Summer Newsletter 2016 - The Santa Barbara Rescue Mission

ER E
M ISSU
M
SU UTE
B
RI
SUMMER 2016
T
Recovery happens in relationships
A Note from
Rolf Geyling
page 2
A Tribute to
Lives Changed
Thanks
to You!
page 4
Summer Needs
page 3
Blues on the
Bayou
Save the Date!
page 3
Planned Giving
Q&A
page 6
Lou
Class of 2016
Your support helps make new lives
possible, as Lou’s recent graduation
from our landmark recovery program
proves. Thank you for caring!
Your gifts and prayers make Life Change Possible
at the Santa Barbara Rescue Mission!
Note From Rolf Geyling
Lives are Changed Here
with Your Help!
Dear Friend,
Right here, right now, this summer, hundreds of men and women from
Oxnard to Santa Maria have lost everything, can’t find a job, are addicted to
alcohol and drugs, and are now homeless.
Rolf Geyling
President
Men like Alberto, whose photo and story
you can see on page 4 of this 2016 “Tribute
to Life Change” issue of Milestones. Like so
many others we serve, drugs and desperation
consumed his life. Frankly, we could have
easily lost him forever without the services and
support provided by neighbors like you and the
Santa Barbara Rescue Mission.
Thankfully, lives are changed here with
your help! Alberto has triumphed over his
circumstances and is set for a productive,
positive future.
But these summer months that are so pleasant for you and me, are a
tribulation for hundreds more hungry and hurting souls like Alberto—and
for Susan, whose story you can also read on page 5. Susan endured
unimaginable difficulty and despair, and has come out on the other side
because of God’s faithfulness—and thanks to hearts like yours!
That’s why I encourage you to continue standing with us during these
difficult summer months for so many—in fact, right here at the Mission
too, just when giving dips significantly and many supporters are away
on vacation.
Our Board of Directors
Karl Willig, Chair
James Kinzler, Vice-Chair
Scott Wilson, Treasurer
Kiah Jordan, Secretary
Kip Bradley
Kent Englert
Krista Frohling
Ramon Gupta
Paul Johnson
Bob Kates
Joyce McCullough
Matthew Neal
Ian Ritchie
Dorothy Schuele
Ed Wimberly
But as I’ve said many times, hunger and hurt don’t take a summer vacation,
so thank you for your compassion in action to those who need us most.
More people are utilizing the resources and programs of the Mission, and
we’re reaching capacity during these summer months. That’s because no
other area ministry provides hope and shelter all summer long—regardless
of circumstances—despite all the lives on the line right now.
So thank you for demonstrating your heart for people through your gifts
and prayers, and please see this Summer Tribute Milestones for what it truly
is—a tribute to you, in Christ’s name!
Meeting needs together,
Rolf Geyling
President
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MILESTONES
SAVE THE DATE
Saturday, October 1 at 2:00 pm
C
elebrating over 50 years of service to the Santa
Barbara community, our exciting BLUES ON
THE BAYOU event jazzes up the historic Rancho Dos
Pueblos—and you’re invited!
At this once-a-year showstopper, you’ll have the
chance to meet and mingle with other members of the
Santa Barbara Rescue Mission family of friends as you
enjoy delicious cuisine, music, fellowship, and fun.
You’ll also have the opportunity to impact the
community in a significant way by joining us in
the largest single fundraising event of the year,
promoting changed and saved lives. And there will
also be exclusive experiences and getaways only
available in our Super Silent Auction.
So plan to relax and enjoy yourself in casual afternoon
attire at this year’s top community event. We look
forward to seeing you there!
A big thanks to our Women’s Auxiliary team for leading
and organizing this great event!
As always, reservations are limited and highly
sought after, so for more information, contact
Rebecca Weber at the Santa Barbara Rescue
Mission, rweber@sbrm.org or call (805) 966-1316,
ext. 105. 15th Annual Benefit for the Santa Barbara Rescue Mission
Summer Needs You Can Help Provide!
Please seek God’s leading to help supply . . .
FOOD ITEMS:
•Beans
•Canned fruits and vegetables
•Coffee
• Cooking oil
• Creamer (powdered)
• Jelly and honey
• Mashed potatoes
•Pasta
• Peanut Butter
•Rice
OTHER ESSENTIALS:
• Personal-size toiletries
•Razors
•Socks
• Summer clothes for men
• Summer hats and caps
•Sunscreen
• Women’s underwear
Please call, visit us online, or come to the Santa Barbara
Rescue Mission with your generously donated items at
535 E. Yanonali St., Santa Barbara, CA 93103-3254.
Phone: 805-966-1316 Web: www.sbrm.org Thank you!
www.sbrm.org
3
Alberto barely escaped
the gang life, but now he’s
Celebrating a
Changed Life!
“The way I was living . . .
it was obviously life or death!”
—Alberto
A
lberto’s dad died lying next to him
when he was just five years old. The
boy was filled with grief—and a longing
for acceptance and approval that his father
could no longer provide.
But in Alberto’s tough neighborhood, gangs
were the only authority figures ready to take a
lonely young boy under their wing. And once
he’d entered that world, Alberto discovered
there was no way out.
Shaking his head, he admits, “I also picked up
a heroin addiction that made sure I wasn’t ever
going to leave the Oxnard barrio. I thought I
would die there. The way I was living, I could
not continue—it was obviously life or death.”
But from the jail cell where he ended up facing
the consequences of his lifestyle, he recalls,
“God revealed Himself to me in a mighty way.
Something changed. I didn’t feel right any more
about what I was doing, and the pain was so
deep that all I could do was cry.
(top of next page)
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MILESTONES
“I was forced to my knees, with nothing else to cling to. I had nobody to turn
to but God. I needed a savior. I needed forgiveness. I needed Jesus. It was
in this jail cell that the transformation was to start.” And it was here that
Alberto’s life change was completed.
Graduates
Celebrating
“The Santa Barbara Rescue
Mission has given me the tools I
need to stay clean and sober, and
by the love you’ve shown me I can
now love others.” —Alberto
And at his graduation from our life-changing, 12-month residential and
recovery program, Alberto said in his speech to our Mission family, “It’s now
time to take what I’ve learned to everyone I come in contact with in the
community and be the man God has called me to be.”
Thank you for helping fill hearts with Christ’s love and for changing lives
like Alberto’s across our community through your support and caring!
“Inside, my spirit was dying!”—Susan
Your compassion is changing lives all across Santa Barbara—for good!
“I WAS BORN AND RAISED in Santa Barbara,” says
Susan. “And I’ve suffered from drug addiction and
alcoholism pretty much all my life.”
“I’ve been a drinker since I was about 13 years old and I
started using drugs in my late teens. Then, in the last 10
years, I started using heroin. Which is more deadly . . .
and you lose more, quicker,” she says, shaking her head
at all the wasted years—and hard times.
“I’ve become homeless a few times, but hitting bottom
didn’t help: I have a lot of resilience so I just got up and
did it again. I’ve even gone through 12-step programs
before, but because I’m a ‘do it on my own’ kind of a
person, it just hasn’t worked . . . and inside, my spirit
was dying!”
“But I knew of the treatment program at Santa Barbara
Rescue Mission because my sister Laura went through
it two years ago—and finished it!” she smiles.
So Susan came through our doors, and today says,
“What’s making it happen this time is my connection
with God and the Christian faith here.” She smiles
happily, “I’m really getting to know Jesus Christ and
that Jesus Christ is my Savior: that’s the core!”
Laura is happy for her too. “I was scared for my sister
when she ended up on the streets. Her coming to the
Santa Barbara Rescue Mission and
entering the program was a great
relief. For the first time, both of
us are sober and working on
forming a relationship we
never had before. I’m so
proud of her!”
God is using your
compassionate caring to
change and save the
lives of those like
Susan and Laura
each and every
day at the Rescue
Mission, helping
make Santa
Barbara better
for all!
www.sbrm.org
5
Planned Giving Q&A
WITH JIM APPEL
Change lives now and in the future
through your Planned Giving!
Q
How did you first hear about the Santa
Barbara Rescue Mission?
A: I first came to know of the Santa Barbara Rescue
Mission while growing up here. I became more
familiar in the 1980’s as my mother, Jean, made
regular visits to teach bible studies to the women at
Bethel House.
Q
What attracted you to the work
of the Mission?
A: It was my perception of the huge need it fulfills
in our community. There are countless lives at
risk physically, emotionally, and spiritually due to
homelessness and addiction. The Mission is literally
on the front lines of this battleground for lost lives
and souls. Additionally, I was impressed by the
commitment of the Mission staff and volunteers
to provide both a well-designed program and an
excellent facility to implement their objectives—every
day of the year.
Q
What motivated you to expand your support
beyond regular giving to including the
Mission in your Planned Giving?
A: I am a big proponent of responsible financial
planning. I believe that, if possible, we believers
should make provision not only for our families, but
Nate demonstrates
his care for others in
our community.
also for the needs of the Christian community. The
Mission has been in operation for five decades. It
brings me pleasure knowing that I can be a part of
their future success—even after I’ve passed.
Q
How would you encourage others to consider
Planned Giving to support the Mission?
A: I would recommend that interested persons pay a
visit to see firsthand all they do and the lives they are
changing. I did my own due diligence by reviewing
their financial statements, asking questions, attending
an orientation presentation, and by speaking with
staff. I’ve also attended graduation events to hear
from those whose lives and souls were saved through
the programs offered by the Mission. One impactful
comment shared by several grads was, “If it hadn’t
been for the Rescue Mission, I don’t think I’d be alive
today.” So if you’re able to make the Santa Barbara
Rescue Mission a part of your estate planning, I
encourage you to take the time to learn and see what
they’re doing to reach the lost for Christ!
You can change lives both now and in the
future through your own Planned Giving!
For more information, contact Rebecca Weber
at rweber@sbrm.org or call (805) 966-1316,
ext. 105. Thank you!
Nate’s Lemonade Stand
for the Santa Barbara Rescue Mission
It takes just a little time, effort, and imagination to make
a difference for those in need across Santa Barbara. That
was demonstrated recently by a young boy named Nate,
who set up his lemonade stand to help the homeless,
and we’re proud to be his charity of choice! Nate’s efforts
raised $65.72 and, more importantly, raised awareness
for those we serve. Thank you, Nate—and other friends
like you who show compassion with action!
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MILESTONES
Estate Gifts
Estate gifts received through March 31, 2016
Remembering the Santa Barbara Rescue Mission in your Estate Planning is a wonderful way to leave a lasting legacy for this ministry we
share. Generous estate gifts can continue providing urgent care and genuine life change at the Mission for years to come!
Beatrice Askman
Jeanne Buenik
Memorial Gifts
Honorary Gifts
Memorial gifts received through March 31, 2016
Our deepest sympathies are with those whose loved ones
have passed away. We are truly grateful for everyone who
chooses to remember these special lives through a gift to
help our hungry, hurting, and homeless. God bless your
compassion!
Honorary gifts received through March 31, 2016
A gift to the Santa Barbara Rescue Mission offers a great
way to honor a birthday, anniversary, or other special
occasion. All gifts go to provide emergency care and life
transformation to men, women and children in the most
need across our community. Thank you for caring!
Eleanor Adams
Scott and Sharon Wilson
Paul Marwitz
Maryann Marwitz
Patrick Becker
Craig and Michelle Taylor
Robert Maxim
Sally Spence
Hershel Brewer
Ernest and Donna Salomon
Scott and Sharon Wilson
Greg Bennett
Barbara Bennett
Charles and Hilda May
Melissa Milas
Myrt Brothers
Hannah Brothers
Jim Menzies
Christine Menzies
Charlie Ping Sum Chan
Anna Kwong
Frank Mori
Andrew and Janna Mori
Nancy Valenti Cullen
William Carlson
Sean Garth Murphy
Ursula Polo
Leona Doerr
Charles Doerr
Brian Olgeirson
Nick Olgeirson
John Gabbert
Scott and Sharon Wilson
Robert Gibson
Melanie Gibson
Fred Dole
Cody Cammbell
Juan Jose Olivarria, Sr.
Linda Hancock
Matt Grimes
ISEC Foundation
E.W. Doubet
Jeff and Lori Doubet
Marguerite Payne
Robin Payne
Dave and Jordyn Grohl
Peter Devoy
Phyllis Ernst
Robert and Nadia Ernst
Elizabeth Ross
Harold and Carol Bussell
Edrie Ohl
Gary and Pat Hanson
Ronald and Lila Hanson
Sandra Hanson
Sarah Shoresman
Linda Lorenzen-Olesvsky
David “Hopper” Hopkins
Donald and Tamara Erickson
Jacob Snyder
Tim and Suzanne Beachy
Pete and Gerd Jordano
Jeff and Susan Jordano
John Watts
Dave and Maria Scott
Scott and Sharon Wilson
Jorden Family
James Jorden
Billy Joe Faulkner
Scott and Sharon Wilson
Diane Handloser
Douglas and Priscilla Fossek
Nick Harris
Fiona Fitzherbert
Robert Heavner
Scott and Sharon Wilson
Roger and Consuelo Heroux
Steven Krivit
Helen Johnson
William and Janet Wright
Sam Kapelson
Sandra Lynne
Timothy Kelley
Barbara Kelley
William S. Kimble
Atherton Lane Advisers
Joan Preston
Steve Malone
Janet Malone
David Williams
Deborah Branch Geremia
Bill G. Wilson
Pam Wilson
Scott and Sharon Wilson
Dallas Wilson
D. and L. Beving
Mike Ebbing
Stephen Sloane
Steven and Janice Wilson
Christopher Chayra
Richard and Melinda Chayra
Twila Christensen
Marion Rosecrance
Mike Eskenazi
Jette Schuh
John Fitzgibbons
Janice Bahler Fitzgibbons
Sam, Wendy, and Carson Ladd
Wendy Ladd
Joanna MacKenzie
Deckers Outdoor Corp/Teva
Genny Maxwell
Richard Berger
Gregg and Dina Meisel
Chris Chayra
Misau Mori
Andrew and Janna Mori
Keith Pabers
Richard and Debra Pabers
Phil and Rosemary Resch
Justin Resch
Dennis Sahms
Kathleen Polischuk
Rudy Salvador-Flores
Jane Chloe
Eddie Sanders
David Nickoloff
Santa Barbara Rescue
Mission Staff
Veronica Ocejo
Scott and Sharon Wilson
SYNERGY Business &
Technology Center
Mike and Beverly Holiday
Tri-County Produce
John Dixon
US Veterans
Mark and Sarah Heatwole
Michelle and Corey Watts
Brenda Cali
Rebecca Weber
Fred and Katie Fisher
Norman and Fran Weber
David Williams
Kisty Newman
Connie Palanuk
Karl and Julie Willig
Scott and Sharon Wilson
Scott Wilson
John and Pamela Gibbons
Becca Yoder
Scott and Sarah Skripsky
www.sbrm.org
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Looking Back
There’s No Better Time for Change
than Easter at the Mission!
EACH SPRING, the Santa Barbara Rescue Mission works hard
to make our neighbors in the most need feel at home for the
holidays at our annual Easter Feast. Though Easter is a joyful
season for most of us, for those struggling with hunger, hurt, and
homelessness, it’s a heartbreaking time of year.
Please Pray
with Us
YOU are an answer to
prayer for all those we
serve together!
•For the continued
recovery of lives like
Alberto’s and Susan’s as
they rebuild their futures
and impact others with
their changed lives.
That’s why our staff and volunteers prepared and served a
restaurant-style Easter feast to more than 300 men, women and
children in genuine need from across our community. And they
were so grateful for friends like you who made it all possible by
demonstrating Christ’s love at Easter. What better time of year
to show those who are suffering that there is hope for a better,
brighter tomorrow. So thank you for standing by them with
tender care as they turn their lives around!
•For our Homeless
Guest Services and the
overflow problem we
are experiencing as
we seek to upgrade and
update the Mission to
meet the ongoing need.
•For volunteers to
serve and worship
leaders to share with
those in our care.
•For the Women’s
Auxiliary, as they plan
our 15th annual
October event, Blues
on the Bayou!
Keep up with breaking news and see how your gifts are giving hope and healing at www.sbrm.org
and follow the Santa Barbara Rescue Mission on Facebook and Twitter!
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MILESTONES
535 E. Yanonali St. • Santa Barbara, CA 93103-3254 • www.sbrm.org
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