This issue of Street Smart brought to you by…

Envoy Financial is pleased to partner with the Association of Gospel Rescue Missions to announce the new AGRM Association Retirement Plan for all AGRM member mission ministries. Envoy Financial has worked with many individual AGRM member ministries over the years and we are excited to now provide a plan that will serve the entire AGRM membership. This new retirement plan features no-load mutual funds, personalized individual counsel for mission employees, pre-filled paperwork for easy enrollment, and cost-savings compared to individual plans. Further, each member mission can adapt the plan design to its own needs and budget for plan flexibility.

The availability of this new AGRM association plan coincides with the implementation of the new IRS regulations for all 403(b) retirement plans. All AGRM retirement plans will be up-to-date, meet all the IRS requirements, and be fully compliant. You won't have to worry about the status of your plan and will be able to focus on your ministry calling. At Envoy Financial, our ministry is to serve your ministry!

Contact Jeff Gater at (888) 879-1376, ext. 209, or by email at jgater@envoyfinancial.org for more information.

This is the week to act!
If you are not yet registered for our convention in Dallas at the end of this month, you should do so by next Wednesday to take advantage of some savings. Of course, we will accept registrations right up to the last minute—we’ll even take walk-ins—but the last price-break deadline is May 7. Your registration has to be faxed, postmarked, or called in—that’s right, we’ll take it over the phone to help you out—by that date. Registrations received starting May 8 will need to be accompanied by the full price. If you are registered (or do so right away), you can participate in this issue’s Dallas trivia contest. The fourth person to email AGRM’s Faye Wisdom at fwisdom@agrm.org with the correct answer to the following question will win a $25 Borders gift card. (To be eligible, you must be registered for the convention, or must register in the next five days.) Here’s a question from the Wild West! Prior to his more infamous pursuits, celebrated OK Corral gunfighter “Doc” Holliday spent many years treating the people of Dallas as a real doctor. What was Doc Holliday’s medical specialty? Answer to previous trivia question: Alex Rodriguez.

D.C. meetings on your behalf
As you read this, AGRM executive director John Ashmen is with board secretary/treasurer David Treadwell of Central Union Mission (Washington, D.C.), accompanied by Tyler Grassmeyer of Russ Reid’s government relations office, in a series of 16 meetings in two days on Capitol Hill. This afternoon they are with directors and staff members in the Offices of Faith-based and Community Initiatives in the Department of Housing and Urban Development, Veterans Affairs, Education and Health and Human Services. Yesterday, they met with senior leadership in the House and Senate. The meetings are to reintroduce government officials to the ministry of AGRM and to initiate partnership possibilities on multiple levels. John just called in to say things were going well, as they were leaving the office of Congressman Doug Lamborn (R-Colo.). More information will be available in Dallas and in publications in the days ahead.

D.C. mission wins relocation victory
After nine years of wrangling with city officials, the Central Union Mission (Washington, D.C.) finally has a direction for relocation. City officials have arranged for the mission to take over and renovate a city-run shelter facility. In exchange, the mission will abandon plans to relocate in a city-backed mixed-use housing development project. Part of the mixed-use project will include 50 units of “permanent supportive housing.” Mission director David Treadwell calls it “an inventive but pragmatic way” to forge a private-public partnership to enhance services for the homeless population.

Need a roommate at the convention?
Some people are looking for creative ways to reduce their convention expenses. They’re willing to share a hotel room. Are you looking for a roommate for the convention? Would you be willing to share your room with someone else? If so, contact Kathy Hamrick at khamrick@agrm.org.

Update from Papua New Guinea
Larry George reports that the Port Moresby City Mission (Papua New Guinea) recently took possession of a hostel, which the mission plans to covert to an AIDS Children’s Crisis Center. AIDS is a growing problem in Papua New Guinea; many children have become victims. Ministry in the island nation north of Australia is difficult because of the extreme poverty of the people. Larry is an AGRM member and friend to many here through the City Mission World Association.

Looking down the street . . .
Ron Wilson has been named director of Victor Valley Rescue Mission (Victorville, Calif.). Welcome! And a hearty welcome to David Honey, new executive director of Good News Rescue Mission (Redding, Calif.). Jerry Trecek at Peoria Rescue Mission (Peoria, Ill.) has two semi-trailer loads of file cabinets and reception-area furniture available to anyone who will haul some of it away. Call Jerry at (309) 676-6416. The Springs Rescue Mission (Colorado Springs, Colo.) was damaged last week when a car smashed through brick walls into two mission buildings, including the not-yet-completed 50-bed recovery program building. Police arrested a suspect later in the week.  Tacoma Rescue Mission (Tacoma, Wash.) has been nominated as one of America’s best Christian-run places to work by the Best Christian Workplaces Institute of Mercer Island, Washington, a program in which companies with 10 or more employees allow staff to give feedback on the work environment for educational purposes. Gary Drake of Montana Rescue Mission (Billings, Mont.) began chemo treatments for cancer last week. Gary says he’s lost 30 pounds in the past few weeks, but he seems to be turning on that front. Please remember Gary in prayer.

National Day of Prayer
Today is National Day of Prayer. It may be appropriate for you to gather your staff for 15 minutes to pray for the nation. Include in your prayer list: the economy and its impact on people in need, broken families, people who are abused and addicted, appropriate care for people who are mentally ill, and people who are disconnected from society.

Social Security offers prescription drug help for mothers
This Mother’s Day, the Social Security Administration is offering up to $3,600 in aid to help low- income moms pay for prescription drugs. The program, “Show Someone You Love How Much You Care,” is designed to supplement Medicare prescription coverage. To be eligible, women must have an annual income of less than $15,600 ($21,000 for couples living together) and personal assets, not including house and car, of less than $11,990 ($23,970 for couples). More information and eligibility worksheets are available at http://tinyurl.com/44h2vm.

Scholarships available for executive certification
The Center for Social Leadership has a certification program to refine the skills of nonprofit leaders (see http://tinyurl.com/3l59mk). If you are interested in attending the program, scholarships are available to help defray the cost. To learn more about the scholarships, email Cheryl Steele of Booz Allen Hamilton in Washington, D.C., at dc.cheryl.steele@gmail.com.

Albany mission highlighted in charitable giving story
Nonprofit organizations across North America are feeling the pinch of reduced giving. In an MSNBC.com article posted last week (see http://tinyurl.com/4rj6x8), the Capital City Rescue Mission (Albany, N.Y.) was highlighted in the lead paragraph. Stories of increased service requests come in from cities in every region of the country: Albuquerque, Boise, Panama City, and Raleigh.

Divorce and unwed childbearing have huge social cost
The cost to taxpayers of family fragmentation (divorce and out-of-wedlock childbearing) was placed at $112 billion annually in a study conducted by an economist at Georgia College & State University. The costs arise from greater spending on welfare, healthcare, criminal justice, and education for those raised in disadvantaged homes. The study’s calculations were based on single females with relatively high poverty rates. Read about the study at http://tinyurl.com/4l5x4e.

Research reveals giving patterns
In 2007, 84 percent of all adults gave money to churches or nonprofit groups, according to research by The Barna Group released last month. Evangelical Christians were the most giving segment, donating a mean of $4,260 to churches and nonprofit organizations. Among the lowest giving groups were those under age 25, single adults who had never been married, and agnostics and atheists. Read the full report at http://tinyurl.com/4gxtgv.

Religion one indicator of happiness
Nearly six out of ten people (57 percent) who identify themselves as “very religious” say they rarely worry about their health, compared to 48 percent who call themselves “not religious,” according to a Harris Interactive Poll released last week. Work is also less frustrating to those who claim a strong faith. In addition, the poll noted that those with advanced education and those who were not often pressured to behave unethically were more optimistic about their general satisfaction, health, and hobbies. Read more at http://tinyurl.com/58lytg.

New movie steps into creation versus evolution debate
In his documentary "Expelled", which opened in theaters April 18, Ben Stein asks why scientists who question Darwin’s theory of evolution in favor of intelligent design are silenced and shunned by the scientific community. The movie might be a good outing for mission youth or long-term program participants to promote discussion on how to deal with opposing attitudes and ideas. Find out more about the movie at www.getexpelled.com.

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

Positions available…

Albany, NY: Director of Learning Center - Responsible for activities including helping people learn to read, gain GED, learn other skills. Assists in job searches, resume preparation, job readiness skills. College graduate, organized/detailed, heart for the homeless/needy. Capital City Rescue Mission, PO Box 1999, Albany, NY 12201. Phone: 518-462-0459 x222 Fax: 518-462-0489 To contact via email: ccrm259@yahoo.com Date Added: 04/18/2008

Albuquerque, NM: Multiple Openings - Director of Development, Security Specialist Supervisor, Security Specialist(2). Contact Stephanie Sessions, Albuquerque Rescue Mission, 525 2nd Street SW, Albuquerque, NM 87103. Phone: (505) 346-4673, ext. 226 Fax: (505) 843-8823 To contact via email: steph@albqrescuemission.com Web site: http://www.albqrescuemission.com Date Added: 03/25/2008

Atlanta, GA: President/ CEO - Atlanta Union Mission, a nonprofit ministry that brings Christ’s healing power to people in crisis through programs of rescue and recovery, seeks a President/CEO. Full description on website. Contact BoardWalk Consulting, 127 Peachtree Street, Suite 200, Atlanta, GA 30303. Phone: 404-420-5852 To contact via email: joan@boardwalkconsulting.com Web site: http://boardwalkconsulting.com/Positions.aspx Date Added: 03/24/2008

Fresno CA: Resource Development Assistant - Provide administrative support to Marketing-Resource Development. Requires self-starter, multi-tasker with analytical skills. Microsoft Office experience with Publisher/other publishing software and Access preferred. FT position. Contact Fresno Rescue Mission, PO Box 1422, Fresno CA 93716-1422. Phone: 559- 268-0839, Ext. 204 Fax: 559-268-1317 To contact via email: jsteinhauer@fresnorescuemission.org Date Added: 04/15/2008

Harrisburg, PA: Business Manager - Oversee financial activities of the mission according to generally accepted accounting principles. Requires accounting degree with five years of experience. Send resume/salary requirements to Bethesda Mission, Human Resources Dept., PO Box 3041, Harrisburg, PA 17105. Phone: 717-257-4442 Fax: 717-257-5486 To contact via email: bethesda@bethesda-mission.org Date Added: 03/03/2008

Holbrook, AZ: Executive Director/Case Manager - Position requires team building, leadership, development skills to operate/further develop rural ministry with emergency shelter/life change program; provide case management services. Requires homeless ministry experience; BA preferred. Contact Board President Shannon Newman, Bread of Life Mission, PO Box 246, Holbrook, AZ 86025. Phone: 928-524-3874 To contact via email: wsnewman@frontiernet.net Date Added: 03/13/2008

Jackson, WY: Assistant Director - Operate programs/services to promote spiritual, physical, emotional and vocational welfare of guests. Bachelor Degree/equivalent experience in small rescue mission operation. Housing available for single male. Contact Good Samaritan Mission, PO Box 1218, Jackson, WY 83001. Phone: 307-733-3165 To contact via email: GSM-WY@MAIL.COM Date Added: 04/03/2008

Joliet, IL: Kitchen Supervisor - Supervise kitchen, plan menus, meal preparation, supervise volunteers/program people, maintain inventory. Previous experience preferred, able to lift, addiction free, valid IL driver's license. Contact MorningStar Mission, 350 E. Washington Street, Joliet, IL 60433. Phone: 815-722-5780 Fax: 815-726-9450 To contact via email: morningstarbm@yahoo.com Date Added: 04/03/2008

Modesto, CA: Development Professional - Seeking individual with experience and proven success in Development. Successful candidate will have excellent written/oral communication skills, be creative and innovative. Email employment history, including salary history and requirements. Modesto Gospel Mission, Modesto, CA. To contact via email: hr@homelessmission.org Date Added: 03/18/2008

Newark, NJ: Director of Programs - Using Servant Leadership model, operate programs/services to promote spiritual, physical, emotional, personal, vocational welfare of guest population. Requires Bachelor’s in Social Services or equivalent. Ability to obtain CDAC certification. Contact Jim Benton, Goodwill Rescue Mission, 79 University Ave., Newark, NJ 07102. Phone: 973-621-9560, ext. 38 To contact via email: jbenton@grmnewark.org Web site: http://www.grmnewark.org Date Added: 03/25/2008

Oxnard, CA: Administrator/ Volunteer Coordinator - Men’s recovery program seeks leader to recruit, screen, supervise volunteers. Design/develop programs. Manage community service hours, ensure court order compliance. Maintain database/safety program. Network/speak at events. Experience working w/ homeless desired. Fax or email resume. Phone: (805) 487-1234 Fax: (805) 385-4126 To contact via email: jobs@erescuemission.org Web site: http://www.erescuemission.org Date Added: 04/18/2008

Pittsburgh, PA: Multiple Openings - Men's Residential Program Manager, and Men's Program Case Manager. Contact Kellie D. Wild, Director of Programs, Light of Life Rescue Mission, PO Box 6823, Pittsburgh, PA 15212. Phone: 412-258-6100 Fax: 412-803-4142 To contact via email: kwild@lightoflife.org Web site: http://www.lightoflife.org Date Added: 03/31/2008

Portland, OR: Assistant Director of Shepherd's Door - Site management position. Operate programs/services to promote spiritual, physical, emotional, vocational welfare of residential women and children. Bachelor Degree/equivalent experience. Contact Portland Rescue Mission, 700 NE Multnomah, Suite 400, Portland, OR 97232. Phone: 503-MISSION Fax: 503-227-1126 To contact via email: miekog@pdxmission.org Date Added: 04/23/2008

Seattle, WA: Multiple Openings - Gift Processing Data Entry Operator, Children's Activity Center Coordinator, Director of Recovery Ministries, Dental Assistant, High School Outreach Staff, Children's Ministry Outreach Staff, Community Center Assistant/Athletic Coordinator, Gym Assistant, Computer Lab Assistant, Summer Outreach Staff, Children's Ministry Curriculum Specialist. 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 Date Added: 04/04/2008

St. Paul, MN: Director of Chaplains - Responsible for hiring, training, and managing chaplain staff. Oversee pastoral care for mission clients. Requires Bachelor’s degree/equivalent, licensed/ordained as a minister. Three years of experience. Contact Union Gospel Mission, 77 Ninth St. E, St. Paul, MN 55101 Phone: 651-228-1800 x 301 Fax: 651-222-7968 To contact via email: jobinfo@ugmtc.org Date Added: 04/15/2008

Tucson AZ: Program Director - Women & Children's Center - Oversee shelter/recovery programs utilizing GENESIS Process recovery program. Supervise staff. Requires Bachelor degree in related field; experience with homeless; knowledge of addictions/mental illness; strong leadership, organizational skills. Contact Gospel Rescue Mission, 326 W. 28th St., Tucson AZ 85713. Phone: 520-740-1501 Fax: 520-622-8585 To contact via email: roy@grmtucson.com Date Added: 04/22/2008

Coming Events…

May 24–28
95th Annual AGRM Convention, Hilton Anatole, Dallas, Texas

For more information on any of these conferences, log on to www.agrm.org/events, or call
(800) 624-5156.

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).

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.