MISSION UPDATE THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE EXPERIENCING HOMELESSNESS HAS INCREASED EACH YEAR FOR THE PAST TWO YEARS ACCORDING TO THE 2018 ANNUAL HOMELESS ASSESSMENT REPORT OF THE US CONGRESS.
OUR MISSION SINCE 1964 To preach the Gospel and meet the physical, emotional and other basic needs of the poor, the hurting and the hopeless in our communities through the provisions of food, shelter, and clothing. Today we serve over 500 meals a day and shelter over 100 people each night.
Sumer 2019
HOMELESS WOMEN AND CHILDREN Homeless women and homeless mothers are more likely than housed women to experience domestic violence, mental illness, and substance abuse as reported by the Institute of Children, Poverty & Homelessness. (Source material: US Bureau of Justice Statistics, Intimate Partner Violence, 1993–2010, November 2012.) Women are afraid to leave a bad situation for fear of becoming homeless; once homeless they are vulnerable to more abuse. For the children, insufficient access to a nutritious diet negatively affects homeless students’ classroom performance. Additional stressors can include abuse or exposure to family and community violence. The many negative effects that homelessness can have on women and families cannot be overstated. OUR STAFF
(L-R) Chap. Engler, George, Carlos, James, Staff-M. Pirrotta, and Chap. Reiss. Praying for the graduates at the Work Readiness graduation ceremony.
Work Readiness Program On May 20, 2019, George, James and Carlos graduated L to R: Kathy Mimmo, 25 years at ACRM; Toni Graef 28 years; April Burroughs, 24 years from the 6 month Work Readiness Program. During the ceremony each graduate testified that Jesus was the Our counselors are in the trenches every day Lord of their life. addressing the impact of homelessness on women and The Work Readiness Program is unique because it children. Their work at the Mission is their mission. disciples and teaches that God uses us, through our They are experts on the issues that homeless women work, to do His will. It is distinguished from secular face when rebuilding their lives. They know the steps employment programs because it teaches that work is a that are vital for success. Above all, they share the way to honor God. Employment is more than a job and Gospel and pray for and with the women and children. more than a means of support. It is also a way to help The Mission is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, others. and 365 days a year. This is an important role for George has a full time job and he volunteers at the the Mission because state agencies stop services at 4 Mission. James is working as a volunteer at the Mission PM. We are the only source for many homeless people that are desperate. This is critical for woman that are while seeking employment. fleeing abuse, or living on the streets, or have small children. It is a tremendous opportunity for the Graduates of the Work Readiness Program are eligible Mission to share the Gospel through compassion by to enter the Overcomer’s Program. Carlos began his providing food, shelter, and clothing. first Overcomer’s class in June. (Continued on page 2)
Page 1 News of hope and healing from Atlantic City Rescue Mission
Page 1 News of hope and healing from Atlantic City Rescue Mission
(Women and Children Continued from page 1 )
The Women’s Shelter is separated from the other areas of the Mission to provide anonymity for women that have come to the shelter from abusive circumstances. There are 25 beds in the women’s dorm along with showers and bathrooms. MENTAL HEALTH
ONGOING VOLUNTEER PROJECTS Evening Chapel Services: Every evening after dinner provided on site by our church families. Women’s Bible Studies: Saturdays at a local church for the women staying at the Mission & Wednesdays at the Mission.
We struggle as a nation in providing adequate mental health care. Mental health issues are prevalent among Thrift Shop: Serving the community homeless women. They are unable to participate in with low cost items. Located alongside mental health programs when they are homeless. the Mission and adjacent to the Although the Mission is not a mental health facility, the Hopeful Grounds Café. counselors coordinate with community mental health Hopeful Grounds Café: In day programs for women sheltered at the Mission. partnership with Stockton University, Good mental health will break the cycle of an outreach to the community offering coffee and homelessness for these women. doughnuts free to show the love of Christ. Amenities are donated by Mission partners. Located alongside the A SAFE HAVEN Mission. The Family Life Center is Food Pantry: Serving those facing financial difficulty. a safe haven exclusively Open: Mon., Wed., Fri. 10-11 a.m. for moms with children. Agriculture - The farm provides delicious produce for the Mission and the Food Pantry. Men and women that The Center is set apart enter the Work from the other areas of the Readiness Program Mission. Each family has gain experience their own bedroom. This farming. Volunteers protectionist policy for the are a big part of the women with children has farming. In June, the created an atmosphere of volunteers were at trust and freedom for them. For many of the moms and the farm to begin children this is the first time they have lived in a safe planting. It was a great day. environment. LONG TERM PLANNING The Mission counselors play a major role in coordinating the Mission’s services with long term community support for issues that are unique to women and children. For example, dependable day care must be in place before a family leaves the Mission to support consistent employment and prevent future homelessness.
Page 2 News of hope and healing from Atlantic City Rescue Mission
Kitchen & Meals: Volunteers have faithfully served the mission as food prep workers, dishwashers and servers. This is an ongoing need of the Mission. Thank you to the many volunteers that put their heart and soul into the Mission. To volunteer call 609-3455517 ext. 165 or send an email to: Volunteer@acresuemission.org
Page 2 News of hope and healing from Atlantic City Rescue Mission
OVERCOMER’S PROGRAM The Overcomer’s program is a 12 month discipleship, and work program that is open to clients at the Mission who have completed the Work Readiness Program and have accepted Christ as their Savior. February Graduation: February, 8, 2019, 6 men graduated from the Overcomers Program: David, William, Michael, Quang, Robert and Tom. Overcomers’ Alumni News: In June 2019, Quang, obtained full time employment in the dietary department of a medical facility in central New Jersey. He found a home church. He shares an apartment with a 2018 alumnus of the Work Readiness Program who is employed full time as well. PRAISE CORNER Kay Petrecca. Community/Gov’t. Relations Specialist, has worked at the Mission for 29 years. Prior to her present position, Kay was a counselor in the Women’s program. On her recent birthday, Kay received a hand-made birthday card from the Kay Petrecca 8 year old son of a former Mission client. The former client is a young mom who, in 2010, came to the Mission pregnant and homeless. She also suffered with epilepsy. Kay counseled her during the program. Kay prayed for her and with her. While she was at the Mission she gave her life to Christ. She has been employed in retail management consistently since she left the Mission, even though the severity of her epilepsy prevents her from driving. She is a member of a local church that she and her son attend. She has not been homeless since leaving the Mission. Praise God.
MESSAGE FROM DAN BROWN Dear Friends, For 55 years, since founded in 1964, the Mission has provided hope for the homeless. This is longer than the existence of most popular companies. Microsoft was founded in 1975; Apple in 1976; Amazon in 1994; Jet Blue 1998; and YouTube in 2005. In 1964 the sign over the Mission door was “God is Love”. We show love through compassion by feeding the hungry and sheltering the homeless. We have served meals and provided shelter to hundreds of people every day for 55 years. God’s love is reaching a vast number of people. Your devotion through donations and prayers has been steadfast. Thank you and God bless you and God bless the Mission. Dan Brown, President, CEO ____________________________________________________
Please come take a tour of the Mission. We have on-site parking. It is an easy drive in and out. Exit 1 off the AC Expressway and then the next exit “B” onto Bacharach Blvd. Call Bob Franklin at 609-345-5517 ext. 113 to let us know when you are coming. We hope to see you soon.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONTINUED SUPPORT! Send me e-updates about the Mission. To give or set up a recurring monthly gift online, Please visit acrescuemission.org/monthlygiving
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Call (609) 345-5517, ext. 116 to make a donation.
To ensure privacy, we do not sell or rent our donors’ names, addresses, e-mails or phone numbers. All donations are fully tax-deductible. Your gifts are used to care for people in need all year long! F.L. residents: A copy of the official registration and financial information may be obtained from the Div. of Consumer Services by calling toll-free within the state of Fl. Reg. does not imply endorsement, approval or recommendation by the state.1-800-HELP-FLA (435-7352) | www.FloridaConsumerHelp.com| Reg. # CH25370
Page 3 News of hope and healing from Atlantic City Rescue Mission
Page 3 News of hope and healing from Atlantic City Rescue Mission
CHANGING LIVES FOREVER “I have come so that you may have life and have it abundantly.” John 10:10b
What type of person abandons their child? What type of person throws their child out of a window? What happens to that child? Carlos was that child. Carlos came to the Mission for help. Here is his story: I never knew my biological father. The only memories I have of a parent is of my step-father physically abusing me. I have scars on my body from being beaten. When I was 5 years old, he threw me out of a window and the fall broke both my legs. I have no memories of my mother, yet, I know she was in the household. My home life was so horrendous that at 7 years old, I left my house and no one ever came looking for me. I lived on the streets, I picked through trash for food. I never attended school. I was taught to pick pocket and sell drugs. I began using drugs and drinking alcohol at 7 years old and lived on the streets for my entire childhood. I am haunted by the question, “Why didn’t I have regular parents that loved me?” This question has rolled around in my mind for as long as I can remember-- as young as 5 years old. I never felt loved. As an adult, I had a few years of living a seemingly normal life, yet I felt no connection to love. I was severely hampered by the sadness and anger that I felt from being hurt and abandon by my parents. As a young child that feeling of no one loving you goes into your core. I don’t have the words to describe the hurt and pain that I felt as a child. I became an alcoholic and addict. The first time I went to the Mission I met Pastor Bill. I was sober for a little while, but I went back to my addictions. I was very depressed. I became addicted to alcohol to the point that I could not get intoxicated no matter how much I consumed. I began to think about the Mission and about the compassion that Pastor Bill had shown towards me. I needed a meal and a place to sleep. I went back to the Mission. When I saw Pastor Bill he remembered me and said, “Hi Carlos, welcome back.” My plan was to stay just one night. The counselors helped me, they made a way for me to stay and get counseling. It took a long time to get on my feet and function fully but it happened. I was counseled every day and I began to trust the people around me. There are many tragic moments from my childhood that still weigh on my mind and heart. I have been sober for over a year, I am learning God’s word and I have support from people I trust. I know what a hard life is like and I hope to help others that have had it hard. My heart still breaks for the love of parents. It is a glaring hole in my heart. I am trusting God to bring me to the point that I can live my life without feeling the pain of my childhood. My favorite scripture is Proverbs. 3:5-6, Trust in the Lord with all your heart, lean not on your own understanding and acknowledge him in all your ways and he will make your path straight. YES, I WILL HELP THE MISSION FEED and SHELTER the HOMELESS AND HURTING. Enclosed is my gift of: $150 $100 $50 other $_________ Make my gift a monthly-recurring gift and please use my credit card information to process my gift on the 1st or the 15th of every month.
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NAME: ____________________________________________ CREDIT CARD #: _____________________________________ EXP. DATE: ___________ Phone # _______________________
To give or set up a recurring monthly gift online, Please visit acrescuemission.org/monthlygiving. Page 4
News of hope and healing from Atlantic City Rescue Mission