Rave reviews received for first issue

“I love it, love it, love it.” “Better organized.” “Very interesting and quick to read.” “I like the links to additional resources.” “Good and useful content.” Our thanks go to the many who took the time to send comments like those above about the October issue of Street Smart. We’re glad you liked it. Continue to send your comments (and content suggestions), and we’ll continue to keep you informed.

Watch for the convention brochure

The advance info brochure for the AGRM Dallas convention will be in the mail right after Thanksgiving. We’ve produced this info earlier than usual so you’ll have plenty of time to plan—and so you can get your registration in before December 31 and save money. WARNING: This won’t be your father’s AGRM convention brochure, but we think you’ll love the new look and all the changes and additions to the program. Make room in your budget now to take several of your key staff and volunteers to Dallas.

Keep on truckin’…at a discount

From time to time, many of you use trucks to move food or gift-in-kind items. We’ve learned that Ryder has a national program that can save renters money if they are part of a national group. If you occasionally rent trucks and are interested in this, please e-mail Gary Meek at gmeek@agrm.org. We’ll weigh the responses and keep you posted.

Shift in focus means changes

To help focus AGRM’s resources and product mix in areas that touch more members, the board recently voted to convey Rescue College and Alcoholics Victorious to partner organizations better suited to administer them. Both programs will continue to be available to AGRM members. However, we’ve arranged it so that AGRM members will receive a significant discount for future Rescue College courses—more than they were getting through AGRM!—and those currently involved in courses will be able to continue with their training uninterrupted. More information will be available on AGRM’s website after Thanksgiving.

Runner’s World spotlights Colorado member

The Denver Rescue Mission was featured in the October issue of Runner’s World magazine. Residents of the mission’s New Life program ran in the Colfax Marathon, which was highlighted in the magazine and featured in a television documentary. Let us know about any press you receive; we’ll pass it on.

Looking down the street . . .

•   Raleigh Rescue Mission (Raleigh, N.C.) raised $146,000 to renovate a large house that was donated to the mission. The house will be used to provide permanent supportive housing for nine graduates of the Mission Victory Program.
•   Congratulations to the Good News Rescue Mission (Redding, Calif.) on the September grand opening of a new facility called the Bridge to New Life building. The mission is now able to house up to 50 men who need help overcoming their addictions.
•   Home of Grace’s women’s campus (Gautier, Miss.) is celebrating 40 years of ministry helping women overcome addictions.
•   Union Gospel Mission (Salem, Ore.) is renovating a house that will allow six women at a time to keep their children with them while they complete the mission’s rehabilitation program. The program, called Zobel House in honor of Tom and Debbie Zobel, is set to open in January.
•   After three years of building and seeking permits, Samaritan Ministries (Hot Springs, Ark.) received a Certificate of Occupancy, which means they may now use the building for full mission services. Congratulations to Jan Laggan and staff.
•   Welcome to two new member ministries: Lenawee County Mission (Adrian, Mich.), Steven Palmer, executive director; and Wabash County Lighthouse Mission (Wabash, Ind.), Claire Coyne, executive director.
•   AGRM Executive Director John Ashmen will be the keynote speaker for the Springs Rescue Mission’s (Colorado Springs, Colo.) Great Thanksgiving Banquet, held at the City Auditorium on November 21.
  

Respite given for homeless in Los Angeles

Respite given for homeless in Los Angeles Last month, the City of Los Angeles agreed to allow homeless people to sleep on the streets at least until the city provides 1,250 new beds in low-income housing. The move rolled back an earlier "zero-tolerance" crackdown on petty crimes in the "Skid Row" area of L.A., a policy set in place to deal with the largest homeless population in the nation. Seventy-four thousand homeless people live in Los Angeles County. The homeless density maps, produced to visually represent the effects of LAPD dispersal of street people during the crackdown, are fascinating. AGRM members Union Rescue Mission and Los Angeles Mission are near the intersection of Fifth and San Pedro, shown as "Central City East" on the map. View them within the NY Times story at http://www.nytimes.com/2007/10/31/us/31skidrow.html?ex=1194494400&en=4c57af0
ff2a97adc&ei=5070&emc=eta1

Hiring practices for faith-based organizations upheld

The U.S. Department of Justice determined last month that religious charities that provide services with federal funds may employ people exclusively within their faith, as provided in the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA) of 1993. According to the Department, “RFRA protects this right to prefer co-religionists for employees even if the statute that authorizes the funding program generally forbids consideration of religion in employment decisions by grantees." Read the entire statement at http://www.usdoj.gov/fbci/effect-rfra.pdf.

Social Security benefits increase

The Social Security Administration announced last month that Social Security and Supplemental Security Income beneficiaries will receive a 2.3 percent benefit increase for 2008. This Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) is based on the increase in the Consumer Price Index from the third quarter of 2006 through the third quarter of 2007. Find out more about the increase at http://www.ssa.gov/pressoffice/pr/2008cola-pr.htm.

Charitable reforms still alive

Sen. Charles Grassley (R-Iowa) has not given up his pet issue of charitable reforms. As ranking member of the Senate Finance Committee, he has long sought ways to end what he perceives as fraud among nonprofit organizations, costing the government millions of dollars in lost tax revenue. The tax legislation recently passed by the U.S. House will be considered by the Senate after Thanksgiving. One suggestion about how to pay for the $82-billion bill is through charitable reforms, including the possible itemization of clothing and household goods donated to charity. AGRM has kept you posted about this in the past (and was key in keeping similar measures from passing), and will continue to do so going forward.

More intact families are homeless

The 2007 Snapshot Survey of the Homeless completed last month by AGRM revealed a significant increase in the percentage of intact homeless families—father, mother, and child(ren)—coming to rescue missions for assistance. More than 22,000 people at 154 member ministries participated in the survey. Watch for an analysis of the Snapshot Survey on AGRM’s website and in a future issue of Rescue magazine.

Changes in statistics on needy women

Here are interesting results from the 2007 Snapshot Survey that are not included in any media release:

•   39 percent of homeless women seeking assistance in 2007 came to the rescue mission with a family member (husband, child, or sibling), as compared to 31 percent in 2006
•   In 2007, 1,795 families participated in the survey; half (50 percent) were headed by women. That compares to 1,386 families surveyed in 2006 with 61 percent headed by women.
•   Thirty-five percent of the women surveyed in 2007 were enrolled in long-term recovery programs, the highest percentage ever noted and the first time that the women’s recovery percentage was equal to the men’s figure.

Youth who smoke engage in other risky behaviors

Teens who smoke are nine times more likely to abuse alcohol and 13 times more likely to abuse drugs than teens who do not smoke, according to the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse (CASA). The report also found that teen smokers are twice as likely to suffer from depression. The full report is available at http://tinyurl.com/342422.

Live Nativity brings Christ to the streets

For six days during the Christmas season, men enrolled in the RECON program at City Union Mission in Kansas City will remind folks of the true meaning of Christmas: the birth of God’s Son. The men will create a live nativity scene in a vacant lot adjacent to the mission. In the heart of the city’s drug scene, men who once battled addictions of their own will don shepherd’s cloaks and kingly robes and stand humbly in a makeshift stable. They hope passersby will join them in honoring Jesus, “the reason for the season.”

[Send us a blurb about your unique ideas or simple solutions and we’ll communicate them on Easy Street.}

Mark your calendars for the following:

January 8–10
Urban Children and Youth Ministries Affinity Group, Lake Williamson Conference Center, Carlinville, Ill.

 January 20-23
Association of Christian Thrift Stores Affinity Group, Hampton Inn on Pensacola Beach, Pensacola, FL

January 30–February 1
Volunteer Ministry Affinity Group, Chase Suites, Kansas City, Mo.

February 6–9
Women and Family Ministries Affinity Group, Hilton Garden Inn, Independence, Mo.

February 15–17
Chaplains Affinity Group, Hilton Garden Inn, Independence, Mo.

March 2–4
Christian Addiction Rehabilitation Association Affinity Group, Heartland Conference Center, Kansas City, Mo.

March 12–14
Education and Employment Affinity Group, Chase Suites, Kansas City, Mo.

May 23–28*
AGRM Annual Convention (the 95th), Hilton Anatole, Dallas, Texas
*Preliminary events start May 23

For more information, log on to www.agrm.org/events.html, or call (816) 471-8020.

Rescue College upcoming courses:
(Spring Term 1: Jan 2, 2008 through March 9, 2008)

Course 301: History of Urban Missions (3 credits)
This course is an introduction to the history of urban ministry and the unique role of the gospel rescue mission movement. The course begins with the early history of urban ministry and leads up to the present state of the movement as represented by the Association of Gospel Rescue Missions. It includes a study of the Scriptures that solidly support the efforts of God's people to work among the poor and to reach the city. Assignments are intended to lead the student into a deeper investigation of what God's Word has to say about rescue mission ministry. Professor: James M. Harriger, executive director of the Springfield Victory Mission, Springfield, Missouri

Course 309: Fund Raising Basics (3 credits)
Along with an introduction to the essential elements of fund raising, direct mail, capital campaigns, annual funds, and the like, this course is intended to help the student develop a biblical perspective of development. Professor: Barbara Clemenson, Mandel Center Fellow in the executive doctor of management program, Weatherhead School of Management, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio

Course 308: Foodservices (3 credits)
This introduction to the operations of rescue mission foodservice will cover nutrition and menu planning, principles of food procurement and purchase, food handling and preparation, systems of serving and foodservice equipment, sanitation and health standards, budgeting and cost controls, preventative maintenance, record keeping, and inventories. It also includes a look at using volunteers and clients in rescue mission foodservice operations. Professor: Victoria Queen, director of the Victory Trade School, Springfield Victory Mission, Springfield, Missouri

Course 311: Theology & Strategies of Urban Missions (3 credits)
The urbanization of the world presents the church with the unprecedented opportunity and challenge to recognize and plant “signs of the kingdom” in settings that include great change, extraordinary human diversity, centered power, creativity, heightened temptations, and many forms of dysfunctionality, both personal and institutional. This course is a historical and biblical study of the role of the city in ministry and its insights on understanding God’s purposes for effective and transformative change in the city. Professor: Fletcher L. Tink, dean of Rescue College and executive director of Bresee Institute for Metro Ministries, Kansas City, Mo.

Employment Opportunities

Bellingham WA: Executive Assistant - Business Office - Give oversight to ministry's accounts payable; personnel matters; assist CEO with various responsibilities and matching authority. Solid references; Quickbooks experience; integrity; degree not required. Salary, retirement plan, full medical. No calls please. Lighthouse Mission Ministries, PO Box 548, Bellingham, WA 98227. To contact via e-mail: rbuchinski@yahoo.com

Bellingham, WA: Shelter Supervisor - Responsible for front desk activities, perform case work/referrals, facilitate/teach classes. Two years of Bible college training preferred, good communication skills, computer literate, valid Wash. state DL. Contact: The Lighthouse Mission, PO Box 548, Bellingham, WA 98227. Phone: 360-733-5120 Fax: 360-733-7158 To contact via email: hanse@thelighthousemission.org

Jackson, WY: Director of Operations - Oversee daily operation of mission and thrift shop. Willing to be a servant with involved leadership. Room and board, financial incentive. Be willing to visit location for personal interview. Contact Good Samaritan Mission, PO BOX 1218, Jackson WY 83001. Phone: 307-733-3165 To contact via e-mail:
GSM-WY@MAIL.COM

Phoenix, AZ: Addictions Counselor - Conduct assessment interviews, facilitate group sessions, develop treatment plans, teach, provide one-on-one counseling, implement interventions, keep case progress notes. LISAC certification/equivalent, two years of experience in chemical dependency field. Contact: Phoenix Rescue Mission, PO Box 6708, Phoenix, AZ 85005. Phone: 602-346-3323 Fax: 602-343-5185 To contact via email: ahathaway@phoenixrescuemission.org

Roanoke Rapids, NC: Multiple Openings - Men's program manager, two kitchen managers, two truck drivers. Consult website for position descriptions. Union Mission of Roanoke Rapids, PO Box 968, Roanoke Rapids, NC 27870 Phone: 252-537-3372 Fax: 252-537-7373 To contact via e-mail: edirector@umrr.org Web site: http://www.umrr.org

Seattle, WA: Multiple Openings - Cooks (FT-temp.), director of Recovery Ministries, evening and weekend supervisor/case managers, graduate programs’ manager, community center staff/video production, high school outreach staff, administrative assistant. Contact: Roslyn Alake, Seattle's Union Gospel Mission, PO Box 202, Seattle, WA 98111. Phone: 206-723-0767 Fax: 206-723-1076 To contact via email: rosalake@ugm.org Web site: http://www.ugm.org

Tustin, CA: Multiple Openings - Director, volunteer services; direct marketing manager; foundation and corporate gifts officer. Contact: Orange County Rescue Mission, One Hope Drive, Tustin, CA 92782. Phone: 714-247-4300 Fax: 714-566-6451 To contact via email: rose.torres@rescuemission.org

Walla Walla, WA: Men’s Services Manager - Responsible for program activities in men’s unit, providing Christian leadership to residents, and case management services to assist men in planning for their temporal/spiritual lives. Salary with benefits. Send resume/cover letter to Jason Wicklund, Christian Aid Center, PO Box 56, Walla Walla, WA 99362. Phone: 509-525-7153 To contact via email: jwicklund@christianaidcenter.org Web site: http://www.christianaidcenter.org

To advertise in future Market Street Classifieds:
Individual or organizational members of the AGRM may place a 30-word classified ad listing one available position in one issue of Street Smart at no charge, and may renew that ad one additional time at no cost. Ads are due the 10th of the month before the ad is to be listed. Ads exceeding 30 words will be charged at 50 cents per word. Non-member ministries, businesses, and individuals may place an ad for $25.00 per issue for a 30-word ad. Additional words will be charged at 50 cents per word. Ads are also placed on the AGRM website. Member ministries may renew ads after the second placement at $15 per issue for a 30-word ad. E-mail desired ad placement to editor@agrm.org (subject line: Market Street Classifieds).

You Helped My Son

"And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father " (Col. 3:17, NLT).

An acquisition mailing piece, sent to a large segment of our community, is taped to my wall. The donor sent in $15 and this note: “God bless you. You helped my son.”

I wonder: Who was her son? How did we help him? How did he change? These questions affect our mission services.

We don’t know whose son is sitting in chapel, so it should be a loving, effective presentation of Jesus. We don’t know whose sister is at the thrift store, shopping for her family, so the product needs to be the best of what is sent, not just the suitable. We don’t know whose mother is meeting with the family worker, asking for food, so the worker needs to be loving and kind, and the food needs to be sufficient. And we don’t know whose dad is at the desk, asking for a bed for the night, so the bed needs to be comfortable, the facility clean, and the atmosphere full of God’s love.

Most importantly, since we don’t know whose son, sister, mother, or dad is coming in today, our best ministry is to treat them as Jesus would, and as if we were personally caring for Him.

Contributed by Jim Harriger, Springfield, Missouri

ATTENTION MEMBERS: Would you like to write an encouraging devotional thought for a future issue of Street Smart? If so, send your submission of 200 words or less (including a related Bible verse) to editor@agrm.org.