On September 24, Monica came to

City Light Home for Women and

Children, in tears and frightened at

what she would find. She quickly got

over her fear as she was welcomed

by the staff and other shelter guests.

Now she considers City Light a

home and the other women staying

there she calls her sisters. “We all

keep in touch, even with the ones

who have already moved out.”

Since 2008, the number of women

and children who call City Light

“home” has more than doubled.

Monica and her two daughters, ages

7 and 3 ½, are only three of the 90+

guests that stay there each night.

Monica has previous work

experience in many fields and is

looking for any job she can find. In

the meantime, she volunteers with

Health and Welfare and is working

on her GED through City Light’s

Learning Center. Getting her GED

will put her one step closer to her

goal of going to college so that she

can get a job in the medical field. “I

just want a better life for my kids”.

Thank you for helping Monica!

Scan this QR code with your

smart phone and watch a KTVB

news story featuring City Light

November 2011

Contact Us: info@BoiseRM.org | 208-343-2389 | PO Box 1494, Boise ID, 83701 | www.BoiseRM.org

more thaN a shelter

Monica’s story is not uncommon: a first-time homeless mother, she was

scared of coming to a shelter.

May 2012

Mission: Rescue

contact us: info@BoiseRM.org | 208-343-2389 | Po Box 1494, Boise iD, 83701 | www.BoiseRM.org

faith, hoPe & faMilyDo you remember Monica? Six months ago, she first came to City Light Home for Women and Children. See where she and her children are now!Last autumn, we featured Monica in our November newsletter as one of many first-time homeless mothers staying at City Light Home for Women and Children. Like other women in her situation, she was scared of coming to a shelter, but with no other options left, was thankful to have a place to turn.

When we first interviewed her, she was still adjusting to life in a homeless shelter and looking for work, not sure what her future held.

Now, 6 months later, Monica is a wonderful example of a life transformed through Boise Rescue Mission Ministries. She is living in

her own apartment (provided by the City of Boise’s CATCH program), looking for full-time employment and working through temp agencies in the meantime.

The change in Monica is very evident from the last time I met her. When I ask how City >> pg 3

Steve overcame his addiction to alcohol thanks to the New Life Program. Now, as he celebrates his third year of sobriety, he is giving back to Boise Rescue Mission Ministries as an employee.

2 | May 2012

lasting change

Sunday, April 22, 2012 marked my 3rd year free from alcohol! I want to thank Boise Rescue Mission Ministries and the New Life Program for making it possible. During my tenure in the program (I had to go through it twice, because the first time, I thought I was smarter than the booze and smarter

This month, we celebrated 20 graduates of our New Life Program. Just two years ago, Steve Schmall graduated from the program and he continues to live a new life.

association of health UnDeRwRiteRs

than God), I finally realized how to have a relationship with God, and as soon as that fell into place, sobriety became a much easier way of life for me. I am a testament to how the program can change lives if you humble yourself and let God help you.

Without BRMM, I would never have rediscovered my relationship with Him, and I certainly would be in dire straits, assuming I was still alive. The Rescue Mission changed my life, and I am proud to be a part of this Ministry as an employee to help change the lives of others with God’s help.

Thanks to Stuart Sampson, Jim Gambrell, Dave Brooks, Arthur Clemens, Jonathan Sikha and all the other staff of River of Life and BRMM that led me through this journey and continue to provide support and encouragement in everything I do. You all have been a huge part in saving my life, and I know that God put me through that turmoil to bring me here now. Thank you all, and thank God, from whom all blessings flow!

May Match!The month of May has been designated “May Match” month, as we have secured pledges and gifts totaling $35,000 in a matching gift opportunity. All gifts received in May up to $35,000 will be matched through this fund. We hope this will inspire you to make a special gift in May, which is historically the lowest month for income at the Mission. You can return a gift with the enclosed card or make a donation online at Community.BoiseRM.org.

The Treasure Valley Association of Health Underwriters, a networking group for insurance carriers and agencies that meets monthly here in the Treasure Valley, has found a great way to give back to the community. In 2004 they began a new tradition, replacing their December meeting with an auction to benefit a local non-profit.

Each year the board decides where the proceeds should go and each year the decision has been unanimous – Boise Rescue Mission’s City Light Home for Women and Children. Their faithfulness over the last 7 years has raised over $42,000 dollars for City Light! Thank you to all the members of the TVAUH.

Light has helped her, she starts talking about her plans for college. Through the City Light learning center, she has been studying for the GED and has already taken the first of 5 tests. She tells me proudly that she passed the first test with very high scores. She also talks about the parenting class she took at City Light, pointing to her certificate from the class that is now displayed on the wall of her new home.

The biggest change I see in Monica is her new relationship with God. While still at City Light, Monica began attending church with some of the staff and other guests. This connection led to her accepting Christ and she was baptized in February. “I think this was God’s way and God’s will for me to be there in that place, in that time, for me to get on my feet. I am totally different than before. I used to be a mean person and I’m not like that anymore.”

Monica’s three children are still being blessed by City Light. Alizé, the oldest, was able to be a part of Awana this past year thanks to City Light and the rides they offered every Wednesday night. All three kids will be participating in the Kid’s Summer Program where they will have opportunities for fun and education. Most importantly, they have a stable home.

City Light is still a big part of Monica’s life. They pick her up for church each Sunday and take her daughter to Awana. They provided her with furnishings for her apartment and occasionally provide her with hygiene products and food boxes. “They help us with a lot of stuff. I call them family and I love them a lot. I am really thankful for Boise Rescue Mission and City Light.”

Thank you for making stories like Monica possible! Together, we are changing lives.

May 2012 | 3

may needs

- meat: - sausage, ground beef, pork, beef, chicken strips- Fresh Fruits & Vegetables- Frozen Vegetables- Ketchup & mustard- canned Fruit & Vegetables (esp. #10 sized cans)- salad dressings- Oil, spices

fooD neeDs:

- cash Donations- gas gift cards- Razors & shaving cream- Deodorant- t-shirts, Underwear, & socks- Diapers [all sizes]- Bath towels- cleaning supplies- household light Bulbs- new computers** Visit our wishlist at Amazon.com!

otheR neeDs:DRoP off yoUR Donations:

Boise:Ministry center308 s 24th st208 389-9840

naMPa:lighthouse Rescue Mission475 caldwell Blvd208 461-5030

>>

Monica’s children are thriving in their new home and are still involved with City Light. Alizé, the oldest, went to Awana this year and all three children will be a part of the City Light Kids Program this summer.

Since coming to City Light last October, Monica’s life has changed drastically. She has accepted Christ, was baptized this February, and now attends church regularly with her children.

a letteR fRoM the DiRectoR

4 | May 2012

Best sUMMeR eveR

With the summer rapidly approaching, we are very busy! We continue our plans to build a new Lighthouse Mission facility in Nampa and appreciate the support of Gov. Butch Otter and former Gov. Phil Batt, as Honorary Co-Chairmen of the capital campaign. You will be hearing a lot

more about this very necessary project as plans are finalized and you can see updates on the website at www.BoiseRM.org.

City Light is getting busy as we prepare to welcome our City Light kids to our summer kid’s program. The children will have a full day of activities, Monday through Friday, including field trips, arts and crafts, academics and Bible studies. As a result, they return to school in the fall having been fully engaged in learning all summer and occupied with healthy, supervised activities instead of just ‘hanging out’ or wandering the street. Please remember to pray for the kids, our staff and volunteers as the summer gets underway.

On May 4, we celebrated this year’s graduates of the New Life Program with the annual graduation ceremony where 20 men and women were recognized for their hard work in recovery. We are very proud of their accomplishments and thankful for the lives and families God has restored. We are also very proud of the great staff members who have taught, trained, and loved these graduates through the process of recovery and discipleship.

Thank you for your on-going financial support and prayer! Everything God accomplishes through Boise Rescue Mission Ministries is the result of your caring and sharing with us. If you have never visited our facilities to see firsthand the work you are funding, I hope that can take time this summer to do so. I’d love to host your visit, so let me know when you’d like to come. Meanwhile, please continue to pray for the work here. The need is great but our God is faithful! May He bless you and yours with the best summer ever.

In His Service,

Our mission Boise Rescue Mission Ministries reaches out to the community by teaching the word of god and providing food, shelter, clothing, and opportunities to recover from homelessness to men, women, and children in need.

RiVeR OF LiFe Rescue missiOn575 s. 13th st.Boise, iD 83702208-389-9840

LighthOuse Rescue missiOn472 caldwell Blvd.nampa, iD 83651208-461-5030

city Light hOme FOR WOmen & chiLdRen1404 W. Jefferson St.Boise, iD 83702208-368-9901

ministRy centeRWaRehOuse & administRatiOn308 s. 24th st. Boise, iD 83702wh - 368-0824admin - 343-2389

BRmmBOaRd OF diRectORsgreg Brown, chairmanBeth schafer, vice chairJody Buckner, secretaryMimi BarnesBob Richmondgerald salisburyRick thomas craig verdi

BRmm FOundatiOnBOaRd OF diRectORssandy Dalton, chairmanDavid hills, vice chaired Zimmerman, secretaryBill laska, treasurerDon andersonDon Brandtgina caven-thompsonadalaide fredriksenharold thomas, emeritus

Rev. Bill Roscoeexecutive directorrevbill@BoiseRM.org

P.S. You can double your donation this month as all gifts during May will be matched, up to $35,000!