October 2015 - City Rescue Mission

The Mission
Greatness hidden in plain sight
At 15, Victor Serebriakoff’s teacher said he would never finish school, so
he quit and started working odd jobs. Seventeen years later, an evaluation
revealed his IQ: 161! Victor went on to become an author, inventor and
perhaps most significantly, chairman of the International Mensa Society.
(Illustration adapted from Stuart Blount)
Many people want to accomplish something “significant,” but feel that
only big things count. However, Matthew 6:4 suggests God appreciates
things that go unnoticed by others...especially in the area of generosity.
Did you know retirement plans provide a simple way to make a
“significant” charitable gift? Retirement assets willed to a loved one are
subject to income and estate taxes, which can leave just 30 cents on the
dollar! But designating these funds to a nonprofit like City Rescue Mission
eliminates taxation and assures 100% goes toward eternal work. You could
leave a legacy of “significance,” while still blessing your family with other
assets that make greater financial sense.
Don’t miss what’s hidden in plain sight. Consider donating your retirement
assets and leave a significant impact for generations to come!
For the full version of this article, ask for a FREE copy of “How to Live a Life of Significance” by simply checking the box
on the enclosed reply card. Or contact Treina Bell from City Rescue Mission at (405) 232-2709 or tbell@cityrescue.org,
or bless your family today with a God-honoring Will at christianwill.org/crmok
Help make Christmas wishes come true
In an effort to provide a Merry Christmas this season to
everyone living at City Rescue Mission, we are reaching
out to our community! We need your help to fill our
Christmas Wish Store with presents for children of all
ages. Once the Wish Store is stocked, parents in our
programs will be invited to shop and wrap presents to
give to their children on Christmas morning!
Please drop off donations of new and unopened gifts
at City Rescue Mission, Monday through Friday between 9 a.m. and
5 p.m. Last day to drop off toys is Friday, December 18. Monetary gifts
and prayers are also appreciated!
If you have questions please contact the Mission at (405) 232-2709
or email: city@cityrescue.org
Mark your calendars
OU Annual Health Fair:
Friday, October 23, 1-3:30 p.m. in the
CRM Gym and Chapel. Prescreening,
giveaways, flu shots, etc.
Bridge to Life Graduation:
Wednesday, November 4, 7-8 p.m.
in the Chapel. The community is
invited to come and celebrate the
success of our graduates.
Christmas Toy Drive:
Starting Friday, November 20—
donations will be received at 800 W.
California, M-F, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Christmas Decorating:
m $30
m $50
m $150
help. hope. healing.
A struggling mother
fights for joy
Thursday, November 26
HELPFUL HINT! For ideas about gift
donations, check out our “Wish List”
on Amazon: http://amzn.to/1FgKRSF
Get connected!
We know that you’re on the go. So
are we. But it’s easier than ever to
stay connected. Join our mobile
community today by texting SHELTER
to 80077 and get updates directly to
your smartphone!
SMS subscription service. Up to 4msg/mo.
Msg&Data rates may apply. Text STOP to
80077 to STOP. Full Terms: mGive.com/
EPrivacyPolicy: mGive.org/P
m $__________
“I just knew I had
to do something...
my kids needed me.”
Please make your check payable
to: City Rescue Mission, Inc.
My first gift is enclosed.
m Please send me a FREE copy of “How to Live a Life of Significance”
m I have included City Rescue Mission in my Will or Estate Plan
CITY RESCUE MISSION
800 West California Ave.
Oklahoma City, OK 73106
NAME
To give a gift by credit card,
visit us online at cityrescue.org/
donate or call (405) 232-2709.
ADDRESSAPT
Thank You
STATEZIP
@
EMAIL
A publication of city rescue mission
Thanksgiving Lunch
with the Community:
m I would like to become a Friend of the Mission partner. I will give a monthly gift of $________.
CITY
The Mission
Friday, November 20—volunteers are
needed to help with decking our halls!
Email: volunteer@cityrescue.org to help!
Yes, I want to help City Rescue Mission provide meals and hope for
hurting men, women and children this fall.
I’m enclosing: m $15
October 2015
27906-7 ON15095
Your gift is tax deductible to the full
extent of the law. We will send a
receipt for your records.
When Shamron was just 15, she found out she was
pregnant by a man who “couldn’t stay out of jail.”
In the years that followed, she faced loneliness,
abuse and homelessness. Today, she is a strong
woman of faith who is moving forward with hope.
How did she make it to where she is today?
Read Shamron’s story on page 2 to find out more.
—Shamron*
*Photos have been changed to protect the privacy of the client.
inside
The Mission
Message from Tom
The blessing
of a few
rotten potatoes
Thanks for
giving...back!
Make Christmas
wishes come true
On page 2
On page 3
On page 4
From our President and CEO
The blessing of a few
rotten potatoes
In my years
at City Rescue
Mission, I’ve seen
repeatedly that
when the Lord
sees need, He
provides. I think
of once when a
semi-trailer pulled
up at the Mission
with a frantic
driver. “The grocery store rejected
this load because of a few rotten
potatoes in that first pallet,” he said.
We extracted the few bad spuds,
tossed them and what did we have
left? A ton of free, fresh produce!
That’s a miraculous provision—and
so is every donation we receive, no
matter the size.
Sometimes people approach me
apologetically, regretful that they
don’t have much to give. I tell them
to give what they can—every gift
makes a difference. A dollar may
not go far, but if a thousand citizens
put a dollar into a pot, imagine how
many meals could be provided. And
imagine what those meals would
mean to our hungry neighbors.
Have you ever been really hungry
and not known when or where you
would get your next meal? Our
homeless clients have. That’s why
food is such a powerful ministry
connection point. When hunger
drives people to our table and they
eat their fill, it’s a miracle—and they
know the Lord has fed them.
As we prepare to serve
thousands of meals this
Thanksgiving season, we don’t
know where all the food and
supplies will come from. But we
know that God sees our needs and
He can provide through mysterious
ways—like a few rotten potatoes.
May God bless you for caring,
Tom Jones, President and CEO
continued from page 1
I can’t let anything
like fear hinder me
Sometimes, life gets off to a bad start, as Shamron knows all too well.
By the age of 23, she had been in two serious relationships and was the
mother of 5 children. And she was reeling from the discovery that her
husband, father of the two youngest, was an
“So many good abusive addict. For the next 14 years, she
things happen was a victim of domestic violence. From
childhood, she had loved God. Now, despite
here. You just
the circumstances, Shamron’s faith was not
have to be
shaken. She recalls how her grandmother once
looking for it.” asked, “Shamron, how can you stay so happy
and smile...?” Her reply was, “Grandma,
—Shamron
I walk with the Lord.”
And then, City Rescue Mission...
Finally, Shamron left her husband. With nowhere to turn, she lived from
couch to couch. But something had to change. “I had to do something...my
kids needed me,” she says. Shamron’s grandmother, a Mission supporter,
had been telling her about City Rescue Mission. After arranging for her
children to stay with her best friend, Shamron came. At first, she was
reluctant. But soon she realized
she was in the right place. She
took advantage of our supportive
services and Christian mentorship
and identified areas where God
needed to transform her. “The anger
management classes of Bridge
One helped me understand some
of the ways I think and why I react
the way I do,” she explains. While
going through these classes, she also
attended “daily devotions,” where
she regularly heard God’s redemptive
message and was uplifted by the
certainty of His presence in her life.
Moving forward with boldness
Shamron has found joy at City
Rescue Mission and will soon be
ready to transition out.
“The staff members have been
phenomenal,” says Shamron. To
her, the Mission was “a real lifesaver”—a place where she was able to find hope in the midst of her
challenging circumstances. “So many good things happen here,” she says.
Shamron completed her program this summer. She sees her children
regularly and looks forward to having them with her again very soon.
When asked about future plans, Shamron says she is confident she’ll find
a good job—and trusts God’s timing. City Rescue Mission has given her
tools to support her children and move forward. “I walk with the Lord,”
she says with assurance. “I can’t let anything like fear hinder me.”
Thanks for
giving...back!
The Mission
Our new Men's Center is...
Up and running!
A sneak peek at what Thanksgiving looks like at City Rescue Mission.
Thanks to generous friends like you who share your blessings to help
others, Thanksgiving is a very special time at City Rescue Mission. Your
generous compassion is a way of “giving back” to God. And with your
help, we are able to pass the blessings on to those in our community who
have so little.
It is a great joy to see families from OKC come together to share a
moment of grateful fellowship with our hurting, hungry guests. Our
Thanksgiving Banquet is made possible by many volunteers who come to
set up, serve food and beverages, bake desserts and—best of all—to share
a holiday meal with our clients. These volunteers, individuals and families
alike, are giving back to the community in tremendous ways with one of
their most valuable resources: their time!
Some people wonder who would want to spend a special holiday with
homeless people they don’t know. The positive response of our community
overwhelmingly says that plenty of people would love to do so. Our clients
look forward to the holidays with anticipation because they know they will
not be forgotten by their neighbors. People like you who care!
A hidden gem
For residents working hard to change their
lives at CRM, having access to our School
Program is like finding a hidden gem of hope
and opportunity.
There are many benefits our clients reap through the services we
provide here at CRM. Some are obvious. Others, less so. One “hidden
gem” in our array of services is a school program that provides
residents with the opportunity to focus on their education while their
basic needs are being met.
Many adults must put their education on hold because they find
themselves overwhelmed with financial responsibilities. If they are
working 40 hours or more a week, there is no time or energy left for
classes and homework. While staying at the Mission, our clients can
choose to work part-time giving them the benefit of completing their
education and improving their career potential. And because of your
generosity, their basic needs are all taken care of, so it’s worry-free.
Thank you for helping to make this possible!
It’s a pleasure to announce that
our new Men’s Center is open.
Just as we hoped, having all of
the men in one building has had
tremendous advantages. For
example, this new structure has
helped to remove distractions that
occurred unavoidably when men,
women and children were under
one roof. A “men-only” facility has
also strengthened relationships
between staff and clients.
Connections for success
Previously, it was difficult to
connect with each other because
the staff and clients were spread
out. Facilitating connections
is critical for successful case
management. Our new building
allows case managers to be out
of their offices and working oneon-one with clients, helping them
to get the services they need to
lift them out of homelessness. We
want to thank all of our generous
friends whose support has made
this wonderful new facility possible.
The Mission
Greatness hidden in plain sight
At 15, Victor Serebriakoff’s teacher said he would never finish school, so
he quit and started working odd jobs. Seventeen years later, an evaluation
revealed his IQ: 161! Victor went on to become an author, inventor and
perhaps most significantly, chairman of the International Mensa Society.
(Illustration adapted from Stuart Blount)
Many people want to accomplish something “significant,” but feel that
only big things count. However, Matthew 6:4 suggests God appreciates
things that go unnoticed by others...especially in the area of generosity.
Did you know retirement plans provide a simple way to make a
“significant” charitable gift? Retirement assets willed to a loved one are
subject to income and estate taxes, which can leave just 30 cents on the
dollar! But designating these funds to a nonprofit like City Rescue Mission
eliminates taxation and assures 100% goes toward eternal work. You could
leave a legacy of “significance,” while still blessing your family with other
assets that make greater financial sense.
Don’t miss what’s hidden in plain sight. Consider donating your retirement
assets and leave a significant impact for generations to come!
For the full version of this article, ask for a FREE copy of “How to Live a Life of Significance” by simply checking the box
on the enclosed reply card. Or contact Treina Bell from City Rescue Mission at (405) 232-2709 or tbell@cityrescue.org,
or bless your family today with a God-honoring Will at christianwill.org/crmok
Help make Christmas wishes come true
In an effort to provide a Merry Christmas this season to
everyone living at City Rescue Mission, we are reaching
out to our community! We need your help to fill our
Christmas Wish Store with presents for children of all
ages. Once the Wish Store is stocked, parents in our
programs will be invited to shop and wrap presents to
give to their children on Christmas morning!
Please drop off donations of new and unopened gifts
at City Rescue Mission, Monday through Friday between 9 a.m. and
5 p.m. Last day to drop off toys is Friday, December 18. Monetary gifts
and prayers are also appreciated!
If you have questions please contact the Mission at (405) 232-2709
or email: city@cityrescue.org
Mark your calendars
OU Annual Health Fair:
Friday, October 23, 1-3:30 p.m. in the
CRM Gym and Chapel. Prescreening,
giveaways, flu shots, etc.
Bridge to Life Graduation:
Wednesday, November 4, 7-8 p.m.
in the Chapel. The community is
invited to come and celebrate the
success of our graduates.
Christmas Toy Drive:
Starting Friday, November 20—
donations will be received at 800 W.
California, M-F, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Christmas Decorating:
m $30
m $50
m $150
help. hope. healing.
A struggling mother
fights for joy
Thursday, November 26
HELPFUL HINT! For ideas about gift
donations, check out our “Wish List”
on Amazon: http://amzn.to/1FgKRSF
Get connected!
We know that you’re on the go. So
are we. But it’s easier than ever to
stay connected. Join our mobile
community today by texting SHELTER
to 80077 and get updates directly to
your smartphone!
SMS subscription service. Up to 4msg/mo.
Msg&Data rates may apply. Text STOP to
80077 to STOP. Full Terms: mGive.com/
EPrivacyPolicy: mGive.org/P
m $__________
“I just knew I had
to do something...
my kids needed me.”
Please make your check payable
to: City Rescue Mission, Inc.
My first gift is enclosed.
m Please send me a FREE copy of “How to Live a Life of Significance”
m I have included City Rescue Mission in my Will or Estate Plan
CITY RESCUE MISSION
800 West California Ave.
Oklahoma City, OK 73106
NAME
To give a gift by credit card,
visit us online at cityrescue.org/
donate or call (405) 232-2709.
ADDRESSAPT
Thank You
STATEZIP
@
EMAIL
A publication of city rescue mission
Thanksgiving Lunch
with the Community:
m I would like to become a Friend of the Mission partner. I will give a monthly gift of $________.
CITY
The Mission
Friday, November 20—volunteers are
needed to help with decking our halls!
Email: volunteer@cityrescue.org to help!
Yes, I want to help City Rescue Mission provide meals and hope for
hurting men, women and children this fall.
I’m enclosing: m $15
October 2015
27906-7 ON15095
Your gift is tax deductible to the full
extent of the law. We will send a
receipt for your records.
When Shamron was just 15, she found out she was
pregnant by a man who “couldn’t stay out of jail.”
In the years that followed, she faced loneliness,
abuse and homelessness. Today, she is a strong
woman of faith who is moving forward with hope.
How did she make it to where she is today?
Read Shamron’s story on page 2 to find out more.
—Shamron*
*Photos have been changed to protect the privacy of the client.
inside
The Mission
Message from Tom
The blessing
of a few
rotten potatoes
Thanks for
giving...back!
Make Christmas
wishes come true
On page 2
On page 3
On page 4