Monday, August 27, 2007

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”.

Wednesday, August 22, 2007

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.

Tuesday, August 14, 2007

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!

Friday, August 10, 2007

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.

Wednesday, August 8, 2007

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!

Thursday, August 2, 2007

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.


By clicking on the 'share' tab, you can insert this badge into your web page, blog or Myspace account.

Wednesday, August 1, 2007

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.