Denver Rescue Mission September Newsletter

119 Years of Service

www.DenverRescueMission.org

September 2011

Finding

Spirit

Overcome the

to

The Denver Rescue Mission strives to create lasting change as we meet people at their

physical

and

Overcame Addiction “I know now that I was drinking and getting high because I was trying to selfmedicate. They give you a lot of time to think about that stuff here.”

~ Charles The Crossing

spiritual Overcame Abuse

points of

need.

“I'd been stuck in the cycle of abuse for so long . . . but Champa taught me that abuse isn't love. Love is joyful and understanding.”

Gabbi ~Champa House

Overcame Alcoholism “I felt so much guilt and shame that I knew I had to change. I can't thank the Mission enough.”

~ David

Harvest Farm

Finding

Spirit

Overcome the

to

F

ear of what the future holds, defeat, even hopelessness—these are emotions most of us have encountered at some point in our lives. But when compounded with homelessness, a debilitating addiction or an overpowering sense of being alone and unloved, these feelings can quickly become persistent and unbearable.

Many of the men and women who’ve succeeded in our programs and are now self-sufficient were once held captive by these same emotions. What drove their dramatic transformations? A desire for lasting change, a commitment to the processes that would help them achieve it, and above all, God’s boundless love and grace.

The residents featured here represent what our programs are all about—helping those who are broken achieve milestones they once thought impossible. Thank you for providing the resources these courageous individuals and families need to weather the darkest storms of their lives and emerge with a renewed purpose!

“When I graduated from the program, it felt so great because I set my mind to accomplish that and I did it!”

Conchetta (with daughter Aubrey below) reflects. “Asking for help was very humbling, but I’ve come out of the program with a sense of freedom and independence.”

“For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith.”

1 John 5:4

(NKJV)

CONCHETTA

Program Graduate

STAR Transitional Program

“It was very humbling to walk through that door, and I thought, ‘I don’t know if I can do this,’” Conchetta, a recent graduate of the STAR Transitional Program recalls. Accustomed to living comfortably with fiveyear-old daughter Aubrey, a bewildered Conchetta entered the Mission program early last year after suffering an unexpected job loss.

Though it was difficult to adjust to the program’s many regulations, the single mother began to see her plight as an opportunity to begin life anew. “I started to see the blessings in everything, and being here gave me an incredible opportunity to improve in areas like controlling my spending,” Conchetta reflects.

Since graduating in April, the recently promoted compliance manager is enjoying the stability she can once again provide for her daughter. “When I look at everything I gained in the program, I’m so grateful,” Conchetta says. “I appreciate everything I have so much more.”

KEVIN

GED Graduate New Life Program

Growing up with developmental challenges, things were never easy for Kevin, but he always managed to see the light. Sadly, following the death of his father several years ago, the normally upbeat young man became depressed, teetering on the brink of alcoholism, and eventually, facing homelessness.

Fed up with his lifestyle, Kevin entered the New Life Program last June, determined to fulfill his lifelong dream of attending college. With the support of LifeSkills, Education and Career Center (LEC) Coordinator Lisa Cooper, Kevin defied all odds by obtaining his GED after only five months, and says he’ll never forget his tears of joy upon reaching his goal. “I don’t usually cry, but passing was my ticket to college,” he explains.

Now excited about beginning his first class at the Community College of Denver, the Phase III resident is an advocate for those seeking their own amazing turnaround. “I don’t want to hear anyone say they can’t do something; look at me!” he says proudly.

“I gained self-respect and the understanding that no matter how bad you were, Jesus will forgive you,” Greg (right), with fellow employee Chino, says of his time in the New Life Program. “I see every day as a new start.”

GREG

Program Graduate New Life Program

Barricaded inside his apartment last year, Greg was ready to die. “I was drinking a quart of vodka a day and had given up on life,” he says.

A recovering alcoholic, Greg was nearing the end of a horrifying binge that tarnished ten years of sobriety. By the time he entered the New Life Program at Harvest Farm last April, he had little left to salvage. “Because of my drinking, I lost my wife, my son, my company, and my home,” he recalls.

“I give Mrs. Cooper (pictured with Kevin above) a lot of credit for helping me get my GED,” Kevin says gratefully. “I can see a positive outlook for my future now, and that’s something I didn’t have a year and a half ago.”

Today, the proud program graduate is a far cry from the desperate alcoholic he once was, renewed by his faith and resurrected roles of father and business partner. “It was hard to humble myself and resolve all of my issues, but I’ll never go back to the way I was,” Greg says. “God saved me for a reason; maybe I had to go through all of this to get where I am today.”

From the CEO Dear Friends, Have you ever been at the end of your rope? Maybe so exasperated that you just did not know what to do? Perhaps it was some continuing problem at work, or a lingering disagreement with your spouse, maybe a troubled child who made some bad decisions, perhaps some medical issues, or something as simple as unplanned car repairs.

Whatever the reason, you just felt defeated, like the weight of the world was on your shoulders, and you wondered if it would ever get any better.

If you are like me, just thinking about the challenges of life described above makes my stomach feel a little sick, my breathing get faster and my heart start to race.

(This is usually a good time to stop and pray!) Well, this is the way the people who come to us at the Mission often feel. But I believe their anguish is much worse than what I have ever experienced. When I get nervous thinking about these things, I still have hope; I know things can get better. But imagine if your world has not gotten any better for a really long time, and on top of that you are struggling with a life of addiction. It may be hard to even think clearly. Not only are you down, but the many years spent in this lifestyle makes you believe you may not ever be able to change.

But change is what happens to people every day at the Denver Rescue Mission, and hope is what they find as they experience the grace of Jesus Christ and His ability to lift them out of the most desperate straits of life. I praise God that we have gifted and committed staff and volunteers who believe in showing Jesus’ love and grace to those who come for help. Our programs are not easy, but we know they work. Please join me in reading some of our success stories in this month’s Changing Lives!

Thanks for partnering with us!

God bless,

Brad Meuli

5th Annual Turkey Chase Work up an appetite Thanksgiving morning by participating in the Turkey Chase 10k and family fun run! The race will kick off at 9 a.m. at West Woods Golf Club in Arvada.

All proceeds will help provide holiday meals for men, women and children in need. Please visit RunningGuru.com/Event/TurkeyChase to register. For more information, please contact Breanne at 303.313.2415 or bgabel@denrescue.org.

To register, use your smart phone to scan this code.

The Ninth Annual Harvest Farm Fall Festival and Corn Maze will be open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from September 10th through October 30th. 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!

Fall Festival Prices

Open

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

10th through October 30th

Statistics

Mission Events Women Who’ve Changed the Heart of the City The Brown Palace Thursday, September 16th 3:00 to 5:00 p.m.

Honorees: Janet Elway, Betty Lehman, Frances Owens, Emily Howell Warner.

To purchase tickets, please visit blacktie-colorado.com/RSVP, and enter the event code HeartofCity. For more information on table and corporate sponsorships, please call May @ 303.313.2462.

Evening of Exploration The Wildlife Experience Featuring guest speaker Mike Yankoski, author of Under the Overpass Thursday, October 13th 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. Silent Auction & Reception 7:30 to 9:00 p.m. Dinner, Program & Speaker To purchase tickets, please visit blacktie-colorado.com/RSVP, and enter the event code Exploration2011. For more information on table and corporate sponsorships, please call May @ 303.313.2462.

Community Support A ‘Little Broncos’ Training Camp

This summer, the Denver Broncos Organization partnered with Grandview High School football team and the Mission to put on a football camp for inner-city kids. The Denver Broncos/Gatorade Jr. Training Camp and guest speaker Dustin Frost of the Denver Broncos provided motivational and teambuilding instruction, football basics and health and fitness training for children from Champa House and Kathy’s Camp at the Lowry Family Center. Thank you Denver Broncos, for caring about needy children, as well as inspiring the next generation to pursue wellness and excellence both on and off the field!

What Will Your Legacy Be?

Have you wanted to do something special to help the homeless and hurting in our community, but are still searching for a way? If so, please consider including a charitable bequest to the Denver Rescue Mission in your will or estate plans. As we confront the challenges of the future, we know the generosity of those who leave a legacy to the Mission can make a difference for generations to come.

To learn more about this process and other legacy giving ideas, please contact Alice at acavanaugh@denrescue.org or 303.313.2487, or simply visit www.DenverRescueMission.org/giftplanning. With thoughtful planning today, you have the power to make a difference tomorrow!

How You Help

July 45,417 served Meals 19,581 Beds ance 6,745 attend l Chape 108 Food boxes distributed holds) 91 (house ure Furnit 18,000 Clothing (lbs.)

17 ractic Chirop 11 Dental 508 al Medic 192 Optical

YTD 302,571 112,140 49,983 656 606 130,370 184 948 2,910 1,329

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.

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

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

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

Family Services Transitional housing; 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

Publications Manager: Christine Gallamore • Designer: Kirstin Hamrick • Writer: Nicole Vaiana

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

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