Gustav leaves no major impact on members
A quick survey of AGRM member ministries along the Gulf Coast revealed no significant impact from Hurricane Gustav. Men from the New Orleans Rescue Mission (New Orleans, La.) evacuated to Hiway 80 Rescue Mission (Longview, Tex.). Ron Gonzales reports that the mission will be providing food and housing for volunteers coming into New Orleans to assist with hurricane clean-up. They will need food, water, bedding, towels, and cleaning supplies. Port Cities Rescue Mission (Port Arthur, Tex.) reports minimal damage on Monday and everything back to normal Tuesday morning. No reports of disrupted service from members in Baton Rouge, Shreveport or Mobile. Please remember to pray for our members who are ministering to people in storm affected areas.

Task force helps establish new direction
Twenty future-thinking AGRM members—a great cross-section of the membership—were at Wheeler Mission’s Camp Hunt south of Indianapolis last Tuesday through Thursday. They spent the three days establishing the new Educational Tracks that will be the basis for AGRM’s core curriculum. They also formalized the new Affinity Groups, where new members will find places of belonging in the days ahead. The task force members wore each other out with dialogue, presenting numerous opinions and scrutinizing many rationales. In the end, there was general consensus and satisfaction. AGRM will introduce the new Educational Tracks and Affinity Groups next month.

AGRM receives fiscal management award
Last month, AGRM received the prestigious four-star rating from Charity Navigator, America’s premier charity evaluator. The award highlights the association’s “sound fiscal management” and “ability to efficiently manage and grow its finances.” Charity Navigator seeks to provide donors with essential information needed to give them greater confidence in the charitable choices they make. The four-star rating “differentiates AGRM from its peers and demonstrates to the public it is worthy of their trust.” We are pleased to be recognized in this way.

Move to a mountaintop at Denver convention
“Take a Peak!” is rallying call for next May’s convention in Colorado. The dazzling, mile-high city of Denver sits at the base of the majestic Rocky Mountains—and the scenery is spectacular! It’s the kind of place that stirs the souls of poets and painters. Definitely, there will be plenty to see and do in and around Denver. But the most inspiring views will be the ones shared in our convention seminars and general sessions. They will range from confirming to iconoclastic, motivating you to move up and claim higher ground in your rescue mission career. Caleb the scout never let go of God’s pledge from the past. Frustrated that fear had kept his kinsmen living in the lowlands for far too long, he confronted Joshua: “I fully believed the Lord…I am still as strong…I am just as ready to fight…So give me the mountain country the Lord promised me” (Joshua 14:8,11, 12, NCV). We believe you will come away from our rock-solid convention program in Denver with a desire to move to the mountains (figuratively, that is), to leave the plateau and take a peak. It could be the elevating experience you need for a totally new perspective. A convention early-bird brochure will be published in October. Register early to get the best rates.

Fresno mission runner-up for Samaritan Award
The Fresno Rescue Mission (Fresno, Calif.) was named first runner-up for the 2008 Samaritan Award by the Acton Institute. The mission received the commendation for “The Academy,” its men’s Christian recovery and rehabilitation program. The Academy features biblical studies, life-skills training, a computer learning center, GED preparation, literacy assistance, counseling, and a work-skills program. The top prize in 2008 went to Citizens for Community Values (Memphis, Tenn.). Congratulations to Larry Arce and the staff of the mission on your diligent efforts. The mission received a $1,000 award and was featured in the August 15 issue of World Magazine. Four other AGRM member ministries were finalists: Lighthouse Ministries (Lakeland, Fla.), Panama City Rescue Mission (Panama City, Fla.), Redwood Gospel Mission (Santa Rosa, Calif.), and Union Mission Ministries (Norfolk, Va.).

College degree in addiction studies offered
AGRM’s partner City Vision College (formerly Rescue College) announces the beginning of its certificate program and bachelor‘s of science degree in addiction studies. The degree program includes courses that specifically address the issues faced in rescue mission rehabilitation and recovery programs; AGRM members helped develop many of the classes. Those who complete the program will not only have an accredited bachelor’s degree, but also be well on their way to becoming a Certified Addictions Counselor. Program courses also count toward CEUs for those already in the field. AGRM members receive a 25 percent discount on all City Vision College courses. Find out more about the new degree at http://tinyurl.com/5lnozj.

Job applicant management tools available
AGRM is partnering with CRI Teleconferencing to bring AGRM members a variety of tools to help you select the best possible talent. CRI has proven products and services to help your ministry ensure job fit, streamline applicant management, and conduct background verifications. During September and October, CRI will hold three one-hour teleconferences, each focusing on one of the tools provided. You are invited to join one or more of the teleconferences to see how CRI can meet your human resources needs. Find out more at www.agrm.org/pdf/CRI-AGRM_Flyer.pdf.

Make the right call
We’re pleased to have Crystal Davidson as a part of the AGRM team (as announced in the August 1 issue of Street Smart). Crystal is executive assistant to John Ashmen (among other duties). Members can always call John directly on his cell phone at (719) 440-5003. However, if you are unable to contact John, or to get an update on his schedule, you may call Crystal at (719) 268-1169.

Looking down the street...
David Blacksmith has resigned as executive director of Southern New Hampshire Rescue Mission (Nashua, N.H.). Board member Larry Billingsly has been named interim director. After months of hard work, Isaiah House (Willisburg, Ky.) has moved into its new facility. Congratulations to Mark LaPalme and staff! Winston-Salem Rescue Mission (Winston-Salem, N.C.) dedicated its new four-story, 26,000-square-foot New Life Center last month. It’s an exciting new venture for Dan Parsons and staff. Nadine Pitney, who along with her husband, Gerald, helped found the Rockford Rescue Mission (Rockford, Ill.), passed away last week. Nadine faithfully served at the mission for more than 30 years.

Legislation friendly to volunteers
Last month, two U.S. senators introduced Bill 3429, the Giving Incentives to Volunteers Everywhere Act of 2008 (GIVE Act). The purpose of the bill is to increase the deductible mileage rate for volunteers using their personal automobiles for charitable purposes. If passed, the act would raise the charitable mileage deduction from 14 cents to 41 cents, tie the volunteer mileage rate to 70 percent of the standard business mileage rate allowed by the IRS, and exclude any volunteer mileage reimbursements from income tax consequences. Supporters hope the act will be passed into law before Congress recesses for the elections. Find out more at http://tinyurl.com/6rbfc7.

Large homeless vote predicted for November
With the housing crisis and escalating energy costs as motivators, experts predict an unusually high voter turnout among homeless people in the November elections. The economic downturn has forced some people into shelters—more than 2 million foreclosures were reported last year—and those currently in the shelter system see greater barriers to self-directed living than others have in the past. Both Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama and Republican John McCain are promising policies designed to help the most vulnerable members of society. Read more at http://tinyurl.com/6rf3o3.

Rescue mission employee helps bust hospital fraud
An employee of the Union Rescue Mission in Los Angeles helped authorities break an insurance fraud case. According to a report in the New York Times, three L.A.-area hospitals allegedly rounded up homeless people—offering them food, cigarettes, and sometimes cash—and sent them to the hospitals. Sometimes, the individuals received treatment for non-existent ailments or no treatment at all. The hospitals took in millions of dollars in payments from Medicaid and Medi-Cal health insurance programs. The mission employee, Scott Johnson, noticed hospital vans regularly picking up people from the streets in the morning and dropping them off in the same place later in the day. He called authorities, which led to the investigation. Read the story at http://tinyurl.com/56p7bo.

Americans question religion’s role in politics
Many Americans (52 percent) believe that churches and other houses of worship should not express themselves on social and political matters, according to a Pew Research Center study released last month. In addition, 46 percent of those surveyed in August of this year said they were uncomfortable when politicians talked about how religious they were, up from 40 percent in 2004. Also, 38 percent said they felt the Democratic Party was generally friendly toward religion, a jump from 26 percent just two years ago, and 52 percent view the Republican Party as favorable toward religion. Read the full report at http://pewforum.org/docs/?DocID=334.

New poll rates generations
The Silent Generation (ages 63 to 83) is the most widely admired (33 percent of poll respondents agree) and most generous (40 percent), according to a recent Harris Interactive Poll that asked respondents what they thought of different generations. Baby boomers (ages 44 to 62) were seen as having the most positive effect on society (35 percent) and being most productive (45 percent), Generation X (ages 32 to 43) the most innovative (41 percent), and Generation Y (13 to 31 years) the most self-indulgent (53 percent). View the full study at http://tinyurl.com/5varbq.

News audiences blend online and traditional sources
The popularity of the Internet has resulted in a decline in the number of people who get their daily news from traditional sources. Today, 13 percent of the public receive their news online almost exclusively, 23 percent access online and traditional sources (such as radio, newspapers, and television), and 46 percent rely on traditional sources—primarily television—for the majority of their daily news intake. The findings were part of a Pew Research Center study conducted between April and June of this year. Find out more about the study at http://tinyurl.com/5ov6kw.

Akron mission reaches out to church staff members
Every year, Haven of Rest Ministries (Akron, Ohio) hosts a half-day seminar for church secretaries and administrative assistants. The session is designed to help front-line church staff members serve people in need. The event includes training regarding how to deal with people in need, an overview of community resources, church referrals to the mission, and a tour of the mission facilities. The seminar builds relationships with local churches and saves church members time in meeting the needs of the people to whom they minister.

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AGRM's Online Want Ads

POSITIONS AVAILABLE
Colorado Springs, CO: Men's New Life Program Manager - Position requires experience in program development, management, team building, individual/group recovery programs. Requires skills in interpersonal communication, organization, problem solving, innovation, ability to contribute. 1-3 years of management/supervision experience in homeless/mental illness/addiction recovery field desirable. Send resume with cover letter to Lyn Harwell, Springs Rescue Mission, 5 West Las Vegas Street, Colorado Springs, CO 80903. Phone: 719-314-2343 To contact via email: lynh@mysrm.org Date Added: 08/12/2008

Denver, CO: Multiple Openings - Seeking an Executive Office Manager and Education Coordinator. See job descriptions on the website. To apply, send resume and cover letter to lbrown@denrescue.org or Fax 303-294-9503. Denver Rescue Mission, PO Box 5206, Denver, CO 80127-5206 Web site: http://www.denverrescuemission.org Date Added: 08/27/2008

Las Vegas, NV: Executive Director - Oversee staff, overnight shelters, recovery program, Christian counseling, feeding program, fundraising/grant writing, public relations. Requires BA, 5 years supervisory experience in rescue ministry/related experience, strong communication skills. Salary/benefits. Las Vegas Rescue Mission, President of the Board, 8608 Desert Bird Drive, Las Vegas, NV 89145 Phone: 702-382-1766 Fax: 702-474-7535 To contact via email: haases@cox.net Date Added: 08/18/2008

Roseburg, OR: Executive Director - Oversee men's shelter - kitchen, women's shelter, thrift stores, transition apartments, recycling program, fundraising. Requires BA, supervisory experience in Christian ministry/business, strong communication skills. DOE plus medical. Email or mail resume/references to Roseburg Rescue Mission, PO Box 1937, Roseburg, OR 97470 Phone: 541-673-3004 Fax: 541-673-2704 To contact via email: rsbgmission@aol.com Date Added: 08/01/2008

Saint Paul, MN: Multiple Openings - Hotel Operations Manager, Director(Prison Re-entry Program), Dental Assistant, Seasonal Donor Service Associates, Instructor-Learning Center. Job descriptions available on website. Contact Sandy Ulrick, Union Gospel Mission, 77 9th St E, Saint Paul, MN 55101 Phone: 651-228-1800 Fax: 651-222-7968 To contact via email: jobinfo@ugmtc.org Web site: http://www.ugmtc.org Date Added: 08/22/2008

Seattle WA: Multiple Openings - Dental Assistant, Women and Children's Shelter-Case Manager, Recovery Counselor, and Children's Program Coordinator. Job Descriptions available upon request. 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: 08/22/2008

Spokane, WA: Director, Anna Ogden Hall - Provide servant leadership, staff administration, operations, programs, and public relations. Requires rescue ministry experience, strong leadership/organizational skills, public relations ability. Salaried with benefits. Contact Union Gospel Mission Ministries of Spokane, PO Box 4066, Spokane, WA 99220 Phone: 509-535-8510 Fax: 509-535-0315 To contact via email: ugmteri@ugmspokane.org Date Added: 08/18/2008

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).

Feeding the hungry
“Be careful that you do not forget the LORD your God…Otherwise, when you eat and are satisfied…you will forget the LORD your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery…He gave you manna to eat in the desert, something your fathers had never known, to humble and to test you so that in the end it might go well with you” (Deut. 8:11, 12, 14, 16).

This word of warning was given to the Israelites who tended to forget, once the storm had passed over, who or what sustained them. The Lord wanted His people to be fully reminded that it was He who had brought them out, led them, and fed them. I believe that there are two thoughts that are paramount in this passage: Do not forget your hunger, and do not forget the food I fed you.

Why would the Lord want His people to remember their hunger? It’s easy to remember a delicious meal, but it would be rare for someone to consciously sit down to recall his or her previous hunger. This is exactly what the Lord wanted His people to do.

Hunger refers to our craving and appetite for food. It is when we can clearly recall our cravings that we can consciously and gratefully remember how our needs were met. God was saying, “Just as you crave physical food, I want you to crave Me and My spiritual food—not just the physical food that I give.”

May Jesus, the Good Shepherd who feeds His sheep abundantly, be your greatest desire.

Contributed by John Hill, executive director, Albuquerque Rescue Mission (Albuquerque, N.M.)

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.