GOOD FRUIT We are excited to announce the opening of

the Mission Market, a roadside stand selling produce grown onsite in the VRM garden. Read about how the Market got its start and when you can visit.

HOPENOWA Publication of the VISALIA RESCUE MISSION

rescue - recovery - restoration Summer 2014Volume 5 | Issue 2

PG

. 8

BEARING

Hope Now 2

TABLE OF CONTENTS

08

THE ISSUE OF RECOVERY

STORIES OFGRACE

A GARDEN WITH AMISSION

AN UPDATEON THE OVAL

In the Central Valley, the problems posed by illegal drugs are severe. Learn more about the effects of drug abuse in our community and how the Mission works to help individuals recover from addiction.Pgs. 4 - 5

Four men and women share their stories of overcoming addiction as part of VRM’s drug and alcohol recovery programs.Pgs. 6 - 7

We are excited to announce the opening of the Mission Market, a roadside stand selling produce grown onsite in the VRM garden. Read about how the Market got its start and when you can visit.Pgs. 8 - 9

Oval Park Coordinator, Ryan Stillwater, gives readers an update on what’s happening in the Oval.Pg. 12

12

04

06

• Deodorant

• Razors

• Underwear

• Socks

• Bar soap

• Shampoo

• Ibuprofen

• Allergy meds

• Band aids / first aid supplies

• Shaving cream

• Forks and spoons

• Coffee

• Cups

• Commercial juicer

• Commercial oven

• Wood 2x4’s and 2x6’s

• Flowers to plant

• Twin bed sheets

• Foam mattress pads for shelter

• Refrigerator

• Freezer

WISHLIST

TO DONATE:YOU CAN DROP OFF ANY OF THE ITEMS LISTED ABOVE TO THE VRM ADMIN OFFICE LOCATED AT 500 EAST RACE AVE.(M-F 8AM - 4:30PM)

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!

Mark SheltonJessica Cavale

Kristin Eichbauer

CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENTDEVELOPMENT COORDINATOR

Mark SheltonCHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD

John AndersonVICE-CHAIR

Linda LaFleur SECRETARY

Josh BergmanSteve BiswellScott Bosler

Karen De GrootMike De GrootJohn KosterRance MulliniksBrad ReendersMarc SchuilRob Van GrouwJudy Vannette

Hope Now 3

HOPE NOW MAGAZINE

LETTER FROM THE CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD

We are so thankful for the support you have shown

financially and prayerfully over the years. God is faithful.

Thank you!

Blessings…

Mark Shelton

As many of you may

have heard, the

Mission is in transition

as we seek a new

Executive Director.

The Board of Directors

have been working

faithfully to support

staff during this transition, and I must say, the staff here

are amazing. Ministry continues to happen every day

and God is at work changing lives. After seeking much

Godly counsel, we are moving forward with appointing

an interim Executive Director to guide the Leadership

Staff at the VRM until we find a permanent director. We

are excited to see what the Lord will do at the Visalia

Rescue Mission in the months and years to come; with

every change, there is an opportunity for growth.

AN UPDATEON THE OVAL

MAILING ADDRESS: P.O. Box 109 Visalia, CA 93279TELEPHONE: 559.740.4178 EMAIL: hope@vrmhope.org

WEBSITE: www.vrmhope.org

Summer 2014 | Volume 5 Issue 2 | July 9, 2014

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Produced byPublished by Connect with us on these Social Media Platforms

A Mission Update

Hope Now 4

“PEOPLE ARE GOING TO STAY CLEAN AND

SOBER BECAUSE OF THEIR RELATIONSHIP WITH

CHRIST, NOT BECAUSE OF ANYTHING ELSE...”

Hope Now 5

The Overcomers

In the United States, the cost of drug and alcohol addiction is

estimated at $524 billion a year, with illegal drug use accounting

for $181 billion alone.1 This estimate takes into account costs

of treatment, prevention, productivity loss, crime and social

welfare programs.

In the Central Valley, the problems posed by illegal drugs are

particularly severe. According to the National Drug Intelligence

Center, methamphetamine poses the greatest threat in the

Central Valley region, accounting for most drug-related crimes.

In recent years, recovery and treatment centers have also

identified meth as the primary substance of abuse for people

entering their programs.2

Both drug and alcohol dependencies affect not just the

individual, but family members, friends and the greater

community. Luckily, there is hope for those struggling with

addiction.

The Visalia Rescue Mission provides one such place of hope

by offering drug and alcohol recovery programs for men and

women. The House of Restoration (men) and the House of

Hope (women) are residential recovery programs aimed at

addressing issues of substance abuse from all angles. While

1 National Institute on Drug Abuse

2 US Department of Justice

learning ways to overcome addiction through the traditional

12-step program, participants also receive instruction and

services that address their spiritual, physical and emotional

needs. Classes in spiritual enrichment, conflict resolution and

life skills prepare participants to effectively transition back

into their communities, while various job training classes

and internships help prepare them for employment. Once

participants graduate from the 8- or 9-month programs, they

have the option of moving into transitional housing that allows

them to live in a more independent environment, yet still

receive accountability and support.

Rick Berbereia, Director for Men’s Recovery Programs,

recognizes the greater success faith-based organizations like

the VRM tend to have over traditional recovery programs.

He attributes this success to the Mission’s focus on spiritual

development and growth.

“People are going to stay clean and sober because of their

relationship with Christ, not because of anything else,” he says.

“That’s why I think faith-based programs are so much more

successful.”

For information on the House of Hope or House of Restoration, contact the VRM office at 559-740-4178 or visit www.vrmhope.org.

JESUS CHRIST IS THE HERO IN THE WAR ON DRUG DEPENDENCY

“My experience has been the same as many in the aspect of drug addiction,

crime and destructive behavior. I was full of despair and hopelessness.”

Previously a successful restaurant manager in Visalia, Ernesto says that

not long after going through a hard divorce, he hit the self-destruct button,

resulting in a meth addiction and jail time for robbery. Ernesto realized he

needed help while in jail last summer.

“For the first time in my life, I called out to God without knowing anything about God,” he says. “All I knew is that I needed help, and I couldn’t do it on my own.”

On the night of July 10, Ernesto had a dream that changed everything. “I

dreamt I was at a funeral, but I was the only one there,” he says. “I realized

it was my funeral. I felt like God was showing me how my life would end up

if I continued down my current path. ”He woke up from the dream to an

announcement over the speaker in his cell. It was an invitation to go to a

Bible study; for the first time, Ernesto went.

Finally feeling a sense of hope and purpose, Ernesto applied to the VRM’s

House of Restoration recovery program for men. “It was hard at first,” he

says. “I had to abandon everything I knew about what a person should be.”

Now, seven months into the program, Ernesto is fueled by his faith to

continue persevering through the harder parts of recovery. Looking ahead

to after he graduates this summer, Ernesto is excited that he has a chance

at a fresh start, especially as a father to his young son and new baby on the

way. “I truly believe I didn’t know how to love until I came to the Mission.

My son is now going to experience real love from me.”

“I always thought I had my addiction under control,” Gracie says. “I could

quit whenever I wanted; I was what they call a ‘functioning addict.’ ”

Gracie seemed to have it all: a stable job as a medical assistant, a family,

and big dreams for the future. However, she also dealt with a drug addic-

tion, which escalated to drug dealing.

Rock bottom came when the police raided her home and took her children

away. Facing five years in prison, Gracie knew she needed a drastic change.

“My life was heading nowhere. I knew I needed to do something for myself

and for my kids. In my heart, I knew I needed a program.”

While serving a prison term, Gracie actively sought out the House of Hope,

the VRM’s recovery program for women.

Once she started, Gracie knew the faith-based program was what she need-

ed. She had walked with God before, but had not been willing to give up her

old lifestyle, until now.

A 2012 graduate of the House of Hope program, Gracie now has a restored

relationship with her family and her children and works as an administra-

tive assistant for the Mission. Even with a 45-minute commute to work from

Porterville, Gracie says the drive is worth it.

“My life changed thanks to the Mission,” she says. “And because I know firsthand what this place has done for me, I love being able to give back and see other lives being changed.”

S T O R I E S O F G R A C E

ERNESTO GRACIEHOUSE OF RESTORATION PROGRAM PARTICIPANT HOUSE OF HOPE PROGRAM GRADUATE

Caleb started doing meth at a young age, and over the years, began to steal

to support his drug addiction. In jail for robbery charges, Caleb anxiously

awaited the day he would be released so he could go back to his life of

using and selling drugs.

In 2013, Caleb joined the VRM’s House of Restoration recovery program as

a quick way to get out of prison.

“I didn’t want to be here, but for some reason, I stayed,” he says.

A month into the program, something changed. “I was sitting in church and

something in me broke. I asked Jesus back into my life.”

Caleb had a change of heart, and knew he needed help to break his old

habits. Even with his newfound faith, recovery wasn’t easy. “I wanted

a quick fix,” he says. “I wanted it to change fast for me, but it was more

gradual.”

Now a graduate of the House of Restoration program, Caleb works at the

Mission while also leading an Alcoholics Anonymous group and mentoring

men in the same program he graduated from a year ago. He says he enjoys

working at the VRM because he is able to invest in other men recovering

from similar addictions.

“I see new guys come into the program, and I see myself in them. Now, I’m able to give back a little of what God has so freely given me.”

Caleb is excited for this new chapter in his life and is confident that his

future will be bright.

“It’s taken me awhile to see what God’s plan was for me,” he says. “I still

don’t know where I’m heading, but I know it’s better than where I’ve been.”

“It’s hard to believe where I was nine months ago, and now here I am!”

Years earlier, Donnea was working as a nurse’s assistant and preparing to

go back to school to pursue her dream of becoming a nurse. She had exper-

imented with drugs since she was a teenager, but her addiction grew stron-

ger, and she ended up quitting her job. Homeless and alone, she started

selling herself on the streets of Fresno to make money.

On the streets, Donnea was abused and betrayed by those whom she

called friends. She ended up pregnant and had two children, who were lat-

er taken away from her.

One night, under the influence of drugs, Donnea got into a car with a

stranger. Little did she know, the car she was in had been stolen. The night

ended with a high-speed police chase and Donnea being taken to jail.

Motivated by the children she was leaving behind, Donnea knew she need-

ed help, but wasn’t sure where to start. With nowhere else to turn, she

agreed to join VRM’s House of Hope program for women.

“When I came here, I was looking for every rea-son to leave. But every time I did, I’d find a rea-son to stay,” she says.

One of those reasons is House of Hope staff Becky Velez. “The people were

so nice here. Like Ms. Becky, I love Ms. Becky. When I think about her, I want

to cry.”

Donnea recently graduated from the program in June, and is now em-

ployed in a new job. She is also preparing to take classes this fall to con-

tinue her journey of becoming a nurse. Looking ahead, Donnea is most

excited about being a more active mother and growing in her new faith

with God.

S T O R I E S O F G R A C E

CALEB DONNEAHOUSE OF RESTORATION PROGRAM GRADUATE HOUSE OF HOPE PROGRAM GRADUATE

MISSION MARKETCome feed your family…and help us feed ours!

THE NEW

Hope Now 8

With an organizational mission of “hope and restoration through Jesus Christ”, what better way to

symbolize redemption than watching fruits and vegetables grow out of what was once a dry and

dusty rock yard?

The Visalia Rescue Mission has a garden that sits on a 1.5-acre plot located behind the VRM

administrative offices on Race//Santa Fe (500 E. Race). The garden was started by a VRM volunteer

in 2010. Since then, we have gained the support of several area farmers, irrigation advisors and

business leaders who have collaborated to help establish healthier soil and plant fruit trees, grape

vines and blackberry vines in the space.

Originally created to supply fresh produce to the VRM’s community kitchen, the garden has now

produced a harvest that exceeds the kitchen’s daily needs. With the additional supply, the VRM

Mission Market Produce Stand officially opened June 17th and offers fresh produce to the community

as yet another way to raise money for the life-changing Visalia Rescue Mission programs.

The garden is being maintained by a small garden team of participants from the VRM’s Next Steps

program as well as a full-time intern from Dordt College and our core garden volunteers and advisors.

Because of their investment, the Mission Market has become the newest social enterprise under the

VRM umbrella.

What is it?: A produce stand benefiting the VRM

Mission Market Hours: M-F, 10am-6pm

Location: 500 W. Race Ave (NE corner of Race & Santa Fe)

What’s for Sale: Heirloom tomatoes, varieties of peppers, beans, okra, eggplant, squash, plums, melons, grapes, peaches, nectarines, and more!M

AR

KE

TF

AC

TS

Hope Now 9

Build with Us

If you are a regular giver to the Visalia Rescue Mission, we are asking that you give ABOVE & BEYOND

for these two years to help us reach our goal, transform lives and share the Hope and Restoration of

Jesus Christ to those in our City!

If you have not given to the Mission in a financial capacity before, we are asking that you become a

regular donor towards our Capital Campaign for 2014 and 2015! This is an exciting time for the Mission

and we trust that the Lord will do great things through each of you!

If you have a business and would like to get your employees involved by launching a very simple

employee deduction plan for this campaign, we’d love to help you! With the few easy steps you can get

your company and employees invested in the cause of life-change and transformation at the Visalia

Rescue Mission!

We invite you to join and build HOPE with us!

We are excited to launch a Capital Campaign for funding for 2014-2015!

Our goal is to raise 1.6 million dollars which will allow the Mission to

move forward in meeting the growing needs of our community.

How Will You Build?

MAIL THE BOTTOM PORTION OF THIS PAGE BACK TO US IN THE INCLUDED ENVELOPE OR CONTACT JESSICA FOR MORE INFORMATION:559-740-4178 EXT. 204 | JESSICA@VRMHOPE.ORG

N E W L Y E X P A N D E D & G R O W I N G

2 5 2 3 S O U T H M O O N E Y B L V D .

PHONE: (559) 733-3189

DONATIONS ACCEPTED M-F: 9AM - 6PM

VALID AT EITHER STORE. NOT VALID WITH ANY OTHER

COUPONS. EXPIRES 10/31/14

V R M D O N A T I O ND R O P - O F F L O C A T I O N S

VRM COMMUNITY CENTER 741 N. SANTA FE

VRM’S RESCUED TREASURES THRIFT STORE2523 S. MOONEY BLVD.

FARM FRESH BOWLS5427 W. CYPRESS AVE.

VISALIA ELKS LODGE3100 W. MAIN ST.

WAYSIDE CHURCH1929 E. BARDSLEY AVE. - TULARE

VISALIA NAZARENE CHURCH3333 W. CALDWELL AVE.

IN-SHAPE SPORT - DEMAREE909 N. DEMAREE ST.

D O N A T I O N N E E D S :CLOTHES | SHOES | HOUSEHOLD ITEMS

Hope Now 11

simply chic boutique100 E. Main Street

PHONE: (559) 735-3184

DONATIONS ACCEPTED M-F: 10AM - 5:30PM

Rescued Treasures&

$2 Offentire purchase

coupon required

RescuedTreasures

&

simply chicboutique

In our partnership with the City of Visalia to help transform Oval Park, our team has met with Oval Park residents and business owners, as well as city government officials and the community-at-large regarding Oval Park’s past and the City’s hope for its future.

Through these conversations, a single theme became clear: we’re not the only ones who care deeply for this neighborhood and desire to see it changed. Oval Park simply needs something to jumpstart its engine. We are excited to come alongside those who have been turning the key for years, hopeful that together, we can get Oval Park to roar back to life.

While we’ve been learning and planning, the City Council moved forward with a new code last year prohibiting shopping

carts and similar wheeled devices from city parks. Code Enforcement has retrieved over 1,100 to date while personal belongings are being stored at the Mission’s storage program that is operated in conjunction with the City of Visalia. Also, Parks and Recreation removed the park restrooms (to be consistent with all new parks), as well as removed the playground, which was not up to code. This spring, they gave the Park a small facelift by repainting tables, benches, and light posts. Later this year, the city Christmas tree will be redone in time for the annual Christmas tree lighting event.

With these foundations set, we are gaining some real momentum. To raise awareness and funds for the Oval Park project, our team recorded a 10-

song compilation CD featuring all local songwriters, and on August 29th, Oval Park will host a major concert event with Peter Frampton, Buddy Guy, and Randy Bachman. In October, the Oval Park will be welcoming a free concert featuring John Mark McMillan. We hope these events will be the first of many successful community gatherings at Oval Park and allow the Mission to serve those who currently call the Oval their home.

While the past ten months have been an attempt to gain some footing and hone our plan, our goal has always been the same: Hope and Restoration through Jesus Christ.

Update

Hope Now 12

GROCERY OUTLET’S ‘INDEPENDENCE FROM HUNGER’ EVENT - ENTIRE MONTH OF JULY Grocery OutletJuly is VRM’s Hunger Awareness Month! Come visit the Grocery Outlet on Mooney Blvd. during the month of July and special donations will be made to the VRM when you purchase select items. Prepackaged bags of food will also be for sale to donate directly to the Mission.Ju

ly

6TH ANNUAL FOOD FIGHT AGAINST HUNGER SUNDAY, JULY 20 - 3-6PM Visalia Holiday Inn BallroomJoin the California Restaurant Association as they host the 6th Annual Food Fight Against Hunger! Watch amateur chefs compete for top honors in various food categories while sampling food and beverages from local restaurants. Also enjoy live music and cooking demonstrations by The Vintage Press’ David Vartanian. Proceeds benefit the VRM.

Aug.

6TH ANNUAL GOLF SKILLS CHALLENGE FRIDAY, AUGUST 15 Valley Oaks Golf CourseTest your golf skills at VRM’s Golf Skills Challenge! The day includes a challenge course and a 9-hole scramble course. Sign up your team and see if you have what it takes to beat the competition!Sponsorships are available!

FRAMPTON GUITAR CIRCUS FRIDAY, AUGUST 29 Oval ParkThe VRM is hosting an amazing night of guitar-hero pyrotechnics and gutsy rhythm-and-blues with Grammy®-winning guitarist Peter Frampton and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee, Buddy Guy. Special guest, Randy Bachman, will join Frampton on stage!

Sept

. VRM ANNUAL BANQUET TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9 - 6-9PMGateway ChurchMark your calendars for VRM’s Annual Banquet! Visit the VRM website to purchase your tickets!

Summer Events

For More Information //

Tickets:www.vrmhope.org

Hope Now 14

HONORSMEMORIALS

&

ALMA SANTOSDINA & JOHN LABANDEIRA

MARIE VALINE DINA & JOHN LABANDEIRA

MICHAEL ROCHAJOHN & MARIA ROCHA

EVERETT VAN HEERINGER DUDLEY & GEORGANA GEARHART

LEWIS RAYLINDA WILLIAMS

MARY LINEDAVID & SHELLEY DEVER

MARIALEE BRUMMITDAVID & SHELLEY DEVER

LILLIAN MOOREGEORGE & WILLENE CHASE

MARK SANTOSLINDA MARTINGILDA MARTIN

JEAN MORCOMMORRIS J. BENNETT

LINDSAY VAN DYKDICK & DOROTHY DYKSTRA

FRANK KUKLINSKIELEANOR GROOM

RANDALL TOMLINSONHERB & ELEANOR HAWKINSRONALD DEVINS

EDDIE W. REIDDAVID & BARBARA JOHNSON

CRAIG DENNIS SMITH KAREN D. ROQUE

OSCAR M. HOWELLJIM & SHIRLEY HERFURTHBRUCE & JEAN LINESTEPHEN & LINDA CLOYDSHIRLEY & GODFREYBOB & SHEILA HEFNERBILL & CLOVER JOHNSON KEITH ANN PRESLEYABE KAZARIAN & FAMILYSTEPHEN DREWDONNA J. SYMONS LOWELL & JOANN ELLIOTTBILL & CHARLINE & FAMILYM L & R C WHITE RONALD L. DEVINSRICHARD & CAROLYN SUPINGER ED & BLANCHE PARTONJAMES LINE

EDWARD E. CANTRELLDORIS & DAVID CRISEL

CLARENCE RITCHIE DAVID & BETTY MILLERRALPH BOOKOUT

VIOLA COPPOLADAVID & BETTY MILLER

J. ELISABETH KRANT-LATRONICOSHIRLEY VAN WORMER RONALD DEVINS

FRANK SILVA ISABEL SILVA

CRAIG LAWLESSDELMER & JOAN PHARISCARRIE MITCHELL

ALLY PETERSONMARY, KARMEN & JOE KALASHIAN

JESS HIGGINBOTHAM LORRIE PARISH

LUCILLE LEALARMANDO SILVA

ROBERT JOSEPH ELLINGSON BOB & SHEILA HEFNER JOHN & DONNA RASKIN

JOHN & ODELTA PEREIRABORGES DAIRY/MANUEL & VITALINA

CLELIA HENSENBORGES DAIRY/MANUEL & VITALINA BORGES

EDITH LAWRENCE BORGES DAIRY - MANUEL & VITALINAANNA MAE FRIESENBOB & SHEILA HEFNERJANICE & BILL MUNCE BETTY PARTRIDGE & DAUGHTERSROSE LEE SCHUMAKER MARILYN JANZENCAROL & GARY YODERED & BECKY RICHERTLEROY & LYNNE WESTGATE

LOUIS SERRATO BEATRICE SERRATO

BOB & ANN ELLINGSONDEANNA KOOBATION RONALD DEVINS CORKY & JOANNE ELLIOTT

JAMES BLANKENSHIP KURT & LIESHA SCHMIDTNANCY & WILLIAM WITTKAREN MUNGER E. LEON BLANKENSHIP & CONNIE J. HAYLES JAMES CROFT

LUCILLE LEALJOSEPH LEAL

SEAMUS DAVEY KIA IRAQ 10/21/05RYANNE WALTHERDAVID WALTHER

DANIEL DUDLEYPHYLLIS CRAINE

ST MARY’S CATHOLIC CHURCHANTHONY LUIS

VIVIAN MCNABBJOHN & DEE MCNABB TAYLOR STOUTRON & JILL STOUT

JACOB RANKINPATRICK RANKIN

GABRIELLE & OLIVIA COVERSTONBRENDA ROA

HOLY FAMILY CATHOLIC CHURCH LUIS ANTHONY

JULIE GUTHRIECYNTHIA GOOD

MIKE GOODCYNTHIA GOOD

ALEX NAGY JR.GARY & ELLEN PARKS

NIECE & NEPHEWSSTEPHANIE GONZALEZ

RANDOLF REGAN SMITH MICHAEL SMITH

DENI & MICHAELA WILLEFORDMARTHA WILLEFORD

ROD & DONNA GOYAJOE KALASHIAN

ROBERT FATICA JOE KALASHIAN

GREATER PORTLAND BIBLE CHURCH, PORTLAND, OREGON DAVID WALTHER

TERESA HOFMEISTER GARY & ELLEN PARKS

INHONOROF

INMEMORYOF

Hope Now 15

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