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SHELTERING THE HOMELESS HEALING THE ADDICTED

426 S. McDuff Avenue Jacksonville, FL 32254 Phone 904-387-HELP Fax 904-387-9377 WWW.CRMJAX.ORG

News from theCity Rescue Mission

Board

of

Directors

Carrie Chupp Harper, ChairChad Perce, Vice Chair Clay Yarborough, Secretary

Dr. Barbara DarbyDavid EureGregory D. FlowersRichard Martin

Jennifer MasonSutton McGeheeDoug MilneAnne Nimnicht

Fitzhugh K. Powell, Jr.Kendall SpencerBud TooleNelson Bruton, Intern

All rights reserved. © Copyright 2016 - City Rescue Mission Design & Photography by: Evan Hampton

Please consider donating these items

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NEEDS LIST

A Message from ourExecutive Director

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FROM PENNY’S PEN

GET OURWHEELS SPINNING

On Page 5

Urgent Transportation Need

TIME TO GETTEED UP

On Page 6

8th Annual Golf Classic

STAY CONNECTEDDonate online:crmjax.org/donate

“Like” our page on Facebook:facebook.com/crmjax

Follow us on Twitter:@CRMJAX

View our photos on Instagram:@CRMJAX

A Mother’s New Lease on LifeDiscover the amazing story of how one of our students in transition has found new footing and a new foundation.

CRM Exists to Transform the Lives of the Homeless and Needy, Serving Them Through the Love and Compassion of Jesus Christ.

Each day we have opportunities to act on behalf of others - by giving encouragement, our time, energy and resources. When we understand the truth of James 1:7 that “every good and perfect gift” we have comes from God, it can inspire better stewardship and impact others. As author Randy Alcorn once quipped, “Just because God puts His money in our hands doesn’t mean He intends it to stay there!” We are to be conduits of blessing.

Here’s a unique way you can involve your children or grandchildren in blessing others. Have you considered designating a percentage of your Estate to a charity like City Rescue Mission? What if you invited your heirs to pick the department or initiative they’d like the funds to support? Or perhaps you’d consider allowing them to choose the charity all together! This giving concept is growing in popularity among donors and yielding amazing results.

Being conduits of God’s blessing may be as simple as shielding someone from the rain or giving your hard-earned dollars to someone in need - but the impact could be eternal.

For the full version of this article, ask for a FREE copy of “How to Be a Conduit of God’s Blessing” by simply contacting Paul Stasi from City Rescue Mission at (904) 421-

5192 or pstasi@crmjax.org - or bless your family today with a God-honoring Will at www.christianwill.org/crm

Become a Conduit of Blessing

• Twin White Sheet Sets• Bed Pillows• Hotel-sized Shampoo & Soap

• White Towels & Wash Cloths• Scrubs

Please drop off at 426 S. McDuff Ave.

We Are in Need

As seen in

Florida Times-Union, on WJXT

News4JAX, and heard on 94.1 & 100.7 The

Promise.

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR SPRING 2016 GRADUATES!! GOLF8TH ANNUAL

CLASSICCHAMPIONSCHALLENGE

TPC Dye’s Valley CourseMonday, August 22, 2016

City Rescue Mission is proud to announceour most anticipated event of the year!

Sign up NOW to compete in one of the most exciting games on earth, all while benefitting a

worthy cause.

Sponsorships of all levels are available.

For more info, visit:crmjax.org/crms-8th-annual-golf-classic

SHELTERING THE HOMELESS HEALING THE ADDICTEDSHELTERING THE HOMELESS HEALING THE ADDICTED

426 S. McDuff Avenue Jacksonville, FL 32254 Phone 904-387-HELP Fax 904-387-9377 WWW.CRMJAX.ORG 426 S. McDuff Avenue Jacksonville, FL 32254 Phone 904-387-HELP Fax 904-387-9377 WWW.CRMJAX.ORG

Holding the Keys to my New FoundationI am blessed because I get to spend Mother’s Day with my children and grandchildren! Not that long ago, they wanted nothing to do with me.

I am a Navy brat, born and raised in Jacksonville and the baby in the family of eight children. When I was very young, my mother died. My four eldest siblings were already

grown and out of the home, so my three older brothers and I were raised by our abusive alcoholic father.

I began drinking when I was twelve, and graduated into heavier drugs as a teenager. First it was pot, then Quaaludes, then acid. I was introduced to cocaine as a twenty-first birthday present. I was married and had two children already by then.

I had an instant love affair with cocaine and later crack - it is the devil in disguise. It tore my life apart. I was heavily into the party lifestyle and my marriage soon ended. Everything went down the tube and I was heartbroken when my entire life was torn apart. My addiction lasted for thirty years. I struggled to find freedom, but nothing worked. During this time, I was homeless four times - staying both in hotels and shelters.

I was completely heartbroken and at my wits end.

In the past, I had no peace, now I know the King of Peace. God is now the focal point in my life. I have quit running, from life, from God and from myself. I like to think that God is doing surgery on my heart, making my heart new. In the past, I was a cold, bitter, negative woman. I am blessed that City Rescue Mission had patience and was willing to help me. The eighteen month program gave me the time to build a foundation that I couldn’t get in the shorter 30 and 90 day programs which I had tried before.

Today, my relationship with my family is great! I have seven grandchildren, and one great grandbaby. In the past, my children did not want me around their children. Now, we enjoy our time together. I am working on reestablishing trust, and I know that our relationship will continue to improve with time.

I want my grandchildren to see the Lord in me, the way I live my life and I treat people. I want my children and grandchildren to rely upon me. I believe that only now, this type of trusting relationship is possible. It is because of City Rescue Mission that future generations may be changed. I thank God for City Rescue Mission.

In the past, I dreaded Mother’s Day because of the guilt I had over not being there for my children. Now, thanks to Jesus and CRM, I enjoy Mother’s Day! And, I thank you for your support.

Drug abuse affects women of all ages, races and cultures; women just like your best friend, your sister, your co-worker, or your daughter. Is someone you love struggling with drugs or alcohol? City Rescue Mission is here to help. Call 904-387-HELP.

Continued on Page 5

FromPenny's

Pen

KATH

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Dear Friends,

When I think of Mother’s Day, so many beautiful memories and pictures come to mind. Growing up my Grandmother lived with us. While at the time I was probably more concerned about having to share a bedroom with her, it did occur to me as I became an adult that I had been so blessed by a Mother AND Grandmother who showered me with their love and wisdom.

You know, for so many of those who come to City Rescue Mission looking for Hope the story is not as beautiful as mine. Most come from broken homes lacking a mother’s love. Turning to drugs and alcohol is their way of coping in a family much as Kathy describes in her story featured in this newsletter. The peace that has come to Kathy through the love and compassion of Jesus Christ has allowed for her transformation and, with that, the joy a mother has as children and grandchildren come back into her life.

Thank you for the joy you bring to those who are hopeless through your very generous gifts. Each of you have played an important role in the lives of the 140 folks in our LifeBuilders program and the hundreds who receive kind and loving words and care through our Emergency Services. You bless us, much like I was blessed by two loving and caring women.

Serving Him,

• Almost everyone in America is affected by addiction.• One in four children lives with an alcohol abuser.• Many women who use drugs have troubled lives.

Studies have found that at least 70% of female drug users have been sexually abused by the age of 16.

• The number of women ages 30-44 who report abusing alcohol has doubled over the past decade, while prescription drug abuse has skyrocketed 400%.

• Often women who use drugs have low self-esteem, little self-confidence, and feel powerless. They often feel lonely and are isolated.

• Women who use drugs often suffer from other serious health problems such as depression, mental health issues, or sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV and AIDS.

• Every 3 minutes, a woman goes to the emergency room for prescription painkiller misuse or abuse.

• Studies have found that more than 4 million women need treatment for drug abuse.

• Unfortunately, many women do not seek help.

This life transforming work is solely supported through your generous donations. No government funding is obtained for any program services; we need your help. If you want to help men and women in similar situations as Kathy, please send your generous gift either in the enclosed envelope or by visiting our website at crmjax.org/donate. Has God called you to help the broken and addicted? As we enter the summer months, your gift is needed. Please send your best gift now.

REFERENCES: Centers for Disease Control and prevention; Substance Abuse and Mental health Services Administration; National Institute on Drug Abuse, Department of Health and Human Services.

• Drug abuse is a serious, continuing illness with no easy cure.• Most addicts lead a secret life. Many people may think they

are fine, but inside they are dying. It is unknown exactly what it takes to admit they have a problem. Usually, you have to hit bottom, and everyone’s bottom is different.

• Treatment for substance use disorder in women often progresses differently than for men. While most women’s history of drug use is shorter than men’s, it tends to progress more quickly from first use to addiction.

Kathy always keeps a photo of her two kids nearby.

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Urgent Need.Huge Impact!

We are in dire need of three, 15-passenger vans! These vans are used across the organization to transport our LifeBuilders students to various appointments, ministry assignments, recreation activities, spiritual outings, to pick up new students from the airport or Greyhound station if they are from out of town, to carry homeless female shelter guests to the McDuff campus housing, etc. Each of our current vans have over 200,000 miles, the inside upholstery is worn and falling apart, and they are in contrast need of repair. If you are able to help in this urgent area of need, please contact Paul Stasi at 904-421-5192 or by e-mail at pstasi@crmjax.org