The men residing in our emergency shelter all have one thing in common. They each have an individual need which we need to address. As an example, we recently had a gentleman who arrived at the mission due to having lost his apt. He indicated he had a full time job which he’s had for several years. His big need was to catch up on his child support. We have agreed to allow him to stay as long as he can show proof of child support payments on an agreed schedule. This is a win win situation where by his family is helped as well as this resident is allowed a place to stay until which time he can afford his own place

Persistence pays off for Peter who joined our Bridge to Life program in August of 2008. Peter’s story is similar to many others who find drugs and alcohol have taken over their life. Peter, unable to kick his dependence, came to City rescue for the sole purpose of getting his life turned around.

Upon graduating from the program, Peter enrolled in ATI training center where he began classes to be a dental assistant. He will complete his schooling on June 4th and has a good opportunity for employment upon graduation.

Peter has been sober for 1year and 9 months and attributes his success to the time he has spent with the Bridge to Life program.

The men’s center just recently completed a small but rather significant face change. The security office was moved to the very heart of activity in the men’s shelter side. This office is shared by Dave Clawson, the shelter manager, and his assistant, Robert Moore. Adjacent to this new office is the men’s day room where residents can relax, read or view TV during the day. This change allows for the residents to more easily access needed services.

Regardless of the reason, City Rescue welcomes each of these men and our goal is to do whatever is in our means to see a successful departure for each of these men

The Mission’s emergency shelter is not only a place for men to come  when in need of a place to sleep and eat, it’s also someplace that gives hope. Every man is encouraged to find work participate or attend classes outside the mission.

We currently have 25 men who are either going to school or are currently employed in a permanent job. These men are allowed to remain in the mission until their classes are completed or in the case of work had an opportunity to earn enough to allow them their own place to live.

Bridge 4 is our application bridge and is 12 weeks long. It is taught by Johnny Walker who had been at City Rescue since the program’s inception. This bridge is designed to teach the students skills which will help them once they leave the mission. Skills such as budgeting and money, basic nutrition, how to make choices you won’t forget, along with Bible reading and character traits are studied.

Next week we will look at Bridge 5 the final bridge.

When the Bridge to Life program started up over 2 years ago, Ted was one of the first to sign up. What resulted was a complete conversion of Ted. Ted’s background is a tremendous asset in being able to relate to those he teaches. In addition to teaching bridge 3 he also delivers the message to a handful of BTL clients on Sunday morning.

Bridge two in our Bridge to Life program is taught by Dave Clawson. Dave’s primary job is managing the men’s emergency shelter. This bridge is the Discovery Bridge and is 12 weeks long. We currently have over 20 men on this level.

The first 10 weeks in bridge two utilizes the work book entitled  Experiencing the Heart of Jesus. The last 2 weeks uses the work book titled The Steps to Freedom in Christ. In addition clients spend time learning scripture verses, Bible readings, develop character traits, and maintain a daily journal along with sermon notes personal application goals.

A clients day is filled with things to do. In addition to attending classes clients are given study time to prepare for classes and assigned work areas where they help maintain the upkeep of the mission property.

Today I would like to give you an overview of Bridge one in our Bridge to Life program. Bridge one is taught by Jim Odom. Jim’s full time job is managing the Bride to Life program.

Beginning this week I would like to share with you some of the details regarding what our Bridge to Life program is all about. Prior to entering Bridge one those interested in the program are asked to go through a 2 week pre-orientation session. This is designed to separate those truly interested in changing their lives from those who are just looking to prolong their stay. During this period they remain in the emergency shelter.

During this 2 week period, the men are required to attend chapel on a daily basis. They are also required to attend a pre-orientation meeting held Monday through Friday. This meeting is designed to discuss what’s expected once they enter the program. They are also given an overview of the classes they will be attending, the rules and consequences for disobeying , along with answering questions raised by the clients.

Once they complete this two week course they are invited to move to the program side where they are assigned a new bed.

Next week we will go over Bridge One

Hi everyone
Thought I would share with you one of our client’s success stories in the making. Gordon came to the mission 6 years ago and was a chronic alcoholic. While he was not an angry person who posed any danger, he could at times be a hand full. It was during one of those stays that Gordon outlived his welcome and we asked him to leave for an indefinite period of time.

After about 9 months later Gordon called me asking to be allowed to return. My reply to him was “okay, but only if you will join the Bridge to Life program and get your life back on track”. To my surprise Gordon agreed.

Gordon has been in the program for 3 1/2 months and has made a remarkable turnaround. He helps supervise our housekeeping crew of approx. 15 people. He walks around with a smile on his face and clearly has made a significant change in his heart.

God works miracles in our lives and Gordon is just another example of what can happen when we answer that call.

Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Ron Jensen and I am the Men’s Center Director. The Men’s Center consists of the emergency shelter which is managed by Dave Clawson and the Bridge to Life Program which is managed by Jim Odom.  Together we strive to make life more bearable to the hundreds of men who visit the mission.