Volume 2, Number 12 • July 1, 2008 • www.agrm.org

 

 

 
New AGRM logo available
The redesigned AGRM logo is now available for use by our member ministries. The logo in various sizes is at www.agrm.org/Logos/Member/index.html, along with the appropriate colors for use. Missions that are “certified” or “certified excellent” may obtain special AGRM logos noting the certification status by emailing Faye Wisdom at fwisdom@agrm.org. And business members can contact Faye for a copy of the business member logo. AGRM is developing standards of use for the mark. Member ministries must use the version with the word “member” clearly visible and it must be printed either in black and white or with the exact colors noted on the download from the website. AGRM member ministries may not use the logo with the blank skyline, as that is the AGRM corporate logo.

Letter carriers fill mission pantries
The annual Letter Carriers Food Drive regularly fills food pantries across the country. Many of our member missions are grateful recipients of the proceeds. The Springfield Victory Mission (Springfield, Mo.) received more than 15,800 pounds of canned good and non-perishable food items as a result of the food drive. If your mission was the beneficiary of this generous community project, be sure to thank the donors in your newsletter.

Thank you, Jo
At the end of June, AGRM said goodbye to part-time staff member Jo Rydman. Jo served the association for nine years, most recently as the assistant to Gary Meek. Jo did myriad tasks in the member services area; a primary responsibility was coordinating track and regional events. Always a cheery voice on the phone, she served members faithfully and gladly. Again, thank you, Jo.

Rescue ministry patriarch in serious condition
The Reverend Bill Raws, known as Pastor Bill to thousands, remains in a New Jersey hospital’s ICU. He is suffering from a number of issues, including acute respiratory distress syndrome, pneumonia, a strep infection, and congestive heart failure. Bill was the third-generation leader of America’s Keswick, including the Keswick Colony of Mercy (Whiting, N.J.), a long-time AGRM member. He was also instrumental in the founding of the Christian Addiction Rehabilitation Association (CARA). The family would very much appreciate your prayers.

D.C. university recruiting nursing students
Andrew Sears of TechMission (AGRM’s City Vision College partner) reports that the University of the District of Columbia is recruiting nursing students between 18 and 28 years of age. Willing individuals who meet application standards will receive free tuition, free books, and a $250 monthly stipend for the three-year program. Upon graduation, the students are guaranteed job placement as a nurse at Providence Hospital, with a starting salary of $40,000. If you have recent mission graduates in that age group who are interested, contact Ms. Beshon Smith at (202) 266-5481 or email bsmith@urbanalliance.org.

Looking down the street...
Keith Colvin has been named executive director of Wayside Cross Rescue Mission (Pueblo, Colo.) Welcome, Keith! We also extend a hearty welcome to Cherise Merrick, who took over leadership at Bread of Life Mission of Holbrook (Holbrook, Ariz.). Start-up ministry The Shepherd’s House (Bend, Ore.) has won an appeal with the Land Use Board of Appeals that allows the mission to remain in service with a 60-bed capacity. The city wanted to cut the number of beds to 32. The mission reports that all of the beds are full nightly. Bob Hobbs has resigned as executive director of Refuge of Hope Ministries (Canton, Ohio).

 
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Mayors oppose immigration raids
The mayors of Los Angeles, Oakland, and Seattle are challenging how the government raids businesses looking for illegal immigrants, and encouraging other mayors to join with them in their challenge. Citing limited resources available to enforce existing laws, the mayors are urging immigration officials to concentrate their searches on businesses that reportedly exploit or endanger workers, rather than going after legitimate businesses and workers. Read the related USA Today report at http://tinyurl.com/6k5kx9. We recognize that many of the illegal workers are of Hispanic descent; the September issue of Rescue magazine will feature an article on how to reach out to the Hispanic community, caring for people—including those who have entered the country illegally—in need.

Faith-Based office likely to remain after election
One of President Bush’s recognized domestic achievements was the establishment of the Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives. But the promotion and support of faith-based organizations has not been without controversy. Many analysts have speculated as to whether the initiative will continue under the next U.S. president. In a recent article in The Nonprofit Times, Eleanor Clift says it is unlikely that the office will be dismantled any time soon. Read the report at http://tinyurl.com/5qe4hq.

Some nonprofits’ tax-exempt status at risk
In an unsteady economy in which government authorities are seeking to open up more funding sources, charities’ tax-exempt status are under extra scrutiny. The tax status of many nonprofits—including child care centers, evangelical ministries, universities, and hospitals—has come into question because these organizations seem very similar to businesses, selling products or services, for example. According to rough estimates, the property taxes not paid to local governments by charities amount to between $8 billion and $13 billion annually. Find out more in the New York Times article at http://tinyurl.com/5l7nkg.

 
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Mileage rate increases to 58.5 cents per mile
Rapidly rising fuel prices have prompted the Internal Revenue Service to announce an increase in the mileage rates through the end of 2008. As of July 1, the rate for business miles driven is 58.5 cents per mile, up from the 50.5 cents per mile in effect the first six months of this year. This rate change does not affect the allowed deductible amount for individuals who drive to the mission to volunteer. The rate for providing services for charitable organizations is set by statute, not the IRS, and remains at 14 cents a mile. View the IRS report at http://tinyurl.com/64298f.

Stress prompts varied responses
When stress hits, many people pursue healthy responses, such as listening to music (54 percent), reading (52 percent), exercising or walking (50 percent), spending time with family or friends (40 percent), or praying (34 percent), according an American Psychological Association study of 2,000 individuals. Others react with less healthy activities, such as losing sleep (48 percent), overeating or eating unhealthy foods (43 percent), or skipping meals (36 percent). Researchers say an individual’s responses are the result of personal biology, emotions, and learned behaviors. Read more at http://tinyurl.com/58ffyg.

Major paper takes on homeless average-age stat
A recent video by the National Coalition for the Homeless repeats the oft-used statistic: The average age of a homeless person is 9. The assertion struck a New York Times reporter as improbable, so she looked into the origins of the erroneous statement. Read her report at http://tinyurl.com/5tfeef. Numerous national studies agree that the average age of a homeless person is much older than 9. The annual AGRM Snapshot Survey of the Homeless, for example, found that the average age of the homeless is about 38.

 
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Celebrating summer and community
Open Door Mission (Omaha, Neb.) held its annual Summer Picnic for the Homeless June 26. The picnic allows the community to enjoy summertime weather, food, friendship, music, and fun, including door prizes, other giveaways, games for adults, and moonwalks for kids. The mission extends invitations to needy and homeless families, as well as its friends and neighbors. Because the picnic is not associated with a holiday, the mission receives tremendous media coverage and plenty of volunteer support. Your mission still has time to organize a summer picnic for your community.

[Send us a blurb about your unique ideas or simple solutions and we’ll communicate them on Easy Street.]
 
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AGRM's Online Want Ads

POSITIONS AVAILABLE

Albany, NY: Program Counselor - Christian counselor to work with men in a nine month Biblically-based recovery program. Must enjoy watching miracles happen as men learn to apply the Word of God to their lives. Capital City Rescue Mission, PO Box 1999, Albany, NY 12201. Phone: 518-462-0459 x232 Fax: 518-462-0489 To contact via email: dwalker@albanymission.com Date Added: 06/05/2008

Eau Claire, WI: Development Director - Individual will minister to donors, oversee media relations, raise money for mission programs. Previous fund-raising experience, rescue mission/non-profit experience preferred. Email for complete job description/benefits package. Hope Gospel Mission, PO Box 1127, Eau Claire, WI 54702-1127. Phone: 715-552-5566 Fax: 715-552-5563 To contact via email: meghan@hopegospelmission.org Date Added: 06/05/2008

Omaha, NE: Men’s Emergency Case Manager - Full-time Strength Based Men’s Case Management. Position includes preparing individual program plans on budgeting, housing, emotional needs, resources, educational pursuits, recovery and 12 step issues. Must be flexible and dependable. Experience a plus. Contact: Open Door Mission PO Box 8340 Omaha, NE 68108. Phone: 402-829-1562 Web site: http://www.opendoormission.org Date Added: 06/03/2008

Oxnard, CA: Database Analyst/Administrator - Seeking Database Analyst/Administrator to maintain Raiser’s Edge donor database, statistical accuracy. Oversee staff. 3-years Raiser’s Edge or equivalent SQL database + MS Access, Excel, accounting and quality assurance experience preferred. Good verbal/written communication, interpersonal skills. Proven ability to multi-task. Email resume/salary history. Rescue Mission Alliance, 315 N "A" Street, Oxnard, CA 93030. Phone: 805 436-4522 Fax: 805 385-4126 To contact via email: Jobs@erescuemission.org Web site: http://www.erescuemission.org Date Added: 06/02/2008

Panama City, FL: Associate Director of Enterprise - Responsible for effective/efficient direction to thrift store operations, Ebay sales, rescue recycling, appliance repair. Requires seven years of education, training, experience in managing multiple operations. Knowledge of personnel management, retail marketing. Contact Panama City Rescue Mission, PO Box 2359, Panama City FL, 32502 Phone: 850 215-9007 Fax: 850 763-0099 To contact via email: michaelmartin@pcrmission.org Date Added: 06/02/2008

Phoenix, AZ: Major Gifts Officer - Oversee/manage all aspects of the major gifts program. Compile/analyze information on potential donors. Establish budget goals. Prepare written/marketing materials. Maintain donor cultivation cycle and gift stewardship program. Maintain records in Raiser's Edge. Bachelor's degree or related experience/training. Contact Phoenix Rescue Mission, PO 6708, Phoenix, AZ 85005-6708 Phone: 602-346-3323 Fax: 602-343-5185 To contact via email: ahathaway@phoenixrescuemission.org Date Added: 06/02/2008

Portland, OR: Multiple Openings - Director of Partnership Ministry,
Women's Program Manager. Contact Portland Rescue Mission, 700 NE Multnomah, Portland, OR 97232. Phone: 503-906-7602 To contact via email: miekog@pdxmission.org Date Added: 06/10/2008

Rapid City, SD: Associate Director - Assist with operations, program oversight, staff supervision. Requires organizational, multi-tasking, problem solving abilities, verbal/written communication and presentation skills. BA in business/related field, or equivalent exp. Two years supervisory exp. Rescue ministry experience a plus. Cornerstone Rescue Mission, 30 Main Street - POB 2188, Rapid City, SD 57709. Email resumes. Phone: 605-341-2844 Fax: 605-341-2741 To contact via email: jcranford@cornerstonemission.org Web site: http://www.cornerstonemission.org Date Added: 06/03/2008

Salina, KS: Men's Program Director - Oversee men's recovery program. Case manager, hold accountable, teach, mentor 12-16 men. Must have heart for the homeless; knowledge of addictions/mental illness; leadership, organizational skills, experience preferred. Salina Rescue Mission, PO Box 1667, Salina, KS 67402-1667. Phone: 785-823-2610 Fax: 785-452-9121 To contact via email: chad@salinarescuemission.com Date Added: 06/04/2008

Seattle WA: Multiple Openings - Gift Processing Data Entry Operator, Dental Assistant, Truck Driver/Warehouse Worker, Women & Children's Shelter - Children's Activity Center Coordinator, Case Manager, Office Manager, & Recovery Counselor; Director of Recovery Ministries, Children's Ministry Outreach Staff, Community Center Assistant/Athletic Coordinator, Summer Academy Teacher, Summer Outreach Staff. Contact Seattle's Union Gospel Mission, PO Box 202, Seattle WA. Phone: 206-723-0767 Fax: 206-723-1076 To contact via email: rosalake@ugm.org Web site: http://www.ugm.org Date Added: 06/20/2008

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).
 
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Rescued from the body of death
“I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do. What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death? Thanks be to God—through Jesus Christ our Lord!” (Romans 7:15, 24, 25a)

This scripture hit home for me as I interacted with Scott, a dear friend.

I got to know Scott while he was in our mission’s recovery program. A gifted electrician, he was proud of his craft, and viewed his skills a gift from God. He relished using his talent for the kingdom. I saw Scott work; I was blessed to see him at his best.

Unfortunately, I also saw my friend at his worst. After he left our recovery program, I encountered Scott in an unpleasant, drunken state.

A later conversation with Scott revealed a profound love for Jesus Christ. He shared openly about his addiction and detailed the battle going on within him. Scott said he knew that alcoholism was the reason he could not keep a job, was why he was homeless, and, in fact, was killing him. Scott wanted to overcome his alcoholism, but he could not do what he wanted to do.

We don’t always see victories exactly as we expect them. Sometimes success within a person is something only God sees.

Jesus Christ rescued Scott from the battle within himself, as well as his “body of death” when Scott passed away this past February. I know he is truly free now, worshiping his Savior.

Contributed by Alan Pickett, operations/facilities manager, Kansas City Rescue Mission (Kansas City, Mo.)

 

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.

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AGRM is a nonprofit organization committed to furthering rescue missions. AGRM provides limited space in the “Market Street” for advertising opportunities, services, and products to advance the cause of rescue missions. AGRM is not responsible for the claims made by its advertisers and reserves the right to select or reject any advertising, in the sole discretion of AGRM, for any or no reason.
 
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All Scripture quotations taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION, unless otherwise noted. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Bible Publishers.

“Street Smart” is sent to you as a member service of AGRM. The content does not necessarily represent the views of or imply endorsement by AGRM. To submit items for publication, e-mail editor@agrm.org.