Nashville Rescue Mission July 2018 Newsletter

July 2 0 1 8

HEAT

takes a toll on the

HOMELESS YO U R S U P P O R T P R OV I D E S O U R HOMELESS NEIGHBORS WITH R E L I E F F R O M T H E H E AT

BELIEVING the impossible

L E T T E R f rom the P R E S I D E N T

WITH YOUR HELP A ND GOD’S PROVISION, A NY THING IS POSSIBLE

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Rev. Glenn Cranfield | President and CEO

LUKE 18:27 NIV Jesus replied, “What is impossible with man is possible with God.”

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od can do the impossible.

Although for many of us, it is hard to believe that without seeing it first. Even Jesus’ most faithful followers abandoned hope when He was crusified.

It didn’t matter that He had explained it all before, that He would rise again. It didn’t matter that they’d seen Jesus bring other people back from the dead. Their grief and fear drove all faith from their hearts. Jesus was gone.

When I’m driving around Nashville, I see men and women panhandling to get by, some are living in tents under the overpass. I don’t know them, but I’ve heard hundreds of painful stories from people in similar situations who come to the Mission for a hot meal and a safe place to sleep.

For many of these hurting people, a new life may seem impossible. Like Jesus’ followers, grief and hurt drives

hope from their hearts. Each night is filled with fearful, fitful sleep. Each morning brings the uncertainty of survival. It is a slow, living death.

You and I have a unique gift to offer these hurting people. For the man battling addiction, we can dream of a new life of freedom. For the woman and child desperately looking for safety, we can cast a vision for a new life of stability and healing. We share with them our faith because we’ve seen the impossible happen.

As a wounded person surrenders to God’s forgiveness and accepts His healing grace, the hard shell of hopelessness gives way to fresh, abundant life!

Because of you and your partnership, we rejoice each day as we see men, women, and children, once paralyzed by despair, now walking in new life. Thank you for believing the impossible. Thank you for giving hope.

Heart of the Mission | July 2018

MISSION IN MY

words

LELAN STATOM I

’ve considered myself a part of the Mission’s family for almost 20 years. It started with a partnership between the Mission and NewsChannel 5 and has evolved beyond the scope of what I do at work. Serving at the Mission is something my wife Yolanda and I look forward to doing together with our children.

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I’M THANKFUL

NASHVILLE RESCUE MISSION EXISTS ...

The first year I brought my family, my daughter Kayela, who was around ten at the time, kept asking about the people we were serving. She wanted to know why they were at the Mission and not at home. As a father, it was a valuable teaching moment for me. I explained some of the reasons people are homeless and how the Mission helps them get back on their feet. Today, she and my son Taylor both look forward to volunteering at the Mission.

As a meteorologist, I spend a lot of time studying the weather. One thing many people don’t realize is there are more heat-related deaths than there are any other weather-related deaths. In Nashville, this is definitely of concern to our homeless community. It’s not uncommon 03

for temperatures in the summer to reach into the 90s for days at a time. It was only a few years ago we had an all-time high of 107. On hot days, if someone is homeless and not in a sheltered environment, they probably aren’t properly hydrated. If their health is compromised, they aren’t going to listen to the cues their body is giving them—ignoring their thirst. It’s a good chance this person is dehydrated and at a great risk for heat stroke.

I’m thankful Nashville Rescue Mission exists in our community. They are out on the streets during these hot days handing out bottles of water to those in need, doing what they can to help the homeless stay hydrated. I can only imagine what Nashville would be like if the Mission didn’t exist. I think we’d see a much bigger crisis than there is already. There would be many more people with no place to go.

I don’t know what brings a person to the point of seeking help at the Mission. But I know regardless of the situation or circumstance, the Mission extends hope and a helping hand to those in need. It’s why I support Nashville Rescue Mission and look forward to volunteering my time there.

ABOUT LEL A N

Lelan A. Statom is the Senior Meteorologist for the NewsChannel 5 Network. The Emmy award-winning weather anchor has been helping families in Middle Tennessee start their day since 1999 as part of the station’s #1 rated morning newscast, NewsChannel 5 This Morning. He’s been co-host of Talk of the Town since 2006.

Heart of the Mission | July 2018

es a toll F E AT U R E S T O RY

HEAT

takes a toll on the

HOMELESS

YO U R S U P P O R T P R OV I D E S OUR HOMELESS NEIGHBORS W I T H R E L I E F F R O M T H E H E AT Last summer, Nashville saw a near-record number of 90+ degree-days. In fact, between June 1 and August 30 the day’s high hit 90 or above for a total of 45 days, and in many cases, the heat index hit triple digits.

H OT W E AT H E R C A N B E H A R D TO H A N D L E

even under the best circumstances, but what would it be like to live without the luxuries most people enjoy during the summer such as air conditioning, daily showers, or even a change of clothes?

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Heart of the Mission | July 2018

The challenges faced by the city’s homeless population during periods of intense heat are similar to the challenges faced by everyone else. The most apparent difference is in access to amenities, including air conditioning and drinking water.

He has no memory of jumping off the bridge and shattering the bones in his legs and feet. “I spent two months in the ICU,” said Joe. “Then another nine months in a nursing home.” After being released from the hospital, he had nowhere to go and no one to turn to. This was not the first time Joe had been homeless, but it was the first “ M O S T O F U S can go into an air-conditioned building, time that he had needed some help. or get into an air-conditioned car anytime we want to,” Joe and his wife spent many years living in tents in said Rev. Glenn Cranfield, president and CEO of Nashville Florida. She developed a love for that lifestyle growing Rescue Mission. “We have water in the refrigerator or can up in a family that traveled along our nation’s interstate stop at any convenience market and pick some up. That system, living off the land each mile of the way. And simply isn’t the case for most of our homeless neighbors.” continued to live in a tent throughout her life and on into What’s not so apparent is the number of other struggles their marriage. hot weather brings to the homeless community. Cranfield “I am not going to lie,” said Joe. “It’s hot in Florida. And explained that even the most basic strategies for beating living in a tent on the beach wasn’t easy. I did it out of love the heat could sometimes fall outside a person’s reach. for my wife because that’s what she wanted, but it would “You and I wake up, look at the temperature, see it’s not have been my preference.” going to be in the 90s and plan to dress accordingly,” he said. “If I don’t have that choice, then I wear what I wear S I N C E T H E A C C I D E N T, Joe struggles to walk, every day. In the case of someone who is homeless, that especially long distances. He mostly uses a wheelchair might be all the clothing I own.” to get around. Unable to work, Joe is going through the That can be debilitating for much of the area’s homeless process of getting on disability. population, he said, especially when showers are hard to “I don’t know what I would have done if I hadn’t come to come by, there’s a lack of public drinking fountains, and the Mission,” said Joe. “I know from experience it can be many businesses shun the homeless. dangerous living on the streets. The Mission has provided me with a safe place to sleep, and all my basic needs are “ M A N Y O F T H O S E E X P E R I E N C I N G homelessness being met. I couldn’t ask for more. I’m grateful.” are already at a greater risk for major medical issues,” said It’s because of YOU and your support that Joe and Cranfield. “These men, women, and children deserve to many others like him have a safe place to turn to when be treated with dignity and compassion, regardless of temperatures rise. Here they will find help in the form of whether their situation may be attributed to mental health water, shelter, clothing, and food—but more importantly, issues or addiction. As we are called to love our neighbors they will find hope in Jesus Christ. as ourselves, the Mission is doing what we can to help the homeless stay safe during hot weather. In addition to handing out bottled water and keeping an eye out for medical emergencies, our doors are open to everyone, especially during periods of extreme heat.”

“Our dayrooms are air-conditioned, and have ample seating,” said Cranfield. “Guests can come in, get out of the heat for as long as they need to, and have access to cold bottled water. We want to help keep people well hydrated and off of the hot streets.”

“No one should die on the streets of Nashville due to the heat or lack of water,” he added. “We don’t ever close.

Even if someone has been barred from our facility for previous infractions, we remove those restrictions when the temperatures are dangerously high.” who’s been homeless for years, the Mission provides a refuge from the heat —a reprieve from the streets. When Joe’s wife died from stage 4-kidney cancer in 2015, he thought his life was over, too. After 18 1/2 years of marriage, he had lost his wife, his best friend, his soul mate.

FOR SOMEONE LIKE JOE

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Joe meeting with Mike Tatar, Lead Case Manager, to discuss housing options.

Heart of the Mission | July 2018

EVERYONE HAS SOMETHING TO GIVE VOLUNTEER STORY

Volunteers from Cora Howe find common ground at the Mission

(Left) Daniel Craig, Special Education Resource Teacher and (Right) K.C. Winfrey, Principal

When the kids from Cora Howe Exceptional School arrive at Nashville Rescue Mission each Wednesday morning, there are plenty of smiles to go around.

“ T H E K I D S A R E always so excited when they get off the bus and walk through the doors of the Mission,” said Joy Ferguson, Director of Volunteer Services for the Mission.

“And the warehouse staff looks forward to their arrival each week, knowing they will help sort canned goods, toiletries, linens, or whatever else has recently been donated. These kids have a sweet, sweet spirit that is contagious.”

Ninety-eight percent of students at Cora Howe School have disabilities. “The school is meant to prepare students with various abilities for life outside the school system,” said principal K.C. Winfrey.

to give 06

“Every student at Cora Howe receives an individualized education and has a unique learning plan,” said Daniel Craig, Special Education Resource Teacher. “We are a K-12 special day school that serves about 100 students, each having a very specific set of needs. The ultimate goal for each student is independence to the greatest extent possible and to be a contributing member of society.”

Daniel has spent the last four years creating a program for his students, some who are autistic, schizophrenic, or mentally-challenged, to prepare them for their future. “While we spend Tuesday in the classroom, the rest of the week, the students are working in and around the community learning life skills, like how to sort canned goods or clothes; and social skills, like how to greet someone.”

W I T H T H AT I N M I N D ,

Heart of the Mission | July 2018

“I’m so thankful for this special opportunity the Mission has given us to bring our kids there where they can serve, grow, and learn,” said Daniel. “It might not seem like much, but they are developing invaluable skills that many of them will continue to use throughout their lives.”

A student from Cora Howe donating his time at the Mission.

W H E N T H E K I D S A R E N ’ T V O L U N T E E R I N G at Nashville Rescue Mission, they may be found serving at the Northeast YMCA (where many have learned how to swim), Hendersonville Strike & Spare (where the kids have also learned to bowl), or even the Apple Store. Each unique job site is helping the kids develop skills that will allow them to grow and succeed in life.

“The consistency that comes from serving, especially at the Mission every week, is extremely beneficial to our students,” shared Daniel. “For many of them, this is their training ground for future endeavors. I’ve seen tremendous

improvement in several of the kids who’ve been coming since that first day. When I hear their parents talk about how proud they are of volunteering at the Mission, and how proud that makes the parents, it is such a blessing.” associated with those who suffer from autism, schizophrenia, and a mental disability isn’t too different from the stereotype associated with those struggling with homelessness and addiction. In many cases, society casts these individuals aside, discriminates against them, devalues them, and rejects them. But just as the homeless and addicted are welcomed at Nashville Rescue Mission, those students with special needs find love and acceptance at Cora Howe Exceptional School. In both settings, there is hope for a brighter future.

“We accept kids as they are, regardless of their differences,” said Daniel. “And we grow them into young people who are ready and prepared for the world. In a word, much like Nashville Rescue Mission, we offer them hope.”

THE STIGMA

The Mission is so grateful to Daniel Craig, K.C. Winfrey, and everyone at Cora Howe School for joining us in giving hope to those in need.

SUPPORTER SPOTLIGHT

BARRY

GAMMONS I’ve been involved with helping Nashville’s homeless community for many years, first through The Key Alliance and now with Metro’s Homelessness Commission. It was through that involvement I first met Carolyn Grossley, Director of Women’s Guest Services for Nashville Rescue Mission.

Carolyn is, without a doubt, one of my favorite people. She has genuine care and concern for those battling homelessness.

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She and Nashville Rescue Mission are both incredible assets to this community and our city’s homeless neighbors. When I recently learned of the Mission’s need for bottled water, I was honored to step up and help. Water, one of life’s most basic needs, is something everyone deserves to have access to and I’m glad I can help support the Mission’s efforts to provide it to the homeless in our city.

Heart of the Mission | July 2018

BACK

HELP A HOMELESS STUDENT HEAD BACK TO SCHOOL

e need your help in filling more than 100 backpacks with essential school supplies for the kids who call the Mission home.

o Glue sticks and white school glue o Scissors and rulers o Pocket folders (3-prong) o 3-ring binders (1 and 2 inch) o Notebook paper (not college ruled) o Spiral and composition notebooks o Copy paper o Combination locks o Facial tissues o Antibacterial soap and wet wipes o Plastic freezer bags (quart and gallon) o Kindergarten mats o Regular and scientific calculators

SCHOOL UNIFORMS: o Bottoms: navy blue or khaki slacks o Tops: white button-up or polo o Socks and underwear o Sizes: 5 to 14 (boys and girls)

SCHOOL SUPPLIES: o Backpacks o Pencils (#2), pencil box, and sharpener o Ink pens (blue, black, red) o Crayons and colored pencils o Highlighters and washable markers

PURCHASE ITEMS ONLINE AT: http://a.co/621w0AZ DONATION DROP-OFFS: 616 7th Avenue South, Nashville, TN 37203 Open Monday through Saturday 7:00 a.m. -7:00 p.m.

send a note of hope You can help a student start the year off right.

Write them a note of encouragement on the enclosed backpack tag.

L I V E S Y O U H AV E T O U C H E D | May 2018

HOPE lives HERE E st. 1954 639 Lafayette Street, Nashville, TN 37203 615-255-2475 | nashvillerescuemission.org

Daily Avg.

Monthly

1,476

45,741

Nights of Lodging

699

Chapel Attendance

Meals Served

Education Hours

Daily Avg.

Monthly

Bible Class Attendance

28

872

21,658

Volunteer Hours

91

2,824

496

15,386

Travel Assistance

n/a

22

76

2,371

Program Graduates

n/a

11