CRM to Sponsor the Historic Badin Triathlon

The Charlotte Rescue Mission is sponsoring the first annual Historic Badin Triathlon on Saturday morning June 7th, 2008. The triathlon is a swim, bike and run competitive event that will be a fundraiser for the mission. The Town of Badin, which is on the National Register of Historic Places, will be the site of the event. The 750 meter swim will take place in adjacent Badin Lake. The 11.4 mile bike portion will take place on surrounding country roads. The 5k run will be through the town.

Registration begins on January 3rd on the website of the company that will produce the event. Their web address can be located at www.setupevents.com. There you will find information about the event and instructions on how to register as a participant. You will also be able to sign up to volunteer by filling out the volunteer form on the Historic Badin Triathlon web page at the previously mentioned website. You may also contact Gary Kaufman to volunteer. He can be reached by email or by phone at (704) 334-4635 ext. 208. This would be a great volunteer opportunity for a church youth group.

This event is made possible in part by Middle Ring Cycles, Wachovia, God’s Country Outfitters and SYSCO.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Christmas Day News Coverage

News 14 ran the following story on Christmas day at the mission:

CHARLOTTE -- Volunteers served hundreds of hot meals in Charlotte Christmas morning to those in need at Charlotte’s Rescue Mission.

The mission’s kitchen was packed with volunteers long before the sun came up. "They were here before [5 a.m.] getting ready to serve a hot breakfast for the homeless,” said Rev. Tony Marciano, executive director.

Read the whole thing here.

Deserts Needed for Christmas

It's that time again, we need deserts! That's right, every year at our Christmas dinner for the homeless we serve homemade deserts - pies, cookies, cakes...anything and everything. These pastries are provided by donors just like you. What a difference it can make to a homeless person... who knows where their last meal came from? If you can bake a pie or desert of any kind, please bring them by our main location at:

907 West First St
Charlotte, NC 28202

We will be passing out gift bags to all of our guests which will include toiletries and toys for the kids. Remember, we need these items by Christmas morning. God bless and have a wonderful Christmas!

Toys Needed for Christmas

Although we do not have program space for children, we do serve families (including children) during our holiday meals. For Christmas, we like to pass out toys as we usually have some to give to homeless and poverty stricken children who will come through our doors on December 25th. If you have a few toys you could spare, why not drop them by the mission to share the Christmas spirit with those less fortunate?

You may drop off toys (for all ages) at our main location:

907 West First St
Charlotte, NC 28202

We are close to Bank of America stadium. Merry Christmas!

Christmas Shopping for the Homeless

Shopping can be a very difficult thing. I have found that the gifts homeless people want are both simple and complicated items. The simple things they crave are safe shelter, hot meals and clean clothing. The difficult thing they so desperately need is to walk away from the streets. At Charlotte Rescue Mission, both gifts are given to our clients.

One client, who recently finished our Rebound men’s program was so grateful for the opportunity Charlotte Rescue Mission gave him. For 90 days, he addressed the things that for too long, had made the streets his home. In addition, he spent years in jail. He came to me on his last day in the program, showing me his completion certificate. His smile went all the way around his face. I have never seen anyone so happy. Then, he looked at me and said, “This is just the beginning”. He was ready for the next chapter in his life.

Each year, there are hundreds of stories of lives like his that are changed.

Join Us For New Years!

Help us bring in the New Year celebrating 'new beginnings'. Join us at The Big Chill uptown for Charlotte's premiere alcohol-free New year's eve party.

We'll have a great buffet, dancing and door prizes. The master of ceremonies will be comedian Mark Mathis and all proceeds will benefit the mission.

Ticket prices are $60 for an individual and $100 for a couple. Click here to learn more. Hope to see you there!

Giving to the Mission in Lieu of Christmas Gifts

The Charlotte Observer recently ran this article, telling one couple's story of how and why they started supporting Charlotte Rescue Mission:

Mindy Leonard and her family haven't exchanged Christmas presents in 10 years.

"We said, `This is getting out of hand. We'd rather just give to charity,' " said the 35-year-old Charlotte commercial real estate appraiser.

Every year at the holidays, Leonard and husband Kevin give $300-400 to the Charlotte Rescue Mission, a Christian charity that runs residential chemical dependency recovery programs for men and women.

Leonard recalls doing some research on Guidestar.org, a Web site that publishes the tax returns of charitable organizations. It's there that she thinks she read that the Charlotte Rescue Mission doesn't take government funds. That was appealing, she said, because that means the organization is free to act in the best interest of the community.

A quick check of Guidestar shows Leonard was right. The Charlotte Rescue Mission doesn't take government money. On its 990s, the field for government funds was blank.

Tim Troutman, donor services supervisor, said that while some Christian charities accept government money, they might have to change their program to get it, and Charlotte Rescue Mission doesn't want to do that. "We attribute the success of our program to the fact that we are a Christian organization," he said.

New Crosspath Available

This coming week's CrossPath is now available here. Below are the topics. Join Rev. Marciano for his daily broadcast by tuning into WHVN, WMIT or by listening here on the web.

12/3 Why is conflict ok Galatians 2:11
12/4 Is forgive and forget ok Matthew 7:6
12/5 As Christians, should we always be at peace with one another Romans 12:18
12/6 Do People mature as they age 2 Timothy 4:11
12/7 Is Vaseline Intensive Care Lotion Biblical Ezekiel 11:17-21

Annual Thanksgiving Banquet - Video

Thanksgiving at the Mission - 2007

This year's Thanksgiving was a huge success. Thanks to all the donors and volunteers that came together to make this possible. Also, we'd like to extend our deepest appreciation to Dilworth Neighborhood Grille whose staff provided the breakfast and served it. Stay tuned to the blog later this week for pictures & a video of the holiday. Local coverage:

News 14 - Story 1 | Story 2 & WCNC

Needed: Homemade Deserts for Thanksgiving

We need your sweets! That's right, every year at our Thanksgiving dinner for the homeless we serve homemade deserts - pies, cookies, cakes...anything and everything. These pastries are provided by donors just like you. What a difference it can make to a homeless person... who knows where their last meal came from? If you can bake a pie or desert of any kind, please bring them by our main location at:

907 West First St
Charlotte, NC 28202

Remember, we need them by Thursday morning. God bless and have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

When a Client "Get's It" For the First Time

“I get it”. Those are the words I love to hear. When a client says, “I get it”, things have changed dramatically in his life. He is no longer being an observer – he is a participant. He realizes God’s love is for him and him alone. He knows that the New Life we speak about can occur. I heard it the other day as I was entering the Mission. The client stopped me and said, “I get it”. I was concerned about him. Today, I’m excited about his future.

New Study Says 1 out of 4 Homeless are Veterans

WASHINGTON - Veterans make up one in four homeless people in the United States, though they are only 11 percent of the general adult population, according to a report to be released Thursday.

And homelessness is not just a problem among middle-age and elderly veterans. Younger veterans from Iraq and Afghanistan are trickling into shelters and soup kitchens seeking services, treatment or help with finding a job.

See the full story here.

Crosspath - Interview With Rev. Jim Shock

Rev. Marciano's daily CrossPath radio addresses are up for the weeks beginning 10/29 and 11/5. The current topic is an interview with Rev. Jim Shock (pastor of the Recovery Church). Be sure to download the free audio.

Thanksgiving at the Mission

Thanksgiving is an incredible time here at Charlotte Rescue Mission. We start at 6am with a hot breakfast. Movies and cell phones are enjoyed. A hot Thanksgiving dinner is served. Our “dinner guests” feel loved because of the care and attention they receive.

I remember the client I met outside our kitchen door. Just a few days before, he came to our Thanksgiving dinner under the influence of alcohol. Amazed at how well we treated him, he entered our Rebound Men’s recovery program. Months later, he was attending Central Piedmont Community College.

Your support is so important in allowing broken lives to realize there is hope for them.

Haunted Trail Raises Money For CRM

CHARLOTTE -- A neighborhood haunted trail raised hundreds of dollars for charity this Halloween.

Ghosts and goblins were out spooking kids of all ages at Foxmoor Fright, the seventh annual event put on by neighbors who live on Foxmoor Drive in the Carmel Valley subdivision off Carmel Road.

Read the full article from News 14 here. Thanks guys!

Urgent Need: ACCU-CHEK Comfort Curve Test Strips

Our nurses have informed us that we have an immediate need for ACCU-CHEK Comfort Curve Test Strips. Due to our policy, we need this specific brand. For more information contact Andria Tindall at 704-334-4635 x214. Thanks in advance!

Thanks to American Tire Distributors

We'd like to extend our gratitude to the generous folks over at ATD (American Tire Distributors). Their annual golf outing raised $100,000 this year and was split between us and Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina. Read more at Tire Review Online.

Join Us For New Years Eve

This New Years Eve, Charlotte Rescue Mission will host the premiere alcohol-free New Years Eve event.

The event will be held at The Big Chill in uptown Charlotte. “The Urban Sophisticates” (named the best un-signed band in the southeast by Billboard Magazine) will provide entertainment.

Click here for more information and contact info.

Cross Path - Christian Recovery

Do Christians need Recovery? What unique issues do Christians face in the recovery process? The upcoming week's Crosspath Radio series features a talk from Rev. Marciano, director of Charlotte Rescue Mission, on this very subject.

He Had Given Up On Life

This is our final video from the 2007 Alumni Meeting. Listen to this powerful testimony by a Rebound graduate.

Urgent Need - Shaving Cream & Razors

Have you considered hosting a drive at your office or with your small group? We are currently running very low on men's shaving cream & razors. For more information, call Tim at 704-334-4635 x245 Donations can be dropped off at our main location.

Bank of America 500 Tickets For Sale

All proceeds will go directly to Charlotte Rescue Mission. Bank of America has generously donated two tickets to the upcoming Bank of America 500 to be held at Lowes Motor Speedway on 10/13/2007. Click here to place your bid now!

Another Client Testimony

Many people do not realize that we serve not only the Charlotte region, but also the entire Carolinas. Over 40% of our clients come from South Carolina and we have some from even further away - Virginia, Tennessee, Georgia & even as far as Louisiana. Listen to this testimony by a man from Virginia.

I Could Hear the Hope in His Voice

Recently, I chatted with a client who is still in our Rebound men’s program. I could see the hardness on his face from his years of living on the street. But I heard in his voice the hope that was there. Something was happening and he was changing. The journey wasn’t completed, but he hadn’t yet finished our program. He was excited about his future, and so was I.

There are hundreds of stories like that; each one, receiving new life because someone cared.

Our Annual Auction Is Next Month

Our annual auction is quickly approaching. Tickets are selling fast and this year for the first time, we have the ability to accept registration online. All proceeds go directly to the mission. We hope to see you there!

Update 10/4/2007 - We are sold out. If you didn't get a ticket this year, we hope you will plan to join us next year.

We Need Your Old Ties!

Remember all those ties in your closet from years of Fathers' Day celebrations? Instead of letting them collect dust in your closet, why not donate them to Charlotte Rescue Mission? We are currently very low on ties for the men at Rebound. Our clients use ties and other formal wear for therapeutic job slots, interviews and church.

To donate, please drop them off at our main location:

907 West 1st St
Charlotte, NC 28202

New Client Testimony Video

Another video from our recent alumni meeting.

New Client Testimony Video

Last Saturday, about 50 former clients attended our Rebound Alumni Meeting. Here is the first of several testimonies we recorded.

Third Ward Picnic

Charlotte Rescue Mission along with Third Ward Neighborhood Association, Johnson & Wales University, Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation and Charlotte Center City Partners is planning a community event for the Third Ward in Frazier Park from Noon - 2 on September 22nd.

"The real purpose of this event is fun, but we also want to build `social capital,' bringing neighbors together to meet one another," Davis said. "In Third Ward, we have longtime residents, students, and families, and the more we can get folks to meet each other, the better."

Read the whole article here.

How Do I Get Involved?

Recently, I was at a yard sale when the homeowner asked me what I did. When I told her, she got so excited. She knew about the Rescue Mission. A former client had come to her church and shared her story. She talked about how the Dove’s Nest program of the Charlotte Rescue Mission changed her life. She looked at me and said, “How do I get involved”.

Thank You Note From a Donor

Recently, I received a thank you note from a donor. Her story might be different from many of our supporters, in that her son became a client and went through our Rebound men’s program. Inside the card were the simple words, “Thanks to all of you, I have my son back”. I’ve gotten to know that family over the past few years. The words that were uttered and the tears that mother shed spoke volumes of her appreciation to Charlotte Rescue Mission and its supporters for the gift of New Life given to her son. Thanks to all of our supporters for helping to reunite a family.

Ribbon Cutting Ceremony - Men's Bathroom

Previously, we posted on the recent remodeling done to the men's downstairs bathroom. Check out the video of our ribbon cutting ceremony which was covered by several local news networks. Thanks to everyone involved!

Hot Days Are Bad For Everyone But Worst For the Homeless

The Daily Buzz (the blog for Charlotte Magazine) recently posted this regarding the heat and how it affects the homeless in Charlotte.

You know who the heat is really bad for? The people who don’t have these luxuries…the homeless.

Yesterday, I met with the Reverend Anthony Marciano II, executive director of the Charlotte Rescue Mission. He took my publisher, one of our account executives, and me on a tour of his campus on First Street. Marciano is one of those people when you hear speak puts you at ease (“Hurt people, hurt people” was a memorable line he used). He seems like the perfect person to be leading this nonprofit, faith-based organization that serves the city’s homeless population (estimated to be at 5,000), most of whom are battling alcohol and drug addiction.

The Rescue Mission has a very stringent recovery program, one that doesn’t have the amenities of these “spa-habs,” I mean rehabs, that have been making the news recently as the Lindsays and Nicoles of the world have been making addiction look like the life of the party. They should be sent here, to see how tough life really could get. And to see what a wonderful job Marciano and his staff does with about 130 homeless men each day (“We could have 100 more beds, and they’d be filled by tomorrow,” Marciano says.). They are a dedicated staff of full-time employees and volunteers (administrators, substance abuse counselors, tutors). And they do it with faith, compassion, and contributions from the community. Nearly 70 percent of the mission’s funding comes from donations from individuals—and they could use more (hint, hint).

Check out the entire article if you get a chance. And just like them, we invite anyone to come tour our campus on First Street and see what we do first hand. Give us a call 704-334-4635 x214.

Bathroom Remodeling

Our downstairs mens bathroom has been completely remodeled recently thanks to the generosity of our donors. You won't believe the difference. Here are some before and after photos:

After:

What a difference!

Tell Hanes to Give Us $10,000

Hanes, in partnership with Network for Good and www.SixDegrees.org, is offering a matching grant of up to $10,000 to the six charities who raise the most between now and September 16, 2007. All you have to do is make a donation by clicking donate on the badge below. It doesn't have to be a "big" donation to make a big impact in someone's life. A gift of only $10 has the potential to be $20 with your help!

You can also forward the link to your friends, neighbors, church members, co-workers, etc to spread the word. Donations through the badge are only counted one time per supporter, so additional donations to the Mission should be made as you normally would make them (via mail PO Box 33000 Charlotte, NC 28233-3000) or on our web site donation page Donate Now. You can read more about the badge concept at www.SixDegrees.org or at www.networkforgood.org.

From Drug Addiction to Joy

Is it possible to go from being a lying, cheating, and manipulating drug addict to someone who glows with the joy of the Lord? I see it every day. The other day, I saw it as I was leaving the Mission. The woman I am referring to is a staff member of the Mission, working at our Dove’s Nest program. We teased each other as we passed each other in the parking lot. As I got in my car, I marveled at who she is today, versus who she was the first day she walked into Dove’s Nest.

Reuniting Families

Imagine one day, your family wants nothing to do with you. A year later, they are calling you, asking for advice with their teen aged son. Imagine one day, your teen daughter wants nothing to do with you. A year later, you attend her High School graduation.

That happened to a former client of our Rebound men’s program. Today, he is on cloud nine, celebrating a new found relationship with his brothers and sisters as well as his daughter.

Confidence For the Future

Let me tell you about one of our recent clients...

Somehow, in someway, alcohol consumed him. It took over his life. Fed up with it all, he came to the Mission a broken man. When he entered our Rebound men’s program, he was a shell of a man. Over the course of the next 90 days, he did what his counselor told him to do. Slowly and with steady progress, he surrendered his ego and allowed God’s love to enter the hole in his heart. Today; he has completed our men’s program and continues to live at the Mission while he returns the world of work. He feels confident about his future.

CRM Saves the County Millions

News 14 recently ran this article on Charlotte Rescue Mission looking for more donors as we fell short of our budget last fiscal year.

While officials say they are not operating in the red yet, it's a trend that they can't afford to let continue.

What was most interesting I think, was the quote from our director of development:

"We save the county and the state millions of dollars every year in taking care of people that cannot work, that have addiction problems, and we bring them into a 12 step Christian recovery program. They leave here as productive citizens,” said E.J. Underwood, director of development for the Rescue Mission.

New Stairs For Our Gym

Above our gym, we have a storage area. The only problem with it is, climbing the old wooden steps to get to it can be risky! Here's what they used to look like:

In June, the 'Cargill Cares Group' generously donated their time and resources by installing a brand new - sturdy - staircase.

Thanks guys!

Fiscal Year End

As we enter the end of our fiscal year, I am reminded of a Mission client who was coming to an end – an end that almost destroyed him.

For too long, he found himself on the streets, broken and hurting. When he finally “had enough”, he came to the Mission where generous gifts from donors provided him with hot meals, safe shelter, and Christian counseling, all focused to change his life. Today, he’s coming to another end – the end of our 90 day Rebound men’s recovery program and beginning a new journey.

News Update - Budget Shortfall

News 14 recently ran a story covering our budget shortfall:

The mission fell short of its fourth quarter goals by nearly $339,000.

Volunteers with the program provide food and shelter to homeless and people struggling with an addiction to drugs or alcohol. The mission does not receive federal or state funding but relies on donors and grants.

We have only until June 30th 2007 to meet our fiscal year budget. As of June 20th, we are still short $296,608.

Long Term Success

Charlotte Rescue Mission's completion rate is about twice the national average, but how about post-completion? How long do our clients stay sober?

We are developing new methods to test that and have recently added a staff member to track and develop our relationships with those who have completed the program over an extended period.

Sometimes, it's hard to keep in touch with clients who have completed the program. Perhaps they've put this phase of their life behind them and moved on to the life they never thought they could have. But fairly regularly, we'll be contacted by a former client out of the blue who thanks us and our supporters for what was done for him or her.

I just spoke with a former client who I remember well. His work ethic and attitude were top notch while he was at the mission - and it rubbed off on others. Now, he is back with his family and gainfully employed with 10 months of sobriety and counting. He also told me that a good friend of his who completed the program around the same time had been re-united with his wife!

He said he thanks God every day for what Charlotte Rescue Mission has done for him.

How Dove's Nest is Making a Difference

Charlotte Rescue Mission's women's program - Dove's Nest is sharing hope with broken women.

As we just celebrated mother's day, it's easy to forget that this is the hardest time of the year for our female clients. They feel like failures as mothers to the children God gave them. Yet, over the years, I have seen Dove’s Nest graduates become reunited with their children. They work hard so that the brokenness that they experienced is not passed down to their children.

Those who support Charlotte Rescue Mission aren't just supporting men and women, but their children as well.

Lives Can Truly Change

I recently listened to a graduate of our program tell his story. When the streets took over his life, his family wanted nothing to do with him.

Fast forward to 2007. Today, he is reunited with his family. His daughter just graduated (the first in his family to do so) and his sister actually called him for advice on raising her teen aged son. He laughed as he told that story. He told the audience, “Imagine me, being asked for advice”.

Lives change.

What A Second Chance Can Mean

At the mission, I'm often asked what percentage of our graduates stay clean and sober. I'd like to say 100%, but that's not how life works. But a relapse doesn't mean the end. Let me give you an example.

He came to the mission before, but failed to use the tools he was given. He found himself back on the streets. Knowing they would be the death of him, he returned to the Mission and followed the advice of his counselor. He had an awakening with God – a relationship to Jesus Christ that was more than just words. Just a few hours before I wrote this to you, he thanked me for this second chance. You see, he was about to complete our program.

Friends of the Friendless Banquet

This is a short clip from our 2007 Annual Friends of the Friendless Appreciation Banquet. The Friends of the Friendless are supporters of Charlotte Rescue Mission who have pledged to support us on a monthly or quarterly basis. This consistent support provides us with much needed resources throughout the year. Thanks to all our Friends!

CRM Rated as an Excellent Charity

The Acton Institute for the Study of Religion & Liberty produces a charity review called the Samaritan Guide. This services grades organizations in comparison to other faith based charities. We are proud to announce that Charlotte Rescue Mission (Rebound & Dove's Nest) has received an overall score of "Excellent". Click here to view the full report.

Easter at Charlotte Rescue Mission

More TV Coverage For Easter

News 14 did a special story helping us ask for homemade deserts. Thanks to everyone who donated their special recipes for the homeless to enjoy on Easter!

WCNC News coverage of Easter at CRM

A traditional Easter dinner is taking on a deeper meaning for the man behind the meals this year at Charlotte Rescue Mission.

The food is served up with fine linens and glass wear – a special treat for the homeless men who live at the shelter, and guests who will come in off the street.

"We want to say 'you’re special,'” said Executive Director Tony Marciano, motioning towards the table settings. “'We love you, God loves you,' and this is our way of demonstrating by how were going to take care of you today."

Click here to read the full article and listen to the success story of our food service manager:

Food service manager Marcus King also sees it as a feast of redemption.

A little over a year ago, the former Marine spent most of his time high on drugs, despite always having a steady job and an otherwise good life.

“All I wanted to do every day is get high,” said King. “Drugs and alcohol was a way of life for me and I abused it for many years.”

Finally jobless and destitute, King hit a low point. One day in February 2006, he found himself on a bridge over Interstate 85 ready to jump.

Then, a man King calls his “guardian angel” appeared – in a police cruiser. King says the officer talked him out of killing himself, took him to detox, and gave him a second chance.

“I don't think anyone was an inspiration to me at that particular moment in my life when I was on the brink of dying,” said King, ”then this man made an effect on my life."

King said that he was sure that officer was Sean Clark, one of two CMPD officers killed in the line of duty last week.

Easter Sunday

Easter Sunday is one of our outreaches to the community. We will serve several hundred hungry, hurting people. They will be treated like “royalty”. Volunteers, dressed in white shirts and black pants will serve them. China and glassware will be used. At 3pm, when I turn off the movies, some will become teary eyed when it all comes to an end. For the first time in a long time, they have felt loved and respected.

The 200,000 meals per year our donors help provide is significant. That’s just part of the story. The clients also hear the Good News of God’s love for them. These are men and women who have lost their way in life. They come to the Mission, beaten down, with no hope, feeling unloved and unwanted. When they complete our Rebound and Dove’s Nest program, there is a smile on their face that represents the hope in their soul.

I’m reminded of the man who came to the Mission without the right attitude. It took a while for the change to occur on the inside. As he approached completion of the program, it was his new attitude I noticed. He came to class, not to meet minimum requirements for class attendance, but to learn.

May God bless you this Easter season.

Friday Friends - March Questions

Recently, I shared with you about a program I helped initiate to help improve race relations in the Charlotte community called 'Friday Friends'. Here are the questions for March:

• What attracted you to this program?
  
• What would you like to see happen over the course of the next 5 months?
  
• How much risk are you willing to take with each other?
  
• What would help you do that?

I Never Planned to be an Addict,but it Happened

I stumbled across a success story from our 2005 newsletter from the perspective of one of our former clients, Larry. He still stops by the mission to visit or volunteer regularly. I thought I'd share his testimony again:

You don't know it, but you saved my life...I'm Larry.

Grandmother raised 16 grandchildren, including me. At 12 she put me out on the street. Terrified, I went to a cousin involved with drugs. I used the first time that night. Over the next 20 years I went from rags to riches to rags. I lost businesses, property and family. The souvenir of my youth is a gunshot wound.

I found God in prison, and truly believe he led me to Charlotte Rescue Mission. I went to the bus station in Louisiana and prayed. Strangers came the first 3 days with food, or to pray. On the 4th day no one came. Hungry and tired, I found a 5 dollar bill on the ground. I bought something to eat and gave what was left to 2 ladies who also were in need. That moment everything changed.

Within minutes a stranger gave me $12.00. It would not be enough to get me to Charlotte, but it was a start. Moments later the Manager called me to "hurry!" SHE had gotten me a ticket.

I got to Charlotte and went straight to the Mission. I had $12.00,the clothes on my back, and my bible. They took me in, fed me clothed me. I worked with counselors to get to the root of my addiction. Not once did anyone ask me for a dime. Charlotte is now my home. I am proud to be a tax payer again, and your generous gifts to Charlotte Rescue Mission made that possible. You changed my life, and I cannot thank you enough.

Volunteering at the Mission

Once a week, Rev. Marciano's mother comes to volunteer at the mission. She helps us by calling donors and thanking them for their support. She is one of many volunteers who help make our ministry possible.

Points of Light

Points of Light - With Rev. Tony Marciano from our Easter Newsletter:

We are preparing for our Easter community meal here at the Mission. On Easter morning, we will open our doors to the public. We will encourage anyone that is hungry or infirmed or a shut-in to come enjoy a wonderful home made Easter feast. All are welcome.

When a person is hungry and alone, it is easy for him to believe that no one loves him, not even God. We want people to know that we love them and care for them. It is our hope that they will enjoy the food and fellowship, and that they will see the love of Jesus through us. Most old adages are true. This one is especially true. A little bit of kindness goes a long way.

On Easter, we want our kindness to take our guests from hunger to hope. And we’re hoping the kindness we show on Easter takes them all the way to the foot of the cross.

CRM Development Uses JMP Software

Not long ago, JMP software (by the SAS Institute) wrote a success story about Charlotte Rescue Mission and how we are using their software to make our administrative and fund raising process as efficient as possible. Click here to read the full article.

And this particular nonprofit is devoted to spending as little as possible on overhead and as much as it can on helping people turn their lives around. Its mission is to help “individuals caught in the cycles of poverty, hopelessness and chemical addiction by meeting their spiritual, physical, emotional, social and vocational needs.”

SAS has been extremely generous to Charlotte Rescue Mission by donating their software through their foundation. This is just one example of how we are constantly working to be good stewards of the generous donations we have been entrusted with.

The Best Meal You Ever Had

While you may not say that the best meal you’ve ever eaten was at the Charlotte Rescue Mission, I know someone who did say that.

He came to the Mission because his years of addiction left him living on the streets. Hungry and cold, he was sick and tired of being sick and tired. That first meal he ate as a client in the Rebound division of the Mission (as he tells the story) was the best meal he ever ate. While we work hard to make it hot, tasty and nutritious, he glows every time he tells the story.

You see, it was the generosity of so many people that helped provide him with that hot, nourishing plate of food. This month alone, support through our Hunger to Hope campaign will help provide almost 18,000 meals to hungry, hurting men and women without any government or United Way funding. Thank you.

Annual Hope Tote Drive Begins

Easter is the time of year that Charlotte Rescue Mission has it's annual drive to collect toiletry and other basic necessities for the men and women we serve. When a client enters our program, many come with nothing but the clothes on their back. We pass out (free of charge) toothbrushes, deodorant, shampoo, socks, underwear and whatever else they may need. Although we receive these types of donations year round, our annual 'Hope Totes' drive (leading up to Easter) is the time of year when we receive the majority of our toiletries. You may have seen the purple bags we send out. (We will be glad to send some to your group if you don't have them).

The Scottish Bank has generously agreed to partner with us. Drop of locations can be found at our main web site. We expect to bring in even more toiletries this year. Thanks to all those who make this possible.

CRM Tutor Program Has 9 New Volunteers

At the end of February, one of our volunteers, Aileen, who oversees our tutoring program, came “bouncing” into my office. She was so excited about the “Great Things” happening in the tutoring program.

First, she told me about the nine new volunteers who will be working with her, helping our clients, with their reading and math.

Then she told me even more exciting news. One of our clients needed help with his geometry (I haven’t done geometry since - well, let’s just say a very long time ago. I knew I would be of no help). The client was assigned a new tutor. He explained his need to her. When he was done, the tutor got so excited. She had just completed her GED and had all the material. She was going to collect it and make it available for the client for his geometry lessons.

Aileen was so excited. Not only had God provided additional volunteers, he provided the right ones with the right materials at the right time for the right client.

How Do You Break the Cycle of Addiction?

Last week in Huntersville, I heard a former client (I'll call him James) give his testimony for the first time. As a child growing up, his dad owned a bar. He grew up in Charleston, SC in an alcoholic household. That was the only life he knew.

As an adult, his addiction caused him to lose his job, his wife & children and his home.

James spoke of how he entered our Rebound men's program about a year ago and completed it. Now he is employed at Charlotte Rescue Mission and living a clean and sober life. Last week, he visited his brother whom he hasnt spoken with in over 3 years. His brother said he was a changed person. He told us how proud he was that his daughter was graduating high school and on the honor roll.

Colin Branch, who recently visited the mission for a tour, said that one of the more profound things we were doing here was stopping the generational cycle of addiction. I couldnt agree more and neither could James. It was truly a blessing to hear his story.

Former Dove's Nest Client

Recently, a former client of our Dove’s Nest program shared her story of the streets with our Board of Directors. When she concluded, a Board member who was so taken back by her story, looked at her and said, “Now tell me one more time, how old were you when you started drinking?” Her answer of 10 years old silenced him. More than ever, he realized the pain our clients experience before they admit their need and come to us seeking help.

I see it every day at the mission. Sometimes its easy to forget how hopeless life can seem for some people.

Colin Branch Visits Charlotte Rescue Mission

We had a special guest at the mission today. Carolina Panther Colin Branch took a tour of our facilities. He will be speaking at our banquet tomorrow in Huntersville.

Colin apparently has a real heart for ministry and the Panthers organization in general has been very generous to us at the mission. We've nearly completed construction on the outdoor pavilion for our clients which was funded by the Panthers.

Newsletter Available Online

Our latest edition of the newseltter is now available online in pdf format: 2007 January / February Beacon.

Video Now Online

Here is one of our videos.

New Windows For CRM

If you drive down West 1st St these days you may not recognize the mission. Thanks to some very generous donors, our main uptown campus recently received a much needed facelift. We have new windows which replace the old, broken glass block. This doesn't just improve the appearance of our facilities for staff and guests but more importantly, it is just one more way to improve the quality of the program for our clients.

Just how big of a difference does it make? Judge for yourself. See the before & after photos.

A Client Returns to His Family

Recently, a client told me he was about to receive his certificate for completing our program. He had gone through its rigor, facing the issues that drove him to the streets.

The other good news in this story is that his family had seen the changes in his life. They decided to invite him home to stay with them. He grabbed my hand (almost twice as large as mine) and almost crushed it. He thanked me for giving him his life back. When I mentioned the next chapter in his life, he was already prepared. He had a support system in place, ready to keep him on the “straight and narrow”. Just as important, there was more than hope in his eyes. There was a sense of confidence, that his life had taken a dramatic turn. He would never return to the life he recently left.

When people ask me what keeps me going, it’s the look of change that comes across a client’s face. It is knowing that their past does not have to determine their future. You are an integral part in making the miracle of that change possible.

Friday Friends

I have recently been involved in the leadership team of a new initiative in Charlotte called "Friday Friends".

"A study of 40 major metro areas identified Charlotte as number two for attendance at houses of worship and number thirty nine for racial trust."

In light of this, we have started "Friday Friends" which will pair up two individuals of a different race to have lunch the last Friday of every month. I'll be letting you know more details as time goes on but in the mean time, do give their website a visit and consider joining the program.

A Client on a Mission

Some time ago, I was in our dining room when a client who resides in our halfway house program greeted me. He was celebrating eleven months of being clean from drugs and alcohol. He told me the challenges of where he grew up. He shared his plans for the future. He had walked away from his past and was preparing for the next chapter of his life. He was a man who came “through the Mission”, who was now “on a mission”.

Welcome to Charlotte Rescue Mission's Blog

You can think of this blog merely as a window into the world of Charlotte Rescue Mission. If you don't know about the mission, please visit our website. This blog will keep you informed of all the news and events surrounding the premiere free addiction recovery center in the Carolinas. Thank you for being involved in our ministry as we work to defeat homelessness and addiction in Charlotte and throughout the region.

Be sure to check back often. We will update no less than once each week.