S TA L LWORTH
days.” Upon his release, after just 31 months, All of her time behind bars didn’t change
Sergio became a student at our Life-
her, as she would return to drug use after
Change Academy. He found gratefulness
every release. This changed after her last
in the smallest of gifts, like the ability to
45-day sentence in county jail when she
open a door and go outside at will. He
found a bible. “I just prayed and talked
also found closure from his former life:
to the Lord, and saturated myself in my bible. I believe I was delivered there on
“Like a pastor told me one day, ‘If God
that bunk in the county jail.”
forgave you, who are you not to forgive yourself? Are you higher than God?’ And
Annette’s introduction to Visalia Rescue
ever since then, I have forgiven myself
Mission came with the morning paper
and thank God for forgiving me, too.”
S E R G IO R O CHA
9
BY CHELSEA STEMKOSKI
T
he start of October means {hopefully!} cooler weather. So we get out our scarves and long-sleeves and celebrate the arrival of Starbucks’ pumpkin-spice latte. It also means our annual Run for Hope event is just days away. This is one of our favorite events (yes, we may say that about all of them) and it all started as the brainchild of Lt. Rob Brunell, California Highway Patrol. An avid runner, he encouraged his friend and co-worker, Matt Drewry (also a CHP Lt. and instructor at the Tulare-Kings Counties Police Academy) to run a marathon with him so they could check it off their bucket list. While Matt was reluctant at first, the two ran the New York Marathon in 2008 and have been hooked ever since. Together, they started the Central Valley Roadrunners running group and got connected with us through a coworker and fellow Roadrunners team member, John Tyler. He suggested a fundraising effort for VRM when the team was training for a racing event four years ago. In Matt’s own words, “We were extremely impressed with the amazing service VRM provides to the community!” Bringing the two together, Rob and Matt felt they could use
10
their running hobby as a springboard, creating a family-friendly fitness event with a fundraising element for our many services, as well as a positive impact on the community. Their families have participated in Run for Hope since its inception. Last year, Matt even had his granddaughter out on the course in the stroller!
We love Rob & Matt’s reasons to participate in this year’s Run for Hope: 1. Both events (walking and running) are suited for people of any fitness level 2. It’s a family-friendly event in a beautiful setting by St. John’s River 3. YOU WILL HAVE FUN and you’ll be providing vital support to VRM The only thing better than a fun morning with family and friends, is knowing you are providing true life change for many men and women (see our cover story on page 8). What more could you ask for? For more information, visit vrmhope.org/events & register today.
MIRacle’s Still do happen M
y name is Vicki. I’m 52 years young and have been blessed with three children and eight grandchildren. Originally from Chicago, my family moved to California when I was young and I
have lived in Tulare County ever since. My childhood was nothing but chaos, drama and dysfunction. I suffered severe sexual, physical and emotional abuse and eventually ran away from home as a teenager. And that is when my career of addiction began. After only weeks on my own, I was introduced to heroin. That drug became my best friend for the next 37 years. I’ve spent 13 years in prison and have served 3 sentences in the county jail, the
VRM House of Hope resident Vicki Bordagaray.
most recent being in 2013. My last arrest was a blessing in disguise. I had hit rock bottom before, but not like this time. I wandered the streets
Academy is about digging deep and letting God change you from the
like a stray animal, pushing what worldly possessions I had around in a
inside out. After I graduate from the Life Change Academy this month, I
shopping cart.
plan to begin VRM’s transitional program.
Each day, I begged God to not let me wake up in the morning. Regardless
I also hope to finish my Bachelor’s Degree in Human Services and restart
of how many drugs I did, I couldn’t fill the void inside of me. Around that
a career of helping people. Before, I didn’t know who I was. Today, I know
time, I was also diagnosed with an incurable and devastating disease.
who I am. I am a confident, courageous woman of God. Today, I practice
But this arrest was a blessing because while in jail, I found God. It wasn’t
humility the best that I can. It’s not thinking less of myself, but it’s thinking of
all easy from that point on. I ended up on the streets once again, but I
myself less. Today, I aim to be just as diligent in my walk with God and in my
had enough of a relationship with God that this time, instead of asking
recovery as I was in my addiction. And today, there is no trace of the disease
to die, I told him I wanted to live.
left in my body. I am completely healed. After 37 long years of addiction, 14 months at the House of Hope is just the start of this new journey.
That’s when I enrolled at VRM’s House of Hope. While there, I attended
But already in those 14 months, God has healed me from a devastating
a function called the Tea Party, a gathering of women’s group homes
disease, restored my family, and given me a new outlook on life.
who join together to learn about God. There, I asked God for forgiveness and completely surrendered my life to Him. I had been in ‘recovery’
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to
before, but never with God. My son once told me, “You haven’t changed,
prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
you’rejust clean.” Now I know what he meant. VRM’s Life Change
–Jeremiah 29:11
LETTER FROM THE CHAIRMAN
JOHN ANDERSON Chairman of the Board
a sobering story about how her “career” addiction of 37 years began once she left home at age 14. Now at age 52, after living on the streets and in and out of jail, she has a hope and purpose that is not rooted in the things of this world, but in our Lord and Savior Jesus
As my journey as Chairman begins, I am humbled and ever mindful Christ. that I cannot do this alone. It is Christ who strengthens me and while Vicki is just one of many who has put their faith and hope in an He is at the center, I along with the full Board, Al Oliver and the VRM staff unconditional loving Savior and we look forward to supporting her will seek and follow His lead. In this season, we cherish your prayers, as she transitions into the next chapter God has intended for her. engagement and financial support as we embark on the next 34 years. Unfortunately, there are many others with similar stories and Each month at our board meetings, we are blessed to hear firsthand experiences as Vicki and we look forward to God’s calling in our the power of hope and restoration though Jesus Christ. This month, ministry so we can continue providing hope and restoration. What Vicki shared her testimony titled “Miracles still do happen”. She shared does hope and restoration really mean? Stay tuned…
11
ministry update
DID YOU
know? If you’ve followed us for any amount of time, you may have noticed we’re active in our community. VERY active. We average one large event each month, plus several smaller events depending on the time of year. If you’ve ever thought, “Why does VRM have so many events?” here is your answer:
BY RICK BERBEREIA
R
ecently, a team of us from VRM were able to attend a gathering hosted by Homeboy Industries in Los Angeles, CA. Their mission is to provide “hope, training, and support
to formerly gang-involved and previously incarcerated men and women.” It was fantastic exposure to an organization truly living out its purpose over the past fourteen years through its many social enterprises and programs. Our attendance at this gathering was very much intentional, since a new conversation has
The men and women in our 8-month Life-Change Academy are here at no cost to them. This allows our students to focus on what matters: recovery and restoration — and that’s where you come in. It costs approximately $12,000 for one person to complete the Academy, which includes room and board, curriculum, and life and job-skills training.
been brewing for while now in the “help vs. hurt” ministry we offer to those we serve. As
Tell us what you want to know. Email us at hope@vrmhope.org
“U.S. food banks are expected to give away about 4 billion pounds of food this year, more
Robert Lupton, founder and president of Focused Community Strategies (FCS) Ministries, says in his book, Toxic Charity: “When we do for those in need what they have the capacity to do for themselves, we disempower them. When relief does not transition to development in a timely way, compassion becomes toxic.” Toxic compassion? Could it be there are unintended consequences of helping the “least of these” among us? Lupton believes “no-strings-attached service needs some strings attached,” as mercy itself is, as he says, just a door — not the destination. Just last month, AP published a very insightful article on the subject entitled: “Food banks struggle to meet demand.” Say what?
than double the amount provided a decade ago.” Double? This increase is said to be “surprising since the economy is growing.” Lupton addresses this “surprise” well: “Food in our society is a chronic poverty need, not a life-threatening one. And when we respond to a chronic need as though it were a crisis, we can predict toxic results: dependency, deception, disempowerment.” So what does this have to do with you and Visalia Rescue Mission? In the coming months, our team will be developing a two-part strategy: 1.Graduating students from our Life-Change Academy who are better prepared to gain and keep employment. This may include a Learning Center and GED program, revamping mentorship opportunities, and recruiting businesses for internships. 2.Ensuring our homeless guests receiving meals and shelter are on a path from immediate crises to long-term development.
CHELSEA STEMKOSKI
Event Coordinator
We will always be a ministry of mercy, hope and restoration. The only thing we’re adding is the string of self-sufficiency and we hope you join as we choose to impact this community with true life-change.
VRMTHRIFT.ORG
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ALL thingS FoR Good
Shortly after finding sobriety, Julie’s husband, Eddie got out of jail. They were
BY CHELSEA STEMKOSKI
attending bible studies while in jail and would tell Julie they needed to have
both freshly sober, but were also homeless and struggling. Eddie had started faith. Little did they know that faith was about to be tested. They wanted a different life but didn’t know what to do next. They had $60 to their name and spending it on a hotel room would leave them with nothing for the next day. They didn’t want to steal to survive, so they opted to sleep on the street. That night Julie was so sick she could barely walk. She slept fitfully next to a trash can and woke up to find Eddie crying. She had never seen him cry before. “I didn’t think life was going to be like this,” he told her. He thought all they needed to do was get sober and that people would help them. She told Eddie she needed him to have the same kind of faith he had when he was in jail. Lying next to that trash can, Julie and Eddie did the only thing left to do —
Julie Jimenez hard at work for VRM Thrift (left). Jimenez’s mug shot from 2010 before her time at the Mission.
J
ulie started using drugs when she was 13 and was in juvenile hall a
they asked Jesus into their lives. “I told God, ‘I know I’ve made a mess of my life. Living my way isn’t working.’ I promised that if He helped us I would spend the rest of my life telling people about Him,” Julie says with a smile. From that day on, doors started opening.
year later. She returned to jail numerous times and between ages 23 and 40, she wasn’t free longer than six months. She even lost
Eddie found employment through a program called Road 2 Jobs. Julie
count of all of her many arrests. In her own words, “I have been addicted to
started volunteering at Rescued Treasures Thrift Store, hoping to get a
alcohol, heroin, cocaine, acid, PCP, meth, gambling, sex and money. I was
job. She was hired a month later and stayed for about a year. She left to
even a drug dealer at one point.” Molested as a child, raped while working
concentrate on completing her Drug & Alcohol Counseling Certificate and
on the streets, beaten by numerous relationships, it’s only by the grace of
was recently re-hired as VRM’s Scheduler in our Thrift Department.
God she is still alive. “I’m part of a local jail ministry and am constantly trying to get the women She lived in a motel for a few weeks after her husband (then boyfriend)
there to go to the House of Hope. God has opened so many doors for me
ended up in jail. In the midst of her addiction, she lost custody of her
since I started following Him.”
children. Realizing she couldn’t rely on her “homeboys” to pay for her room each night, she called her son who took her to her daughter’s house.
Even though Julie has been through the unimaginable, God hasn’t wasted
“I remember it like it was yesterday. She was sitting on the couch with my
any of it. She wouldn’t change anything in her life because it has made her
4-month old grandson and said, ‘Mama, you can stay with me, but you
who she is today.
need to make some changes. Look at you, you can hardly walk. I want my son to know who his grandma is, but if you keep living the life you’re living,
“God is now being glorified through the very things the enemy was trying to
you’re gonna die!’”
use for harm. Statistically, I should be dead, but I’m alive and Christ lives in
Her daughter’s words made enough of an impact for her to quit cold-
me. Everything I have been through, I use to help others. I promised I would
turkey. She has been clean and sober since that day — March 11, 2011.
share what God has done for me with everyone I meet, and I’m still doing it!”
Sherri White J
Director of Thrift Operations
ulie’s story is one which resonates with all us, even if we can’t articulate why. For someone to experience the kind of adversity and hardship that she has, only to demonstrate gratefulness for how God is now using those life events, is a supernatural blessing only possible when
we surrender our lives to Him. Julie is a very welcome addition to our Thrift Department and to our VRM family.
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