THEvision
SUMMER2015
of the gospel center rescue mission
God will provide
“A place to continue my journey…”
Every day, I see firsthand the truly miraculous changes that take place in the lives of people like Elizabeth, whose story I’m sharing with you today. God has demonstrated His love by taking hold of His children like Elizabeth who are suffering from deadly addictions, hunger or homelessness and He’s given them the strength to turn their lives around! He has also seen to our provision through your partnership and invaluable support that provides the food, clothing, shelter, care and counseling that makes these transformations possible. That’s why, in our prayers here at the Mission, we give thanks for God’s grace and love, and thanks for you. Because your gifts really do make a difference in the lives of individuals and families who are without food and shelter or friends and family to help them through difficult times. Bless you for all you do!
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lizabeth has a long history of drug some place to go afterward...stable use, so it wasn’t surprising that housing and a place to help me Child Protective Services took her son continue my clean and sober journey.” out of her care shortly after he was That place was Gospel Center born. Rescue Mission, and Elizabeth But her son’s birth had a profound became a resident in our New Hope effect on Elizabeth. “When they put Family Shelter last December. the baby in my arms for the first In addition to chores and chapel, time, God re-entered my life!” Elizabeth joins the other women Elizabeth knew she’d have to for classes including budgeting and break her drug habit to have any hope money management, parenting, of regaining custody of “I feel there are angels watching over me here!” her son, so in November of 2013, she entered nutrition and addiction treatment. the Family Ties program here in Mothers like Elizabeth acquire the Stockton. “I did six months in their skills they need to face the challenges residential program, but I needed of parenthood. Elizabeth continued >>>
William R. “Bill” Brown CEO
445 S. San Joaquin Street • Stockton, CA 95203-3537 • (209) 320-2311 • GCRMS.org
Use my gift to make a real difference in one or more lives. m $AA.AA to feed and care for AA people m $BB.BB to feed and care for BB people m $CC.CC to feed and care for CC people m $_______ to feed and care for as many
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Check enclosed
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CREDIT CARD #
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Gospel Center Rescue Mission P.O. Box 816 Stockton, CA 95201-0816
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as possible
Sample A. Sample 1234 Main Street P.O. Box 12345 Anytown, ST 12345
Bill my credit card
Congratulations Graduates!
Congratulations to the 17 men and women who graduated last month from our New Life residential addiction treatment program. Please mark your calendar to join us July 18 at 8:30 a.m. in the Mission Chapel for our next graduation celebration.
Leave a lasting legacy
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>>> Elizabeth continued
Her time here and at Family Ties convinced Child Protective Services that Elizabeth was serious about regaining custody of her son, and that our New Hope Family Shelter would be a good environment for the baby. With the support of our staff and counselors, Elizabeth was able to have her son join her here overnight, and eventually, she regained permanent custody of her baby! As you read this wonderful story, Elizabeth has just graduated from our Life Skills program and has signed
Your donated items mean more help!
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hen you make a donation of food, clothing, bedding or personal hygiene items to the Mission, it saves us money that can be used for other urgent needs. Below is a list of the items we could really use this summer:
hile many individuals provide a lifetime of generous gifts for family, friends and organizations they care about, over half of U.S. adults do not have a will or other estate plan.
Food Chicken, ground beef & pork Vegetables Milk Coffee
Clothing Diapers (sizes 4 & 5) Blouses Sweatshirts Pants Underwear (men’s & women’s)
Without a will, your estate will be divided according to the state in which you live. And the result may be very different from what you had wished, especially if your desire was not only to care for those you leave behind, but to leave a lasting legacy for the causes close to your heart. The Mission can help make sure your wishes are followed. For information on planned giving opportunities, please call Mission Executive Director Bill Brown at (209) 320-2314. If you have already included the Mission in your will, please call so we can say “thank you.”
up to attend summer school at Delta College, where she plans to take classes to become a substance abuse counselor. She will also begin looking for housing so she and her son can have a place of their own. “The Mission can change your whole life!” she says with a smile. “When you’re living out there on the street, you’re hopeless – you don’t have real friends. People could care less about what happens to you. But when you come here to the Mission, you have the support of the staff and your peers. There is always hope. That’s what the Mission gives you – hope!”
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the Power of
How much of a difference can one gift make? Here at Gospel Center Rescue Mission, the answer is plenty! With more than 8,511 monthly meals to prepare and serve, 4,535 nights of shelter to provide and hundreds of hours of care and education to offer, your donations are always welcome, especially during the summer – when needs continue, but giving drops off. Here’s another example of the power of 1: One gift, your gift, will help end hunger, homelessness and FINAL PRODUCTION
Donations can be brought to the Mission from 8 a.m. - noon and 1-5 p.m. Friday, or after-hours and on the weekend by calling (209) 3202324. Please call (209) 320-2311 if you have any questions. Thank you.
Hygiene Items
Shaving cream & razors Toothpaste Toothbrushes Bath soap Deodorant Shampoo Conditioner Hair brushes Body lotion
Linens Twin Sheets Pillows Blankets
addiction for one or more people. Every gift you give has the power to change a life. But it doesn’t happen overnight. Long-lasting, permanent change takes food, shelter, care and education to help individuals and families become self-sufficient...able to take care of themselves so they don’t have to rely on us. One gift – your gift – is vital to the continuing success of this ministry and our ability to truly make a difference in the lives of men, women and children in need.