Lighthouse News
WE BELIEVE ...
Building on Faith, Hope and Excellence! Since 1949
September 2016
Issue 9, Volume 67
“To everyth
A time for e ing there is a season
very purpos
,
e under hea
ven;”
Ecclesiastes
3
Mentor Appreciation Day
at Rescue the Children
Story on page 3
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One of the things I have realized in life is that no matter how well we plan,
the unexpected happens. Events outside our control will take place.
T HE FRESNO RESCUE MISSION IS BEING IMPACTED BY THE
CALIFORNIA HIGH SPEED RAIL PROJECT.
Just as we have choices when we deal with unexpected challenges in our
personal lives, we likewise have choices as a Mission family. We can resist
change, or we can put it in God’s hands and, with His leading, work through the challenges as they arise. The California High
Speed Rail project is significantly impacting both the Fresno Rescue Mission’s main campus on “G” Street and our Rescue the
Children (RTC) community:
R ESCUE THE CHILDREN NOW HAS A NEW ADDRESS: 2320 W. Weldon, Fresno CA 93705
Because Parkway Drive (the frontage road once used for access to our community) is set to close, the City had to create a
new access way to RTC by using existing roadways west of our property. Though not yet updated on digital mapping sites
(Google, GPS, etc.), roadways to the property are easy to navigate: Travel West on CLINTON across the Freeway 99 overpass.
Turn Left on VASSAR Street (frontage road) and then right on PLEASANT Street and left on WELDON. The changes incurred
required the State to purchase some of our open land and for us to relocate our entry. It did not, however, have a direct effect
on any of our ministry buildings. We have been able to continue to minister to women and children on this property as we
always have since opening in 2012.
D OWNTOWN CAMPUS: 310 G Street
The impact of High Speed Rail on the “G” Street campus is much more severe. Although we will stay in the same vicinity, we
are in the process of having to abandon and replace our main facility on the East side of “G” Street. This building houses our
kitchen, dining facilities, chapel, Academy offices, 96-bed dormitory for the Academy men, classrooms, and our administrative
offices. This replacement is requiring us to go through a two-step multiyear process.
Step One
The relocation of all these services and offices to temporary facilities that will be created on the west side of “G”
Street. Temporary, prefabricated structures will be added to ensure that all the services we offer will not be disrupted.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 3
WE CONTINUE ...
to offer loving kindness and
meet basic human needs
“On New Year’s Eve I was picked
up by the police for being drunk
in public. I thought I was going
downtown to be booked, but
the police officer said, ‘No, I’m
taking you somewhere where you
can get some help.’ He brought
me to the Mission.
I’ve learned to stop hiding behind
my addiction. I love being of
service to others, especially those
still living on the streets. The
Lord has given my life purpose.”
~ Martin
WE CONTINUE ...
to offer services that help
people identify their next
best step
Step Two
Designing more permanent facilities to be constructed over
the next three to five years. We were able to acquire additional
property on the west side of “G” Street to allow us ample room
and flexibility to accomplish this.
O UR COMMITMENT TO THE COMMUNITY
ALL of the ministries in place - 24-Hour Emergency Services, Respite
Care, Sobering Center, Food Services, Chapel Services, Addiction
Recovery Programs for men, women and women with children, Mission
at the Mission Urban Retreat/Training Center, and all the services
our community has long embraced - will continue throughout this
transition. This is our top priority.
Our commitment in this process is also to assure all our supporters
and donors that the cost of all these disruptions will not come from
donor funds and to ensure you that we are being compensated for
the relocation costs. We want to assure you, as our supporters, that
every dollar you give us will be used for the ongoing ministries of the
Fresno Rescue Mission.
“I was homeless -- living on the streets. I came
to the Fresno Rescue Mission for a meal. It was
comforting to be here. On my second visit I
learned about the services offered. I stayed in
the overnight facility first, but then took steps
to enroll in the Academy. The program saved
my life and helped me restore my relationship
with my 8-year old son.” ~ Garrett
WE CONTINUE ...
to restore family relationships
and make our community
stronger
O UR ENCOURAGEMENT TO YOU
We would ask that you continue to pray for the Fresno Rescue
Mission, its board of directors, and for those involved with the
negotiations regarding these changes and moves. We have been in
discussions with the various government entities and agencies over
the last two years, and we know these efforts will continue for some
time to come.
We would also ask that as you pray, you would allow God to move on
your heart. Consider how He might be calling you. Perhaps to mentor
- to be a friend to someone enrolled in our recovery programs.
Perhaps God would encourage you to tutor or to facilitate a class.
Every effort to impact a life with love and guidance is an opportunity
to impact our community for good. These challenges we face are also
opportunities to grow and be better at what we do. Join us as we reimagine the future. GOD IS IN CONTROL. Pray that we will continue
to be wise stewards over that which is entrusted to our care.
Thank you for your continued support.
“I am thankful for the RTC Discovery Center,
because it allows me to have my daughter with me
as I develop a deeper relationship with God.”
~ Marisia
Don Eskes
Chief Executive Officer
www.fresnorm.org
Mentors Celebrated
Mentors are valued friends to the men
and women we serve. On this special
day, the women of Rescue the Children
celebrated their friendships with their
mentors by engaging in a host of fun
activities together: creating fancy flipflops to “shod their feet;”
leading rubber ducks (with
a fluid nudge) to victory to
finish the race well... You
get the picture.
ted;”
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Ecclesia
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“A tim And a tim
at
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“I enjoyed
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avarette
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~ Lanise N
I have deve
“I attended the appreciation party, even though
I’m waiting to receive a mentor. It was exciting,
anticipating being matched with a mentor and
beginning a new relationship ... what I will learn
from it.” ~ Cherice McMillian
We have many program participants -- men and women -- who are just like Cherice.
They, too, are waiting to meet their Divine-appointed friend. Could that person be YOU?
To learn more, contact:
Tina Searcy, Coordinator of Volunteers and Events, [email protected]
(559) 268-0839, Ext 202
ak down,
“A time to baretime to build up;”
And
Ecclesiastes 3:3b
Giving Back
By Thomas Williams
I came into the Mission’s Academy program in January 2015, fresh
out of a two year prison sentence, with nowhere to go. My family
was hesitant and fearful of supporting me, and I did not want to go
back to the streets; back to old habits and old friends. I worked hard
on my program for over six months, deepening my relationship with
Jesus during that time. I chose to exit the program early when an
opportunity to work presented itself. Though an early exit is never
encouraged, I made the commitment to myself to stay on track.
I began working immediately upon leaving. I just celebrated my oneyear working anniversary with Granville Homes in land acquisitions.
To maintain sobriety, I have remained in daily contact with my mentor, Daryl, and have plugged into my home church and
commitment meetings. I also remained in contact with Marcelo Lopez, my counselor assigned to me while I was enrolled in
the Academy. Over time, I expressed my desire to stay connected to the Mission in some capacity. Marcello agreed. So, I asked
my mentor if he would partner with me in starting a Bible study for the disciples in the program. I told him there was a need
and that I missed seeing my Academy brothers. He said yes. Together, we lead the study every Monday evening.
I have battled addiction, successfully maintaining continuous sobriety, thanks to the Rescue Mission, my 12 step recovery
meetings, and my faith in Jesus Christ. I volunteer my time so I can share my faith and my testimony; that in Christ alone, there
is power to be healed. I stay in service and participate in many ministries and recovery meetings (Celebrate Recovery and/
or AA) to build on the tools available to me. I want to be used by God and stay accountable to other men who are working a
similar program. For the men in the Academy, it is important for them to see that other men are doing what they, too, hope
to do. I want to be that example, and I am honored that the Mission invites me into this role.
“A time to keep
,
And a time to th
row away;”
Ecclesiastes 3:6b
LIFETREE ASSEMBLY OF GOD CHURCH
and men from the Mission’s Academy
made light work of an industrious
project. Together, they pulled apart
20 wood pallets for use in a repurpose
project, and then ripped out, cut up
and disposed of 2000 sq ft of carpet
in the church’s sanctuary. They
managed to pull the carpet in a
span of 15 minutes!
Way to go, men!!
ilence,
s
p
e
e
k
o
t
e
speak;”
“A tim
o
t
e
im
t
a
d
n
A
:7b
Ecclesiastes 3
ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICES
Don Eskes, Chief Executive Officer
Phone: (559) 268-0839, Ext. 104 - [email protected]
Pastor Rob Cravy, Chief Operating Officer
Phone: (559) 268-0839, Ext. 113 - [email protected]
ATTENTION VOLUNTEERS!
Our Annual Fall Celebration Banquet is just around the corner. We need volunteers to
help procure last-minute Silent Auction items, create gift baskets as items come in,
prepare baked goods
to be sold as part of
the auction, serve on
special teams, prepare
table decorations, or
participate in setup
the day of our event.
For more information,
contact: Tina Searcy,
Coordinator of
Volunteers & Events
[email protected]
(559) 268-0839, Ext 202
Randy Bresee, Chief Financial Officer
Phone: (559) 268-0839, Ext. 103 - [email protected]
Deborah Torres, Chief Development Officer
Phone: (559) 268-0839, Ext. 204 - [email protected]
310 G Street, Fresno CA 93706
P. O. Box 1422, Fresno CA 93716-1422
Phone: (559) 268-0839 – Fax: (559) 268-1317
COMMUNITY CARE - Pastor Jay Carroll, Director
315 G Street, Fresno CA 93706
Phone: (559) 268-0839, Ext. 205 - [email protected]
THE ACADEMY – Rev. Bud Searcy, Director
310 G Street, Fresno CA 93706
Phone: (559) 268-0839, Ext. 115 - [email protected]
RESCUE THE CHILDREN - Priscilla Robbins, Director
2320 W. Weldon, Fresno CA 93705
Phone: (559) 227-2190, Ext. 104 - [email protected]
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT - Karen Gutilla, Director
Phone: (559) 268-0839 - Ext 102 - [email protected]
Mission at the Mission 335 G Street, Fresno CA 93706
[email protected]
Tours/Volunteer Opportunities
Tina Searcy - Volunteer and Events Coordinator
(559) 268-0839, Ext. 202 - [email protected]
(559) 268-0839, Ext. 134 [email protected]
DEVELOPMENT
Larry Hodges, Donor Relations
FRESNO RESCUE MISSION THRIFT STORE AND CARS
Sandra Patel, Director
SAVE THE DATE!
181 E. Sierra, Fresno CA 93710
Phone (559) 440-0870 - [email protected]
ADDRESS CHANGES – Pah-Foua Yang
(559) 268-0839, Ext. 207 - [email protected]
PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF:
Al Kawasaki - YourRacePhotos.net
[email protected]
Ted Morgan - FRM Volunteer
Ken Scheid - ScheidImages.smugmug.com
[email protected]
Scott Streble - Scott Streble Photography
[email protected]
Mariano Friginal - MARIANOFRIGINAL.com
FRESNO RESCUE MISSION
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Steve Ocheltree, Chairman
Jim Mosqueda , Vice-Chairman
Robert Abrams, Treasurer
Leonel Alvarado
Vito Brugetti
Matthew Dildine
AUDIT COMMITTEE
Ken Jorgensen
Vicki Crow, CPA
Daral Kennedy
Ben Krikorian, CPA
Steve Pearson
Lonnie Petty
Emil “Butch” Rusconi
James Sullivan
Please remember the
Fresno Rescue Mission
in your will or trust
www.fresnorm.org