Changing Lives October 2012

120 Years of Service

www.DenverRescueMission.org

October 2012

Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God. Romans 15:7 (NIV)

The Right Fit George's Story

The Right Fit George's Story

F

or a long time, George didn’t seem to belong anywhere. Failed marriages, heartache within his family and a near 50-year battle with alcoholism and drug abuse left him feeling isolated, and often homeless. Even in Estes Park, a place where George felt at home in nature’s tranquility, loneliness plagued him.

“In Estes, I lived in a storage shed with two suitcases full of empty bottles for eight years,” the former Stanley Hotel worker remembers. “I was fearful of being in public; I was a loner and chose to be by myself and drink by myself.”

Though he ventured out to attend church in the picturesque mountain town, George was unaware of the watchful eyes and caring hearts of Estes Park residents like Joanne and Munson Baldwin. Volunteers at The Caring Place, a community room where all are welcome for afternoon refreshments and company, the Baldwins had long noticed George, “the little man on the bike,” around town for years. After striking up a unique friendship with the stubborn senior, the pair eventually convinced him to enroll in the Mission’s New Life Program (NLP).

“When we first met George, he said he was an alcoholic, but he was going to quit drinking all on his own,” Joanne recalls. “After he fell off the wagon at a Christmas party, I asked him if he was ready to go to rehab, and he said ‘yes.’”

With the help of fellow Caring Place volunteer Arlene, who had a family member go through the New Life Program, George moved to The Crossing in April of 2012, and instantly felt at home. Between learning new relationship skills, joining a relapse prevention group and realizing he wasn’t alone in his battle with addiction, a new George began to emerge.

“I’ve been to lots of other rehab programs, but this is the first one that made me feel like I could really change,” George explains. “It’s hard to put up a facade with other addicts. There is camaraderie here — people form groups and get along well. I found people I could identify with.”

As the months went by, George discovered that the more comfortable he became in his new surroundings, the more healing he experienced. After years of emotional and spiritual isolation, he opened up to Mission chaplains and counselors, freeing himself of the inner turmoil he long suppressed with drugs and alcohol.

“I learned that you have to have church, support groups and positive peers, because if you leave yourself to your own devices, you will crash and burn,” George says. “Here, I could be sincere and honest, and I put my faith in a higher power than myself.”

George is hopeful his new sober lifestyle will allow him to get back to the things he loves most—enjoying Estes Park’s many outdoor activities.

“I feel close to God in the mountains,” George explains. “You’re able to see all of His creation from up here.”

Mark Miller (NLP Director) congratulates George as he receives a certificate of completion from the New Life Program. George reflects on that day—“[God] won’t give us anything we can’t handle. It’s up to us to make the decision to mature through [our trials] or let them weigh us down. I reached a goal I had set.... I came out on top.”

To post a note of encouragement for George on the Mission’s Facebook fan page, visit http://on.fb.me/b3v4bf.

Mentors Joanne, Munson and Arlene, who remain ardent supporters of the July 2011 program graduate, say they couldn’t be happier for the “poster child” of transformation. “We are so proud of what George has accomplished; we knew he could do it!” Joanne reflects happily. “He is a great example of the Lord working in someone’s life.”

Now a participant in the Mission’s STAR Transitional Program, George is continuing to make positive life changes, surprising even himself in taking a computer literacy class at 65. Though he hopes to return to Estes Park in the near future, he is content living in the community that brought him back to life. “ This place is a safe haven for me, and I want to continue to build my faith, be an example and be a productive person in society,” George says. “I’m glad I didn’t put aside coming to a place that could save my life.”

“They’re all my brothers—supportive, kind, giving, and understanding,” George says of his close friends at The Crossing. Pictured from left: Mike (staff), Larry (staff), Dave (STAR), George (STAR), Steve (staff), and Hebron (NLP post-grad).

The pieces come together

with you!

As lively as they are loving, mentors Arlene, Joanne and Munson (left to right) encouraged George to “be proactive and set his mind” to changing his life. “They are proud of the changes I’ve made, and I sure am grateful for the love they have for me,” George says.

Thank you for allowing the Mission to be the right fit for those who have nowhere else to turn.

From the CEO Dear Friends, Although it is a great privilege to be in the leadership position I am in at the Denver Rescue Mission, there are some times when the work here is very hard. One of the most difficult things I do is take calls from parents, siblings, spouses, and other loved ones who want to help a family member who has chosen a life of addiction.

They call to ask about our New Life Program and how the one they care about can enroll. The stories they share with me are always gut-wrenching, as often the addicted loved one has alienated everyone in his family, and calling the Mission is an act of last resort.

My heart breaks as they rehearse the tangled story of their addicted family member. More often than not, the family member has been in more than one rehab program already, and the caller is hopeful our program is different. Even though these loved ones may be tearful as they share their frustration and pain, I have the wonderful privilege of offering them hope. Our program is different, first, because it is free (which is only possible with your help!). Second, our program is long term—13 to 27 months. And most importantly, our New Life Program is centered on the belief that Jesus Christ can make a difference in someone’s life, no matter what has happened.

In this month’s Changing Lives newsletter, you will read about New Life Program graduate George and how his life was changed while at the Mission. But before that change could begin, there was a couple who reached out to George and made that phone call to us to find out how to get help. They were not family members, just people who cared about others. They believed that George, like other addicts, could have a happier, better life. This couple, like the family members who call me, are the true heroes because they were willing to go to bat for a man like George.

If you know someone out there who needs help, call and find out more. Ask for our Intake Chaplains, Jay Krebs at our Lawrence Street Shelter or Jack MacDonald at Harvest Farm, by calling 303.297.1815.

Just as we have for the last 120 years, we want to keep providing hope—and it may just be a phone call away.

October 5th to O ctober 28th

Open Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays Weather Permitting

The 10th Annual Harvest Farm Fall Festival and Corn Maze will be open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from October 5th through October 28th. Visitors of all ages can participate in family-friendly attractions including a 10-acre corn maze, pumpkin smash, petting zoo, hay rides, concessions, and much more! For more information, call 970.568.9488 or visit www.HarvestFarm.net.

Open Oct. 5th through 28th 4240 East County Road 66 Wellington, Colorado (Exit 278 from I-25)

Fall Festival Prices Adult (13 and up): $15.00 Child (4-12): $10.00 Age 3 and under: Free Seniors (60+): $10.00

6th Annual Turkey Chase 10k & Family Fun Run 5k

Join us on Thursday, November 22nd, for the 2012 Turkey Chase 10k & Family Fun Run 5k benefiting Denver Rescue Mission! Your participation in this fun-filled family event will provide holiday meals to men, women and children in need. The Turkey Chase is open to all ages and abilities, and is the perfect way to start your Thanksgiving Day! We will also be hosting a pasta dinner at 3 Sons Italian Restaurant the night before the race for participants and supporters.

For more information or to register, please visit: www.RunningGuru.com/Event/TurkeyChase12.

God bless,

Brad Meuli President/CEO

Pictured on the cover: George (left) has come to rely on Post-Grad Chaplain Steve Swihart (right) for godly advice and friendship. “Steve is a benefit to anyone who gets to know him,” George says gratefully. “If you’re upset about something, he knows how to take the edge off.”

Statistics

Mission Events 10th Annual Harvest Farm Fall Festival & Corn Maze!

October 5th through 28th Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays www.HarvestFarm.net 6th Annual Turkey Chase 10k & Family Fun Run 5k Thursday, November 22nd 8 a.m.—registration 9 a.m.—race kick-off Two Roads Charter School: 7180 Oak Street Arvada, CO 80004 For more information or to register, please visit: www.RunningGuru.com/Event/TurkeyChase12.

On September 14th, nearly 300 members of the community joined together at The Brown Palace Hotel for our 4th annual Women Who’ve Changed the Heart of the City tea.

During this event, Denver Rescue Mission honored Sue Anschutz-Rodgers, Keri Christiansen, Beth Klein, and Diane Van Deren for their inspiring work, dedication and positive influence in our community. Through their efforts, each of these women has undoubtedly shaped the heart of our city.

We are tremendously grateful to all of our generous sponsors, hosts and friends for making this celebration such a wonderful success.

How You Help

August Meals served 44,489 Beds 20,875 Chapel attendance 4,023 Food boxes distributed 138 Furniture (households) 44 Clothing (lbs.)

14,810 Chiropractic 103 Dental 133 Medical 606 Optical 342

YTD

357,666 169,998 52,156 924 414 155,763 488 923 5,738 2,110

Our Outreaches Lawrence Street Shelter Emergency care: meals, overnight shelter, free health care, food box and clothing distribution.

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

Presenting Sponsor Margret Pahl Stewart Foundation

Benefactor Sponsor Jamie Angelich

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

Circle of Love Sponsors Tim & Libby Brown Foundation Yelp

Gift-in-kind Sponsors Colorado Party Rentals Annie Harmon—Harmony Design, LLC Leslie Dove—Professional Pianist Barbara W. Lepke-Sims— Professional Harpist

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

Planning Committee Nancy Harris May LaClair Stacey McDonald Diane Manuell Carol Mullens Deb Phipps Gina Schreck—Emcee & Chairwoman

Ministry Outreach Center Administrative and warehouse facilities; food, clothing and household goods distribution.

Circle of Caring Sponsors Sue Anschutz-Rodgers McDonald Automotive Group Klein & Frank, P.C. Triple B Table Sponsors Cherry Creek Insurance Group Community Resource Center Craig Hospital Foundation Dave & Deb Phipps Denver Art Museum Denver Museum of Nature & Science Scott & Nancy Harris SynapseConnecting Wells Fargo

For more information on table sponsorships for next year’s event, please contact May @ 303.313.2462.

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.

Changing Lives is the monthly news publication of Denver Rescue Mission

Director of Communications: Christine Gallamore • Designer: Kirstin Hamrick • Writer: Nicole Senne

P.O. Box 5164 • Denver, CO 80217 • 303.297.1815 www.DenverRescueMission.org

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