RESCUED TREASURES GRAND OPENING CVC PAYS IT FORWARD

CHRISTIAN DRUG & ALCOHOL REHABILITATION BECAUSE YOU CARE

MENTORING PROGRAM

www.visaliarescue.org Visalia Rescue Mission 1


TABLE OF CONTENTS
2 Danny Little, Executive Director
3 Hunger Awareness Day, June 5-7
4 Volunteer Opportunities
5 Rescued Treasures/Grand Opening
6 Christian Rehab/Work Place Recovery
7 John’s Successful Recovery
8 Women in Recovery
9 Hands of Hope/Maria’s Story
10 1,000 Women of Hope/
Honorariums and Memorials
11 Visalia Naz 30 Hours of Famine/
Pay it Forward
12 Meals - Feeding the Chldren
13 Banquet/Community Center update
13 Christian Drug and Alcohol Rehab
14 Other Ways to Give
15 From the Board - Near Life
Experience
16 Because you Care/Board
2 Visalia Rescue Mission www.visaliarescue.org
Greetings
2008 has already
been an amaz-
ing yet very busy
year. This Mission
has faithfully re-
mained true to its
Danny Little calling. We serve
meals, provide
shelter, and offer help to the
hurting. We do this all for
the sake of “Providing Hope
and Restoration through Je-
sus Christ. “
JUNE 5-7 2008
It is simple to me. If some-
one is hungry, feed them. If “HUNGER AWARENESS DAY”
they are tired and destitute,
give them a place to sleep.
At the Visalia Rescue Mission we see the hun- • Restaurants and grocery stores can
gry every day. They walk past our adminis- ask each patron if they will donate
If they are cold, give them a tration office like clock work at 6 AM, 11 AM $1.92 for one meal to feed the hungry.
coat. The Lord has blessed and 4 PM daily. At the end of the month more This can be done as they check
the Visalia Rescue Mission women and children come. As their month out of the restaurant or grocery store.
such that we want to pro- ends they are running out of money for food. • Collect food at your business for the
vide help for those who Visalia Rescue Mission and call for a
need it. We now serve over A survey done by Continuum of Care of Tu- pick up. 559-740-4178 Ext. 14.
530 meals a day and have lare and Kings County show that 49% of those • Individuals can drop donations to
homeless surveyed were women. 41% have our “Rescued Treasures Super
over 130 men, women and
children sleep in our facilities been homeless less than six months and 18% Store” at 2523 S. Mooney.
have been homeless for up to two years. • Call 559-740-4178 Ext. 14 and ask to
every night.
Of those surveyed, 64% said they had never volunteer.
been homeless before. This is a crisis in our
On June 5th we will observe community. Letters have been mailed to restaurants and
National Hunger Awareness grocery stores asking them to help combat
Day. Many in our commu- Last year, Alan Dodge of Pro Citrus Network, hunger. All proceeds go directly to benefit
nity are hungry and we are Inc. contacted Danny Little to become in- the programs at the Visalia Rescue Mission
asking your help. The Visalia volved with the Mission. PCN wanted to do and are tax deductible.
something for the Visalia Rescue Mission by
Rescue Mission and Pro Cit-
supporting our efforts on Hunger Awareness Hebrews 13:16
rus Network, Inc. will partner
with many grocery stores Day. We had successful food drives ant six Don’t forget to do good and to share what
grocery stores in Visalia. you have with those in need, for such sacri-
and restaurants in our com-
munity to raise food and do-
fices are very pleasing to God.
This year we are asking the community to get
nations for the hungry. I am involved from June 5th to June 7th. We are
asking that you would con- asking individuals, restaurants and grocery 559-735-3100
sider helping in this worth- stores to participate in bringing awareness to www.pcnbrand.com
while endeavor. hunger.
www.visaliarescue.org Visalia Rescue Mission 3

VOLUNTEER
OPPORTUNITIES
Volunteer Update
• On Wednesday April 30th we,
held a Chapel Provider Orienta-
tion. It is our goal to offer this ori-
entation once per quarter. The
next Chapel Provider Orientation/
Training will be held on Thursday
July 31st.
• As God leads, be a Mentor for
those in recovery. Mentoring
training is held on the 2nd Satur-
day of every month. Just one hour
a week to mentor a person will be
a blessing to those in recovery.
Please call Robyn at 740-4178 ext.
14 if you are interested in helping
out in any way.
• We are looking for volunteers to
help out during HUNGER AWAR-
NESS, June 5th through June 7th.
4 Visalia Rescue Mission www.visaliarescue.org
RESCUED TREASURES
Super Store-
GRAND OPENING!!!
The Grand Opening for Rescued Treasures Super Store was held on
March 29th. Lolli and Pop the clown were there to make balloon ani-
mals for the children. There were bounce houses and barbeque. There
were special guests in attendance, including Mayor Jesus Gamboa
and Connie Conway, Chairman of the County Board of Supervisors.
The Mayor declared 3/29/08 Visalia Rescue Mission Day! The 17,000
Thank you to all of our volunteers square foot Superstore has opened its doors with quality, gently used
– past, present and future! We merchandise available for purchase by the general public. It is located
could not do what we do without on Mooney Blvd. in Visalia at 2523 S. Mooney Blvd. To have your dona-
you! tion picked up please call 559-733-3180.
Contact Robyn at:
559-740-4178 Ext. 14
Volunteer Opportunities
• Mentoring
• C o m p u t e r Tu t o r
• Chapel Speaker
• Chapel Special Music
• Playtime with Children
• Recreation for residents
• Transportation
• Administration Help
• Cashiers
• Clothing Sorters
www.visaliarescue.org Visalia Rescue Mission 5
 CHRISTIAN DRUG AND ALCHOHOL
John’s
REHABILITATION SUCCESSFUL
RECOVERY
When a man or woman decides to I moved from Buffalo, NY to Northern,
step into recovery, we are here. It’s CA at the age of 24 bringing with me
10 years of alcoholism and drug abuse.
not easy. Our residents learn that Playing in a rock band for over 10 years,
“nothing is impossible with God.” I was surrounded by drugs and alcohol.
It takes a tremendous amount of Along with it came depression, loneli-
courage and work for someone to ness, physical abuse, guilt and shame.
When my third child was born and my
change. And we’re here to help
second wife and I had been evicted
them on this long road to recovery. because of my behavior and addictions
I realized I needed help. I would go to
S.T.E.P. for Men and Women programs playing the “sober role”, but
Our Spiritual Training and Educational still “closet using”. When my wife had
enough, she divorced me. I remember
Program (S.T.E.P.) was developed to the feelings of guilt and shame more
assist those who seek to escape the than anything. The depression, loneli-
slavery of addiction and sin. The core ness and guilt were nothing compared
program is six months with additional to the shame I felt when I threw away
a job and a final chance at having a
aftercare services available for up to
relationship with my 12 year old son.
a year following graduation.
This went on for years. In October of last
year, with lots of meth and alcohol and
a few boxes of memories, I decided I
WORKPLACE RECOVERY
would end my life. The hotel clerk found
me unconscious and called a friend
who contacted a Pastor. When Pas-
There are several business in our community who support the Visalia tor Brian came to pick me up, I fell to
Rescue Mission by offering work place recovery. After a resident has my knees, uncontrollably crying, thank-
ing him, completely ashamed of whom
graduated from the recovery program, they are able to apply for a I had become. He drove me to the
position at one of several locations: Visalia Rescue Mission. I remember
saying “I don’t belong here with these
people”. “Don’t leave me here with
• Cal Bennett Office Furniture these people!” Any thoughts of getting
• Main Street Tire • Provision Foods help or agreeing to a six-month residen-
tial program were totally absent. I was
placed in a detoxification room. Every
This has been a win, win proposition for both the Visalia Rescue Mis- couple of hours a resident would come
in and visit with me, encourage me to
sion and the businesses.
stay and join the program and share
God’s Word with me.
6 Visalia Rescue Mission www.visaliarescue.org www.visaliarescue.org Visalia Rescue Mission
I was never a stranger to God; I spent
many years being angry with God.
There I was in detox, full of shame, 6 ft
2, 160 lbs, not physically able to walk
around, and afraid. I remember hav-
ing thoughts of my 12 year old saying he
hates me and doesn’t want me around
etc…with the occasional words of God
being spoken through various residents
in the recovery program. On Nov. 19,
2007 I put the pen to paper and prom-
ised God that I would give my life to
him, doing whatever was asked of me
in the recovery program. Since that
date, the fear, guilt, shame, self-pity…
all has been made new, replaced with
courage, freedom, compassion, and a
love to serve and help others by shar-
ing my story of hope. On May 12th, I
went to work for the Mission as a staff
resident.
I’ve always been a believer, that there
is a God, a Jesus Christ and a Holy Spirit;
but today I firmly testify that I am a fol-
lower of God the Father, His Son Jesus
Christ and His Holy Spirit.
The Visalia Rescue Mission’s Mission
Statement offers us “Hope and Restora-
tion through Jesus Christ” this is a living
truth in not only my life, but in the life of
anyone who chooses to follow, not just
believe.
Love in Christ,
John M.
7
 Sue’s Story

H.A.N.D.S. of Hope
I was born in Mariposa, CA and both of my parents were alcoholics. I
started drinking in Middle school and started smoking pot in my fresh-
man year of high school. Pot, I could quit, but the alcohol was differ-

Mentoring Program
ent, it seemed it was always available. It started out innocent; I never
wanted to become an alcoholic. I always said I would never put my
kids through what I went through, but I didn’t know anything about
addiction or alcoholism.

This is my second time in treatment. Back in 2000 I went through a 30 HANDS of HOPE is a ministry of the
day treatment program. I was sober for five years and then in 2005 I Visalia Rescue Mission for men and
relapsed. The whole time my daughter wanted me to quit drinking, women. It’s a volunteer mentoring
the more I drank the more she wanted me to go back into treatment. program for the residents living at the
I had quit my job, I was homeless and I felt like giving up. I was in so much pain I felt like Satan Mission. House of Hope is a six-month
was literally in me. program includes counseling, Bible
studies, discipleship and life skills class-
I finally called my daughter and told her I was ready and to hurry. She and my older son came es. Hands of Hope mentoring program
and picked me up and took me straight to my counselor’s office. I told him his classes weren’t is an investment of time and self gives
working and I need treatment and I need it today. The counselor made two phone calls. The from 1-8 hours per week. The mentor-
Visalia Rescue Mission was the second call, they asked if I could be there that day, I said yes. ing relationships last anywhere from six
to eighteen months (lasting friendships
Since I have been here I have rededicated myself to Jesus. I now know and have a relation- Maria with her mentor Sheila Blankenship. can last a lifetime). God placed a de-
ship with Him. I am very thankful for the Visalia Rescue Mission, because they are teaching me sire on my heart to become a mentor
not only how to stay sober but how to live a different lifestyle, a Christian lifestyle. to help make a difference in someone’s life. My goal is for them to find
encouragement, love, strength, hope and restoration in the Lord and help
–Sue B. them know their true identity in Christ. I am there to listen, love and support
morally, spiritually and emotionally. Some of these women have never had
anyone in their lives that they can trust, so I try to build a relationship on
Sheka’s Story trust so they can learn to build and maintain healthy connections with oth-
My whole life I’ve always been looking for myself, feeling as if ers. Watching the lives of women changed by God’s love and power has
something was missing, empty inside. At 14 my problems re- increased my faith in Him and these experiences have changed my life. It
ally began with boys and drinking. I started running the streets has been extremely rewarding for me.
hanging around with older kids, trying to find myself. It was
to the point were I didn’t care about what I was doing to my –Mentor, Sheila Blankenship
body and at fifteen, I got pregnant with twins. I slowed down
the drug use until the twins were born. Soon after the twins
were born, I was introduced to methamphetamine. I started
using heavily when I was about nineteen years old. When I Maria’s Story
was, the only thing that mattered to me was staying high. I I remember growing up in church all my life; much I had lost. I lost four children to CPS, I
would steal, lie and cheat and do anything I had to do to get I was not around drugs or alcohol. I never lost my mother and my sister. I remember I
high. saw my parents fight or anything like that. I couldn’t even get clean when they were on
remember my family telling me about drugs their death bed. I now know that God has
I can remember clear as day how depressed, dark and gloomy my life had be- and what they would do to me, that drugs always been with me, through it all.
come. I can remember my dad telling me frequently how bad he hurt when he were no good. At 12 years old I wanted to
thought about Jesus coming and that I would be left behind. I would just brush him find out for myself. That’s when my whole life After 16 years I finally got tired of it. God was
off. I remember crying to God and asking him to take the addiction from me. For went down hill. I started running away from calling me. I got help from the Visalia Res-
Him to do whatever it took. I just didn’t really believe it would ever happen. But He home just to be out on the streets. The first cue Mission. I’ve been at the House of Hope
was listening and He knew what it would take. I hit rock bottom when they took my drug that I used was meth and then that led for eight months. I gave myself to the Lord, I
kids from me, I finally realized I had a problem. But when He took my children He to alcohol. I was hanging around with my am going to school for my G.E.D., and I am
gave me life, because I now have Jesus. I’ve been clean for nine months, I have so called “friends”, not realizing, they didn’t looking for a job. I just thank God for being
my children back and I have a future. There is no longer emptiness and I love my care about themselves, how could they there with me from the beginning.
life. I just thank the Lord that He heard me, He changed me, and He loves me. I care about me? I can remember being
also thank the Visalia Rescue Mission for everything they do. They are truly an ex- strung out on drugs for 16 years of my life… Thank you,
ample of God’s unconditional love. so lost in my addiction. I lost so much dur-
–Sheka ing those years; I just didn’t realize just how –Maria F.

8 Visalia Rescue Mission www.visaliarescue.org www.visaliarescue.org Visalia Rescue Mission 9

 Women’s Auxiliary
“She opens her arms to the poor and
extends her hands to the needy.”
Proverbs 31:20
The Auxiliary:
• Offers Birthday parties at the Mission
(Some have never had a birthday cake)
• Holds Spa Day
• Serves Graduation Refreshments
The Auxiliary funds:
• Scholarships for child care
• Scholarships for Education and
Employment
• Updating Facilities
The Women’s Auxiliary is organizing 1000
Women of Hope to benefit the Visalia Res-
cue Mission’s women’s programs. Headed
by board chair Jeannie DeGroot, the auxil-
iary has done a tremendous job purchasing
much needed items for both the Shelter of
Hope and the House of Hope. New beds
have been purchased for the Shelter and
carpet for the House of Hope.
What is 1000 Women of Hope?
1000 women x $100 = $100,000
Commit to be 1 of 100 women. Invite your
friends … - Debra S. Williams
To be involved contact Robyn
559-740-4178 Ext. 14
Women’s Auxiliary
Jeannie DeGroot – Chair
Linda LaFleur – Vice Chair
Judy Simpson - Treasurer
Wendy Little – Secretary
10 Visalia Rescue Mission www.visaliarescue.org
Honorium
Barbara & Glenn Miller
- by Jane Lightner
Ruth K. Smith
- by Sara & Mike Knight
Adrian & Willy Dlepersloot’s
50th Wedding Anniv.
- by Jon and Jeannie Van Ryn
Sheila Walter
- by Linda and Richard LaFleur
Memorials
Leana Biederwell
- by Vincent & Margaret Barrett
Gerald Lopes
- by Eddie & Geraldine Lopes
Richard & Doreen McVaigh
Charlie Pirnstill
- Edward & Janette Zisko
You can honor those loved ones
by donating to the Visalia Res-
cue Mission in their name.
30 HOURS OF FAMINE–
On April 24th, 32 of the youth at Visalia Naz rence was the opportunity for some of our
joined with thousands of other youth min-
istries all over the country in the “30 Hour
Famine”. This is a ministry whose intent is to
younger girls to pray for a homeless man on
the street. He specifically asked us to pray
that God would set him free from his addic-
make people aware of the physical, spiritual tion to drugs. I could see that many of the
and emotional needs of millions of children in girls started to see this man as a real person
third world countries. The youth raise money that is hurting, and not just a “bum”. We
for “World Vision” which is an organization gave our teens T-shirts that say, “Ask me why
that distributes money to families and villages I’m hungry” and asked them to wear them to
with great need. school on Friday.
There’s no cookie cutter way to do “30 hour Did last weekend make any real difference?
famine”. Some youth groups do it over the Did we change the world? Well you never
weekend and stay together the whole time. know which drop of grace will cause the
Some youth groups sleep on the streets, try- landslide of God’s grace upon the world. I
ing to identify with the homeless in their area. choose to think that we did change the
Some simply spend their 30 hours of hunger world and we can change the world every
doing the things they would normally do, day that we act justly, love mercy and walk
except without food. We chose to have humbly with your God. Micah 6:8
our last dinner Thursday night at the Visalia
Rescue Mission, have a service down there
and then go on prayer walks throughout the
In Christ,
–Michael DeBoef
community. One particularly notable occur-
Pay it For wa rd
A teenager named Victoria Moore walked into the Mission of-
fice, with a donation. Donations are always wonderful things,
but when young people make them, it is special.
As a class project, six girls from Central Valley Christian School
were asked to raise money for a non-profit organization. Why
not have fun while doing it? So…they held a dance . Victo-
ria said they chose the Visalia Rescue Mission because years
earlier a family member had stayed here. Danny Little, Ex-
ecutive Director, graciously accepted the donation. Pay it forward…what a concept.
www.visaliarescue.org Visalia Rescue Mission 11
 Meals/Feeding
the Children
We served over 600 people on Easter. No one went away hungry. Nu-
merous volunteers and Crossroads Church helped with the children’s
activities. We serve 3 meals 365 days a year. To help serve, call Robyn
559-70-4178 Ext. 14. The Annual Banquet

A TRUE CELEBRATION
CURRENT MISSION NEEDS
TOILETRY & LINEN ITEMS FOOD ITEMS LARGE ITEM NEEDS
OF HOPE
• White Towels • Pasta, Pasta Sauces • Lawn Mower
The Visalia Rescue Mission’s annual banquet,
• Wash Cloths • Canned Vegetables • Blowers
“The “Celebration of Hope”, was held at the
• White twin bed sheets • Instant Potatoes • Yard equipment
Visalia First Assembly of God Church on March
• Blankets • Canned Tuna
27, 2008. The Visalia Rescue Mission Choir sang
• Pillows • Chicken & Meat
“My Chains are Gone, I’ve been set free.”
• Chap Stick • Salad Dressings
• Deodorant • Pancake Mi x & Syrup
The choir consisted entirely of residents in the
• Hand & Body Lotion • Flour and Sugar
recovery programs at the Mission led by Ju-
• Large Bottles of • Cereal (hot & cold)
lie Blaswich, Executive Assistant to the Direc-
Community Center plans are
Shampoo and • Peanut Butter & Jelly
tor. We are thankful for the band Nick, Ryan, well under way and we are
Hair Conditioner • Coffee
Nate, Grant and Angela.  The banquet was planning for a late summer
• Disposable Razors • Mayo, Mustard & Ketchup
an amazing evening with excellent food and groundbreaking. The archi-
testimonies of each resident‘s journey to the tects, contractors and en-
• Brushes gineers are busy getting the
• Toothpaste
Mission and how they came to find “Hope and
documents to the City of Vis-
• Tooth Brushes
Restoration through Jesus Christ.” alia for the needed permits.

12 Visalia Rescue Mission www.visaliarescue.org www.visaliarescue.org Visalia Rescue Mission 13

 Other Ways To Give… Near Life Experience
You have heard of close. As they come to understand what
SaveMart S.H.A.R.E.S.Card people having a “near a personal relationship with Jesus Christ is
SaveMart offers non-profit orga-
death experience”. all about and that through Him we have
nizations the opportunity to earn
cash with our electronic Save Mart Well, I think there are eternal life, they gain an understanding
S.H.A.R.E.S. Card. The new S.H.A.R.E.S. many people that are of what “real life” is. Life through Jesus
gift card program is fast and efficient having a “Near Life Christ.
for you to help the Visalia Rescue Experience”. They are
Mission. All you have to do is agree living life but that’s it. Are you having a near life experience?
to use a Save Mart S.H.A.R.E.S. Card They are not sure what Perhaps your material needs are met but
to purchase your groceries at any the true meaning of life something is still missing? You’re close but
Save Mart Supermarket, S-Mart foods is. In our society today not sure what is next. Next is stepping
or FoodMaxx store. When you get things and stuff are so available and life is out in faith and seeking the only one that
your S.H.A.R.E.S. Card, (the card has
so fast pace that it is easy to be confused can give eternal life. Jesus Christ. Eternal
no cash value yet) go to your local
store and put the amount you plan with why we are really here. life is as close as asking Him into your life
to spend on the card, and then use it to be your savior. Seek Him and you will
as a credit card. 3% of your purchase When people come to the Visalia Rescue find Him. Romans 3:23
will go to the Visalia Rescue Mission. Mission for help they are often times at
You refill the card whenever it gets the bottom and close to perhaps a real Blessings…
empty. near death experience. Sometimes very –Mark Shelton

To get your S.H.A.R.E.S. Card, call

Robyn at 559-7410-4178 Ext. 14. Thank
you for helping the Mission.

Tickets Go On Sale June 6th

1-888-825-5484 • www.vallitix.com

Christian Cinema will donate

a portion of all purchases and
rentals to the Visalia Rescue
Mission if you go to the website
www.christiancinema.com/vrm
559-735-3100
www.pcnbrand.com

14 Visalia Rescue Mission www.visaliarescue.org www.visaliarescue.org Visalia Rescue Mission 15

 Because You Care…
…we’re serving more and more.

Total Meals Served

2008 – 55,678 - up 9%
2007 – 156,746
2006 – 134,970

Total Bed Nights

Board of Directors 2008 – 13,949
John Anderson 2007 – 39,693
Ron Ballou 2006 – 34,849
Jeannie DeGroot
Wayne Ingram Total Number of Graduates
Bill Jordon 2008 – 20
2007 – 45
John Koster
Murray Minnema Total Chapel Attendance
Brad Reenders 2008 - 9,932
Mark Shelton 2007 – 24,366
Bruce Tyler 2008 is proving to be a busier year
Mark Vanciel than 2007. We have already served
Dennis Vanderham over +281 additional meals over
what were served last year at this
Randy Vogt
time.
Danny Little Won’t you consider helping us feed
Executive Director the hungry?

Alone, our undertaking is too massive.

Together, we can bring about and help sustain real change in
people’s lives. If you haven’t done so already, please come and
see the Visalia Rescue Mission. All our facilities are drug-free and a
safe environment for overnight guests, residents, and visitors. One
person can and does make a difference, that one person could
be you.

VISALIA RESCUE MISSION

559-740-4178
322 NE 1st Avenue
Visalia, CA 93291
www.visaliarescue.org
16 Visalia
Published
Rescueby
Mission
Anthony & Davenport Media Group. Designwww.visaliarescue.org
by Cribbsproject.