March 2015 Caring Place Newsletter

the

CARING PLACE

Formerly Homeless Men and Women Graduate in Cap and Gown.

Your Support Makes this Possible!

MIAMI RESCUE MISSION | BROWARD OUTREACH CENTERS SERVING SOUTH FLORIDA SINCE 1922

FEBRUARY 2015

President’s Message - pg. 2 >> Mission Hope - pg. 3 >> Graduation - pg. 4 >> Youth Fair - pg. 7>> Good Friday - pg. 8

MIAMI

RESCUE MISSION

&

BROWARD OUTREACH

CENTE RS

our vision our mission No One is Homeless

Transform the lives of homeless men, women, and children through comprehensive residential programs to effect lasting change and empower them to be productive members of society. We provide food, clothing, shelter, substance abuse treatment, education, computer literacy, job placement, healthcare, spiritual development and housing with Christian love, compassion, and encouragement.

CELEBRATING NEW JOURNEYS

I’m very thankful for everyone who has donated financially, volunteered, donated personal items, and prayed for this ministry of reaching the least, the last, and the lost. I value your compassion and generosity to help the homeless, hungry, and needy. January’s graduation celebration was a very special time of honoring men and women who have experienced transformed lives and are celebrating new journeys.

We serve thousands of people in great need each year, but we never lose focus on the single individual or family who comes to our Centers in Miami, Hollwood, or Pompano Beach. Each person that comes for help is experiencing a major crisis in their life. Some want to escape the trap of addiction, some are war veterans, some have come because of abuse or neglect, some have lost homes, and others just don’t have anywhere else to turn for help.

Your continued support helps us help hopeless people start new journeys.

Together, we will help even more people in 2015 experience transformed lives!

God’s Best to you and your loved ones,

Rev. Ronald Brummitt President Miami Rescue Mission Broward Outreach Centers

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Look What Your Support Did in 2014!

989,000

Over 700

nutritious meals were provided to those in need

“at-risk” youth were helped in our Out-of-School Programs

360,000

Over 170,000

nights of safe shelter

Nearly 9,000

volunteers served in our Miami, Hollywood, and Pompano Centers

Over 95,000

hours of service by our volunteers

250,000

hours of education, life skills, & job training

pieces of clothing & furnishings distributed to those in need.

Over 750

men and women found employment

Over 900

families were assisted with food, furnishings, toys, & other necessities

120,000

units of medical services provided to men, women, and children

Worth A Thousand Words

Help Portrait Miami created lasting memories for clients

A LIFE SAVED Before Jessenia came to Broward Outreach Center in Pompano Beach, she was out on the streets shooting every drug she could get her hands on, prostituting, and living recklessly. At one point, Jessenia almost died. She overdosed, was raped, and was left for dead.

Our Centers were full of smiles as volunteers from Help Portrait Miami came to give our residents a priceless holiday gift. Volunteers from Help Portrait Miami provided professional hair and makeup services to our women, and expert photographers took individual and family portraits. The photos were printed on the spot, allowing the residents to leave with their gift in hand. Their gift was truly a blessing to our women and children.

Jessenia remembers waking up in the hospital. The doctor was telling her mom that they were waiting for her to have a heart attack so they could resuscitate her and save her life. She felt hopeless, and thought she was going to die on the streets. She had given up on her life.

Coming to Broward Outreach Center, Jessenia’s life took a 180 degree turn.

She has applied herself and now is looking forward to a bright and success filled future.

“I want to thank Broward Outreach Center for literally saving my life!”

Fill A Bag With Hope A Mission Hope bag is a purple bag that can be filled with inexpensive, unused hygiene items. Help collect basic hygiene products that individuals in need can use to feel better about themselves. We know that when someone feels better, they are in a better position to make other changes in their lives such as getting involved with the education, work training, recovery, and spiritual guidance we offer at Miami Rescue Mission & Broward Outreach Centers.

For more information, contact: Miami: MELISSA - 305.572.2002 • Toothbrush/ Toothpaste Broward: NINA - 954.935.3048 • Soap/Body Wash Visit Our Websites to Order Online • Shampoo • Deodorant • Wash cloth/ Towels • Brush/Comb • Toilet tissue / Wipes • Large body lotion • Disposable razors • Dress/White socks • Underwear • Mouthwash • Body/Foot powder • Baby powder

MISSION HOPE ITEMS

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Celebrating Success & New Journeys 167 men and women celebrated graduation from our programs Nearly 170 graduates of Miami Rescue Mission | Broward Outreach Centers walked the stage in full cap and gown, celebrating their successful completion of the programs.

Family and friends traveled from near and far to support their loved ones, making it a full house in the Community Activity Center where the ceremony was held. With the theme “Diamonds in the Rough,” graduates of the programs were compared to real diamonds. With the formation of diamonds, which are exposed to immense amounts of heat and pressure, so have our graduates been through truly challenging experiences in their lives. Despite this, they have come out as diamonds: beautiful, spar-

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kling, and valued. The ceremony was full of great speakers and performers including an opening from the Deep Fried Funk Band, an opening prayer from Pastor Steve Alessi, testimonies from graduates Ronald Sales and Sean Tew, and the keynote by Commissioner Priscilla A. Taylor. The MQV Dancers moved the crowd with their inspiring performance, Eliezer Cardona sang a special version of “To God Be The Glory,” and the ceremony ended with a challenge by Elder Kenneth A. Duke and a prayer by President Rev. Ronald Brummitt. The ceremony served as a symbol to the graduates of success, new beginnings, and moving forward in their lives.

“I am so glad to have my son back in our family. It’s been a long time since we have been so happy” - Grad Mom

COMMISSIONER PRISCILLA A. TAYLOR As our keynote speaker, Commissioner Taylor encouraged the graduates to keep learning throughout their lives and to make the best use of their time.

A Soldier of God

Sean left a life of drugs and violence for the Lord Throughout his life, Sean was in and out of jail for various offenses. He was a drug using, alcohol drinking brawler, fighting physically and emotionally with all who came his way.

Everyone around Sean felt the effects of his lifestyle, but no one more than himself. He reached a point where he just wanted to die. Sean felt a void in his life that he could not fill.

“Who I was drove everyone & everything that mattered away from me.”

Sean realized that he could not continue like this alone, and he needed to seek help.

At the Center for Men, Sean learned about God, and who Jesus really is. He learned how God is working in his own life and felt that void in his life begin to fill up. Today, Sean is clean and sober. His family

relationships have been restored and he has been given a second chance. Sean is currently enrolled in Miami-Dade College, studying addiction studies and wants to help others.

Your support changes lives everyday!

SENATOR MARCO RUBIO Our supporter, and Florida Senator Marco Rubio sent a message from Washington just for our graduates.

He told them to continue living a life putting God first, and to remember the values they learned in the program.

“I am marching on the battlefield for Jesus, for now I am a soldier of God.”

ELDER KENNETH A. DUKE The Challenge was given by Elder Duke who spoke about the importance of “finishing the race.” He told the graduates to be true to themselves, and even when times are hard, to keep fighting for their dreams.

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Give A Meal, Get A Deal

The Miami-Dade County Youth Fair & Exposition, together with Miami Rescue Mission, have joined forces to help feed the hungry of South Florida, while offering Youth Fair guests an opportunity to support the cause and earn a special discount.

The Give a Meal, Get a Deal offer runs from Fri., March 13th through Sun., Sunday, April 5th. Fairgoers who bring two cans of food per person to the designated tent area in the front gate area, will receive a coupon that can then be presented at any Main Gate Ticket Booth in order to receive a $4 discount off admission.

New Multiplex Changes Lives The ribbon was cut at the official open-

ing of the new permanent multiplex housing unit for women and children.

With tremendous efforts from the Girlfriends 4 Girlfriends group as well as several friends and donors, the units were completed in early January. These housing units will become permanent homes for women and children who were former residents at our Centers. Learn more: miamirescuemission.org/g4g.

Safe and Affordable Housing

“The Youth Fair is proud to once again support the Miami Rescue Mission and the incredible work they perform in our community,” said Bob Hohenstein, president and CEO of The Youth Fair. “This is an outstanding opportunity for fairgoers to say thank you to Miami Rescue Mission for all its hard work and dedication.”

For more information about the fair and days of operation visit: www.FairExpo.com or our websites.

HomeRun Men’s Group Kicks Off

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Our new HomeRun Men’s Group is off to a great start. The group was formed as a team of supporters and mentors for the men in our centers. For the group’s first outing, the members and men from our centers headed to the bowling alley to bond over strikes and pizza. They shared a fantastic time of fun, fellowship, and working on building relationships

within the group. The HomeRun Men’s group will continue to serve as mentors to men who were formerly homeless and are ready for their new lives.

This special group of volunteers have already raised funds for our new annex building and are looking to help in other ways. Find out more by visiting: miamirescuemission.org/homerun .

HEATING UP OUR COMMUNITY

They also distributed food to many families in need by handing out bags of food in our Community Activity Center. Men, women, and children gathered to listen to the live music set up in the street, cool off with a free smoothie, or let their children ride on the carnival rides set up on the street.

Thank You Miami Heat for impacting so many lives in our communities!

photo credit: nbacares.com

Members of the Miami Heat basketball team and coaching staff served nearly 650 families in the Miami Rescue Mission community during their annual Heat Thanksgiving Celebration.

The players dished out a traditional Thanksgiving meal.

Superstar Supporters

Community supporters help make our vision possible We are so thankful for the support of individuals and organizations in our community. One special group of supporters are the Pepsi Beverages Company employees who have been supporting the residents of Broward Outreach Center Pompano. Ms. Daniela Henry coordinated the “Operation Give a Smile to A Child” and collected $1,300 through staff donations.

The group also collected and donated warm clothes for the residents. The employees of Pepsi Beverages Company along with Mark Stoks – Unit Sales Manager – visited Broward

Outreach Center Pompano and delivered the check to Ms. Marilyn Brummitt – Director of Development and Ms. Nina Corbe – Sr. Community Development Associate.

Find out how your business can get involved: miamirescuemission.org or browardoutreachcenter.org.

Cover Girls Help Women

Cover Girls are mentors who give of their time (volunteer), their talent (skills and abilities) and their treasure (pledge of $10 dollars or more per month). This is all done in love to help women and children who have had some really hard knocks in life.

The goal is to see those that are mentored become successful in life. To find out more contact Nina at 954.554.5118 or e-mail: ncorbe@caringplace.org.

SERVICE WITH THE SENATOR Florida Senator, Marco Rubio paid Miami Rescue Mission a visit to learn more about the ministries, programs, and to volunteer. Along with a tour of the facilities, including our new Annex, the Senator and his crew served lunch for the residents at the Men’s Center. Senator Rubio has also attended one of our large street outreaches where he volunteered, serving hundreds of men, women, and children. We are thankful for the continuing support we receive from Senator Rubio.

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DONATE CLOTHES, CARS, APPLIANCES, FURNITURE The Bargain Barn and Bargain Barn Plus, our very own thrift stores, welcome your donations of clothing, furniture, appliances and cars. Your gently used items will be used in our Centers. Items we can’t use will be sold in our Thrift Stores which provides training for men and women, as well as funding for our programs. For more information or a pick up, visit miamirescuemission.org/thrift or browardoutreachcenter.org/thrift.

GET YOUR WEEKLY INSPIRATION FROM ONE OF OUR RADIO SHOWS

LIFE CHANGERS SATURDAYS 9:30AM

MISSION POSSIBLE: THE GOOD NEWS PROGRAM SUNDAYS 8:00AM

CAMBIANDOS VIDAS DOMINGOS 8:30AM MIAMI RESCUE MISSION ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICES 2159 NW 1st Court | Miami, FL 33127 Mail: PO Box 420620 | Miami, FL 33242-0620 305 • 571 • CARE (2273) BROWARD OUTREACH CENTER HOLLYWOOD 2056 Scott Street | Hollywood, FL 33020 954 • 926 • 7417 BROWARD OUTREACH CENTER POMPANO BEACH 1700 Blount Road | Pompano Beach, FL 33069 954 • 979 • 6365

Outreaches Serve Thousands Thousands of individuals who are homeless, hungry, and in need are blessed and helped during our community outreaches throughout the year.

They receive a meal, a gift, a prayer, and so much more. Our last two outreaches, Thanksgiving and Christmas, were a huge success. There was good food, inspirational performances, Mission Hope Bags, toys and more. The best part was that more individuals decided to get off the streets and join our life changing programs.

Help provide meals for those who are homeless and hungry, join our Meals-A-Month Club. For as little as $2 a month or more, you can provide a healthy meal to a hungry member of our community.

For more information, please visit: miamirescuemission.org/meals browardoutreachcenter.org/meals Or Call: Donor Services | 305•571•2206

Our next outreach will take place Friday, April 3 for Thanksgiving on Good Friday, where we expect to feed thousands more as we celebrate the resurrection of our Lord. Visit our websites to learn more about volunteering and sponsorship.

STAY CONNECTED! miamirescuemission.org browardoutreachcenter.org Miami Rescue Mission @No1isHomeless miamirescuemission

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