HopeNOW - Summer 2013 by Visalia Rescue Mission

A Quarterly Publication of the

VISALIA RESCUE MISSION

THE

Summer 2013 volume 4 | Issue 2

HUNGER I S S U E

HOPE & RESTORATION THROUGH JESUS CHRIST

CONTENTS

SUmmer 2013 Issue 2 - July 3, 2013

Discover What’s inside 03

Message From Danny

Events Calendar

From Addiction to Redemption

Volunteer Spotlight

08 10 12 14

Executive Director Danny Little shares his thoughts on the coming season. See all the upcoming happenings with the Rescue Mission and plan to join us!

“Thanks to God, I finally feel Peace” -Program Graduate

Meet one amazing volunteer, Ronnie Lemon, & find out how he is using his retirement to serve God.

The Hunger Issue

Even though a majority of our meals go to those who are homeless, we are seeing a shift...

Help Fight Hunger

Seven ways you can help fight this growning need in our City and County

Create a Lifetime Impact How one couple has decided to provide ongoing ministry support even when they pass on.

OUR TEAM Danny Little Mark Shelton Jessica Cavale Molly Schengel

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR OF COMM. DEVELOPMENT CREATIVE DIRECTOR PRODUCED BY PHOTOGRAPHY BY PUBLISHED BY

Eric Riley 4Creeks Marketing Third Element Studios Visalia Rescue Mission

MAILING ADDRESS: P.O. Box 109 Visalia, CA 93279 TELEPHONE: 559.740.4178 EMAIL: hope@vrmhope.org WEBSITE: www.vrmhope.org FIND US ON THESE SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORMS

5 Reasons to Donate Our Thrift Stores provide an incredible resource to our Mission and your donations are the key.

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Summer 2013 | VISALIA RESCUE MISSION

FROM DANNY a letter from the executive Director

e are moving into the summer months. It’s always uncertain how bad the weather is going to be but the forecasts reveal a picture of heat with no relief. As you know, the Central Valley can be relentless with our hot weather. As we head into these dry months, it can be the most challenging. Financially, for the Visalia Rescue Mission, it’s “dry” in many ways. Please consider helping us during some of the most challenging days we have this calendar year. In addition our meal numbers increase during the summer. Demands on food service during these hot summer months are very high. It is a tough time to give but it’s tougher for those people

who go without food. We invite you to join us in our campaign against hunger! As always, we’re grateful for your prayers and your support. May God Bless you! THE LORD IS NOT SLOW IN KEEPING HIS PROMISE, AS SOME UNDERSTAND SLOWNESS. INSTEAD HE IS PATIENT WITH YOU, NOT WANTING ANYONE TO PERISH, BUT EVERYONE TO COME TO REPENTANCE.

Sincerely, Danny Little

-2 PETER 3:9

VISALIA RESCUE MISSION | Summer 2013

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT ANY OF OUR EVENTS VISIT - WWW.VRMHOPE.ORG

VISALIA RESCUE MISSION | Summer 2013

From Addiction to Redemption

was in the military for six years. I had a good childhood and was blessed with a wonderful family. I injured my wrist when I was in The Military Service and that was when my problem began. I was prescribed Oxycotton and I took them from 2008-2010. Suddenly, I

was taken off of them without notice or any kind of rehabilitation program. I started stealing, lying and doing anything I could to get pills. I reached a turning point when my mom passed away, and I wasn’t there when I needed to be. I had spent a couple

Aaron

weeks on the streets in Madera, only to come back to see her before she passed away.

Program Graduate

When I returned to Visalia, my brother-in-law dropped me off at the Mission. At first I joined the Volunteer-to-Work-Program, where I was able to find shelter, food and donate my I needed to go to rehab. Finally, the weekend my family and I went to spread my mom’s ashes, I broke down and realized that even though I was in a better place at the Mission, I needed more

“

help. I told myself that I was done. I entered the VRM Drug Recovery Program a few days later.

Thanks to God, I finally feel peace.

Thanks to the relationships I built with the staff and programmers at the VRM. Thanks to the support and encouragement of the Mission, I have been sober ever since.

NEEDS LIST

SOME TANGIBLE WAYS TO HELP THE VRM

MEN WOMEN KITCHEN SHELTER •

SILVERWARE

AND UP)

•

COFFEE

TO USE FOR

•

BRAS (SIZE 38D AND UP)

•

COFFEE FILTERS (LARGE)

RECYCLING

SCHOOL

•

SOCKS

•

SUGAR

SUPPLIES

•

RAZORS

•

GROUND BEEF

(NOTEBOOKS, PENS, HIGHLIGHTERS, ETC.)

•

DEODORANT

•

WOOD FOR BBQ

•

DAY BUS PASSES

•

CHARCOAL

•

UNDERWEAR

•

SOCKS

•

CLEAN SHIRTS

•

BIKE LOCKS

•

UNDERWEAR

(SIZE 9

•

BOX TRAILER

SHEETS FOR TWIN SIZE BEDS

•

CLEAN T-SHIRTS (ALL SIZES)

“

time to helping the Mission. I didn’t think I had an addiction problem and refused to admit that

Summer 2013 | VISALIA RESCUE MISSION

VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT

RONNIE LEMON “ Giving of myself is what saved me from myself ”

ou might see Ronnie driving around town, or maybe even picking your next donation of used goods. As one of our Thrift Store Drivers, Ronnie has become a valuable part of the VRM. It wasn’t long ago that Ronnie was introduced to the Mission. After 23 years in the Agricultural Industry, Ronnie found himself with free time on his hands and was unsure what to do. He started working part time at the VRM Thrift Store Warehouse. After a week of getting to know the staff and working alongside those in the recovery programs he realized he was hooked and wanted to give more. He soon started working 4 hours a day and also donating 4 hours a day. In just a short time Ronnie donated 350 hours worth of volunteer time to the Mission and thrift stores. “Volunteering here, I just can’t get enough of it.” Prior to his time volunteering at the mission, Ronnie says he struggled with depression, questioning his purpose. “Giving of myself is what saved me from myself,” said Ronnie. “I realized, HOPE, RESTORATION, JESUS CHRIST… it’s all here.” As a driver, Ronnie has his fair share of hard work, “but once you see the hard work and life change that these recovery guys and gals are going through, it makes you realize that every second is worth helping them get back on their feet.” Ronnie has been such a blessing to the Mission and is a great example of how his skills were used to help and bless others. “ I thought I was going to help the Mission, but the Mission has saved me,” said Ronnie.” At first, I didn’t know what I had to give, but really all it took was willingness to be used and a heart to love others.”

OPPORTUNITIES TO VOLUNTEER The VRM is made possible through our team of volunteers. If you are looking to get involved, we would love to help you use your gifts and talents to serve our guests. If you are interested in joining our volunteer team, we invite you to come to a volunteer orientation (see dates on pg. 4) and hear what the VRM is all about how you can get involved!

TOP 3 VOLUNEER NEEDS:

- CHAPEL SPEAKER (10) - MENTOR (30) - CASE WORKER (8)

VISALIA RESCUE MISSION | Summer 2013

THE ISSUE OF

HUNGER “Find out how much God has given you

and from it take what you need, the remainder is needed by others.” - Saint Augustine

Summer 2013 | VISALIA RESCUE MISSION

e hear people say all the time, “it seems like more people are on street corners.” The truth is we are seeing more and more people come to us for help. A majority of our meals go to those who are homeless, but we are seeing a shift. In fact, we are seeing more families and individuals who are just trying to get by between paychecks. The truth is, you don’t have to be homeless to be hungry. In the agricultural capital of the World, we still have people who are struggling to feed themselves and their families. “Despite California’s economic and agricultural prosperity, over one in four individuals are hungry or at serious risk of hunger, according to the USDA1. In fact, US Department of Agriculture discovered that 16.2% of households in Tulare County are food-insecure2. As the Visalia Rescue Mission, we are doing our best to meet the needs of the hungry in our community. Our doors are open to anyone who needs a meal. We serve 3-meals a day/ 365 days a year. On average we serve 500 meals per day which adds up to 180,000 meals a year! A meal may not seem like a lot, but for the guests that come to the Visalia Rescue Mission, a meal can mean the start to a new life. There are people who come to the VRM for a meal get plugged in to case management, rehab programs, housing options and job opportu-

nities. For them, a meal is just the start to LIFE CHANGE THROUGH JESUS CHRIST! We are doing what we can with what we have, but even then we do not have the resources to meet the needs of every hungry individual. That is why this month is dedicated raising awareness on the issues of hunger in our own backyards. Please consider partnering with us so that our community doesn’t go hungry. We have a number of great events going on for the month of July and invite you to get involved in any way you can. These events range from shopping at partner grocery stores hosting a food drive; whatever in your schedule and time frame allows. We ask that you try to do one thing to participate. Turn the page to see a list of the number of ways you can participate in the VRM’s HUNGER AWARENESS MONTH!

THE UNSEEN MANY 1 “Tulare County: A Profile of Poverty, Hunger & Food Assistance.” Cfpa.net. California Food Policy Advocates, May 2003. Web. June-July 2013. 2 Breneman, Vince. “Enviormental Food Atlas.” USA.gov. US Department of Agriculture. 11 December 2012. 3 June 2013. < http://www.ers.usda.gov/ data-products/food-environment-atlas/go-to-theatlas.aspx#.Ua98ANKcfOE>

The percentage of homeless living on the streets in Tulare/ Kings county is 22% higher than the national average, and children represent over 20% of that population -Tulare/Kings Continuum of Care Point in Time Survey 2012

VISALIA RESCUE MISSION | Summer 2013

22.9% of Tulare County lives below the poverty level, and as many as 50,000 kids in Tulare County alone go unfed or underfed each day. -U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2012)

HOW

YOU CAN FIGHT HUNGER HELPFIGHT 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.

Shop at the Visalia Grocery Outlet this month. The items the VRM needs will be highlighted in the aisles, or purchase a pre-made bag of canned goods and drop it in the donation bin at the store! Be a part of Hunger Awareness Day on July 13th. We will have volunteers at grocery stores throughout Visalia. Stop by to shop on that day and donate needed items right at the door. Or sign up to host a table at one of the locations and help spread the word about hunger awareness. Contact Lindsay at Lindsay@vrmhope.org Join us for our Food Fight Against Hunger event on July 21st. Come out and see local amateur chef’s compete for top chef honors! There will be complementary drinks and hors d’oeuvres from local restaurants as well as cooking competitions and a live demonstration from David Vartanian of the Vintage Press. For more info call or email - hope@vrmhope.org // 559.740.4178 Sign-up to serve a meal at the VRM! Come down and help serve breakfast, lunch or dinner. Go to www.vrmhope.org and sign up on our volunteer calendar. It only takes an hour and is a great way for you and your family to get involved! Host a meal at our Women’s & Children’s Shelter. Take a meal to the Women’s and Children’s shelter for a more personal and one-on- one experience. Host a BBQ at our Community Kitchen. You and a group can come down and BBQ for our nightly guests! Host a food drive at your business/ school/ neighborhood. We would love to partner with you and help spread the word on hunger! We’ll even come down and talk to your office/class or business. This is a great hands-on way to give the boot to hunger!

For more information on Hunger Awareness Month & ways you can get involved, visit - www.vrmhope.org

VISALIA RESCUE MISSION | Summer 2013

LEAVING A

LASTING LEGACY Greg & Patricia Thompson Ministry Partners

ur relationship with the Visalia Rescue Mission began about 2003. Since then we have witnessed God doing amazing things in our community through this ministry. We have also been impressed by the integrity of VRMâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s operations. As well,

we have been inspired by their continued visionary approach to ministry. We have been privileged to participate in their mission to the Visalia community over the years by giving our time, talents, and resources. In 2007 we took our relationship with VRM to a new and exciting level. We included this ministry in our revocable trust, a planned giving document, partnering with them in their vision for the future. One day, when we are gone, our time and talents will not be available to VRM. However, a portion of our estate will help them reach their goals and realize their dreams. Our desire is to partner with VRM in future endeavors, and including them in our trust document is a tremendous way to do this! Why planned giving when we already give now? We all leave a legacy. The fruitful works we engage in now, while we are alive, can carry on long after we have passed on. It has been wonderful to know that, as we do a little bit better, our trust recipients will be able to do more for those whom they serve. The Bible has much to say about good stewardship of our resources. Jesus tells us He wants us to have fruit that remains. Our desire is to know that this vibrant ministry will prosper beyond our own days. This is why we have included them in our estate plan. Will you consider including the Visalia Rescue Mission in your estate plan, to partner with this valuable ministry in this vital way?

PLANNED GIVING Y

ou have the opportunity to continue your legacy by

Memorials & Honorary Gifts

making a Legacy of Hope planned gift. Why do we

A great way to memorialize or honor someone you love. Make a gift in his or her name to the Visalia Rescue Mission.

call it a legacy? Giving beyond your lifetime sends a

strong message to your loved ones and peers; as well as to future generations of homeless men, women, and children served by the VRM. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s quite a legacy! Leave a Legacy of Hope.

LEave a legacy. Contact us at 559.740.4178 or Hope@vrmhope.org

Gifts of Life Insurance 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.

Summer 2013 | VISALIA RESCUE MISSION

MEMORIALS & HONORS IN MEMORY OF Marialee Brummitt

Martha Marshburn Edward & Linda Stewart

Frank Silva Isabel Silva

Frank Curtis Karen Munger

Bob Lee

Bob & Jeannie Craine

Floyd Pippett Donald & Peggy McLaughlin

Sondra Chaffee

IN HONOR OF Alix Gillam

Lowell & Marcia Johnson

Joreen Aharonian Wanda Baublit

Conchita Perez

Jenny Yandel Sam Julier

Anonymous

Ruth Smith

Jeannie Lantrip (Dir)

Michael & Sara Knight John Tallentire Jr.

Schuil & Associates Roy A. Lantrip Ronald L. Devins Vern & Beverly Bitney

Anthony Wallen Jack & Linda Smith

Kathryn Crookshanks Marilyn Doe

Veda Barnes

Derek & Brandee Miller

Esther Lanting & Family Iva Betz

Frank Pahkamaa

Lewis Ray

Rodney Souza

Linda Williams

Tinitas Performance

Aharon Aharonian

Louise Shoemaker

Melody Schepp

Mark & Argene Tisdale

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.

VISALIA RESCUE MISSION | Summer 2013

THRIFT STORES 5 GREAT REASONS TO DONATE YOUR CLOTHES & HOUSEHOLD ITEMS TO THE VRM

Your donations are sold in our Thrift Store to fund programs and services that empower the homeless struggling in our community.

Our thrift stores serve as on-site job training for the homeless and program graduates to help get them back on their feet.

Your goods are given to men and women in our programs, and homeless guests to ensure that they are clothed and safe.

Visalia Rescue Mission is the ONLY Rescue Mission headquartered in Tulare County.

We aim to provide you a benefit as well by offering FREE pick-up services, tax-deductions, and an easy way to make room in your home or office.

HOW TO DONATE 1

Drop off at Rescued Treasures Thrift Store Address: 2523 S. Mooney Visalia, CA 93277 Hours: 9am - 6pm

Drop off at VRM Warehouse Address: 500 E. Race Ave Visalia, CA Hours: 8:30am - 4:30pm

Drop off at VRM Donation Boxes Locations: Grace Community Church, Visalia Naz, Elks Lodge, Fresno Pacific - Visalia VRM Commmunity Kitchen

Call for your FREE pick-up Phone: 559-740-4178 Hours: 8:30am - 4:30pm

We are currently looking for product specialist who would be willing to donate their time and skill! If you would like to volunteer contact Lindsay - lindsay@vrmhope.org

Summer 2013 | VISALIA RESCUE MISSION

MAXIMIZING MEALS a letter from THE chairman OF THE BOARD Greetings from the Board…. I just read an article the other day that stated 69.2% of the adult population in the U.S. is overweight. It seems that we have food everywhere and people eating abundantly all around us. As a matter of fact, like so many others, I am trying to lose a few unwanted pounds from eating too much myself.

How is it that the Mission is feeding so many people that come to us hungry. It’s amazing that in the midst of all this abundance there are many that don’t have the means to provide a meal for themselves or their family. This is not acceptable!

The Board of Directors at the VRM, is committed to provide a meal to anyone that comes to us hungry. However, to do this we need your ongoing support. I know of no one that can stretch a dollar further than the Visalia Rescue Mission. For every dollar you give, our promise is that it will be used to maximize the meals and recovery programs we provide. Thank you for helping us help others….. Together we can feed all that come to us, and share not only a meal, but show them the Love of Christ. Blessings….

Mark Shelton

Chairman of the Board

NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION

VI S A

C ALIF O R N IA

932

U.S. POSTAGE

PAID

PERMIT NO. 119

NUMBERS FROM January TO JUNE 2013 72,436 MEALS SERVED 21,571 bed nights 14 PROGRAM GRADUATES

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Karen de groot JOHN ANDERSON LINDA LAFLEUR Judy Vanette MIKE ALLEN Mike De Groot JOHN KOSTER SCOTT BOSLER

MARC SCHUIL Rance Mulliniks BRAD REENDERS STEVE BISWELL JOSH BERGMAN MARK SHELTON CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD

DANNY LITTLE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

FIND US ON THESE SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORMS

WWW.VRMHOPE.ORG | 559-740-4178

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