“God sets the lonely in families” - Milwaukee Rescue Mission

TRUE LIFE STORIES OF GOD’S PROVISION THROUGH YOU!
“God sets
the lonely in
families”
Psalm 68:6 NIV
MARCH/APRIL
2012
Milwaukee Rescue Mission

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Rev. Patrick H. Vanderburgh
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
“ Praise be to the
God and Father
of our Lord Jesus
Christ! In his great
mercy he has given
us new birth into a
living hope through
the resurrection of
Jesus Christ from
the dead.”
— 1 Peter 1:3 (NIV)
Milwaukee Rescue Mission
Dear Friends,
When I think of Easter, many things come to mind. First and
foremost, I think of the cross and the empty tomb - God’s promises
to redeem His people through the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
I think of new life that is given to all who believe in Him. I also
think of precious time spent with family: everyone getting dressed
up in their Sunday best, children hunting for eggs and baskets
filled with goodies, and a traditional feast shared together
(followed of course by a dessert of chocolate bunnies and
marshmallow birds).
In this issue of Soup for Your Soul we celebrate all that this
spring holiday means: hope, new life and family. I invite you
to read about Krystal and Anthony. When they were at their
lowest points and had no one to turn to, they found renewal
and forgiveness in the story of Easter and a family here at
the Milwaukee Rescue Mission.
With the help of friends like you, we are able to share hearty
meals with needy people and a safe, warm shelter for them each
night. But we’re also able to offer so much more: support to
rebuild lives and relationships with family and loved ones.
Thank you for being part of our family.
May God grant you a Blessed Easter!
Patrick H. Vanderburgh

God Doesn’t
Make Mistakes
“He wanted me to go a different
direction – His direction.”
Krystal was scared. She had just found out that she
was pregnant and didn’t have a place to stay. With no
support from her family or the father of her child,
she called a number of shelters and finally found an
opening in Joy House. She was thankful for a safe
shelter, but was also focused. She had a plan to get her
GED and CNA license. The mandatory two weeks of
classes that are a part of the New Life Program, were
not a part of that plan. “I was so wrapped up in what
I needed to do and what I thought was important for
me, but I don’t think it was God’s plan. He wanted
me to go a different direction – His direction.”
“Don’t put God on hold.”
Through the New Life Program, Krystal learned about
money management, parenting, healthy relationships,
and healthy living… and about God’s plan for her life.
“Don’t put God on hold. Put God before everything.
That’s the main thing I learned…and always have
faith in Him and He’ll work things out for you. Even
when you’re at your weakest points,” she says.
Krystal has continued on to Fresh Start, Joy House’s
transitional living program. She is able to focus on saving
money and working toward her goals, and is finally
getting the support she needs. When it came time
to have her baby, a staff member was even with her in
the delivery room. “It meant a lot because I didn’t have
anybody that was going to be there for me. Nobody at
all. I’m really thankful she was there.” Krystal now is a
proud mother of a beautiful baby girl, Gabrielle.
“God doesn’t make mistakes.”
Krystal has seen a real change in herself since coming
to Joy House. “I had a big problem with trusting
and having faith,” she remembers. “At first I just felt
like things weren’t going to be right for me, but being
here and having the support from Joy House, I grew.
Having faith is the main thing….God doesn’t make
mistakes.”
“ Whoever dwells in the shelter of the
Most High will rest in the shadow of
the Almighty. I will say of the LORD,
‘He is my refuge and my fortress,
my God, in whom I trust.’”
Psalms 91:1-2 NIV
“I feel like I have a story to tell
the next person.”
Now Krystal has a new plan. She is determined to
go back to school to become a social worker. She
explains, “I had a really rough childhood. Just going
through everything, I feel like I’ll be a good candidate
to work with kids and adults. I feel like I have
a story to tell the next person….God is the way out.
I never knew that. That’s all I know now.”
Krystal wants to express her sincere thanks to all of
the donors that make the services provided by Joy
House possible. “Thank you for providing me and
Gabrielle with a place to lay our heads. And thank
you for clothing us…and the food you provide. I’m
really happy. Everything’s falling into place. It really
is. I just want to say thank you and God bless you.”
www.milmission.org
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“Your donations have provided us
with hope and strength through
hearing and knowing the Word of
God as well as through the food,
shelter and clothing that the
Mission provides for us.” — Phil
Milwaukee Rescue Mission
“It does give me hope
knowing somebody out
there cares about my
well-being.” — Larry
“I am deeply grateful to the Milwaukee
Rescue Mission and its supporters
for turning my life around.” — Richard
“It is with a humble heart and
much gratitude that I offer
my thanks — gifts like yours
fund these programs and give
people like me a second chance
at a much better life. ” — Tim
“God bless your generosity! My son
and I are working on a new beginning
and all the things we received will
help us immensely.” — Lisa
Your Gi
Offers Help to
Homeless Men
When homeless men need a place to go
to rebuild their lives, Safe Harbor offers
comprehensive services to help them. Services
include food, shelter, long and short-term help,
Christian counseling and assistance for recovery
from substance abuse. Depending on the desire
of the individual, long-term programs are also
available. Our long-term programs, LifeSkills
and FOCUS, offer help to men who want
to overcome their addictions and rejoin the
community. By offering troubled men a step-
by-step path to better lives, their potential for
long-term success and spiritual growth increases.

fts at Work
Offers Safety to
Women and Children
When homeless mothers and their children arrive
at our door, they are often seeking shelter from a
storm that goes far beyond the discomfort of rain,
wind and snow. Today, nearly 40% are fleeing from
domestic violence. However, job loss, fire, poverty
and drug addiction are also driving forces. When
they arrive, they find a range of short and longterm
solutions at Joy House—including shelter,
training programs, child care, Christian counseling
and educational programs. Since Joy House opened
its doors in 1991, our goal is to help families
become self-sufficient and stable through our
New Life and Fresh Start programs.
Offers Inner City
Kids the Chance
to Succeed
Recognizing the need to provide a
quality, Christian education for at-risk
children in our community, MRM
opened CrossTrainers Academy in 2006.
The school also serves some of the
children staying in Joy House. Through
excellent teaching and diligent work,
students gain the skills to be successful
in their academic efforts. A full range
of classes is offered, including reading,
mathematics, science, social studies,
Bible, physical education, music and art.
www.milmission.org
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2011 Financial Information
Income
General
Contributions
75%
286,395
meals served
109,797
nights of
safe lodging
SPRING
Wish List
You can help by donating
items. This Easter, we need:
• Baby care items
• Health products
• Personal care items
• Paper products
• Home cleaning products
• Kitchen tools and supplies
• Fruit, lunch snacks
• Home electronics
• Clocks and watches
• Store gift cards
• Umbrellas
• Rain ponchos
You can drop off your
donation at our Kilbourn Ave.
entrance Monday through
Saturday from 8AM to 8PM.
Thank you!
Milwaukee Rescue Mission
Wills and Estates 3%
In-Kind
Contributions 13%
Choice Income 8%
Investments .1%
Events .4%
Misc. .5%
36,778
articles of
clothing
distributed
General Contributions $8,745,561 75%
Wills and Estates $300,156 3%
In-Kind Contributions $1,535,797 13%
Choice Income $961,791 8%
Investments $16,815 .1%
Events $43,720 .4%
Misc. $57,753 .5%
Total Cash Income $11,661,593 100%
Where Does Your Dollar Go? 2011 Fast Facts*
271
professions
of faith
159
program
graduates
Programs 76%
Administration 9%
Development 15%
An audited financial statement is available upon request. *Updated numbers reflect December 2011 actuals.
We Hope You Will Join Us!
Our annual banquet will take place on May 3rd at Discovery World at
Pier Wisconsin on Milwaukee’s lakefront. The event will include a silent
auction and hors d’oeuvres, followed by dinner and a program. It promises
to be a wonderful time of fellowship, dining and inspirational stories
of changed lives. The proceeds from the event will go toward helping
homeless men, women and children rebuild their lives and gain hope.
To register visit:
www.milmission.org/events
For more information call:
414-935-0204

Anthony Finds
a Family
“I just knew I was coming here.”
Anthony’s landlord had been as patient as he could
be. After he had lost his job, Anthony hadn’t been
able to pay rent for months. Health issues had
forced him to depend on others to get to and from
work. When his company merged and moved further
away, he found himself with no means of transportation,
and was forced to quit. Now as he was
about to lose his apartment, he didn’t know where
to turn. He had no family left. The few friends
he did have were heavy drinkers and he knew he
didn’t want to get sucked into their lifestyle. As he
searched for places to go, he found the Milwaukee
Rescue Mission. “I don’t know what it was, but I
just knew that I was coming here,” he says.
“God will find a way to bring
you to Him.”
Anthony came to Safe Harbor in early July.
After staying for one week in the emergency
shelter for men, he decided to join LifeSkills to
receive ongoing support. Throughout it all, he saw
God working in his life. “The first night I was here,
a staff member said something that kind of struck
me. He said, ‘If you won’t go to God, God will find
a way to bring you to Him.’ And I thought back to
the circumstances that brought me here…from the
day I lost my job, all the things went into motion
for me to come here.”
“It’s just night and day.”
Each day, Anthony is learning more about God’s
plan for his life. Through LifeSkills, he’s participating
in classes, Bible studies and counseling as well
as taking online seminary courses. The impact the
program has made on his life is evident. “From
where I was to where I am now – it’s just night and
day,” he remarks. As he works in the kitchen, he’s
noticed that he has more compassion toward others.
So much so, that he is considering becoming a missionary.
“I got to thinking – it’s not enough to take
“ The Lord is gracious and
righteous; our God is full of
compassion. The Lord protects
the unwary; when I was
brought low, he saved me.”
Psalm 116:5-6 NIV
the Word to people who haven’t heard it.
I want to take it to people who aren’t allowed to
hear it.” He already speaks a number of languages
from his previous job and is excited to learn more.
“I feel as if I’m part of a huge family.”
Anthony is convinced that God brought him to
MRM for a reason. Before coming to MRM he
remembers “Most of my time was spent alone.
Being without family made it difficult to find
someone to talk to, but I no longer feel alone.
I feel as if I’m part of a huge family….I no longer
ask myself ‘Why me?...Why now?’ I just ask myself
‘Why did it take me so long to accept His gift?’”
When asked what he’d like to share with donors,
Anthony says, “I’d like to thank them for their
generosity. Thank them for not just the changes
they’re making in my life, but the lives before
me and the lives that are coming.”
www.milmission.org
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memorial & in honor of gifts
In memory of: (gifts received from December 2011 through January 2012)
Our deepest sympathies are with those who have lost a loved one. A memorial gift to the Milwaukee Rescue Mission
is a special way to offer hope to the hurting in the name of a friend or family member.
Juan Reyes
A child
Gladys Andersen
Chris Anderson
Robert Andrus
Georganne Barr
Esther Bartz
Edward J. Binash
Bob
Leona Bohannon
Jan Borzykowski
Pastor Lynn Bowman
Suzanne Brielmaier
Gisela Bronner
Michael Bruno
Percilla Buckley
Bruce Cameron
Daniel J. Caven
Bro. Chuck
David Chyla
Margaret Clark
Rose-Marie Costello’s father
Kevin Patrick Crowley
Nellie Dalsing
Robert & Norine Dalton
Natalia Dany
Robert M. De George
Jennifer Deaven
Ronald Donigain
John Draeger
Katherine Drewek
Donald Eldredge
Eve Erdman
Geoffrey Farnsworth
Mitchell Fischer
Jesse Ryan Gamache
Jeffrey P. Garnier
Peter & Dorothy Geracie
Gina Marie Gisch
Mary Glorioso
Howard Gnewikow
Pieter Yates Godfrey
Grandaddy
Josephine Grorud
Erin E. Gutknecht
James M. Harsh
Lawrence C. Hart
Paul Hartwig
Eleanor Leese Haskens
Robert Stratton Hawley
Fred Henkel
Jack & Jenny Hughes
Charles Jackson
Hank Jaskulski’s family
Jimmie Johnson
Norbert Kaczorowski
Andrew John Kehoe
In honor of: (gifts received from December 2011 through January 2012)
A gift to the Milwaukee Rescue Mission is a great way both to provide hope and to remember a birthday,
anniversary or other special occasion!
Nancy Alger’s family
Ann
Mark Best
BMO ITS Communications
Group
Timothy Bradt’s 11th birthday
Larry Brown’s retirement
Craig & Debby Brummer
Kevin Burditt
Burkee & Zimmermann
Darlene Burrmann
Dorothy & Bill Butts
John S. Cain
William & Lise Campbell
Scott & Carol Carron
Christian
Cindy Logan & Chris Steeno
Tony Contresceri
Michele Cusatis
Sandy & Kenny Czerniak
Dave & Kaye
Dr. Arthur Deininger
The Dept. of Pharmacology
Office & Campbell Lab
The Dombeck Family
Ghrist Orthodontics,
Ltd.:
Dr. Jennifer Abraham
Dr. James Altschafl
Dr. James Becker
Dr. Justin Braun
Dr. Dennis Engel
Dr. James Fotsch
Dr. Dan Garcia
Dr. Jerome Gildner
Dr. Laura Gradecki
Dr. David Grisar
Dr. Michael Hansen
Dr. Richard Johannes
Dr. Vali Kiaie
Dr. Joe Kunick
Dr. Kurt Kwiatowski
Dr. Josh Leute
Dr. Jami Marchi
Dr. Margita Meyers
Dr. Nial Peterson
Dr. Scott Rennicke
Dr. Robert Schwengel
Dr. Peter Shore
Drs. Bruce & Jennifer
Stevens
Dr. Scott Winter
Dr. Chad Zambon
Staff of Dublin Contractors,
Inc.
Matthew Eells
Richard Eells
Dan & Jayne Emerson’s
mom
Mr. & Mrs. Dave Etlicher
Evie
Fahres’ 30th anniversary
Barb Findley
First Immanuel
Lutheran School:
Mrs. Tammie Behling
Mrs. Kaethe Grabenhofer
Ms. Monika Kosloske
Mrs. Barb Meyer
Ms. Casey Miller
Mrs. Lindsay Mongoven
Mrs. Tammie Pergande
Mr. Pierson Pflieger
Mrs. Linda Plopper
Rev. Randy Raasch
Mrs. Beetle Rank
Mrs. Danelle Riederer
Ms. Anna Marie Sekas
Mrs. Donna Tanel
Mrs. Dawn Walker
Mrs. Amy Welzien
Robert Fouch
Gene & Sue Frank
Chris Franken
Richard & Judy Galling
GE Healthcare
Henry & Brenda Geib
Pam Glorioso
God
Randy & Peggy Goodden
Gordon & Sylvia
Hammes Company, LLC
Carline Hannah
Clarence & Dolores Heger
Carl & Millie Hensel
John Heppner
Jarvis Hightower
Kurt Hoffmann’s
employees:
Steve, Bob, Mike, Monica,
Jody, Linda, Lorie, Tom,
Carol, Elizabeth, Megan,
and Linda
Karl Keup
The Kohl Family
Dorothy Kruger
Char Kulas
William D. Kyle, Jr.
Devin Langhoff
Bernice & Norman Lasky
Wade Logan
Dr. Ben Louthan
William & Eileen Lynch
Marlowe Mace
Ervin Makus
Kathy McDermott
Sue Miller
Jeffrey Moll
Michael Mulligan
Guy Neville
Daniel Nill
Jean Noll
Cheryl Holden
Carolyn Hoover
Kristine Huber
The Hunter Family
Chris Huss’s mom
Jane & Vicki
Jayda
Bob Jensen
Dr. Raymond Konior
James & Joyce Kroemer
Dennis & Sandy Kuester
Todd, Andrea & Kate
Lauren
Ellen Leeney
Patrick & Lesley Leo
Gerald Loebe
Amanda Machajewski
Timothy & Angela Malloy
Margo’s birthday
Markel Properties:
Michael Alburg, Dynamic
Engineering Solutions
David Arnsdorf, R&O
Custom Home
Improvements
Keith Holzberger, Green
Fork, Ltd.
Mark Laufenberg,
Laufenberg Cleaning
Roger Mullins, First Choice
Ingredients
Bruce Nelson, Nelco
Electric, Inc.
Dan O’Handley, Healthcare
Equipment Services
Norman
Mark Oberlin
Orval & Barbara
David A. Parry
Andrew (“Andy”) Partridge
Louise Pinsky
Jeanette Pirkel
Sten Pukerud
Robert Rawski
Elizabeth (“Betty”) Rebholz
Reverend \Bud\” Ludwig”
Doreen and Erving Robinson
Robert Romanowich
Pauline Ruminski
Donald Hiram Schuler
John B. Schwemm
Tom Sheppard
Bruce E Smith
Joseph Socha
David Peterson, Ace Mart
Store, LLC
Steve Ramlow, Ramlow
Plumbing, Inc.
Erv & Bev Martens
Elizabeth Mason’s family
Tootie McBride
Denis J. McNally’s birthday
Bobbi Mehigan
John & Maria Meke
Mike & Mary
Chad, Angela & Carson Miller
Monica & Brian’s baby boy
Jenny Murphy
Nathan
Ted Nunziato
Mary Obarski
Oppmann Family
Sandra Palen
Eric Peter
Larry & Jeanette Ploetz
Mr. & Mrs. Robin Poeschl
Tom Powers
Jeff & Tracy, Zachary &
Zander Putnam
Tracey Putnam & Dominic
Castelloriazo
Chandra Putnam
Anna Rankin
Lillian Rebholz
Charles Reuter
Bob Rice
Jim & Pat Roberts
Dave Rolston
George J. Starcic
Kathleen Staudenmaier
Fred Steger
Steve
Ruth Suchecki
Nancy Sylke
Kenneth D. Taylor
Vincent Paul Thompson
Thomas Tuchscherer
Joseph P. Villarreal
Allen Vornsand
Wayne & Mary
Mary Winkler
Ernest Witkowski
Gerald Witkowski
Barbara Wyche
Eric Zagorski
George Zmudzinski
Constance Roth
Ruby Sue
Ryan
Mike Santell
John, Sheri & Naomi Scheel
Judy Schiller
Judy Schiller
Mimi Schmerbauch
Raechel Schowalter
Elizabeth & Richard Schuck
Elizabeth & Richard Schuck
Jack & Laurie Schuh
Harold Schuster
Jim & Marie Seder
Donna Sleeth
Eric Spredemann
Mr. & Mrs. Richard Staab
Carolyn Mundt Stewart
Donna Szpek
Dr. & Mrs. Glenn Thayer
Kathy Thede
Nancy Thiele, 70th birthday
Nancy Ward’s family
Leland & Anita Ward
Alex, Mitchell & Jacob Weiss
The Weiss Family
Mariane Wheeler
Rudy & Erna Willis
Rod & LaVonne Wittwer
Donald Zach
Nikki Zajork
Jan & Jerry Zimmermann
Jackie Zoellick’s 85th
birthday
If you would like to give a gift in memory of a loved one who has passed away, or in honor of a special
occasion, please mail your gift and the name of the person(s) being remembered or honored to:
Milwaukee Rescue Mission | 830 N. 19th St., Milwaukee, WI 53233
Or donate online at www.milmission.org
We will let your honoree or the family of the deceased know of your gift with a special card.
Please be sure to include their address.
The names published above represent gifts to the Milwaukee Rescue Mission greater than or equal to $25.
Milwaukee Rescue
Mission Board
of Directors
William A. Eisner
President
Michael Andaloro
Vice President
Robert W. Jensen
Treasurer
Sherri N. Kasdorf
Secretary
James Burkee, Phd
John S. Cain
Richard G. Galling
Carol M. Kuyers
Ervin W. Martens
David F. Oury
Warren D. Pierson
Eric J. Van Vugt
Karl F. Gengler
Member Emeritus
Philip A. Hardacre
Member Emeritus
Robert K. Mitchell
Member Emeritus
Mission Statement
In response to the command of
Jesus, we compassionately serve
to help make whole the hungry,
homeless and poor in body, mind
and spirit for the glory of God.
“ . . . to share your food with the
hungry and to provide the poor
wanderer with shelter . . . ”
— Isaiah 58:7
830 N. 19th St.
Milwaukee, WI 53233
(414) 344-2211
www.milmission.org
Have you remembered
the Mission in your will?