LIFE at the Mission From April 1 we have operated our NEW 30 Day Shelter Chilliwack Mayor Sharon Gaetz, Chilliwack Fraser Rotary Club President Gary Armstrong and Mission Executive Director Bill Raddatz together cut the ribbon and open our new 30 Day Step Inn Shelter April 1. We are very grateful for the support, endorsement and funding from the Rotary Club and The City of Chilliwack. The new Shelter now houses 12 men and 4 women. They work with our trained Intake Workers on life issues such as housing, addictions and employment. “Since opening we’ve been blessed with a great core of new Residents. We can now handle a far wider range of needs. I enjoy seeing Residents engage their challenges with our help,” said Intake Manager Kevin Slingerland. Ruth & Naomi’s Mission is now able to offer vastly more hands on social services along with our longer term Residential Recovery programs, and daily services to the community. “I now feel there is HOPE!” ‘Sam’ grew up in Aldergrove and has been at the Mission as a Resident for 4 months. He is very willing to share his journey. “My challenges have involved socially isolating myself, depression and increasing alcohol abuse. I have felt so blessed by everyones kindness plus the Christian programs have really helped. I now feel there is HOPE!” Sam’s self esteem has markedly improved. “Being around people has been good for me - it is uplifting,” he said Dean Dumont is our new Kitchen Manager (Cook) people at the Mission “I opened my life to the LORD… and I feel His joy!” A restauranteur, his history ‘Judy’ has been at the Mission as a Resident for 3 months. She includes time on the street. would not describe herself as a ‘street person’ however, as for “God could not have given many of us, life can quickly unravel. “Because of my addictions I me a better job, I feel lost my job and then had no money or food - I was desperate and privileged to cook for those hadn’t eaten in 3 days. The Mission has saved my life and helped who come to the Mission.” me help myself. It’s a loving environment that has allowed to be get closer to God. One week ago I opened my heart to the LORD for the first time and now feel His joy and peace!” "He who is kind to the poor lends to the LORD, and he will reward him for what he has done." Proverbs 19:17 volunteers at the Mission EVERY DAY… We welcome and appreciate scores of VOLUNTEERS at the Mission. They include Main • WELCOMING – 250+ people • SERVING – 200+ meals • APPRECIATING– 20+ volunteers Meal teams, those that wait on tables, others sort produce & clothing, clean, drive & simply help. Below are this years awesome Volunteer Award winners who have given over 500 hours; Sue, Kay, Janet, Wilma, Stephanie and Pam (+ Liz Faccini absent). • HOUSING – up to 26 in Residential Recovery 16 in Temporary Housing PLEASE CONSIDER a DONATION The one unchangeable thing about life is that it always changes! by Dr. John Gray I recently picked up a new Resident placed here by the courts from Surrey Pretrial (jail). ‘Mike’ is 40 and was born and raised on a local Chilliwack reserve. As we talked he openly acknowledged his struggle with current domestic and addiction matters that have controlled his life and landed him in jail. He spoke of the pain of witnessing (and being the victim) of domestic violence and witnessing the drug overdose death of his uncle at age 10. His mother died of drug overdose on his 13th birthday, his father subsequently also attempted suicide. Mike has felt responsible for these losses and has carried this false guilt and shame throughout his entire life. It is these internal matters that continue to fuel his anger and addiction. By some standards, Mike doesn’t stand a chance. But he has come to place his life in our care at the Mission. Our 30 Day Shelter and Recovery Centre is full of people dealing with similar childhood traumas. Addictions aren’t the main problem; managing a broken spirit is! Thank you for partnering with us to restore dignity to broken people. staff at the Mission We do not often mention our great STAFF TEAM. Over the last 3 years the Mission has grown significantly. We now need to employ 10 full time staff to cover our 24 hour/365 day operation with 3 locations. Working with Guests and Residents takes dedication. Our team bring experience, faith and training to their respective areas. Bill Raddatz Executive Director John Gray Director of Residential Services / Chaplain Peter Biggs Director of Community Services / Chaplain Cheryl Giesbrecht Administrative Assistant Please PRAY for us all. Dean Dumont Kitchen Manager Sharon Holburn Women’s Program Manager Steve Rowley Men’s Program Manager + relief & P/T weekend Staff Kevin Slingerland Intake & Assessment Manager Graeme Isbister Intake Coordinator / Chaplain ranmission.ca for Kevin Findlay Night Supervisor Brenda Ballantine -Clark Night Supervisor Heather Horvath Weekend Supervisor Albert Merrick Weekend Supervisor online donating along with news, info, pics and full financial annual statements P.O. Box 327 STN MAIN, Chilliwack, BC V2P 6J4 (Please note our new postal address) 604-795-2322 www.facebook.com/RuthandNaomis
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