Fort Collins Rescue Mission Changing Lives

FortCollinsRescueMission.org

November 2013

What are you grateful for?

Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever!

Psalm 107:1 (ESV)

PLEASE HELP US GIVE THE HOMELESS A REASON TO CELEBRATE THIS THANKSGIVING SEASON

What are you grateful for?

The holiday season signifies so much: another year gone by, family memories, time for reflection, and new beginnings.

Andrew “Gilead,” shelter guest and program participant

For many, it is an exciting and renewing time of year. But for those with nowhere to sleep at night, the season can feel devastatingly lonely and hopeless.

On November 26th, the Mission will host a Thanksgiving Banquet, giving the homeless in Fort Collins a place to celebrate the holiday.

Here, they can enjoy a chapel service with music followed by a delicious Thanksgiving meal. Guests will also receive hats, gloves and scarves.

Your financial support will give homeless people in Fort Collins a place to eat and sleep each night and a place to celebrate the holidays!

“I’m grateful to the Mission for upholding a standard of excellence. I’m confident that the leadership is in good hands—such great things have happened in the last year.”

Kent, shelter guest Ramona, shelter guest and program participant

“I’m just so grateful that the Mission is here, and for the staff dedicating their lives to help us get our own lives back on track.”

“I’m thankful for the Steps to Success program because it’s helping all of us develop structure, and it gives us security and safety.”

Fr om t he C EO Dear Friends, It has now been one year since Denver Rescue Mission acquired Open Door Mission and renamed it Fort Collins Rescue Mission. As we approach this Thanksgiving season, I am so thankful for this first year of operation. We had to do a lot of hard work early on, beginning with getting acquainted in the community, listening to concerns, and communicating to people our vision and heart for the homeless in Fort Collins. During this year, we renovated the facility, making it safer and more guest-friendly.

We have also asked churches, businesses, civic leaders, and neighbors to get involved with us, to help us reach out to those who are homeless.

The Fort Collins community has responded, and for this we are so thankful. There is still much to do, but it is evident

that no one wants people to go hungry or to be without a warm, dry place to stay.

On Tuesday, November 26th, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., we will host our first ever Thanksgiving Banquet for the poor and needy at Fort Collins Rescue Mission. I hope you will share our gratefulness and, with your support, help us change people’s lives in the name of Christ!

God Bless,

Brad Meuli, President/CEO Denver Rescue Mission/Fort Collins Rescue Mission

Visit FortCollinsRescueMission.org/donate to make a secure donation online.

Tamera, shelter guest and program participant

Mission Events Thanksgiving Banquet Tuesday, November 26th 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

All volunteer needs are met at this time.

Greatest Needs

“I would be out on the streets if I weren’t here.

I don’t have family at all so it’s a big deal for me to have a roof over my head and a place to celebrate Thanksgiving.”

SEPTEMBER

Statistics: How You Help Change Lives Meals Served

8,536

Beds

Chapel Attendance

Churches Involved

3,618

379

20

Please consider donating any of the following items: • Canned food • Fresh fruits and vegetables • Sanitary pads • Day planners • Dryer sheets • Deodorant • Night lights Please contact Heather Pulley with any questions or for exact descriptions of other “big item” needs at HPulley@FortCollinsRescue.org.

To post a note of encouragement on the Mission's Facebook page, visit Facebook.com/FortCollinsRescue.

Changing Lives is a news publication of Fort Collins Rescue Mission.

Director: Jim Carmack Director of Communications: Christine Gallamore Designer: Rachel Vigil Writer: Rachel Greiman | 316 Jefferson Street • Fort Collins, Colorado 80524 • 970.224.4302

blog.DenverRescueMission.com

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Fort Collins Rescue Mission 316 Jefferson Street Fort Collins, Colorado 80524

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What are you grateful for?

FortCollinsRescueMission.org

Look inside to read how Fort Collins Rescue Mission guests answer this question. They are grateful in spite of difficult times.

Thanks to your donations, they have a place to call home during the holidays.