Changing Lives Newsletter December 2014

122 Years of Service

DenverRescueMission.org

Adopt-A-Family

Each one

must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.

2 Corinthians 9:7

ESV

December 2014

Christmas Meals

Holiday Party at The Cro

ssing

From the CEO Dear Friends, As Christmas approaches, most of us are taking some time to think about the gifts we’ll be giving to family, friends and other loved ones. What is the best gift? Will they like it? Is it the right size? The right color? These are all things we think through when we give a gift. On the other hand, have you ever received a gift you were not expecting? Has someone ever done something personal for you that really meant a lot, and by doing it they actually gave you a wonderful gift?

I certainly have had this happen, and when it does I am so impacted. Sometimes I am shocked by the blessing of their gift. It is even hard to accept.

I hope it is not my pride, but I would rather be the giver, not the recipient. Frankly, it is humbling.

I’m not sure why I am so amazed, except that their unexpected gift says, “I am thinking about you, I care for you, you are someone special.”

I think the participants in our programs feel this way when they receive the gifts that you provide at Christmas. A hot meal, a warm, dry place to sleep, clothing, maybe a “New Life Program” to help them overcome an addiction. It is humbling to know that just a few short weeks ago they were frantically struggling through this life, but now they have the gift of being able to stay for an extended period of time at The Crossing, Harvest Farm or Champa House as they work to regain life as productive, self-sufficient—and grateful— members of our community.

Your gifts mean a lot to our participants, and they mean a lot to me. Your gifts humble all of us at Denver Rescue Mission because you care so much about our work. You let us know that what we do matters. Thank you! We so appreciate you, and wish you a very...

Merry Christmas!

Brad Meuli President/CEO

Life-Changing Christmas Gifts Purchase life-changing gifts on behalf of everyone on your list from the Mission’s online Christmas Catalog.

Any gift of shelter, food and comfort will make a meaningful impact this holiday season for homeless men, women and children in our community. Your generosity may even inspire your friends and family to join you in helping those in need.

To buy your gifts and print cards for your loved ones online, visit our catalog at DenverRescueMission.org/catalog.

For more information, please call 303.297.1815.

Community Table – Recurring Gifts Do you wish the spirit of Christmas could last throughout the year? You can start a cycle of positive change by helping Denver’s homeless year round. When you join our Community Table monthly giving program, you help us to use your gifts and plan for the future more effectively as we provide long-term solutions for the homeless and hurting in Denver. You’ll receive limited mailings each year, including a quarterly copy of our Changing Lives newsletter, accompanied by a letter of sincerest thanks from a key staff member.

Visit DenverRescueMission.org/monthlygiving to learn more about how you can make a lasting difference.

Your support truly humbles us as we provide vital services to those who need it most!

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.

James 1:17

ESV

It’s not unusual to get lost in the pressure of the holidays.

Gift giving can be a stressful process—making the perfect gift list, checking it twice, waiting in lines for the best deals, and rushing through meal preparations in time for the festivities. At the Mission, we encourage you to slow down this season—invite God’s spirit in and take the time to appreciate this blessed time of year.

Give from your heart, and allow God’s warmth and blessing to be upon you as you give to your friends, loved ones, and to your community.

Please Take the time to fill out the enclosed card and mail your donation today to help Denver’s needy this Christmas!

This December, we want to bless our community by sharing God’s love with the homeless.

Together with your support, we can serve them by providing warm meals, shelter, thoughtful gifts, and personal Encouragement!

Adopt-A-Family

The Mission’s Adopt-A-Family program connects people who may not otherwise have the opportunity to meet. Community members nominate families in need to have Christmas brought to their door. Our loving and willing sponsors will purchase, wrap and hand-deliver gifts to the nominated families.

This program is made possible by the help of your generous donations and our participating Adopt-A-Family sponsors. Thank you all for cheerfully giving hope to those who need extra encouragement this holiday season!

Christmas Meals Everyone deserves a warm meal, a smile and a loving atmosphere this holiday season. The Mission will host a Christmas feast for all the hungry and hurting on December 23rd. Each guest will receive a blanket and thermal socks to help fend off the harsh winter cold.

Thank you to our loving supporters for caring about the people who come to us on this special day.

Holiday Party at The Crossing The Denver Broncos are coming back to The Crossing for the annual holiday party this December. The party will give children in our STAR Transitional Program a chance to meet the players, share a holiday meal and decorate cookies.

Mission Events

Statistics

(Fiscal Year) How You Help

Christmas Banquet Lawrence Street Shelter 1130 Park Avenue West, Denver, CO 80205 Tuesday, December 23rd, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

All current volunteer needs are met.

2nd Annual Bass Pro Shops Coat Drive Join us Saturday, December 13th from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. and donate a new or used coat to Denver Rescue Mission during our 2nd Annual Coat Drive at Bass Pro Shops – Denver, CO (Northfield location only) and receive $10 off a $50 purchase.

A Night of Comedy An event presented by Trinity Fundraising benefiting Denver Rescue Mission. Enjoy a gourmet dinner, silent and live auction, and comedy from Josh Blue & Chris Voth, winners of Last Comic Standing. For more event information, visit: TrinityFundraising.org/home.html and to purchase tickets, visit: DenverRescueMissionBenefit.eventbrite.com.

Read our Blog

OCTOBER

YTD

Meals served

44,893

159,876

Bed nights

22,904

80,351

Chapel attendance

2,666

12,634

Clothing (lbs.)

17,795

55,205

Medical services

1,515

5,038

Our Outreaches Lawrence Street Shelter: Emergency care: meals, overnight shelter, free health care.

Fort Collins Rescue Mission: Emergency care: meals, overnight shelter; and transitional program.

Champa House: Residential facility offering long-term help toward self-sufficiency to single mothers with dependent children.

Harvest Farm: Long-term New Life rehabilitation program, farming and ranching operation, food and clothing distribution, and Fall Festival.

Notes From the Mission is a collection of thoughts and posts from employees and community partners. On it, you’ll find voices from six employees sharing their unique perspective about Denver Rescue Mission. You can learn about homelessness in Denver, current Mission campaigns, touching stories about our program participants and graduates, and so much more.

Visit Blog.DenverRescueMission.com to read recent posts.

Don’t forget to subscribe to keep receiving updates!

WANT TO BLESS YOUR FAMILY AND DENVER RESCUE MISSION?

Biblical Wisdom for Six Major Life Decisions

We’ve created a complimentary Christian Wills Guide that can help to simplify the process of preparing to create or update a God-honoring Will.

Visit ChristianWill.org/Denver to get started today!

This simple guide will help you:

• Prayerfully think things through at your own pace • Gain confidence and peace about your decisions • Save money (working ahead means lower attorney costs)

 Request a free copy of our new brochure by checking the box on the enclosed reply card.

Can I Throw This Away? Expiration Date Tracker for Important Documents

A DONOR'S PERSPECTIVE

“We have a passion for giving where there are physical and spiritual needs, and where the Gospel is being shared with many.”

BIBLICA L WISDOM FOR SIX MAJOR LIFE DECISIO NS

“Becoming homeless is one of my fears. I’ve known tough times.

This could happen to me. I’m thankful Denver Rescue Mission is there.”

“DRM represents the ‘family’ for those people whose families may be gone or who are running on empty.”

“I work in downtown Denver and daily encounter people in need. Too many to help as an individual, so I appreciate the Denver Rescue Mission.”

“Everyone needs support at points in their lives. DRM seems to provide this better than most.”

For more information, please contact Alice at 303.313.2487 or visit our website at DenverRescueMission.org/legacygiving.

The Crossing: Long-term New Life rehabilitation program, transitional program for New Life graduates and homeless families, temporary housing for interns and visitors.

Ministry Outreach Center: Warehouse facilities; food, clothing and household goods distribution.

Family Services: Transitional program; assistance for permanent housing; mentoring for homeless working families, seniors and refugee families.

Global Ministry Outreach: Consultation, resources and support to city/rescue missions around the world.

“Wisdom is a shelter as money is a shelter, but the advantage of knowledge is this: Wisdom preserves those who have it.”

Ecclesiastes 7:12

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Alice Cavanaugh Legacy Giving Officer P.O. Box 17984 Denver, CO 80217 Phone: 303.313.2487 ACavanaugh@DenRescue.org

DenverRescueMission.org/Lega

cyGiving

Changing Lives is the monthly news publication of Denver Rescue Mission.

Director of Communications: Christine Gallamore Designer: Rachel Vigil Writer: Katelyn McArdle P.O. Box 5164 • Denver, CO 80217 • 303.297.1815

blog.DenverRescueMission.com