HopeNOW - Fall 2014

A Publication of the VISALIA RESCUE MISSION

HOPENOW rescue - recovery - restoration

SUPPORTING THE MISSION Unique ways to give

Fall 2014 Volume 5 | Issue 3

WISH LIST

TABLE OF CONTENTS SUPPORTING THE MISSION

Freezer and refrigerator space

Whether by giving financially, donating items to the Mission, or volunteering, there are many different ways individuals, groups and businesses can support the VRM. Read more about some of the unique ways you can give to the Mission.

Pgs. 4 - 5

Commercial juicer Silverware

04

Coffee Cups Wood 2X4’s and 2X6’s for tables/ benches

A PLACE CALLED HOPE: ANGIE’S STORY

Twin bed sheets

Read the incredible story of Angie and the recovery she found while at the VRM’s House of Hope.

Pgs. 6 - 7

Foam mattress pads for shelter

06

Basic toiletries Adult bikes for bike ministry (new or used)

TO DONATE:

CARING FROM THE HEART

YOU CAN DROP OFF ANY OF THE ITEMS LISTED ABOVE TO THE VRM ADMIN OFFICE LOCATED AT 500 EAST RACE AVE. (M-F 8AM - 4:30PM) THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!

The VRM is fueled by volunteers who dedicate their time to serving our guests. Read how a group of women from Christ Lutheran Church found a unique way to serve the Mission by doing something they love: sewing.

Pgs. 10-11

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BOARD OF DIRECTORS Mark Shelton CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD

John Anderson VICE-CHAIR

Linda LaFleur SECRETARY

Mike Allen Josh Bergman Steve Biswell

Scott Bosler Karen De Groot Mike De Groot John Koster Rance Mulliniks Brad Reenders Marc Schuil Rob Van Grouw Judy Vannette

Published by

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HOPE NOW MAGAZINE Fall 2014 | Volume 5 Issue 3 | September, 2014 EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR (INTERIM) CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT DEVELOPMENT COORDINATOR

Al Oliver Mark Shelton Jessica Cavale Kristin Eichbauer

MAILING ADDRESS: P.O. Box 109 Visalia, CA 93279 TELEPHONE: 559.740.4178 EMAIL: hope@vrmhope.org WEBSITE: www.vrmhope.org

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Produced by

LETTER FROM THE CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD

Meet our Interim Director It is with great pleasure

Al comes to us with over 10 years of experience providing

that

introduce

consulting and pastoring services for churches and

Rescue

ministries in transition. As a man of high integrity who

Mission’s new interim

possesses an incredible knowledge of God’s word, Al

Executive Director, Al

holds a great vision for how to move the Visalia Rescue

Oliver. The Mission has

Mission forward. Please join me in welcoming Al to the

been through a period

VRM team.

the

we Visalia

of transition over the past months, and we are excited to continue our work

Blessings…

of providing hope and restoration to the homeless and

Mark Shelton,

recovery communities in Visalia under Al’s leadership.

Chairman of the Board

Al Oliver is a Southern California native and moved to Tulare County in 1997. He was educated at Cerritos College and the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) where he played varsity football. After a brief stint in the National Football League, Al graduated from Talbot Theological Seminary in 1980 with a Master of Divinity in Bible exposition. From there, he served as a teacher, counselor and teaching pastor for a number of years until he and his wife were both diagnosed with cancer.

After a difficult encounter with their cancer surgeries, the Oliver family left the professional ministry in 1989 for a season of healing and recovery. Al then worked in his family’s construction materials business and was eventually promoted to President and CEO. In 2000, Al returned to pastoral ministry serving as a Transitional Pastor for churches belonging to the Evangelical Free Church of America (EFCA), and worked with four EFCA churches in nearly 13 years. Most recently, Al served as Transitional Pastor at Hillside Community Church in Porterville.

Al has been married to his wife, Verla for 40 years. They have two children (Matthew and Amber) and four grandchildren. In his free time, Al enjoys salt-water fishing (especially in the Sea of Cortez).

Hope Now 3

SUPPORTING THE MISSION Unique ways to give

W

hether you have money, time or resources, there are many

can make a significant impact on the lives of our guests by volunteering with us.

different ways to support the work at the Visalia Rescue Mission!

One obvious way to support is by giving a financial gift, though

VRM volunteer Jim Brown is an example of someone who found a great way to

there are more ways to do this than by simply writing a check! Giving percentage

support the Mission as a volunteer Career Specialist. A retired prison guard, Jim

programs like Amazon Smile, eBay Giving Works, and S.H.A.R.E.S. through

witnessed the long-term effects of prison on former inmates and was troubled

SaveMart give the VRM a percentage of purchases you might already make.

with how they struggled to get a job after serving jail time.

These programs just require you to sign up online (Amazon and eBay) or scan the S.H.A.R.E.S. card with your supermarket purchases (cards accepted at SaveMart,

“There had to be a way to help these people transition back into society,” he

Smart Foods, Lucky and FoodMaxx).

says.

Another way to support the Mission is by donating food, clothing and other

Jim began volunteering at the VRM’s Community Center as a Career Specialist

household items. When you drive around Visalia, you might notice VRM donation

and advises men and women throughout their job search. So far, Jim has helped

drop-off bins at many local businesses (a list of these locations can be found on

five people secure jobs and hopes to help many more get off the street and into

the next page). You can bring donated items to any of these donation drop-offs

steady employment.

around town or call the VRM office (559.740.4178) for a free pick-up. From there, all donations are processed and given directly to people in VRM programs, sold

Just like Jim, you can make a

at Rescued Treasures or Simply Chic Boutique or recycled. All proceeds from

positive impact on our guests by

thrift store sales go directly toward funding VRM programs.

supporting the Mission. Whether you give financially, donate items or

If you have already cleaned out your closet for the year but have extra time

volunteer, you are helping us bring

during your week, consider serving as a volunteer at one of our properties or at

hope and restoration to individuals

a VRM event. There are many opportunities that fit any and all skill sets. From

in our community!

serving food in the VRM community kitchen to becoming a program mentor, you

Hope Now 4

Jim Brown

VRM Volunteer Career Specialist

VISIT WWW.VRMHOPE.ORG TO SUPPORT THE VARIOUS MINISTRIES OF THE MISSION

ngie first came to the Mission because she was facing a harsh reality: she needed to find a residential recovery program and get clean or she would spend time in jail for multiple DUIs.

A

Angie chose the Visalia Rescue Mission program. Now, nearly a year later, Angie tells her story with a smile, knowing that her decision to get help ultimately allowed her to overcome an addiction and find healing.

Originally from Germany, Angie moved to the US with her husband in 1973. A paralegal in her home country, Angie went back to school and found a career in the insurance business in Fresno.

She had struggled with drinking off and on and had previously been through an Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) program, but as a functioning alcoholic, Angie didn’t see the need to give up drinking completely.

In 2003, everything changed when Angie suffered the unexpected loss of her husband of 30 years.

“My husband always watched over me,” she says. “He was my protector. When he died, things really got bad.”

Angie’s response to her grief was heavy drinking, which ultimately led to her first DUI a year after her husband passed away. One DUI quickly turned into five. Angie was looking at jail time if she didn’t join a recovery program.

After her son encouraged her to seek help, Angie began researching different programs and was accepted into the VRM’s House of Hope recovery program for women last October.

“My life began here [at the VRM],” she says.

Though she had taken that important first step, it wasn’t easy for Angie. She struggled to connect with the other women in the program because of her limited English skills. Then six weeks into her stay, she relapsed. When the House of Hope staff asked Angie if she wished to continue in the program, she insisted she wanted to stay and see it through.

“That’s really when my life started changing,” she says.

In the program, Angie received help and encouragement from her counselors and mentors at the House of Hope. Angie says they shared with her the importance of having a relationship with God, and were there to answer any and all questions she had along the way.

“Before, I had knowledge of God, but I never used it. At the Rescue Mission, I learned to know God,” she says. “For a lady of 62 years old, I’m amazed that I gott to know Him. It’s a privilege.”

Angie says the House of Hope also helped her get the rest of her life in order. With support and guidance from the VRM, Angie is attending a DUI school, getting her financial debt under control, and repairing strained relationships with her family. She has even noticed a huge improvement in her English skills by communicating and reading in English.

Angie graduates the House of Hope this month and plans to begin the VRM’s transitional living program, which provides a clean and sober living environment to program graduates as they secure steady employment and financial security. After graduation, Angie hopes to find a job where she can help others.

“I want to give back. I want to help somebody like I was helped.”

HOPE LIFE IN A PLACE CALLED

How Will You Build?

We are excited to launch a Capital Campaign for funding for 2014-2015!

Our goal is to raise 1.6 million dollars which will allow the Mission to move forward in meeting the growing needs of our community.

If you are a regular giver to the Visalia Rescue Mission, we are asking that you give ABOVE & BEYOND for these two years to help us reach our goal, transform lives and share the Hope and Restoration of Jesus Christ to those in our City!

If you have not given to the Mission in a financial capacity before, we are asking that you become a regular donor towards our Capital Campaign for 2014 and 2015! This is an exciting time for the Mission and we trust that the Lord will do great things through each of you!

If you have a business and would like to get your employees involved by launching a very simple employee deduction plan for this campaign, we’d love to help you! With the few easy steps you can get your company and employees invested in the cause of life-change and transformation at the Visalia Rescue Mission!

We invite you to join and build HOPE with us!

MAIL THE BOTTOM PORTION OF THIS PAGE BACK TO US IN THE INCLUDED ENVELOPE OR CONTACT JESSICA FOR MORE INFORMATION: 559-740-4178 EXT. 204 | JESSICA@VRMHOPE.ORG Hope Now 8

Build with Us

CALL US TODAY AND WE’LL COME PICK UP YOUR DONATIONS FOR FREE!

VRM DONATION DROP-OFF LOCATIONS VRM COMMUNITY CENTER 741 N. SANTA FE

OR YOU CAN DROP OFF YOUR ITEMS AT THE FOLLOWING LOCATIONS

VRM’S RESCUED TREASURES THRIFT STORE 2523 S. MOONEY BLVD. FARM FRESH BOWLS 5427 W. CYPRESS AVE. VISALIA ELKS LODGE 3100 W. MAIN ST. WAYSIDE CHURCH 1929 E. BARDSLEY AVE. - TULARE VISALIA NAZARENE CHURCH 3333 W. CALDWELL AVE. IN-SHAPE SPORT - DEMAREE 909 N. DEMAREE ST.

DONATION NEEDS: CLOTHES | SHOES | HOUSEHOLD ITEMS

Hope Now 9

How Doing Something You Love Can Make A Difference.

CARING FROM THE HEART

If you are interested in learning more about volunteer opportunities at the VRM, attend one of our Fall orientations (listed on page 13).

he Visalia Rescue Mission is fueled by volunteers who dedicate their time to serving our guests. Not only do volunteers help the Mission perform everyday functions like serving meals in the community kitchen or helping sort donations in the warehouse, but oftentimes they step in to offer new services and programs that would not be operating without their initiative.

T

A group of women from Christ Lutheran Church are one such example of volunteers who saw a need, and found a unique way to serve the Mission while doing something they love: sewing.

Carolyn Gilbert, Sally Childers, Ruth Johnson, Irma Milano, Margaret Piirmann, Allene Sprague, Jan Zisko and Elaine Morin make up the group who teach sewing classes at VRM’s House of Hope, the Mission’s residential drug and alcohol recovery program for women.

Carolyn Gilbert acts as the lead organizer of the sewing group and was one of the women who first started the classes five years ago. Her involvement with the Mission began when a group from Christ Lutheran Church made quilts for the women in recovery at the House of Hope. After each woman received her quilt, the group invited them to come learn how to sew.

“We noticed that most of the women at the House of Hope had never sat down at a sewing machine before, so we decided to start this sewing group,” Carolyn says.

With church funding and a grant from Thrivent Financial, the women from Christ Lutheran Church were able to obtain sewing machines and materials for the classes that meet twice a month at the House of Hope.

In each class, the sewing group teaches the women how to create a different item, from pillow cases to purses, tote bags to aprons. Throughout the year, the class also produces items to give away as gifts to loved ones or local charities. A recent project involved sewing tote bags for children in the foster care system.

“We get so much joy from watching them create something for themselves or for others,” Carolyn says.

“It’s their excitement that is so thrilling for all of us.”

Morri Nash, the Women’s Program Director for the Visalia Rescue Mission, believes the sewing classes add value to the House of Hope program by teaching a skill and allowing the women to create items they can use on a daily basis.

Hope Now 11

Dec.

Nov.

Oct.

Fall Events RUN FOR HOPE SATURDAY, OCTOBER 11

A NIGHT OF WORSHIP WITH JOHN MARK McMILLAN THURSDAY, OCTOBER 23

Cutler Park

Oval Park

Join the VRM and Sole 2 Soul Sports for the 3rd Annual Run for Hope! This is a 10K Run and 2 Mile Walk/Run along the scenic St. John’s River Trail. Proceeds benefit the VRM! Register at Sole 2 Soul Sports in Visalia or Fresno or at www.runsignup.com/runforhope.

Join us for a FREE night of worship with Christian singersongwriter John Mark McMillan at Oval Park. For more info, visit www.ovalpark.org.

SPIRIT 88.9’S TURKEY TOSS SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 15

THANKSGIVING COMMUNITY MEAL THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 27

Sonic Drive-In, Demaree & Caldwell (next to Winco)

VRM Community Center

Stop by Sonic and donate frozen turkeys to help us feed our local community throughout the holiday season!

Join the Visalia Rescue Mission as we serve a Thanksgiving meal for our guests. To volunteer, contact Lindsay Baldwin at lindsay@vrmhope.org or visit www.vrmhope.org.

CHRISTMAS TREE AUCTION FRIDAY, DECEMBER 12 Visalia Rescue Mission Be a part of the 34th Annual Christmas Tree Auction by donating to the Visalia Rescue Mission tree! For every $500 donated by Friday, December 12, you will be entered in a drawing for a $5,000 gift certificate from Ashoori & Co. Jewelers! For more info, see the ad in this issue or contact hope@vrmhope.org.

For More Information // Tickets: www.vrmhope.org

Volunteer YOUR TIME, TALENTS, AND RESOURCES. take your first step and attend a Fall volunteer orientation: September 18: 5:30-6:30pm | October 2: 12-1pm October 16: 5:30-6:30pm | November 6: 5:30-6:30pm at the VRM Community Center - 741 N. Santa Fe, Visalia, CA 93292

Thank you so much for supporting the

made it possible to provide one of our

VRM’s Mission Market this summer! We are

Next Steps program participants with full

now closed for the fall and winter seasons,

time employment as well as providing job

but will reopen with fresh produce next

training for three other men in our Next

spring! Your purchases at the Market

Steps program. See you in Spring 2015!

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NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION U.S. POSTAGE

PAID

PERMIT NO. 119

WWW.VRMHOPE.ORG