TURN A LAST CHANCE INTO LASTING CHANGE Your gift to the New Life Program grants countless blessings.
denver rescue mission Changing lives since 1892 Denver Rescue Mission is dedicated to changing lives by breaking the vicious cycle of homelessness. We offer lasting solutions to people in need no matter what point they are in their lives. From emergency services to the transformative New Life Program, we provide individuals the tools they need to make permanent and positive life changes. our mission Changing lives in the name of Christ by meeting people at their physical and spiritual points of need, with the goal of returning them to society as productive, self-sufficient citizens. denver s trusted resource As the oldest full-service Christian charity in the region, our work is grounded in faith, compassion for those we serve and premier professional credentials. For more than 120 years, Denver Rescue Mission has been here to feed, clothe and care for those in crisis an important function in and of itself. However, in order to achieve lasting change on a scale that will truly benefit those in need and the community in which we all live, people should be given the opportunity to learn the skills and behaviors that enable a successful, healthy life. It is just that type of transformational work that takes place in our New Life Program a program for which we are recognized for our substantial margin of excellence. 2
In the beauty surrounding Fort Collins Horsetooth Reservoir, Dave and his four-year-old son David IV known as D cast their fishing lines into the water. The New Life Program graduate relishes these moments with his son, a cute little guy, who is one of Dave s main motivations to rise beyond alcohol abuse and continue living a healthy, productive life. 3
understanding homelessness on the front range While the conventional perception of those experiencing homelessness is that they are predominantly single, male and white, the truth is that more than 50% are families with children. Homelessness affects every race and age black, white, Hispanic, male and female, and range in age from infants to elderly. The various factors that can contribute to being homeless include everyday occurrences that could happen to any of us losing a job, domestic abuse, mental illness, high housing costs, medical problems, and addiction. Whatever brings someone to this point in their lives without a home, the reality is that there is no single solution for the myriad of complex causes. In the past several years our country, including Colorado, has suffered a major economic decline that ravaged the lives of thousands resulting in a major increase in homelessness. While we have seen dramatic improvement for various economic sectors, the residual effects of the downturn are still very apparent and continue to hinder recovery for many individuals and families. 53 % 30 % of those experiencing homelessness are in families with children. of those experiencing homelessness have jobs. source: Metropolitan Homeless Initiative 2014 Point-In-Time Study 4
meeting people at their physical & spiritual points of need Denver Rescue Mission is successful at tackling the complex issues of homelessness because we appreciate that each person we help is at a unique point in their physical and spiritual journey. We meet them wherever they are in life, make sure they are safe and nourished, and when they are ready we support them along their own path of personal transformation. Our duty as citizens in a moral society is to help those in need. Some may see it as the duty of a Christian to care for the poor, others may view it as a social justice issue, but we can all agree: every person deserves a chance. It s this passion for our work that gives our participants hope; it is also what makes us successful. Our approach is holistic, including spiritual development, education, counseling, work therapy and case management. We own and operate six ministry sites which house and operate everything from our emergency services to our comprehensive rehabilitation and transitional programs, such as the New Life Program. The New Life Program set me on the right path. Jeff Dines, Warehouse Supervisor, Denver Rescue Mission Learn more about Jeff on page 9. 5
the new life program: enabling lasting change The New Life Program is the Mission s life changing long-term rehabilitation program. It provides a community-oriented environment for participants to gain the skills, stability and self-esteem necessary to become productive, self-sufficient members of society. an investment worth making I never really set a goal in my life before this program; I just went day to day My experience at The Crossing really gave me a new life. $43,000 $23,743 city of denver On average, the city of Denver spends $43,000 per homeless person per year. The cost to guide a participant through the New Life Program is $23,743. Charles new life program 6
forming the denver rescue mission foundation The purpose of the Denver Rescue Mission Foundation is to raise substantial financial support for the Mission s long-term residential rehabilitation programs. Members were selected for their demonstrated interest and support of the Mission s important work. Board members will serve as volunteer fundraisers for Denver Rescue Mission; actively participating in the identification, cultivation and solicitation of donor prospects. 7
changing lives takes a comprehensive approach The New Life Program has become a national model for long-term rehabilitation programs and has also been adapted for use in many countries around the world a testament to our success. The program is centered around five basic components: spiritual development New Life Program participants are given many opportunities to explore their spirituality and to develop a close personal relationship with Jesus Christ. case management New Life Program Case Managers/Chaplains work with participants on a weekly basis, helping them to manage spiritual, physical, psychological, legal, financial, medical, educational and employment-related issues. counseling Professional staff counselors act as advocates and partners in participants transformation providing them with Christianbased guidance. lifeskills, education & career readiness No matter what level of education a particpant has, we will help them get to the next step. From earning a GED and gaining confidence with computers to interview skills and résumé writing, every participant is empowerd to cultivate their personal, academic and career potential. work therapy This component of the program is designed to prepare each participant for a life of successful employment by developing a solid work ethic, building positive experiences and tapping into valuable skills. 8
meet jeff dines It was 2011 when Jeff walked eight miles to the Denver Rescue Mission s Lawrence Street facility. He wasn t looking to get into a program, he was simply looking for a meal. He had no food, no job and no one to call. By the grace of God he learned about and entered the New Life Program that day. Everything was torn out of me and I was hopeless. If I didn t find the Mission that day, I don t know where I d be. Jeff had been through several 30-day rehabilitation programs that proved unsuccessful. He knew that something had to change and that he couldn t change it himself. I came to the New Life Program not knowing where my life was going. Today, Jeff remains connected with Denver Rescue Mission working every day in the Mission s warehouse. He engages with volunteers and shares his story with current New Life Program participants. He cherishes spending time with his family, including his two college-aged children and five brothers. My Christian faith gives me a sense of peace in the things I do every day. I love life now. 9
endless hope at three mission facilities champa house The New Life Program can take anywhere from 13 to 27 months, depending on each participant s personal and situational goals. During this time, all basic needs, including housing, meals, clothing, medical care, education, counseling and case management are provided by Denver Rescue Mission. All of this takes place across our three residential facilities: champa house offers the long-term rehabilitation program in a residential setting, providing help toward self-sufficiency to single mothers with dependent children. the crossing offers the long-term rehabilitation program for men. the crossing harvest farm is a rural facility offering the New Life Program on a fully operating farm. This past year 86 % of those who completed the New Life Program remained self-sufficient after one year. harvest farm 10
breaking the cycle of homelessness requires significant investment private contributions make our work possible The New Life Program, is expensive. At anytime there are approximately 210 men and women enrolled in the New Life Program. While it is completely free to participants, it costs Denver Rescue Mission $23,743 per person per year. These long-term investments yield enormous returns. From an economic perspective, remember that the City of Denver spends $43,000 per year on every homeless person. By comparison, those who graduate from our programs contribute to our local economy by paying rent, utilities, taxes and more. From a spiritual perspective, the value of permanently transforming lives simply cannot be quantified. For those who share the values and concerns of Denver Rescue Mission, we offer the best philanthropic option for alleviating poverty and homelessness. Our comprehensive approach is proven. Our impact is regional, national and global. And after more than a century of doing this critical work, our partners, clients and contributors trust us to deliver. Only about one percent of our annual revenue comes from government sources. Today we look for your investment one that means we can make an ever bigger impact transforming the lives of those experiencing homelessness along the front range. please join us in turning a last chance into lasting change. 11
administrative offices 6100 Smith Road Denver, Colorado 80216 t 303. 297. 1815 f 303. 295. 1566 info @ denverrescue.org visit us online at denverrescuemission.org/transforminglives