HopeNOW - Spring 2015

A Publication of the Visalia Rescue Mission

HOPENOW Spring 2015

Volume 6 | Issue 1

Celebrating 34 Years An Anniversary Story through the eyes of the mission’s longest-serving employee

a rescued treasure “it all started with this place.”

Read more on page

inaugural spring benefit w/ best-selling author: bob goff

Read more on page

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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!

PILLOWS TWIN SHEETS TOWELS

TABLE OF

CONTENTs 06 DROUGHT & DOWNPOUR Changes in California mean changes at VRM. Read about how state-level decisions affect us here in the Valley.

WASH CLOTHS BLANKETS TOILETRIES COMMERCIAL JUICER

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SILVERWARE COFFEE DISPOSABLE CUPS (PAPER OR STYROFOAM) TWIN FOAM MATTRESS PADS TWIN WATERPROOF MATTRESS COVERS

An Anniversary Story A Glimpse at the Mission’s 34-Year History Through Its Longest-Serving Employee, Bob Welch

MEN’S SOCKS MEN’S BOXERS RAIN PONCHOS ADULT BIKES (NEW OR USED)

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Life-change Academy highlight: Althea’s Story Read about the hope Althea is finding as part of the Mission’s Life Change Academy.

TO DONATE: YOU CAN DROP OFF ANY OF THE ITEMS LISTED ABOVE TO THE VRM ADMIN OFFICE LOCATED AT: 500 EAST RACE AVE. VISALIA, CA 93292 (M-F 8AM - 4:30PM)

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Thrift Highlight: It all started here Donnie came to VRM on his 50th birthday in 2010. For some, living with men you have never met is less than desirable, but for Donnie, our program was a welcome change.

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Read more on page 15.

UPCOMING

events

LETTER FROM THE

Director A

s director of the Mission, I have the

In this issue you’ll get to read the amazing story

privilege of observing how each part

of one such staff member, Bob Welch. Bob

of our organization operates. From Rescued

came to the Mission 33 years ago looking for a

Treasures and Simply Chic Boutique, to our Life

place to stay, and ended up gaining much more:

Change Academy at the House of Hope and

restoration from an addiction, housing, a job and

House of Restoration, to our administration

hope for a promising future.

and finance operations, we have a team of passionate individuals who are dedicated to helping individuals change their lives through the love of Christ.

MAY 12TH INAUGURAL SPRING BENEFIT WTH BOB GOFF At the Visalia Fox Theatre

Stories like Bob’s are only possible with supporters like you. Thank you for giving,

MAY 18TH ONE BALLGAME WITHOUT SHOES

volunteering and praying for the VRM over the past 34 years! We’re excited for what God will do

Many of these staff members chose to work for this cause because they were in similar positions at one time. Some were formally homeless, while

in the years to come.

Warmest Affection in Christ,

others struggled with devastating addictions.

At the Rawhide Ballpark

Al Oliver, Executive Director

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

LAST MONDAY

of the month | 5-9pm CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD

John Anderson VICE-CHAIR

Linda LaFleur SECRETARY

Mike Allen Josh Bergman Steve Biswell Scott Bosler Karen De Groot Mike De Groot

HOPE NOW CONTRIBUTERS | EDITOR | Ryan Stillwater EDITOR | Kristin Eichbauer LAYOUT / DESIGN | Eric Riley PHOTOGRAPHY | 4Creeks Creative

Published by

John Koster Rance Mulliniks Brad Reenders Marc Schuil Rob Van Grouw Judy Vannette

PIZZA WITH PURPOSE At The Planing Mill Artisan Pizzeria

Spring 2015 | April. 2015 - Volume 6 Issue 1

STAFF WRITERS | Al Oliver Chelsea Stemkoski Lindsay Baldwin

Rick Berbereia Jessica Cavale Mark Shelton Sherri White

MAILING ADDRESS: P.O. Box 109 Visalia, CA 93279 TELEPHONE: 559.740.4178 EMAIL: hope@vrmhope.org WEBSITE: www.vrmhope.org

For more information: cut here and keep this reminder of our upcoming events

Mark Shelton

VRMHOPE.ORG/EVENTS

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Date JULY 12TH 7:30pm

MARTINA McBRIDE Concert benefitting the VRM At the Visalia Fox Theatre

JULY 19TH

FOOD FIGHT AGAINST HUNGER At the Visalia Holiday Inn

AUGUST 21

ST

7:30am

7TH ANNUAL GOLF SKILLS CHALLENGE at Valley Oaks Golf Course

SEPTEMBER 11TH 8-9:15pm

POPS IN THE PARK at Oval Park | Tickets available at ovalpark.org

OCTOBER 10TH 7:30am

4TH ANNUAL RUN FOR HOPE

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volunteer Spotlight

BY CHELSEA STEMKOSKI

W

3-6pm

at Cutler Park

cut here and keep this reminder of our upcoming events

SAVE THE

e rely heavily on volunteers in every aspect of our work at the Mission. The opportunities are endless: sorting in the warehouse, stocking shelves at

one of our thrift stores, mentoring, working at special events, data entry, leading worship at chapel, serving in the kitchen.

Daneka Kielty, an account manager for a produce company, is one of these muchneeded volunteers. Originally from Tulare, now living in Kingsburg, she learned about the VRM when her brother entered the Mission’s recovery program about eight years ago. During his stay she visited often, donating fruit to the kitchen and taking her brother and other residents to church on Sundays.

Daneka Kielty: Daneka Kielty is one of many generous individuals who volunteer on a regular basis.

Seeing VRM staff show genuine care for her brother and

We’re grateful for Daneka and the hundreds of other volunteers

the positive impact it was having, Daneka wanted to

who help us live out hope and restoration through Jesus Christ

give back. Her brother had her, but not everyone had

every day.

a support system. She wanted to let the other men and women know that someone cared, that someone was praying for them. Even if all she gave was a smile, she knew it was needed.

“For the poor will never cease from the land; therefore I command you, saying ‘You shall open your hand wide to your bother, to your poor and your needy, in your land.’”

Deuteronomy 15:11

Daneka has served meals in the VRM’s Community Kitchen, registered event guests at the Empty Bowls fundraiser and volunteered as a table host at community meals. While it was her brother’s participation in

Lindsay Baldwin

Volunteer Coordinator

the program that brought her to the Mission, it’s the constant need for volunteers and uplifting feeling she gets that keeps her plugged in. It turns out she received

T

hirty four years ago, the Visalia Rescue

Mission

was

created

just as much as she was giving, if not more. In the future,

by a group of volunteers to care for

Daneka hopes to volunteer and serve women staying at

homeless and hurting people in their

the VRM’s House of Hope.

community. Today, we are still caring for our guests by partnering with

“I consider volunteering an opportunity, one that I am

volunteers like Daneka. There’s something really unique about the

so thankful for,” Daneka says. “I have the chance to

kind of care and concern that can be communicated from a volunteer

help, to see the need right here in our community, and

who isn’t on staff–our guests know that volunteers care for them on

gain perspective on what’s really important. I would

their own free time. They feel seen and valued by them. This is why

volunteer every day if I could.”

volunteers are a strategic part of the restorative environment at the

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Visalia Rescue Mission–we can’t accomplish what we do without them!

Drought & Downpour

State of the Union

BY RYAN STILLWATER

A

First, the drought: in 2015, we’re looking at a $350,000 increase in operation expenses.

How is that possible?

On November 14 of last year, VRM employees were informed our healthcare plan did not meet the standards of the Affordable Care Act. In its place, employees now pay more

s a faith-based organization, we don’t often choose

and receive less coverage. Last July, California Gov. Jerry

to get political or advocate for national issues. We

Brown successfully increased minimum wage from $8 to

do, however, believe it’s our responsibility to critique

$9 an hour. Lastly, we live in California — third place in the

results and evaluate the numbers derived from political

country for highest workers’ compensation costs, which are

decisions. Lately, we’ve been staring at the numbers quite

expected to increase by 9% on April 1.

a bit. While nothing will dissuade us from pursuing life-

All of this, in just one year’s time.

change for anyone in our community who needs it, we’re buckling down for an unexpected drought and downpour…

If we were a for-profit corporation, I may have suggested

simultaneously.

we fold up shop, but we’ve witnessed an amazing thing at the Visalia Rescue Mission. Across the gamut — from donors

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A total of 111 staff members help run VRM programs and services at 17 different properties in Visalia. and volunteers, to our employees and a random $800

of the homeless we serve and I’m constantly hearing of

donation from someone in Baltimore — God’s faithfulness

simple acts of compassion that our staff and supporters

is an umbrella over the Mission.

show to each other and to the people we serve.

In Matthew 6, Jesus has some incredible things to say about

While a drought is looming over us, the past 34 years

worry: “If God gives such attention to the appearance of

have shown us a fresh downpour is approaching. While

wildflowers—most of which are never even seen—don’t you

we revamp programs and streamline operations (see

think he’ll attend to you, take pride in you, do his best for

the ministry update on page 10), giving back to a needy

you?” For me, I started to wonder about the “how” — just

community as He meets our needs, we’re asking each of you

how will God come through?

to consider a fresh, monthly donation of $34. In just a year,

“Relax,” he says. “What I’m trying to do here is to get you to relax, to not be so preoccupied with getting, so you can respond to God’s giving.”

Since 1981, God has given so much to our organization, but I’m not just referring to buildings, programs, and retail stores. He has given us a calling: we all have need and we all have something to give. I often get to witness the generosity

you will provide the equivalent of 212 meals or roughly two weeks of room and board for a man or woman in our LifeChange Academy.

Thank you all for an incredible 34-year journey and for the years of hope and restoration to come. Please consider supporting us with a tax-deductible, monthly gift of $34.

Visit vrmhope.org/34more for all giving options.

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A glimpse at the mission’s 34-year-history 1980:

Mission founders open ‘Good Samaritan Mission,’ a 3-unit apartment building that later becomes the inaugural Mission property to house and feed the homeless

1981: Renamed and established as the Visalia Rescue Mission

1997: VRM purchases former Family Center property (now House of Hope residential housing).

An Anniversary Story

1999: VRM opens

2003: Rescued

Vogt House (housing for men)

Treasures Thrift Store opens. VRM opens current kitchen/shelter building

THROUGH THE EYES OF THE MISSION’S LONGEST-SERVING EMPLOYEE, BOB WELCH

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BY KRISTIN EICHBAUER

A 1991 article features Bob pushing a shopping cart from Fresno to Visalia.

(Fresno Bee/Scott Anger)

2009: Simply Chic

2011: Oval Project begins

2012: VRM Community

Boutique opens

in Oval Park. VRM opens Transitional Housing units near Oval Park

Center opens

N

2013:

VRM is awarded ‘Nonprofit of the Year’ by the Chamber of Commerce

Today: VRM is excited to partner with our community to continue serving those in need.

ow entering its 34th year, the Visalia Rescue Mission has a long legacy in the Central Valley. Created by men from the

Fresno Rescue Mission, the Visalia Rescue Mission was established as a place for South Valley homeless to access emergency services like food and shelter.

Since then, the VRM has helped thousands of individuals rewrite their stories and get back on their feet. One such story is that of the Mission’s longest standing employee: Bob Welch.

Originally from Eureka, Bob joined the Navy at a young age and was stationed in San Francisco. He first smoked pot at the age of 18 in the Haight-Ashbury neighborhood, a place infamous for its hippie subculture.

After Bob realized Navy life wasn’t for him, he left and began traveling around the United States, hitchhiking his way from California to Florida and back. He returned to California with his new drug habit and settled near Visalia where his mother lived.

Frustrated with her son’s drug use, Bob’s mother told him he needed to find somewhere else to live. Not long after the VRM first opened its doors, Bob found a home at the Mission, which at the time was just a single 3-unit apartment.

During Bob’s tenure at the Mission he left many times, usually because he didn’t want to give up his drug addiction. But Bob always found his way back.

The last time he left was in 1996.

Bob spent the next seven months camping out by the St. John’s

Bob has seen the Mission grow from its first triplex apartment building to the current 17 properties that make up the Visalia Rescue Mission today. Though it is hard for him to watch people come and go, the friendships he has made and maintained over the years is worth it, he says.

River. One day, he found himself sitting on a park bench nearby. So

“All the people [at the VRM] have helped me grow,” he says. “I can’t

did the director of the Visalia Rescue Mission.

imagine working anywhere else. It’s an adventure every day.”

“He told me the VRM just started a new recovery program and that

And since being at the Mission, Bob has been changed.

I was welcome to come back,” Bob says. “I entered the program the

“Some of the things I used to do I don’t do anymore – drugs,

next day, and have been committed to being drug free ever since.”

drinking, partying, and having ‘a good time’ until I was broke,” he

After completing the 3-month recovery program, Bob started

says. “Those things don’t mean anything. Paul said in 2 Cor. 5:17,

working for the Mission. Since he first came to the Mission, Bob

‘Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things

has worn many different hats: house manager, cook, laundry man,

have passed away; behold, all things have become new.’ I asked

bookkeeper, and now, program assistant.

God to change me. And He has been changing me.”

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ministry update

DID YOU

know?

We have some amazing community partners that enable us to operate our various lifechange programs. This magazine is made possible thanks to partnerships with Jostens and others, allowing us to share our mission and vision with our donors and our community for

BY RICK BERBEREIA

D

ates on the calendar don’t just inform us of things to do, but remind us of significant events long past. For Donnie Wright (pg. 15), November 11 will always be a day to

remember. For VRM, April 1 marked a new era.

First, we combined our Next Steps and Recovery programs into one streamlined LifeChange Academy. This 8-month residential program for men and women consists of discipleship, recovery, life-skills training, as well as a new vocational training component. Now,

HALF the price of our previous

those in the Academy will apply what they learn in the classroom to a work environment in

publication.

our Thrift Operations department. This will equip them with the skills necessary to not only

To all our community

Second, with the changes in our programs, we are also able to better utilize our shelter

partners, we thank you!

obtain a job, but excel in a job after graduation.

properties. We have relocated our men’s overnight shelter, formally operating out of the community center, to the old Next Steps housing above our community kitchen, increasing our capacity from 49 men to 54 men nightly. This will allow the community center to be utilized as a true center for events and services.

“Our cause is the same. This is an opportunity for both organizations to avoid duplicating services. This partnership we have is just fantastic.”

- Executive Director of the Bethlehem Center, Benny Rodriguez JESSICA CAVALE Director of Development

Lastly, we are excited to announce a change in our community kitchen. For years, we have served three meals daily to anyone in need. In the last few months, however, we’ve taken a hard look at this ministry and began asking ourselves, “Is this service truly helpful?” The

*If you are interested in assisting the VRM with a business partnership please contact Jessica Cavale: jessica@vrmhope.org

more we asked it, the more we realized we have become an unknowing accomplice to the very problem we exist to remedy.

In Matthew 25, Jesus said, “I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in.” These words aren’t lost on us, but at some point, a cycle emerged here: eat dinner —>stay the night —>eat breakfast —>eat lunch —>eat dinner —>stay the night. Jesus was about new life and renewed minds, and that’s exactly the type of intentional ministry we’re seeking.

So as of April 1, we began serving lunch only to those in our Life-Change Academy. Though we are continuing to offer breakfast and dinner to the community, we are now directing lunch guests and additional meal resources to our neighbors at the Bethlehem Center. We are hopeful that this change will break a cycle of dependence and encourage guests to take their next step towards restoration.

Reaching the homeless as a unified front has been a longtime vision of mine. All of these changes have us excited for where God is leading us. We are hopeful that through Him, many more lives will be changed!

WWW.VRMTHRIFT.ORG

Spring Benefit with Bob Goff Speaker and Best-Selling author of love does J

oin us Tuesday, May 12th for a unique event at the Visalia

stories to that person with the intent to connect, hoping they get

Fox Theatre. Enjoy appetizers, drinks and desserts from

something out of it. I’ll stick around afterwards with the hope that

local restaurants before an inspirational evening.

a shared story connected.

What: VRM’s Inaugural Spring Benefit featuring Bob Goff

VRM: You wrote in your book, “I used to want to fix people, but now

When: Tuesday, May 12th 5:30pm-8:30pm

so people get the help they need, but aren’t enabled to remain in

Where: Visalia Fox Theatre, 308 W. Main St.

a broken situation?

Tickets: Available at the Fox Theatre Box Office, VRM Admin Office

BOB: The first thing that comes to mind, is the power we have to

– 500 E. Race Ave. & online vrmhope.org/events

speak things into being. We don’t pause long enough to stop and

Bob Goff is the New York Times Best Selling Author of Love Does, as

tell people what we see in them. Take a 6” mirror up to people and

well as an attorney who founded Restore International, a nonprofit human rights organization operating in Uganda, India and Somalia. Choosing to live audaciously, Bob connects to audiences

ask them to tell you what they see. They’ll start seeing things in themselves that you see in them. Jesus called Peter a rock, not a wuss for denying him. If the path doesn’t lead you to the poor,

in a powerfully inspirational, yet down to earth manner. He is also

you’re not following Jesus.

an adjunct professor at Pepperdine Law School where he teaches

VRM: So that’s the mark of a Jesus follower?

Nonprofit Law, and Point Loma Nazarene University, where he teaches Business Law.

BOB: Just give love away, instead of being stingy. It all evaporates when you’re stingy. Be extravagant and take time with people.

We were able to catch Bob on his cell (which he published in his

The more available I am, the more humble I am. Bottom line: love

book) and ask him a few questions to get to know him better.

everybody always.

VRM: What’s your favorite thing about public speaking?

BOB: I tell stories like Jesus did. He talked about sheep and wheat and everyone knew what he was talking about. And I always look at whoever is in the fourth row because it always seems like there’s someone sitting in that row who doesn’t want to be there. I tell

Bob Goff: Author of New York Times Best Seller, Love Does

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I just want to be with them.” How can we walk a healthy balance

VRM: Even attorneys?

BOB: [Laughs] Start with people you don’t understand. Learn their name. God makes people, people make issues, but people aren’t issues.

Althea, a Child of God M

y name is Althea, and I am a child of God. For so long, I was a lost and empty shell of a person. Growing up in Ventura, both my parents were addicts. I thank the

Lord for my grandmother, my rock. She instilled morals and values in me and introduced me to God. But at the age of twelve, I went out on my own. I walked away from the only family I had and from my relationship with God. I became a mother at age 15 and when my baby’s father was sent to prison, I was left alone.

I started drinking heavily when my son was taken away from me. I felt worthless and unworthy of happiness. My life became drugs, alcohol, and hustling all day, every day.

That life got me 19 months in jail.

In jail, I remember saying out loud that God put me here for a reason. Not long after, I completely surrendered my life to God. I started studying the Bible with Chaplin John from Jail House Ministries and I asked God for forgiveness for all I had done. His love brought me out of that lonely and miserable place and filled me with love and peace.

In September 2014, I was released from jail and knew I wanted to

LETTER FROM THE CHAIRMAN

start the House of Hope Academy at the Visalia Rescue Mission.

MARK SHELTON Chairman of the Board

At every VRM board meeting we start with a testimony from one of our courageous residents in our Life Change Academy, like Althea.

It is always inspiring to hear the trials that these men and women have endured and how God has given them hope and restoration to overcome the most difficult of circumstances.

I have now been at the House of Hope for seven months. I’m growing in my faith, progressing in my recovery and working on my GED. I’ve learned that I don’t have to hate myself for mistakes I made in the past. Instead, I repent and learn to do things differently. I choose to put my trust in Christ, the only one who will never fail. I’m grateful to God for giving me the desire to change and the Visalia Rescue Mission for giving me the opportunity to make that happen.

God has also blessed me by restoring my family. I’m now in

There are some common threads in all of their stories. Once they

contact with my sister, aunt and uncle who I hadn’t spoken to

become acquainted with the authentic love of Christ, transformation

in 20 years. I have even been able to reconnect with some of

begins. They begin to see hope turn into reality. It is nothing short of

my children, who I could have never imagined having back in

a miracle to see this transformation. We see their bitterness, self-

my life.

hatred, rebellion and destructive lifestyles melt away.

Now I am a whole woman. Major change is on the horizon and

I am often asked what our success rate is at the Mission. My response

I am so grateful. Philippians 3:13 says, “Forgetting the things

is this: we have 100% success because every person that finishes our program leaves knowing Jesus Christ as their personal loving

of the past and reaching for things that are ahead.” And that’s exactly what I’m doing with the help of Jesus Christ.

Savior. They are living for Him, sharing what He has done in their lives with others, and making life decisions with Him in mind. My major takeaway after being involved with the Mission for the past 15 years: God is real!

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Thrift Update

BY RYAN STILLWATER

“IT ALL STARTED WITH THIS PLACE”

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If you are on Instagram, check out the newest way to shop: our VRM Thrift Instastore! We post great finds on our @VRMThrift Instagram that you can buy instantly through a Paypal account. We’ll even ship items directly to you! Follow us @VRMThrift and see our latest sales!

11/11/11. This is a date Donnie Wright will never forget.

If you press Donnie as to how he ended up living in his van

Graduation Day.

and needing a program like ours, he simply says, “Everything. I

M

onths before, Donnie would frequent our Mooney Boulevard thrift store, Rescued Treasures. He realized it cost less to

purchase our secondhand clothing than to wash his clothes at a laundromat. A store employee began to encourage Donnie to get into our men’s program.

did everything wrong. I was a just a loner that didn’t believe in anything. But I grew up when I was 50.” One example of his “growing up” was negotiating a 50% reduction in his DMV fines. From this episode, he learned, “God is always going to meet me halfway.”

For the past three years, Lowe’s has been the perfect constructive

“‘You’re going to be fine,’ she would tell me, just do what they tell you to do.”

outlet for a man with Donnie’s charisma and outgoing personality.

After being hired to a low level position, Lowe’s management quickly saw something in Donnie, and after a few application attempts,

Donnie came to VRM on his 50th birthday in 2010. For some, living with men you have never met is less than desirable, but our program

he was promoted to a corporate job overseeing the exteriors department for three stores (which has now been increased to five).

was a welcome change since Donnie had been living in his van.

He is currently the #5 salesperson out of 1,900 nationwide.

“It all started with this place,” Donnie tells me. “It was the first time

This success pales in comparison to the joy on Donnie’s face as

I’d ever committed to anything. I decided to give it a year to see if this God is real.”

Sherri White O

he finished his story by sharing about his newfound relationships: “Today, they trust me. I didn’t have that before.”

Director of Thrift Operations

ver the years, it has become easy for stories like this to get lost in the shuffle of everyday life. There are so many! Donnie is just one example of how a life can be changed when surrendered to the love of God and to a community of fellow believers.

Many stories, just like Donnie’s, start right here in our stores. Whether you are donating unwanted belongings or here as a shopper, your support provides the means for men and women to experience their full potential.

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www.vrmhope.org/events