WINTER 2007
24 Graduate from our Recovery Programs in 2006
W
hat an exciting year for the
Visalia Rescue Mission. We
graduated 24 from our recov-
ery programs; 15 from the men’s program
and 9 from the women’s program. It is truly
exciting to see these graduates go on and
live productive lives in the Lord….and it all
began with a meal.
BOB
I love the Mission,
it saved me. When I
first came to the Mis-
sion I wasn’t sure if it
was the place for me.
Once I got closer with
my walk with the
Lord I knew this was the place I was
meant to be. After graduation, I had to
learn to stay away from old friends and
lifestyles. They can quickly drag you back
down. I am now working at the Senior
Center in Visalia and love working with
the seniors.
JIMMY
I am currently
working for APED as
a delivery driver. I
came to the program
in April of 2005 and
graduated in June of
2006. The Mission
was a blessing and it saved my life. I was
court ordered into the program. When I
first walked into the Visalia Rescue Mis-
sion I knew I didn’t want to be here.
Something told me to just stay just one
night at the shelter. I woke up in the morn-
ing with a feeling of total peace. I knew I
was on the right path and started walking
closely with the Lord. Now I am a walk-
ing advocate for the Mission.
LUANN
When I came to the
Mission, I was heavily
into my addiction and
my parents had taken
my two children. I was
so blessed to have the
Mission there when I
needed it the most. I was pleasantly sur-
prised that the blessings would continue
after graduation. After graduation I moved
home to be reunited with my family and
children. I looked for work diligently for
several months. God gently closed the door
at every turn. I could not understand at the
time but soon the picture became much
clearer. I put my application in at the Shel-
ter of Hope and within two weeks, I was
hired. Now I work for the place that handed
me Jesus on a silver platter. I enjoy my job
completely and being able to be a part of
such an awesome ministry is incredible.
Life is good.
R’MANDA
I came to the Mis-
sion, my life torn
apart. I did not have
custody of my son and
was looking at possi-
bly being incarcerat-
ed. God has so richly
blessed my life. After graduation from the
recovery program I found a job at Panera
Bread as a full time employee. I still live
at the Mission so God has blessed me with
an employer who is understanding of my
situation. I now have my son two to three
times a week and hope to have him come
live with me soon. I am currently looking
for a place to live and plan to go back to
school and finish my bachelor degree in
Political Science. Staying the course and
trusting in the Lord is well worth it and
has enriched my life in every way.
DEBORAH
On the street, home-
less and an addict, my
life was in shambles. I
came to the Mission
desperate to change
my life. God has
blessed me abundant-
ly. Since my graduation from the pro-
gram, I gained a full time job with full
benefits. The Lord has blessed me, giving
me a second chance to take care of my 9
year old son Jeremy and He keeps bless-
ing me every day. I am in the process of
finding a place of my own to live with my
son. I truly believe that without the Visalia
Rescue Mission helping me find my way
back to the Lord, I would have never
made it. With both the strength of the love
that comes from the Mission and with the
Mercy, Grace, and Love that comes from
the Lord, I have been given hope knowing
anything is possible.
Board of Directors
Michael Allen
Ron Ballou
Happy New Year
FROM THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS by Mark Shelton, Chairman
Ernie Flores
s I reflect on this past year I am in awe to be frugal and effi-

A
Bill Jordan
of all the miracles the Lord has done in cient with your dona-
Nonning Leyendekker
the hearts of those that have sought tions and the Lord
Murray Minnema out the Mission. But amazingly He per- continues to honor
Brad Reenders formed not just miracles in the residents this. We want to thank
but also in the hearts of our donors and all of you that so faith-
Greg Scroggins volunteers. Many from our community fully give to the
Mark Shelton have come to us this past year seeking a Lord’s work here at
place to help. These donors wanted to the Mission. We
Bruce Tyler
donate funds in an area that would have a would also like to thank those that have
Mark Vanciel real impact in the lives of those in need. given donations or volunteered this past
Dennis Vanderham They found that place in the Visalia Res- year for the first time. Just know how
cue Mission. much your help and generosity means to
Danny Little
Every dollar given to the Visalia Res- the Visalia Rescue Mission. You are
Executive Director
cue Mission is used locally to help meet changing lives.

Because You Care. . .

… we’re serving more in 2006
the basic physical, emotional and spiritual
needs of the homeless and the disadvan-
taged in the Central Valley. We continue
We have exciting plans for expansion
this year that will impact our community.
Please be praying that the Lord continue
Meals served
139,129
Bed nights
36,344
Graduates
News from the Director
ow can you truly say thank you? I hope we are honorable

H
24
in our verbal affirmation and appreciation to you who
Chapel attendance
make this ministry possible. We literally could not do this
25,109
work as effectively as we do if it was not for the thousands of
supporters that make it happen, providing Hope and Restora-

A Special Thanks Goes Out to: tion through Christ.

Sunset Rotary
For their support on repairs to the
“Shelter of Hope” women and chil-
dren’s shelter
Ashoori and Company Jewelers
For donating that beautiful emerald
and diamond necklace to adorn our
tree and the Christmas Tree Auction
Calvary Chapel
For the use of the Calvary Café for
our Staff Christmas Party
Our faithful Chapel speakers
All those who supported us this
past year… May God bless you!
The Board, staff at the Mission, and I feel the awesome
responsibility to honor the gifts, time, and talents given to the
Mission and to thank you. We strive to be God-honoring in all
we do to bless the Lord and to serve this community.
We have just completed our biggest year ever. We served 139,129 meals and provid-
ed overnight accommodations for 36,344 men, women and children in our facilities. I am
thrilled to announce we graduated 24 men and women from our Christ centered recov-
ery programs. Please remember these men and women in your prayers as they seek to
walk in the new life they have found here in Christ. Bless the Lord.
May our gratitude be expressed in approaching 2007 with the same fervor to win as
many people to the Lord, may the excellence of our work be our protest.
Blessed in Christ,
 Volunteers Help at Thanksgiving and Christmas
hanksgiving and Christmas Meals • KARM Radio for helping get the word out

T bring hundreds of volunteers to help

feed the community and give toys to
those less fortunate. They definitely put
and for holding a toy drive for the Mission
• The Exeter Boys and Girls club for
donating toys
the Christ in Christmas. We at the Mis-
• Those who donated food for the meals
sion are so thankful.
What an incredible year for volunteers. • The volunteers who came to wrap
Everyday we give thanks for the number of Christmas Gifts
volunteers that come to help and all of the • Those who adopted the Family Center
food donations received by the Mission. We and the Shelter to make sure they had
had over 250 volunteers at each event to gifts for Christmas.
help serve, greet, give out toys, distribute
clothing, slice pies, prepare turkey, serve
drinks and decorate the tables.

A SPECIAL THANKS TO:

• Kevin Bakker for deep pitting a huge
amount for both Thanksgiving and
Christmas
• Susan Peck for getting so many donors to
supply pies and turkeys for Thanksgiving
• Costco for supplying rolls for the
Thanksgiving meal. TOP RIGHT: Hope begins with a meal… BOTTOM LEFT: Santa give gifts to a grateful child. BOTTOM RIGHT:
• Those who donated toys for the children Can volunteering be this much fun? It can at the Visalia Rescue Mission!

FOOD, CLOTHING AND HOLIDAY TOY DRIVES

TOP LEFT: Green Acres Middle School – Desiree Terrones

brought in over 1500 articles of clothing and won the Help
the Needy Campaign. TOP CENTER: St. Paul’s School’s
elves helping load the toys. BOTTOM CENTER: Linwood
Elementary Kindergarten. TOP RIGHT: Four Creeks School
helping load the goodies. BOTTOM RIGHT: Central Val-
ley Christian School Elementary Food Drive.
 Radio-thon a Huge Success
he Visalia Rescue Mission would like to thank KARM radio station and station manag-

T er Loren Olsen for hosting our 2006 Radio-thon in November. We were able to reach our
goal of $20,000 enough to feed and shelter 10,870 guests.

GOD BLESS THOSE WHO MADE THE EVENT A SUCCESS

• Our volunteers who manned the phone bank
• The Recovery Program Graduates who told their story
• KARM staff, Carolyn and Chuck and the Board of Directors
• Toni Vogt and Angela Walker for telling our story
• And last but not least…all the donors
ABOVE RIGHT: Volunteer Theresa Maxey and intern Becky Garcia taking calls for donations and pledges. BOTTOM RIGHT: Tommy Stephens telling his story to Danny Little and Loren Olsen

Santa Hands Out Gifts to Residents of the Visalia Rescue Mission

hat a glorious holiday we’ve had at the VRM this year. Hosts Sid and Judy Tuls along

W with the Women’s Auxiliary held a Christmas party for the residents and staff. St.
Mary’s Catholic Church provided the parish hall for the event.
Santa Claus was the hit of the night, giving out candy canes and teddy bears. Even the
“big” kids got in on the act and sat on Santa’s lap and were given gifts. The children were
also presented with the children’s version of “The Book.” After a delicious dinner, we were
entertained by the “Great Jonathan,” Christian Illusionist. He had everyone on the edge of
their seats with incredible illusions; doves disappearing, reappearing and then turning into
cockatoos, ropes changing sizes, scarves that never ended and amazing escape tricks. The
evening concluded with a “Candle Light” service with everyone singing Christmas Carols. Santa Claus (Sid Tuls) asking TJ Irvin if he has been a
How wonderful to hear again the true message of Christmas, Christ’s birth. good boy.

COS Nursing Students bring lunch, Visalia Rescue Mission Praise Choir
gifts and check blood pressure
very month, the nursing students come to

E take the blood pressure, check blood glu-

cose, temperature, and weight. In Decem-
ber they also brought lunch and gifts. Pic-
tured at right, Diane Bagley, staff at the
Family Center, gets her glucose checked.

Visalia Rescue Mission Choir in celebration at the Neighborhood Church. The congrega-
The College of the Sequoias nursing students volunteer their time to the Mission. tion held a food drive and a love offering for the Mission.
 Rescued Treasures Ministry
ain could not deter the Board of Directors and staff as they came out in full force to help
R clear out the back storage area of the thrift store so we could put up shelving. It was a
great day of fellowship and bargains galore were had for those shopping in the parking
lot. What a tremendous ministry the “Rescued Treasures” thrift store has become for our
community. Rescued Treasures was established to:
• Provide clothing and furniture items to
Mission residents and graduates, and to
the general public, through the vouch-
er system established with social serv-
ices agencies in the area.
• Many recipients would not have the
clothing to wear to work or to keep
warm if not for the vouchers
redeemed at the thrift store. As our
residents graduate from the program
they are also given vouchers to help
furnish their new living quarters.
• Provide income for Mission Opera-
tions, which includes feeding and
sheltering the homeless.
In 2006 Rescued Treasures donated over
$198,274 to those with vouchers.
VRM PROVIDES
PICKUP AND DELIVERY
FOR DONATED ITEMS.
RESCUED TREASURES
CONTINUES TO ACCEPT:
• Furniture • Small appliances
• Appliances • Household decorations
• Tools • Gently used clothing
• Electronics • Bicycles and luggage
With prayerful expectations we hope to
relocate to a larger location in the next few
months. We are also in need of a lift truck
for the pick up and delivery of appliances.
26th Anniversary
Helping
Hands
Celebration Banquet
Thursday, March 29, 2007
Visalia First Assembly of God
3737 S. Akers
Honors & Memorials
MEMORIALS
Howard Brummitt
Mary Dickerson; Martha Marshburn;
Maynard and Verle Meredith;
Tom Maxfield; M. J. Hopkins;
Mr. and Mrs. David Dever;
Walter and Leni Kupfer
Marcella Daniels
Jack and Joan Ellingson
John Kenedy
Dorothy Raybe
Frank Silva
Isabel Silva
Rita Saenz
Frank Saenz Jr.
Gerald Lopes
Mr. and Mrs. Eddie Lopes
Viona Weaver Epp
Staff Ramona and Jackie manning the cash register at
David and Brenda Weaver
the clearing out sale.
HONORARIUMS
Pinkham School Staff
John Davis
Luanne Michler
Glenola Conner
Brian and Siobhan Calvin
Brent and Renee Calvin
Neighbors in West Keogh Court
Mike and Sharon Shannon
Byron and Marilyn Riegel
Employee’s of World Wide Sires
John and Denise Schouten
Elnora King, Jeff & Sally King &
Brad & Mari King
Board Chairman, Mark Shelton gets help from Caleb Tyler
Ruth Smith
moving items at the clearing out sale.
Shelter of Hope
Charles and Wendy Culbreth
6:00 PM – Fellowship Brad and Marge Leach
6:30 PM – Dinner
Dinner catered by Fugazzi’s
$30 for individual tickets
Paul and Lynn Olsen
Ruth Smith
$240 for a table of 8
For ticket and reservation information,
please call Julie at 740-4178, ext. 12
Michael and Sara Knight
Phillip Barnes
Dale and Diane Barnes
Upcoming Events
Please come celebrate what amazing
things the Lord has done at the Mission.
Hear messages of hope and joy with
VRM Annual Banquet
restoration through Jesus Christ.
March 29, 2007
 Women’s Auxiliary Tree
Chosen as “Most Original”
special thanks to the Visalia Chamber of Commerce for holding the annual

A Christmas Tree Auction, “A California Christmas,” to support non-profit agen-

cies in Tulare County. Our Christmas tree won “Most Original.”
The Visalia Rescue Mission’s breathtaking Christmas tree represented an
exciting reflection of the rich cultural history of Mexico and its influence on
Early California. Vibrant colors were displayed in all the ornaments including
colorful dolls and traditional tin ornaments displaying the artisan’s rustic skills
in shaping, etching and stamping these treasured pieces. Everyone was fasci-
nated by the festive side of this display of rich old world culture.
Women’s Auxiliary members, Wendy Little, Lane Downes, and Lynn Dwelle,
worked vigorously to decorate the tree. The tree was adorned with an emerald and
diamond necklace, donated by Ashoori and Company Jewelers.
Our thanks go to Bill and Tanya Miller who were the high bidders on the tree.
Thanks also to the generosity of our donors, we were able to raise over $50,000 at
the Christmas Tree Auction. We would also like to thank those who donated items
for the silent auction, Goodies Cookies for the donation of a decorated small tree,
Karen Kingsbury for her Forever in Fiction™ donation, Karen Bachman for her
beautiful handmade quilt and Monica Stahl for decorating the small tree for the
silent auction.

Celebration Banquet
26th Anniversary Visalia, CA 93279
Return Service Requested P.O. Box 109
Thursday March 29,2006 Visalia Rescue Mission
PERMIT NO. 119
VISALIA, CA 93297 SAVE THIS DATE
PAID
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Non-Profit Org.