MODESTO GOSPEL MISSION: PROVIDING REFUGE FOR RECOVERY AND RESTORATION By John Villines Chief Operating Officer, Modesto Gospel Mission For many people, the holidays at the end of the year are a time of excitement and anticipation, as friends and families gather together to fellowship over a great meal or to exchange gifts with loved ones. Nostalgia is often high, and many people report feeling a warmth and kindness toward people – “peace on earth, good will toward men.” Sadly, this is not the experience of many people in our community. The holidays are often times of loneliness, hunger, depression, and anxiety, especially for the homeless and the poor. The Modesto Gospel Mission has been serving the local homeless and impoverished since 1948. It is proud to stand alongside many other great nonprofit and service organizations who serve our local community throughout the year. Its purpose is to provide refuge for recovery and restoration to those in need, and it is open 24/7 to fulfill this purpose. November and December are the busiest months of the year for the Modesto Gospel Mission. Cold and wet winter months leads to increased attendance in its Freedom Road Day Program, as well as a spike in using its dinners, showers, and shelter services at night. The Mission also sees a rise in people using its evening medical clinic, which is open one or two days per week, and is staffed by local physicians and nurses. Two of the Mission’s signature events are also held this time of year. These events typically serve not only the homeless in this community, but also those that are battling the reality of poverty in disadvantaged and often dangerous neighborhoods such as the Airport District.
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Each November, the day before Thanksgiving, the Mission hosts its “Great Thanksgiving Banquet & Bundle Up” where it provides a traditional Thanksgiving dinner and warm coats and other winter clothing items. Last month turned out to be another success as we served Thanksgiving meals and gave away coats, scarves, hats and gloves to hundreds of men, women, and children.
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However, December is the favorite time of year for those who serve at the Mission. On December 23, the Mission hosts its annual “Christmas at the Mission – Gift Drive & Give Away.” This special event is always well attended, with over 2,000 served every year. Starting with a Christmas meal, the guests then move into the Chapel where there are stations set up for various ages of boys and girls, as well as for adult men and women. Each guest gets to choose an unwrapped gift from the MODESTO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE I MODCHAMBER.ORG
appropriate station. For many people who live in Modesto, even providing a simple meal and Christmas gifts are impossible. Due to the generosity and faithfulness of the Mission’s donors and volunteers, it is able to provide a little bit of Christmas and hope to those that are without. This is always a joyful time, and nothing beats seeing the smiles on the faces of children as they pick out a gift for themselves. So how can compassionate people bring a little “peace on earth, good will to men” during this time of year? The Modesto Gospel Mission is privately funded by individuals, businesses, and churches in our community. Donations of new, unwrapped gifts are crucial to our Christmas event. You can bring these gifts to the Mission located on Yosemite Boulevard, or to one of our community partners who are displaying one of our barrels. You can also sign up online to volunteer and serve at the Mission, at https:// modestogospelmission.org/get-involved. If you want to know more about the Mission and the different programs it provides, contact us for a tour or learn more at www.modestogospelmission.org. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!