FALL 2013 volume 4 | Issue 3

Serving Christ TogetherPARTNERSHIP

HOPENOWVISALIA RESCUE MISSIONA Quarterly Publication of the

FAll 2013Issue 3 - Septmebr 19 , 2013

Finally FreeThe redemptive story of a woman’s struggle with drugs, alcohol, and indentity.

Partnership

MentoringMentoring can be one of the most rewarding ways to volunteer at the Mission. Find out more.

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Needed ItemsCheck out the list of items that we are in great need of during this Fall Season.

Events CalendarSee all the upcoming happenings with the Rescue Mission and plan to join us!

Message From DannyExecutive Director Danny Little shares his thoughts on the coming season.

Discover What’s inside

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CONTENTSDanny Little

Mark SheltonJessica CavaleMolly Schengel

4Creeks CreativeEric Riley

Forrest Cavale / Ryan KrauterMark Veldkamp

Visalia Rescue Mission

MAILING ADDRESS: P.O. Box 109

Visalia, CA 93279TELEPHONE: 559.740.4178

EMAIL: hope@vrmhope.org WEBSITE: www.vrmhope.org

OUR TEAM

HOPE & RESTORATION

THROUGH JESUS CHRIST

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENTDIRECTOR OF COMM. DEVELOPMENT

PRODUCED BY CREATIVE DIRECTORPHOTOGRAPHYLAYOUT | DESIGN BYPUBLISHED BY

See the ways that people are creatively giving back to their community and the VRM.

The Oval Meet Ryan Stillwater and hear his plan for restoring the Oval.

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Partner With UsWe invite to to partner with us by hosting your own donation drive.

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The Chamber of Commerce just recognized the VRM at its Annual Awards Banquet as “Non-Profit of the Year”. We were so

honored to be among the other deserving organizations nominated with us. Each and every one of them do incredible work in our community. I am so amazed by our staff, who make our daily work a reality. Their passion and dignity towards our guests is humbling to watch. I consider it a privilege to work alongside them as we strive to serve such a dynamic part of our community. But, most of all I am reminded of the thousands of partners it takes for us to function. This award goes to our prayer warriors, the hundreds of volunteers assisting on our property each week, the

partnering service agencies, our local city government, our financial supporters, etc. All with the goal of seeing just one more life changed through Jesus Christ. Please continue to partner with us as the Lord leads you. We would not be here today if it wasn’t for the sacrificial support of our community. If you have never been down to the Mission, we invite you to come down, take a tour and get involved in this life changing work. Thanks again for all you do.

Blessings,Danny Little

HOPE & RESTORATION

FROM DANNYa letter from the executive Director

We are honored to be the recipients of this year’s Chamber Non-Profit of the Year Award. As excited as we are to be awarded such a high honor we realize that what we do

is only possible through the giving and supporting partnerships we have throughout this community. So, in honor of all those who support and partner with us, we wanted

to dedicate this Fall Edition to those partnerships who make this ministry a reality.

2013Non-Profit of the Year

UPC

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FOR MORE INFORMATION ON VOLUNTEER ORIENTATIONS, VISIT - WWW.VRMHOPE.ORG OR CONTACT LINDSAY AT 740-4178 | LINDSAY@VRMHOPE.ORG

NEEDS LIST SOME TANGIBLE WAYS

TO HELP THE VRM

MEN• UNDERWEAR• SOCKS• CLEAN SHIRTS• SCHOOL SUPPLIES (NOTEBOOKS, PENS, HIGHLIGHTERS, ETC.)

• BIKE LOCKS

• UNDERWEAR (SIZE 9 AND UP)

• BRAS (SIZE 38D AND UP)

• SOCKS• RAZORS• DEODORANT• DAY BUS PASSES • TALL LAUNDRY BASKETS

• SOCKS• PILLOWS• HAIR CONDITIONER• TAMPONS (super)

• BODY WASH• HAIR MOUSSE• TYLENOL

• SILVERWARE• COFFEE• COFFEE FILTERS (LARGE)

• SUGAR• GROUND BEEF• WOOD FOR BBQ• CHARCOAL

• BOX TRAILER (TO USE FOR RECYCLING)

• SHEETS (FOR TWIN SIZE BEDS)

• CLEAN T-SHIRTS (ALL SIZES)

WOMEN KITCHEN SHELTER

VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT

essica, like many of our programmers, was raised in an unhealthy environment that led to her experimenting with drugs at the age of 12,

“One day my mother came into my room and offered me crank. I had never done it but was willing to try anything.” Soon, she found herself addicted to drugs, living with a meth dealer, moving from place to place and pregnant. There was no stable adult in her life to stop her from making these kinds of decisions.

After three months in jail, she requested to be put in a Christian recovery program When she got out, she spent one full year in the program at the Visalia Rescue Mission, where she was then partnered with a mentor.

That’s where Carole came in. Carole was looking for a meaningful way to give back to her community. “God had placed a desire within me to reach out to young women and share his love in a real way.”

Neither Jessica nor Carole knew what to expect from their match. But soon, a lifelong friendship began.

“We started off slow with just an introduction getting to know each other,” Jessica said.

“We went for coffee and just talked – not about her past troubles, but just talked and got to know each other, ” Carole said.

As their relationship continued to grow, Jessica began learning to make good choices, both for her and her family. Jessica moved into a new home and regained custody of her children. Carole even helped throw Jessica’s wedding and has become not only a mentor in her life, but in her marriage.

Jessica and Carole continue to have an unbreakable bond through mentorship. ”She may not tell me what I want to hear but she will tell me what I need to hear and I like that,” Jessica said.

Jessica has turned her life around and Carole remains an active and important role in her life. “I thank God every day for giving me another chance at having a normal life and for putting the right kind of people by my side.”

The value they have for each other is beyond measure. “The day I asked to be a mentor, was the beginning of a new love in my life,” Carole said. Jessica and Carole are a shining example of what can happen when your decision to help a stranger collides with another’s journey to recovery.

“I know mentoring can be intimidating- you’re afraid you won’t be able to ‘connect’ with them, because you haven’t experienced what they have. But God is so much bigger than that.”

Mentors are those special people who get to hear stories of pain and addiction and get to participate in the journey towards recovery and a new life. One of our favorite mentor stories is that of Jessica and Carole whose mentorship began in 2010 and thrives today.

Jessica & Carole

J

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VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT

The Visalia Rescue Mission is blessed to have an amazing partnership with

the BEN-E-LECT Foundation, who trains, counsels and supports each and

every one of our mentors.

The BEN-E-LECT Foundation launched their mentor program, to help facilitate

a relationship where the mentor can help the mentee build confidence and skills

to believe in him or herself, allowing the rest to fall into place. If you are interested

in mentoring, our partnership with the

BEN-E-LECT Foundation will provide trainings and ongoing peer-support groups where mentors can share and encourage

one another. They will be there to brainstorm ideas and discuss new educational topics regarding mentoring relationships.

Alicia, the Program Coordinator for the BEN-E-LECT mentor program, says, “Just an hour a week can make a huge

difference in the life of an individual who, to put it simply, lacks a healthy support system. Meeting for a cup of coffee or just

helping them take a break from their daily routine is enough to help build a bond that will become a lifelong friendship.”

VRM MENTORINGPARTNER

“Mentoring is not a full time commitment

but it is a commitment of your full heart”

On behalf of the Visalia Rescue Mission, we would like to say thank you to BEN-E-LECT for the many ways they partner and support the life changing work that is going on at the VRM. “The most rewarding part of this partnership is that everybody benefits from the mentors to the mentees, the partner organizations and the community as a whole.” -Alicia, Mentor Program Coordinator

For more information on how to become a mentor, we invite you to

attend one of our volunteer orientations listed on pg. 4 or go to www.vrmhope.org

7Fall 2013 | VISALIA RESCUE MISSION

Community Spotlight

Fugazzis: Mike and his team cater every Thursday night dinner in our Community Kitchen. Not only are they a Visalia favorite, but they are using their resources and skills to provide delicious, quality food to those in need. In total, Fugazzi’s has graciously provided over 67,500 meals to the Mission! We are tremendously blessed by their willingness to serve, and their partnership with our kitchen.

HERE ARE JUST A FEW EXAMPLES OF HOW SOME OF OUR COMMUNITY PARTNERS ARE GIVING BACK IN CREATIVE WAYS

Breakfast Rotary: This is a dynamic group of individuals who are passionate about our community. After coming for a tour and seeing our needs as an organization they took action. They kindly provided for a fence to be put around our Men’s Shelter Campus to ensure the safety of both our employees and guests. They also sponsored the remodel of our Women’s recreation room, which can now serve as a place for women in recovery to reconcile with their families and learn new life skills.

The VRM runs solely on donations from our community. We are 100% funded by local businesses, individuals and churches. Thanks to YOU, we are able to serve those in need and spread the love of Christ through hope and restoration. We are so blessed by all of you who give so sacrificially. We are honored to have

over 40 churches, as well as hundreds of businesses, partner with us monthly in numerous ways. Thank you for standing with us and helping impact our community for Christ. We love to see vwthe ways that people are creatively giving back to their community at the VRM.

Giving back…Creatively

HERE ARE JUST A FEW EXAMPLES OF HOW SOME OF OUR COMMUNITY PARTNERS ARE GIVING BACK IN CREATIVE WAYS

P R O G R A M H I G H L I G H T

hanks to an amazing partnership with the City of Visalia, we are excited to bring much awaited change to our community. The Oval

Park is a Visalia landmark but has earned a negative reputation over the years. Together with City government and local agencies, we hope to change the atmosphere and reputation of the Oval.

Our hope is to bring a positive influence and impacting events that will help reshape the culture at the Oval. We are doing this by opening this building to you, the public, as an event space, classroom, meeting space or event venue. We invite you to come down and see the newly renovated space and consider hosting your next event with us!

To spear-head this new initiative, the VRM has added a new addition to the team. Meet Ryan Stillwater. He is a Visalia native and lover of all things local. We are blessed to have him as our newest addition to the VRM Family. Ryan will serve as the Oval Venue Coordinator. We asked Ryan to give us a brief view into his vision for the Oval.

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As one of the newest hires at the Visalia Rescue Mission, I’ve been asked one question with curious consistency:

What’s your vision for The Oval?

First, it’s helpful to paint a picture of how the community at large views Oval Park. While

attending Redwood High School in the late nineties, I was frequently warned to steer clear of this park. The first time I made the circle loop (solely by accident), I ducked down at the wheel of my ’73 Beetle waiting for bullets to whirl by at any moment.

The folks who typically ask for my vision for the park are those who remember the park in its heyday. They are veteran Visalians who long to see it restored. Fortunately, these citizens are part of a larger chorus of councils, committees, residents, and business owners. The Mission is just one (very important) piece of the puzzle.

I’m anxious to learn from, and collaborate with, Visalia’s Parks and Recreation Department, North Advisory Council, City Council and Police Department. While the means by which this park will be transformed varies with each organization, my vision resounds with that of the Mission: Restoration through Jesus Christ.

- Ryan Stillwater

Ryan S

tillwater

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rowing up in a Christian family, attending Bible College, and living in a loving and encouraging environment, Mindi never saw herself needing a rehab program. She met her husband on a mission trip,

they served as youth pastors for a number of years and had three amazing kids.

However, after an intensive surgery in 2008, Mindi was prescribed Oxycodone, and in no time, found herself addicted. “I never realized that I struggled with addiction,” says Mindi. “For so long, I struggled with my identity and what other people thought about me. I was looking to other people to make me feel good about myself.” Once she started using Oxycodone, she no longer needed other people; the drugs took over so powerfully that all she focused on was her next fix.

After being banned from every hospital and doctors office, Mindi turned to alcohol, but it didn’t take long before she had three DUI’s and a handful

of arrests. After her husband kicked her out of their house, she found herself at the Visalia Rescue Mission’s Women’s Shelter and eventually entered our Drug and Alcohol Recovery Program by court mandate. After 85 days, the judge released her and she was free to go. “Even though I didn’t do the full 9-months, I thought I had ‘fixed myself’ and was ready to be home.” Mindi was sober for the next year, but relapsed the day after her 1st year of sobriety. “I lost my connection with God and became too focused on the busyness of life. I thought I didn’t need Him anymore.” She realized that she needed to get back on the road to recovery. “God wasn’t done with me yet, there was more I needed to work through. It was a reminder that I can’t do this alone, I need Christ.”

This time around Mindi is in our Women’s Recovery Program by her own choice. “My first time at the VRM I was going though rehab to prove myself to others and to gain their approval. This second time, I am in rehab for myself; to draw closer to God.” Mindi recalls always being preoccupied by what others thought of her. “Not only have I found recovery from my addictions, but I have found recovery from what people think of me. I am learning to love and embrace my differences.”

FINALLY FREEG

Mindi Program Resident

“I didn’t know who I was anymore. I was no longer in control of my own life.

I wanted to stop, but I didn’t know how.”

“I was so willing to do anything to make people like me, but I realized that I was trying to find my identity in other people, which eventually led to my addiction. But for the first time, I can say I have found my true identity in

Christ. I am finally free.”

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IN MEMORY OF IN HONOR OF

Carl Lindahl Betty Treaster James & Eunice Atherton Joyce Willis Ray & Judy Marlin Patty Spatt Ronald L. Devins Diane Zahyna-Jonkey David Dudley

Pat Krug Betty & David Miller

Ross Mobert LeRoy & Lynne Westgate

Cora Donaghe James Donaghe

Lewis Ray Linda Williams

Ruth Keen Smith Jean W. & Joyce Morcom John R. Tallentire, JR. Ronald L. Devins David & Susan Pearson Michael & Sara Knight

Bill Rose Gerald & Nancy Olson

Frenaylne Usi Jennifer Ayson

Alexis Gonzalez Manuel Fernandez Monica Villarreal

Anthony Wallen Jack & Linda Smith

MEMORIALS & HONORS

MEMORIALGIFT CARD

VISALIA RESCUE MISSION P.O. BOX 109VISALIA, CA 93279

Mail your gifts to:

Name: Phone:

Address:

In Honor of:

In Memory of:

Check / Charge Amount:

Charge My Visa/MC#: Exp: CIV:

Address:

Send Acknowledgment to:

Email:

Thank you for your gift that goes to help so many in need of food & shelter. When you send your memorial or in-honor gift you will receive a tax-deductible receipt. A card will be mailed promptly to the person being honored, informing them of the gift.

www.vrmhope.org

DETACH THIS LOWER PORTION AND SEND IN WITH YOUR MEMORIAL OR IN-HONOR OF GIFT

REASONS TO DONATE HOW TO DONATE

Your donations are sold in our Thrift Stores to fund programs and services of the Mission.

Our thrift stores serve as on-site job training for the homeless and program graduates to help get them back on their feet.

Your goods are given to men and women in our programs, and homeless guests to ensure that they are clothed and safe.

Visalia Rescue Mission is the ONLY Rescue Mission headquartered in Tulare County.

We aim to provide you a benefit as well by offering FREE pick-up services, tax-deductions, and an easy way to make room in your home or office.

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Drop off at Rescued Treasures Thrift StoreAddress: 2523 S. Mooney

Visalia, CA 93277Hours: 9am - 6pm M - Sun.

-Drop off at VRM Warehouse

Address: 500 E. Race AveVisalia, CA

Hours: 8:30am - 4:30pm M - F-

Drop off at VRM Donation BoxesLocations:

Grace Community Church • Visalia Naz • Elks Lodge,Fresno Pacific - Visalia • VRM Commmunity Kitchen

-Call for your FREE pick-up

Phone: 559-740-4178Hours: 8:30am - 4:30pm

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ere at the Mission, we are so thankful for the diverse ministry partnerships that we have been blessed with over the years. Imbedded within

each partnership are valued relationships that make the work of the Mission happen. We have found it is all about relationships! Throughout the Bible there are great examples of how people have come together to accomplish what God has designed…

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VALUED RELATIONSHIPS

So, it is exciting to see how many faithful volunteers it takes to run the work of the Mission and how many continue to come wanting to serve. We have much more to do so jump in! Thank you for being a VRM partner. We value your relationship and look forward to serving Christ together…

Blessings…Mark SheltonChairman of the Board

a letter from THE chairman OF THE BOARD

THIS FALL...HOST A DRIVE AT YOUR WORK/ SCHOOL/ CHURCH/ SMALL GROUP/ BIBLE STUDYINTERESTED IN HOSTING A DONATION DRIVE? CONTACT JESSICA CAVALE OR MOLLY SCHENGEL HOPE@VRMHOPE.ORG // 740.4178

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NUMBERS

111,498FROM January TO September 2013

40,51221

MEALS SERVED

bed nights

PROGRAM GRADUATES

BOARD OFDIRECTORS

Karen de groot

JOHN ANDERSON

LINDA LAFLEUR

Judy Vannette

MIKE ALLEN

Mike De Groot

JOHN KOSTER

SCOTT BOSLER

Rob Van Grouw

MARC SCHUIL

Rance Mulliniks

BRAD REENDERS

STEVE BISWELL

JOSH BERGMAN

MARK SHELTONCHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD

DANNY LITTLEEXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

V ISA

LIA, CALIFORNIA 93277

NON-PROFITORGANIZATION

U.S. POSTAGE

PAIDPERMIT NO. 119

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WWW.VRMHOPE.ORG

559-740-4178