Written by: Brad Meuli, Denver Rescue Mission President

Since 1892, Denver Rescue Mission has seen changes in government officials, various ordinances that have affected how we can assist the homeless and tough economic periods of time.  But in the 120 years we have been in this city, we have not changed our chief goal – changing lives in the name of Christ. Our focus has remained the same; to help people become productive, self-sufficient citizens, leaving a life of desperation behind.

In the past few months, there have been protests, meetings and discussions regarding the urban camping ordinance. Last night, Denver City Council approved the homeless camping ban, thereby forbidding unauthorized camping on public and private property in Denver.

Intensity and emotion are two words that best describe the recent weeks leading up to the passage of this ordinance. Now that it has passed, our primary goal should be to join together as a community to serve homeless and low-income individuals and families. It’s more than making sure there are enough beds and services; it’s finding ways to assist the poor in their efforts to leave a life of poverty behind.

Whether you were for or against, disappointed or happy the ordinance passed, I ask that you take those feelings and move them into action. No one wants to see a man, woman or child sleep on a cold, hard sidewalk. Today, I would encourage you to decide what you will do with your feelings and passions. Let’s extend our hands in compassion by serving meals to the homeless, putting together a clothing drive, collecting canned food, or finding another way to make sure the poor and hungry are provided for.

At Denver Rescue Mission, you can become a mentor, help a refugee family acclimate to life in Denver, tutor a child at The Crossing, sort food and clothing, and serve meals. These are only a few of the many ways you can help.

Become a mentor!

In Metro Denver, there are approximately 40 organizations serving the homeless and low-income population. Take action! Do something that will create lasting change in our community.

Together we can change lives.

It is only by working together that we can make sure those who have little are given a second chance at a changed life. Denver Rescue Mission will be here continuing to make a difference. Join us!

Ways to get involved:

Volunteer

Donate

Host a Donation Drive

Become a Community Partner

Written by: Pierce O'Farrill, Vehicle Donation Coordinator

The Vehicle Donation Program started in 1998 with several objectives in mind. First and foremost, a vehicle provides reliable transportation for graduates and it allows increased employment and basic life opportunities. We’ve also seen an immediate spike in graduation rates! The New Life Program and STAR Transitional Program take dedication and hard work; receiving a car when they graduate is their light at the end of the tunnel.

“I am the new owner of a car all because of someone’s donation and I am grateful…I feel like a kid at Christmas,” says Gary, New Life Program Graduate. “This opportunity has opened new doors for me and everything is looking brighter.”

A donated vehicle has the power to change a life. An old truck that has been sitting in a donor’s driveway collecting dust for years can look like a brand new Cadillac to a graduate and can improve their quality of life exponentially.

The Vehicle Donation Program is entirely dependent on the wonderful donors who have the generosity to gift us a vehicle. We are very grateful for every single one of them and we strive to make the process quick and easy. We will take any car, truck, van, motorcycle or recreational vehicle, whether it runs, or not! We come to the donor and pick up the car, even if it needs to be towed. The paperwork is simple and only takes five minutes and in addition to helping the Mission, the donor may qualify for a tax deduction.

Help put someone in the driver's seat by donating a your car! It will change a life.

There are many great reasons to donate a vehicle and be a part of changing lives with Denver Rescue Mission! If you ever have an unused or unwanted vehicle or know someone who has one, it would be a real blessing if you would consider the Denver Rescue Mission’s Vehicle Donation Program and help us continue to change lives!

Visit http://www.denverrescuemission.org/vehicle for the details.

One particular volunteer is making a lasting impact with the Life Skills, Education, and Career Development of our New Life Program. I had the privilege of meeting with Greg Staffelbach for an inside look at the reality of a long term volunteer.

In the computer lab working on a GED.

Greg has been tutoring men in the New Life Program since December 2010. In this short time, he’s provided 560 hours of volunteer service and assisted 13 program participants with successful completion of their GEDs.

The best part of Greg’s volunteer service? “When I hear that a guy has passed his GED, we are doing high-fives in the hallway,” says Greg. “Sometimes it’s been 30 years since they’ve done any kind of math and when they finally understand it, a huge smile takes over – that’s success!”

When I asked Greg about his volunteer experience and how it’s impacted his life his earnest reply was, “I feel like I’m doing what I was designed to do. For the first time in 30 some odd years, I finally feel that I’m doing exactly what I was meant to do and tutoring at the Mission is a special time for me.”

Volunteering provides the opportunity to find what you were meant to do or designed to do, and to do it wholeheartedly. When extra hands pitch in to help meet needs that otherwise wouldn’t be met, lives are changed. There is deep gratitude and appreciation for the opportunity to witness the community embrace those we serve at the Denver Rescue Mission. Thank you to all volunteers for being the hands of Jesus and meeting needs within our community.

Written by: Dani Gieger, Volunteer Relations Coordinator

Our hope is in the One who suffered and died on the cross – but it doesn’t end there – He conquered the grave! That’s our hope and that’s what I witnessed on Friday at the banquet. The individuals and families that came to the Easter banquet for a meal, received more than that – they left with hope. Jesus calls us to serve others, so that they may feel His love and see His hope. I pray that the hope they felt on Friday turns into new life.

Hundreds of individuals and families lined up outside the shelter for the banquet.

Beside serving a meal, we offered (thanks to many donors and volunteers) foot washing, podiatry exams, communion, worship and a new pair of New Balance shoes!

600 New Balance shoes were donated by Runner's Roost!

We offered communion during the worship in the chapel.

The foot washing ceremony which has become a part of the Mission’s Easter banquet is a picture of Christ, who, as a servant washed His disciple’s feet. Ultimately, Jesus served them – us – by going to the cross to pay for our sin. Jesus is the greatest example of servant-hood. Jesus is the greatest love story ever told. Jesus is the King of kings and Lord of lords. Jesus humbled Himself to serve mankind. And that’s what we all get to do at Denver Rescue Mission. Whether your staff, volunteers or donors, we all play a role in serving the homeless and hurting as Christ would – with love.

Foot washing was a humble experience. Everyone was overwhelmed with joy in this room.

The ground is level at the foot of the cross. Whosoever will, may come. May the love and the service that Christ works in us for others, somehow draw them to Him.

Post written by: Dan Dilley, Volunteer Coordinator (Lawrence Street Shelter)

Beginning at 8:30 a.m. we met at the Lawrence Street Shelter, a mere three blocks from Coors Field. We broke into six teams to start the cleaning in various areas surrounding the ballpark neighborhood.

New Life Program participants

As a young intern at the Mission, I was excited to participate in a community project, but for one of the program participants, he had different emotions.

“It feels funny to be back on the streets where I once slept, but it feels even better to know that these streets are my past,” described a current New Life Program participant. “Today, I am on the road to recovery.”

Cleaning the streets where he once walked as a homeless man - today he's on the road to recovery.

After about two hours of picking up cigarettes, empty bottles, wrappers and so much more, all the volunteers met at the front gates of Coors Field to meet Jim Kellogg, Vice President of Community and Retail Operations and others from the Rockies Staff.

Kellogg thanked everyone for coming out, “We like to come to the shelter to serve, so we appreciate everyone at the Mission for helping keep the neighborhood clean.”

The crew!

At the end of the day, 1,100 pounds of trash were picked up from the streets. Taking on projects, like this cleanup effort, helps the men and women in the Mission’s programs gain the self-esteem they need for a new life free from addictions and negative life choices. The Mission believes when you give back to others, the healing process will begin.

Matthew 5:16 "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven."

Post written by: David Gauch, Public Relations Intern