this issue

MY VIEW
CROSSROADS
EVENTS
CROSSROADS
On page one
Help provide meals and
care, shelter, education
and more every month
Spotlight on the ADC:
The Power of Mentorship
By Dr. Roxanne Jordan, VP of Women and Family Program, ADC
End of Summer Block Party: AUGUST 8th
One of our biggest events of the year is almost here! We’ll be
passing out backpacks to kids so they have all the tools they
need to be successful for the coming school year. Please see
page 5 of our newsletter to get more information.
Education: Gateway to a new life
At the Mission, everything we do is focused on
building relationships and working from dependence
towards a life of independence.
For some, that means helping them find employment,
like Rolando Benitez. Employment is a key tool
to financial independence and ending the cycle of
homelessness. Others need that first hot meal and
a clean bed to sleep on.
We are very excited to have a new ministry at the
Mission called Every Bed, Every Day. The ministry
blesses those who come
through our doors in need
“Employment is a
of rest. After getting a hot
shower, our guests
key tool to financial
receive a clean set of
independence and
clothes and fresh sheets
ending the cycle
to sleep on for the night.
of homelessness.”
We want to ensure that
every person who comes
to the Mission finds the
blessing of spiritual and physical rest. Our guests
love that we show care for them in this way and are
encouraged to know someone would take the time to
write a note and pray for their health and well-being.
Thank you for blessing those we care for in so many
different ways. We are so grateful to partner with you in
changing the lives of the homeless, hurting people that
live on Skid Row.
Blessings,
Volunteer Orientation: SEPTEMBER 5th, 9-11 A.M.
If you’re interested in volunteering, please attend an orientation
session. Visit us online at LosAngelesMission.org/act to register
for our September orientation. We’re grateful for the blessings
of your time and service. Thank you!
79th Annual Gala: OCTOBER 20th
Please join fellow supporters for the Los Angeles
Mission’s 79th Annual Gala. You’ll enjoy an
evening celebrating how your support makes
a difference every day in the lives of hurting,
hungry people in the Southland.
Career development is an integral part of the Anne Douglas Center’s holistic
model for recovery. Our Aspiring Professional Women’s Mentorship (APWM)
project is facilitated by professional volunteers, Karen Cash and Danielle Jones,
who host a monthly group for Fresh Start students and serve as vocational mentors
for our women as they transition to our Work Start program.
We are in need of more professional women to serve on the committee in a
leadership role, and also for women to volunteer as mentors. We have many students
in our program who have an interest in starting their own business as well as those
re-entering the job market who would benefit immensely from being mentored.
With so many women in our program finding new ways to use their God-given
talents, at the ADC we want to do everything possible to pave the way for their
future success.
▸ If you have an interest in being a mentor, establishing a scholarship for a student or getting involved
with the APWM in any way, please contact [email protected] or (213) 629-1227, ext. 361.
Our End of Summer Block Party takes place August 8th at
the Mission. We’re planning to hand out 1,000 backpacks stocked
full of supplies for children in need in our community. In addition
to school supplies, children can receive free healthcare
screenings and eat delicious food courtesy of
In-N-Out Burger, King Taco and the Grilled Cheese Truck.
We’d like to thank the following sponsors:
• US Bank–Financial Donation • In-N-Out Burger–Food
• Amcor–Paper Goods
• King Taco–Food
• Great Commission Church
• Grilled Cheese Truck–Food
International–1,000 Backpacks
of Supplies
We can meet the urgent needs of up to 180 guests a
night that sleep in our Genesis Dorm. As part of a new
ministry, the Every Bed, Every Day program, we want
to invite individuals, families or groups to come to the
Mission and pray over the beds in Genesis Dorm. Along
with prayers, we encourage leaving a Blessing Card for
our guests who come to the Mission in need of physical
and spiritual rest. Thank you for your prayers!
STAY CONNECTED
Keep track of the latest Mission news,
make safe online donations and more.
Follow us on Twitter:
@TheLAMission
Herb Smith, President
Subscribe to our video channel:
youtube.com/ILoveLAMission
Many thanks to the Goldwin Foundation, John W. Carson Foundation,
City National Bank, Wells Fargo Bank and LATLC (LA Trial Lawyers
Charities) for graciously sponsoring our 78th Gala.
Check out our photos on Instagram:
@TheLAMission
ME
A
ALS
1
Finding Jobs
MONTH
To give a gift by credit card, please fill out the information
below or call (213) 629-1227, ext. 400.
(Please check the box in the Giving Options section.)
m Please charge my gift to my credit card.
Please make your check payable to: Los Angeles Mission and mail to:
P.O. Box 60127, Los Angeles, CA 90060-0127
Giving Options:
m One-time gift m Monthly gift
NAME
m VISA
ADDRESSAPT
ACCOUNT NUMBER
CID/CVV
CITY
AUTHORIZED SIGNATURE
EXP. DATE
@
STATEZIP
EMAIL
A receipt for your tax-deductible gift will
be sent to you shortly.
m EFT (include voided check)
m MasterCard
m American Express
m Discover
Double or triple your gift! Visit our matching gift page to find
out if your employer has a corporate matching gift program.
losangelesmission.org/give/matching-gifts
5
N158
On page four
Signs
of Hope
By Steve Schultze
CROSSROADS
AUGUST 2015
LosAngelesMission.org
News from the
Los Angeles Mission
“When I went to see him
in the hospital for the last
time, he said, ‘Listen to me.
Before I die, I’m going
to give you one word
of advice: get into the
Los Angeles Mission.’”
–ROLANDO BENITEZ,
MISSION ALUM
▸ It’s easy to sign up—simply fill out the form
below, or go online to our monthly giving
website: LosAngelesMission.org/give.
Or if you prefer, call Nuria Mora at
(213) 629-1227, ext. 334. God bless you!
m I would like to become a Meals a Month
partner and give a monthly gift of $________.
THANK YOU!
News from the Los Angeles Mission
Throughout the summer, we tend
to see a significant drop in donations
to the Mission. As a Meals a Month
partner, you’ll help provide a muchneeded source of regular income that
keeps us going throughout the whole
year. Plus you’ll receive fewer mailings,
which means reduced costs for us
overall—and less paper clutter for you!
From Herb Smith
Career
Fair
EVENTS
Find out what’s
coming up at the Mission
PAGE 1
ALUMNI
SPOTLIGHT
I want to help provide a “Fresh Start” with meals, care and educational
opportunities for people in need. Here’s my gift: m $25 m $50 m $150 m $________
Donate online:
donate.losangelesmission.org
Become a fan on Facebook:
facebook.com/losangelesmission
Your ongoing donations allow us
to budget more effectively so we can
provide all the benefits of our “Fresh
Start” recovery program, including
educational support, GED test
preparation classes, life-skills classes,
counseling, vocational training and
much more.
Become a Meals a Month
partner today
Summer Block Party is here!
Did you know?
The Mission’s monthly
ALS
donors help provide
ME
hot meals and so
much more for
our friends and
A
neighbors on Skid
MONTH
Row. They also keep
meals on the table, water
running in the showers and clean
sheets on the beds for our guests.
Education: Gateway
to a new life
On page three
Learn how Melinda Chavez
got her life back on track
PAGE 4
303 E. 5th Street
Los Angeles, CA 90013
losangelesmission.org
Living Out a Father’s
Dying Wish
Rolando Benitez follows his father’s advice and it changes his life.
PAGE 2
THE POWER OF
MENTORSHIP
AT THE ADC
By Dr. Roxanne Jordan
PAGE 5
MY VIEW
CROSSROADS
EVENTS
CROSSROADS
On page one
Help provide meals and
care, shelter, education
and more every month
Spotlight on the ADC:
The Power of Mentorship
By Dr. Roxanne Jordan, VP of Women and Family Program, ADC
End of Summer Block Party: AUGUST 8th
One of our biggest events of the year is almost here! We’ll be
passing out backpacks to kids so they have all the tools they
need to be successful for the coming school year. Please see
page 5 of our newsletter to get more information.
Education: Gateway to a new life
At the Mission, everything we do is focused on
building relationships and working from dependence
towards a life of independence.
For some, that means helping them find employment,
like Rolando Benitez. Employment is a key tool
to financial independence and ending the cycle of
homelessness. Others need that first hot meal and
a clean bed to sleep on.
We are very excited to have a new ministry at the
Mission called Every Bed, Every Day. The ministry
blesses those who come
through our doors in need
“Employment is a
of rest. After getting a hot
shower, our guests
key tool to financial
receive a clean set of
independence and
clothes and fresh sheets
ending the cycle
to sleep on for the night.
of homelessness.”
We want to ensure that
every person who comes
to the Mission finds the
blessing of spiritual and physical rest. Our guests
love that we show care for them in this way and are
encouraged to know someone would take the time to
write a note and pray for their health and well-being.
Thank you for blessing those we care for in so many
different ways. We are so grateful to partner with you in
changing the lives of the homeless, hurting people that
live on Skid Row.
Blessings,
Volunteer Orientation: SEPTEMBER 5th, 9-11 A.M.
If you’re interested in volunteering, please attend an orientation
session. Visit us online at LosAngelesMission.org/act to register
for our September orientation. We’re grateful for the blessings
of your time and service. Thank you!
79th Annual Gala: OCTOBER 20th
Please join fellow supporters for the Los Angeles
Mission’s 79th Annual Gala. You’ll enjoy an
evening celebrating how your support makes
a difference every day in the lives of hurting,
hungry people in the Southland.
Career development is an integral part of the Anne Douglas Center’s holistic
model for recovery. Our Aspiring Professional Women’s Mentorship (APWM)
project is facilitated by professional volunteers, Karen Cash and Danielle Jones,
who host a monthly group for Fresh Start students and serve as vocational mentors
for our women as they transition to our Work Start program.
We are in need of more professional women to serve on the committee in a
leadership role, and also for women to volunteer as mentors. We have many students
in our program who have an interest in starting their own business as well as those
re-entering the job market who would benefit immensely from being mentored.
With so many women in our program finding new ways to use their God-given
talents, at the ADC we want to do everything possible to pave the way for their
future success.
▸ If you have an interest in being a mentor, establishing a scholarship for a student or getting involved
with the APWM in any way, please contact [email protected] or (213) 629-1227, ext. 361.
Our End of Summer Block Party takes place August 8th at
the Mission. We’re planning to hand out 1,000 backpacks stocked
full of supplies for children in need in our community. In addition
to school supplies, children can receive free healthcare
screenings and eat delicious food courtesy of
In-N-Out Burger, King Taco and the Grilled Cheese Truck.
We’d like to thank the following sponsors:
• US Bank–Financial Donation • In-N-Out Burger–Food
• Amcor–Paper Goods
• King Taco–Food
• Great Commission Church
• Grilled Cheese Truck–Food
International–1,000 Backpacks
of Supplies
We can meet the urgent needs of up to 180 guests a
night that sleep in our Genesis Dorm. As part of a new
ministry, the Every Bed, Every Day program, we want
to invite individuals, families or groups to come to the
Mission and pray over the beds in Genesis Dorm. Along
with prayers, we encourage leaving a Blessing Card for
our guests who come to the Mission in need of physical
and spiritual rest. Thank you for your prayers!
STAY CONNECTED
Keep track of the latest Mission news,
make safe online donations and more.
Follow us on Twitter:
@TheLAMission
Herb Smith, President
Subscribe to our video channel:
youtube.com/ILoveLAMission
Many thanks to the Goldwin Foundation, John W. Carson Foundation,
City National Bank, Wells Fargo Bank and LATLC (LA Trial Lawyers
Charities) for graciously sponsoring our 78th Gala.
Check out our photos on Instagram:
@TheLAMission
ME
A
ALS
1
Finding Jobs
MONTH
To give a gift by credit card, please fill out the information
below or call (213) 629-1227, ext. 400.
(Please check the box in the Giving Options section.)
m Please charge my gift to my credit card.
Please make your check payable to: Los Angeles Mission and mail to:
P.O. Box 60127, Los Angeles, CA 90060-0127
Giving Options:
m One-time gift m Monthly gift
NAME
m VISA
ADDRESSAPT
ACCOUNT NUMBER
CID/CVV
CITY
AUTHORIZED SIGNATURE
EXP. DATE
@
STATEZIP
EMAIL
A receipt for your tax-deductible gift will
be sent to you shortly.
m EFT (include voided check)
m MasterCard
m American Express
m Discover
Double or triple your gift! Visit our matching gift page to find
out if your employer has a corporate matching gift program.
losangelesmission.org/give/matching-gifts
5
N158
On page four
Signs
of Hope
By Steve Schultze
CROSSROADS
AUGUST 2015
LosAngelesMission.org
News from the
Los Angeles Mission
“When I went to see him
in the hospital for the last
time, he said, ‘Listen to me.
Before I die, I’m going
to give you one word
of advice: get into the
Los Angeles Mission.’”
–ROLANDO BENITEZ,
MISSION ALUM
▸ It’s easy to sign up—simply fill out the form
below, or go online to our monthly giving
website: LosAngelesMission.org/give.
Or if you prefer, call Nuria Mora at
(213) 629-1227, ext. 334. God bless you!
m I would like to become a Meals a Month
partner and give a monthly gift of $________.
THANK YOU!
News from the Los Angeles Mission
Throughout the summer, we tend
to see a significant drop in donations
to the Mission. As a Meals a Month
partner, you’ll help provide a muchneeded source of regular income that
keeps us going throughout the whole
year. Plus you’ll receive fewer mailings,
which means reduced costs for us
overall—and less paper clutter for you!
From Herb Smith
Career
Fair
EVENTS
Find out what’s
coming up at the Mission
PAGE 1
ALUMNI
SPOTLIGHT
I want to help provide a “Fresh Start” with meals, care and educational
opportunities for people in need. Here’s my gift: m $25 m $50 m $150 m $________
Donate online:
donate.losangelesmission.org
Become a fan on Facebook:
facebook.com/losangelesmission
Your ongoing donations allow us
to budget more effectively so we can
provide all the benefits of our “Fresh
Start” recovery program, including
educational support, GED test
preparation classes, life-skills classes,
counseling, vocational training and
much more.
Become a Meals a Month
partner today
Summer Block Party is here!
Did you know?
The Mission’s monthly
ALS
donors help provide
ME
hot meals and so
much more for
our friends and
A
neighbors on Skid
MONTH
Row. They also keep
meals on the table, water
running in the showers and clean
sheets on the beds for our guests.
Education: Gateway
to a new life
On page three
Learn how Melinda Chavez
got her life back on track
PAGE 4
303 E. 5th Street
Los Angeles, CA 90013
losangelesmission.org
Living Out a Father’s
Dying Wish
Rolando Benitez follows his father’s advice and it changes his life.
PAGE 2
THE POWER OF
MENTORSHIP
AT THE ADC
By Dr. Roxanne Jordan
PAGE 5
CROSSROADS
Thank you to our
Career Fair Partners!
Living out a father’s dying wish
help me. In December 2013, my dad was really sick
due to kidney failure, which led to several other health
issues. When I went to see him in the hospital for the last
time, he said, “Listen to me. Before I die, I’m going to
give you one word of advice: get into the Los Angeles
Mission. They’ll help you get off of drugs. They’ll help
you get your life together. Seek the Lord. Once you find
the Lord, you’ll never be alone.”
Rolando Benitez moved from Puerto Rico to Los Angeles
when he was 11, and it didn’t take long for Rolando to
get involved in a life of gangs and drugs. It was his
father, a former drug addict himself, who encouraged
Rolando to go the Mission for help and healing. He
found so much more.
My dad wasn’t a nice person when I was young.
He was a drug dealer back in Puerto Rico. He had
money, but he never had money for the family. It all
went to drugs.
Peace in his heart
A month later, I came to the Mission and set my mind
on seeking the Lord. I kept my eyes on Jesus and did
My mother and father divorced in 1979. My mom
didn’t want her children to live that lifestyle, so she
my program. I went to all my classes and was able to
sent me to live in Los Angeles
complete the program. I’m
[My sister] had always seen her just happy because everything
with my aunt and cousins. Little
did she know that her son was
is going good for me.
brother as a gang member and
going to end up just like his dad.
Graduation day was an
drug addict. When she saw me
emotional day; my daughter
My cousins were all gang
came and my aunts came.
at
graduation,
she
cried.
Now
members and they taught me
My sister is younger than
about gangs. If I didn’t do what
I can actually say I’m living
me, and she’d always seen her
they said and represent the gang
with peace in my heart.
brother as a gang member and
they were from, they beat me up.
a drug addict. When she saw
~ROLANDO BENITEZ, MISSION ALUM
me at graduation, she cried.
I started doing drugs and
Now I can actually say I’m living with peace
selling at 16—PCP and marijuana. Then I made the
in my heart.
mistake of trying cocaine and when I did, I liked
that high. By 18, I needed it. I was robbing people,
A month after graduation and going to the
robbing stores, whatever it took so I could get that
Career Services Center every day to look for
drug. I was a con artist.
jobs, I got hired at Fresco Community Market
in
Los Angeles. I’m doing custodial work and
After using drugs and a few
also some stocking for them. I do whatever they
weeks of not sleeping, I came to
need me to do.
the Mission because I just needed to
rest. I couldn’t function and needed
I want to thank the donors for having that love
a place to recover. But, then I left.
for those of us that really need it. Without them
My dad came to Los Angeles and
we wouldn’t have the Mission. Thanks to my
tried to help me; he had been
classes here—I learned about God, but I also
an addict too. He came to the
learned how to do work on a computer
Mission in 1994 and the program
in Microsoft Word and Excel.
changed his life. He accepted the
I know things now that I never
Lord and he was doing
thought I’d learn. I hope that
everything right.
someday I’ll be able to make
a good amount of money so
I continued using and lost
I can donate to the Mission
everything because of drugs.
myself and keep it going.
My family didn’t trust me
and nobody wanted to
“
”
2
The Los Angeles Mission’s
14th Annual Career Fair helped
hundreds of job seekers get connected
with employers across Southern
California. We would like to thank the
following companies for participating
and making this event a huge success:
Connecting people with
employers at the LAM Career Fair
On June 4th, we hosted our 14th Annual Career Fair, and it was a huge
success! More than 30 employers participated in the event, including
Coca-Cola, DoubleTree by Hilton-Los Angeles Commerce and California
Pizza Kitchen. “This gives the business world an opportunity to grasp our commitment
to provide an empowering holistic approach, and helps people to regain
full dignity by being employed,” said Allen Ceravolo, Director of Career
Services Department.
An estimated 375 job
seekers attended the event
and had the opportunity to
interface with many of the top
businesses in our community.
“
This gives the business
world an opportunity to
grasp our commitment to
provide an empowering
holistic approach, and helps
people to regain full dignity
by being employed
“The Career Fair is so
successful, I foresee it
becoming a twice-a-year
event and outgrowing its
current venue at the Mission,”
~ALLEN CERAVOLO, DIRECTOR OF
said Tom Smalley, General
CAREER SERVICES DEPARTMENT
Manager, Interstate Hotels
& Resorts at DoubleTree by
Hilton-Los Angeles Commerce. “Overall, these candidates are eager to
join an organization and make a solid contribution. They are willing to
give more of themselves by working harder to master their skills and
work up within the organization.”
”
In 2014, 76% of our Work Start graduates found jobs. What a blessing!
We are so grateful to our many partner companies and our donors who
make this event possible!
• ABM Industries
• AFLAC
• Advanced Computing Institute
• Alternative HealthCare
• ATF Security
• California Pizza Kitchen
• CLP Resources, Inc.
• Coca-Cola Company
• Department of Vocational Rehabilitation
• DoubleTree by Hilton–Los AngelesCommerce
• Easter Seals Southern California
• Economic and Workforce Development
Department–City of Los Angeles
• Employment Development Department
• Express Employment Professionals
• Goodwill Northeast LA WorkSource
Center
CROSSROADS
Signs of Hope
By Steve Schultze Vice President of Program
As an educator for the past 20
We place a huge importance on
years, I have seen firsthand the
giving the students a well-rounded
importance of education. At the
educational experience with Bible
Los Angeles Mission, we know
classes, critical life-skills courses
that information,
and academic
knowledge and
coursework.
We want to focus on
education are
Through our
the development of the
vital to changing
partnership
whole student—mentally, with Belmont
the hearts of our
students.
Adult School
spiritually, socially and
and the
The educational
physically.
resources at
component of a
our Learning
student’s restoration is designed
Center, we can equip our students
to provide the skills needed to
with the skills needed to join the
think, act and live differently
working world once they graduate.
than their previous life. The more
education a student has, the more
We want to focus on the
opportunities become available in
development of the whole
the workplace.
student—mentally, spiritually,
“
”
Thank you for all you do to
open doors of opportunities for our
students. Your generosity blesses
them and allows them to find hope
in the possibility of a new life.
• InterCoast College
• Kaiser Permanente
• Job Corps
• Labor Ready
• Los Angeles World Airports
• MyEcon
• PACWEST Security
• PATH–People Assisting the Homeless
• Pepperdine Legal Aid
• People Care, Inc.
• Power 106
• Security Defense
• Southland Transit, Inc.
• Teruko Weinberg, Inc.
• Vallarta SuperMarket
• Weingart Center Association
Alumni spotlight: Melinda Chavez
After 25 years of drug addiction, Melinda Chavez
came to the Anne Douglas Center in July 2010 and
graduated in October 2011. She told us her story
of getting her life back on track,
continuing her education and
finding a job through our
Career Services Center.
Back on track
Graduating from the Fresh Start program showed me
that I could commit to something and finish it. It meant
my life was back on track and that I was
on my way to reuniting with my family,
especially my children.
After graduating, I went to Los Angeles
Trade Technical College and then I took
a job as a courtesy clerk at Pavilions. Two
years later, I’ve become one of the store’s
supervisors.
Before I came to the Mission,
life was unbearable. I did meth
for 25 years and had nowhere to
live. I was running out of friends
fast and I didn’t like wondering
where I was going to take my
next shower.
I would like to thank the donors of the
Los Angeles Mission for everything they
do. Without their support, the Mission
would not be able to provide programs like
Fresh Start. The virtues they taught me in
the Fresh Start Program will stick with me
for the rest of my life.
A friend of mine had graduated
from the Mission and said it
worked well for him, so I thought
I would give it a try.
3
socially and physically. The
education portion of the program
helps our students move towards
self-discipline in all aspects
of their lives.
4
CROSSROADS
Thank you to our
Career Fair Partners!
Living out a father’s dying wish
help me. In December 2013, my dad was really sick
due to kidney failure, which led to several other health
issues. When I went to see him in the hospital for the last
time, he said, “Listen to me. Before I die, I’m going to
give you one word of advice: get into the Los Angeles
Mission. They’ll help you get off of drugs. They’ll help
you get your life together. Seek the Lord. Once you find
the Lord, you’ll never be alone.”
Rolando Benitez moved from Puerto Rico to Los Angeles
when he was 11, and it didn’t take long for Rolando to
get involved in a life of gangs and drugs. It was his
father, a former drug addict himself, who encouraged
Rolando to go the Mission for help and healing. He
found so much more.
My dad wasn’t a nice person when I was young.
He was a drug dealer back in Puerto Rico. He had
money, but he never had money for the family. It all
went to drugs.
Peace in his heart
A month later, I came to the Mission and set my mind
on seeking the Lord. I kept my eyes on Jesus and did
My mother and father divorced in 1979. My mom
didn’t want her children to live that lifestyle, so she
my program. I went to all my classes and was able to
sent me to live in Los Angeles
complete the program. I’m
[My sister] had always seen her just happy because everything
with my aunt and cousins. Little
did she know that her son was
is going good for me.
brother as a gang member and
going to end up just like his dad.
Graduation day was an
drug addict. When she saw me
emotional day; my daughter
My cousins were all gang
came and my aunts came.
at
graduation,
she
cried.
Now
members and they taught me
My sister is younger than
about gangs. If I didn’t do what
I can actually say I’m living
me, and she’d always seen her
they said and represent the gang
with peace in my heart.
brother as a gang member and
they were from, they beat me up.
a drug addict. When she saw
~ROLANDO BENITEZ, MISSION ALUM
me at graduation, she cried.
I started doing drugs and
Now I can actually say I’m living with peace
selling at 16—PCP and marijuana. Then I made the
in my heart.
mistake of trying cocaine and when I did, I liked
that high. By 18, I needed it. I was robbing people,
A month after graduation and going to the
robbing stores, whatever it took so I could get that
Career Services Center every day to look for
drug. I was a con artist.
jobs, I got hired at Fresco Community Market
in
Los Angeles. I’m doing custodial work and
After using drugs and a few
also some stocking for them. I do whatever they
weeks of not sleeping, I came to
need me to do.
the Mission because I just needed to
rest. I couldn’t function and needed
I want to thank the donors for having that love
a place to recover. But, then I left.
for those of us that really need it. Without them
My dad came to Los Angeles and
we wouldn’t have the Mission. Thanks to my
tried to help me; he had been
classes here—I learned about God, but I also
an addict too. He came to the
learned how to do work on a computer
Mission in 1994 and the program
in Microsoft Word and Excel.
changed his life. He accepted the
I know things now that I never
Lord and he was doing
thought I’d learn. I hope that
everything right.
someday I’ll be able to make
a good amount of money so
I continued using and lost
I can donate to the Mission
everything because of drugs.
myself and keep it going.
My family didn’t trust me
and nobody wanted to
“
”
2
The Los Angeles Mission’s
14th Annual Career Fair helped
hundreds of job seekers get connected
with employers across Southern
California. We would like to thank the
following companies for participating
and making this event a huge success:
Connecting people with
employers at the LAM Career Fair
On June 4th, we hosted our 14th Annual Career Fair, and it was a huge
success! More than 30 employers participated in the event, including
Coca-Cola, DoubleTree by Hilton-Los Angeles Commerce and California
Pizza Kitchen. “This gives the business world an opportunity to grasp our commitment
to provide an empowering holistic approach, and helps people to regain
full dignity by being employed,” said Allen Ceravolo, Director of Career
Services Department.
An estimated 375 job
seekers attended the event
and had the opportunity to
interface with many of the top
businesses in our community.
“
This gives the business
world an opportunity to
grasp our commitment to
provide an empowering
holistic approach, and helps
people to regain full dignity
by being employed
“The Career Fair is so
successful, I foresee it
becoming a twice-a-year
event and outgrowing its
current venue at the Mission,”
~ALLEN CERAVOLO, DIRECTOR OF
said Tom Smalley, General
CAREER SERVICES DEPARTMENT
Manager, Interstate Hotels
& Resorts at DoubleTree by
Hilton-Los Angeles Commerce. “Overall, these candidates are eager to
join an organization and make a solid contribution. They are willing to
give more of themselves by working harder to master their skills and
work up within the organization.”
”
In 2014, 76% of our Work Start graduates found jobs. What a blessing!
We are so grateful to our many partner companies and our donors who
make this event possible!
• ABM Industries
• AFLAC
• Advanced Computing Institute
• Alternative HealthCare
• ATF Security
• California Pizza Kitchen
• CLP Resources, Inc.
• Coca-Cola Company
• Department of Vocational Rehabilitation
• DoubleTree by Hilton–Los AngelesCommerce
• Easter Seals Southern California
• Economic and Workforce Development
Department–City of Los Angeles
• Employment Development Department
• Express Employment Professionals
• Goodwill Northeast LA WorkSource
Center
CROSSROADS
Signs of Hope
By Steve Schultze Vice President of Program
As an educator for the past 20
We place a huge importance on
years, I have seen firsthand the
giving the students a well-rounded
importance of education. At the
educational experience with Bible
Los Angeles Mission, we know
classes, critical life-skills courses
that information,
and academic
knowledge and
coursework.
We want to focus on
education are
Through our
the development of the
vital to changing
partnership
whole student—mentally, with Belmont
the hearts of our
students.
Adult School
spiritually, socially and
and the
The educational
physically.
resources at
component of a
our Learning
student’s restoration is designed
Center, we can equip our students
to provide the skills needed to
with the skills needed to join the
think, act and live differently
working world once they graduate.
than their previous life. The more
education a student has, the more
We want to focus on the
opportunities become available in
development of the whole
the workplace.
student—mentally, spiritually,
“
”
Thank you for all you do to
open doors of opportunities for our
students. Your generosity blesses
them and allows them to find hope
in the possibility of a new life.
• InterCoast College
• Kaiser Permanente
• Job Corps
• Labor Ready
• Los Angeles World Airports
• MyEcon
• PACWEST Security
• PATH–People Assisting the Homeless
• Pepperdine Legal Aid
• People Care, Inc.
• Power 106
• Security Defense
• Southland Transit, Inc.
• Teruko Weinberg, Inc.
• Vallarta SuperMarket
• Weingart Center Association
Alumni spotlight: Melinda Chavez
After 25 years of drug addiction, Melinda Chavez
came to the Anne Douglas Center in July 2010 and
graduated in October 2011. She told us her story
of getting her life back on track,
continuing her education and
finding a job through our
Career Services Center.
Back on track
Graduating from the Fresh Start program showed me
that I could commit to something and finish it. It meant
my life was back on track and that I was
on my way to reuniting with my family,
especially my children.
After graduating, I went to Los Angeles
Trade Technical College and then I took
a job as a courtesy clerk at Pavilions. Two
years later, I’ve become one of the store’s
supervisors.
Before I came to the Mission,
life was unbearable. I did meth
for 25 years and had nowhere to
live. I was running out of friends
fast and I didn’t like wondering
where I was going to take my
next shower.
I would like to thank the donors of the
Los Angeles Mission for everything they
do. Without their support, the Mission
would not be able to provide programs like
Fresh Start. The virtues they taught me in
the Fresh Start Program will stick with me
for the rest of my life.
A friend of mine had graduated
from the Mission and said it
worked well for him, so I thought
I would give it a try.
3
socially and physically. The
education portion of the program
helps our students move towards
self-discipline in all aspects
of their lives.
4
CROSSROADS
Thank you to our
Career Fair Partners!
Living out a father’s dying wish
help me. In December 2013, my dad was really sick
due to kidney failure, which led to several other health
issues. When I went to see him in the hospital for the last
time, he said, “Listen to me. Before I die, I’m going to
give you one word of advice: get into the Los Angeles
Mission. They’ll help you get off of drugs. They’ll help
you get your life together. Seek the Lord. Once you find
the Lord, you’ll never be alone.”
Rolando Benitez moved from Puerto Rico to Los Angeles
when he was 11, and it didn’t take long for Rolando to
get involved in a life of gangs and drugs. It was his
father, a former drug addict himself, who encouraged
Rolando to go the Mission for help and healing. He
found so much more.
My dad wasn’t a nice person when I was young.
He was a drug dealer back in Puerto Rico. He had
money, but he never had money for the family. It all
went to drugs.
Peace in his heart
A month later, I came to the Mission and set my mind
on seeking the Lord. I kept my eyes on Jesus and did
My mother and father divorced in 1979. My mom
didn’t want her children to live that lifestyle, so she
my program. I went to all my classes and was able to
sent me to live in Los Angeles
complete the program. I’m
[My sister] had always seen her just happy because everything
with my aunt and cousins. Little
did she know that her son was
is going good for me.
brother as a gang member and
going to end up just like his dad.
Graduation day was an
drug addict. When she saw me
emotional day; my daughter
My cousins were all gang
came and my aunts came.
at
graduation,
she
cried.
Now
members and they taught me
My sister is younger than
about gangs. If I didn’t do what
I can actually say I’m living
me, and she’d always seen her
they said and represent the gang
with peace in my heart.
brother as a gang member and
they were from, they beat me up.
a drug addict. When she saw
~ROLANDO BENITEZ, MISSION ALUM
me at graduation, she cried.
I started doing drugs and
Now I can actually say I’m living with peace
selling at 16—PCP and marijuana. Then I made the
in my heart.
mistake of trying cocaine and when I did, I liked
that high. By 18, I needed it. I was robbing people,
A month after graduation and going to the
robbing stores, whatever it took so I could get that
Career Services Center every day to look for
drug. I was a con artist.
jobs, I got hired at Fresco Community Market
in
Los Angeles. I’m doing custodial work and
After using drugs and a few
also some stocking for them. I do whatever they
weeks of not sleeping, I came to
need me to do.
the Mission because I just needed to
rest. I couldn’t function and needed
I want to thank the donors for having that love
a place to recover. But, then I left.
for those of us that really need it. Without them
My dad came to Los Angeles and
we wouldn’t have the Mission. Thanks to my
tried to help me; he had been
classes here—I learned about God, but I also
an addict too. He came to the
learned how to do work on a computer
Mission in 1994 and the program
in Microsoft Word and Excel.
changed his life. He accepted the
I know things now that I never
Lord and he was doing
thought I’d learn. I hope that
everything right.
someday I’ll be able to make
a good amount of money so
I continued using and lost
I can donate to the Mission
everything because of drugs.
myself and keep it going.
My family didn’t trust me
and nobody wanted to
“
”
2
The Los Angeles Mission’s
14th Annual Career Fair helped
hundreds of job seekers get connected
with employers across Southern
California. We would like to thank the
following companies for participating
and making this event a huge success:
Connecting people with
employers at the LAM Career Fair
On June 4th, we hosted our 14th Annual Career Fair, and it was a huge
success! More than 30 employers participated in the event, including
Coca-Cola, DoubleTree by Hilton-Los Angeles Commerce and California
Pizza Kitchen. “This gives the business world an opportunity to grasp our commitment
to provide an empowering holistic approach, and helps people to regain
full dignity by being employed,” said Allen Ceravolo, Director of Career
Services Department.
An estimated 375 job
seekers attended the event
and had the opportunity to
interface with many of the top
businesses in our community.
“
This gives the business
world an opportunity to
grasp our commitment to
provide an empowering
holistic approach, and helps
people to regain full dignity
by being employed
“The Career Fair is so
successful, I foresee it
becoming a twice-a-year
event and outgrowing its
current venue at the Mission,”
~ALLEN CERAVOLO, DIRECTOR OF
said Tom Smalley, General
CAREER SERVICES DEPARTMENT
Manager, Interstate Hotels
& Resorts at DoubleTree by
Hilton-Los Angeles Commerce. “Overall, these candidates are eager to
join an organization and make a solid contribution. They are willing to
give more of themselves by working harder to master their skills and
work up within the organization.”
”
In 2014, 76% of our Work Start graduates found jobs. What a blessing!
We are so grateful to our many partner companies and our donors who
make this event possible!
• ABM Industries
• AFLAC
• Advanced Computing Institute
• Alternative HealthCare
• ATF Security
• California Pizza Kitchen
• CLP Resources, Inc.
• Coca-Cola Company
• Department of Vocational Rehabilitation
• DoubleTree by Hilton–Los AngelesCommerce
• Easter Seals Southern California
• Economic and Workforce Development
Department–City of Los Angeles
• Employment Development Department
• Express Employment Professionals
• Goodwill Northeast LA WorkSource
Center
CROSSROADS
Signs of Hope
By Steve Schultze Vice President of Program
As an educator for the past 20
We place a huge importance on
years, I have seen firsthand the
giving the students a well-rounded
importance of education. At the
educational experience with Bible
Los Angeles Mission, we know
classes, critical life-skills courses
that information,
and academic
knowledge and
coursework.
We want to focus on
education are
Through our
the development of the
vital to changing
partnership
whole student—mentally, with Belmont
the hearts of our
students.
Adult School
spiritually, socially and
and the
The educational
physically.
resources at
component of a
our Learning
student’s restoration is designed
Center, we can equip our students
to provide the skills needed to
with the skills needed to join the
think, act and live differently
working world once they graduate.
than their previous life. The more
education a student has, the more
We want to focus on the
opportunities become available in
development of the whole
the workplace.
student—mentally, spiritually,
“
”
Thank you for all you do to
open doors of opportunities for our
students. Your generosity blesses
them and allows them to find hope
in the possibility of a new life.
• InterCoast College
• Kaiser Permanente
• Job Corps
• Labor Ready
• Los Angeles World Airports
• MyEcon
• PACWEST Security
• PATH–People Assisting the Homeless
• Pepperdine Legal Aid
• People Care, Inc.
• Power 106
• Security Defense
• Southland Transit, Inc.
• Teruko Weinberg, Inc.
• Vallarta SuperMarket
• Weingart Center Association
Alumni spotlight: Melinda Chavez
After 25 years of drug addiction, Melinda Chavez
came to the Anne Douglas Center in July 2010 and
graduated in October 2011. She told us her story
of getting her life back on track,
continuing her education and
finding a job through our
Career Services Center.
Back on track
Graduating from the Fresh Start program showed me
that I could commit to something and finish it. It meant
my life was back on track and that I was
on my way to reuniting with my family,
especially my children.
After graduating, I went to Los Angeles
Trade Technical College and then I took
a job as a courtesy clerk at Pavilions. Two
years later, I’ve become one of the store’s
supervisors.
Before I came to the Mission,
life was unbearable. I did meth
for 25 years and had nowhere to
live. I was running out of friends
fast and I didn’t like wondering
where I was going to take my
next shower.
I would like to thank the donors of the
Los Angeles Mission for everything they
do. Without their support, the Mission
would not be able to provide programs like
Fresh Start. The virtues they taught me in
the Fresh Start Program will stick with me
for the rest of my life.
A friend of mine had graduated
from the Mission and said it
worked well for him, so I thought
I would give it a try.
3
socially and physically. The
education portion of the program
helps our students move towards
self-discipline in all aspects
of their lives.
4
MY VIEW
CROSSROADS
EVENTS
CROSSROADS
On page one
Help provide meals and
care, shelter, education
and more every month
Spotlight on the ADC:
The Power of Mentorship
By Dr. Roxanne Jordan, VP of Women and Family Program, ADC
End of Summer Block Party: AUGUST 8th
One of our biggest events of the year is almost here! We’ll be
passing out backpacks to kids so they have all the tools they
need to be successful for the coming school year. Please see
page 5 of our newsletter to get more information.
Education: Gateway to a new life
At the Mission, everything we do is focused on
building relationships and working from dependence
towards a life of independence.
For some, that means helping them find employment,
like Rolando Benitez. Employment is a key tool
to financial independence and ending the cycle of
homelessness. Others need that first hot meal and
a clean bed to sleep on.
We are very excited to have a new ministry at the
Mission called Every Bed, Every Day. The ministry
blesses those who come
through our doors in need
“Employment is a
of rest. After getting a hot
shower, our guests
key tool to financial
receive a clean set of
independence and
clothes and fresh sheets
ending the cycle
to sleep on for the night.
of homelessness.”
We want to ensure that
every person who comes
to the Mission finds the
blessing of spiritual and physical rest. Our guests
love that we show care for them in this way and are
encouraged to know someone would take the time to
write a note and pray for their health and well-being.
Thank you for blessing those we care for in so many
different ways. We are so grateful to partner with you in
changing the lives of the homeless, hurting people that
live on Skid Row.
Blessings,
Volunteer Orientation: SEPTEMBER 5th, 9-11 A.M.
If you’re interested in volunteering, please attend an orientation
session. Visit us online at LosAngelesMission.org/act to register
for our September orientation. We’re grateful for the blessings
of your time and service. Thank you!
79th Annual Gala: OCTOBER 20th
Please join fellow supporters for the Los Angeles
Mission’s 79th Annual Gala. You’ll enjoy an
evening celebrating how your support makes
a difference every day in the lives of hurting,
hungry people in the Southland.
Career development is an integral part of the Anne Douglas Center’s holistic
model for recovery. Our Aspiring Professional Women’s Mentorship (APWM)
project is facilitated by professional volunteers, Karen Cash and Danielle Jones,
who host a monthly group for Fresh Start students and serve as vocational mentors
for our women as they transition to our Work Start program.
We are in need of more professional women to serve on the committee in a
leadership role, and also for women to volunteer as mentors. We have many students
in our program who have an interest in starting their own business as well as those
re-entering the job market who would benefit immensely from being mentored.
With so many women in our program finding new ways to use their God-given
talents, at the ADC we want to do everything possible to pave the way for their
future success.
▸ If you have an interest in being a mentor, establishing a scholarship for a student or getting involved
with the APWM in any way, please contact [email protected] or (213) 629-1227, ext. 361.
Our End of Summer Block Party takes place August 8th at
the Mission. We’re planning to hand out 1,000 backpacks stocked
full of supplies for children in need in our community. In addition
to school supplies, children can receive free healthcare
screenings and eat delicious food courtesy of
In-N-Out Burger, King Taco and the Grilled Cheese Truck.
We’d like to thank the following sponsors:
• US Bank–Financial Donation • In-N-Out Burger–Food
• Amcor–Paper Goods
• King Taco–Food
• Great Commission Church
• Grilled Cheese Truck–Food
International–1,000 Backpacks
of Supplies
We can meet the urgent needs of up to 180 guests a
night that sleep in our Genesis Dorm. As part of a new
ministry, the Every Bed, Every Day program, we want
to invite individuals, families or groups to come to the
Mission and pray over the beds in Genesis Dorm. Along
with prayers, we encourage leaving a Blessing Card for
our guests who come to the Mission in need of physical
and spiritual rest. Thank you for your prayers!
STAY CONNECTED
Keep track of the latest Mission news,
make safe online donations and more.
Follow us on Twitter:
@TheLAMission
Herb Smith, President
Subscribe to our video channel:
youtube.com/ILoveLAMission
Many thanks to the Goldwin Foundation, John W. Carson Foundation,
City National Bank, Wells Fargo Bank and LATLC (LA Trial Lawyers
Charities) for graciously sponsoring our 78th Gala.
Check out our photos on Instagram:
@TheLAMission
ME
A
ALS
1
Finding Jobs
MONTH
To give a gift by credit card, please fill out the information
below or call (213) 629-1227, ext. 400.
(Please check the box in the Giving Options section.)
m Please charge my gift to my credit card.
Please make your check payable to: Los Angeles Mission and mail to:
P.O. Box 60127, Los Angeles, CA 90060-0127
Giving Options:
m One-time gift m Monthly gift
NAME
m VISA
ADDRESSAPT
ACCOUNT NUMBER
CID/CVV
CITY
AUTHORIZED SIGNATURE
EXP. DATE
@
STATEZIP
EMAIL
A receipt for your tax-deductible gift will
be sent to you shortly.
m EFT (include voided check)
m MasterCard
m American Express
m Discover
Double or triple your gift! Visit our matching gift page to find
out if your employer has a corporate matching gift program.
losangelesmission.org/give/matching-gifts
5
N158
On page four
Signs
of Hope
By Steve Schultze
CROSSROADS
AUGUST 2015
LosAngelesMission.org
News from the
Los Angeles Mission
“When I went to see him
in the hospital for the last
time, he said, ‘Listen to me.
Before I die, I’m going
to give you one word
of advice: get into the
Los Angeles Mission.’”
–ROLANDO BENITEZ,
MISSION ALUM
▸ It’s easy to sign up—simply fill out the form
below, or go online to our monthly giving
website: LosAngelesMission.org/give.
Or if you prefer, call Nuria Mora at
(213) 629-1227, ext. 334. God bless you!
m I would like to become a Meals a Month
partner and give a monthly gift of $________.
THANK YOU!
News from the Los Angeles Mission
Throughout the summer, we tend
to see a significant drop in donations
to the Mission. As a Meals a Month
partner, you’ll help provide a muchneeded source of regular income that
keeps us going throughout the whole
year. Plus you’ll receive fewer mailings,
which means reduced costs for us
overall—and less paper clutter for you!
From Herb Smith
Career
Fair
EVENTS
Find out what’s
coming up at the Mission
PAGE 1
ALUMNI
SPOTLIGHT
I want to help provide a “Fresh Start” with meals, care and educational
opportunities for people in need. Here’s my gift: m $25 m $50 m $150 m $________
Donate online:
donate.losangelesmission.org
Become a fan on Facebook:
facebook.com/losangelesmission
Your ongoing donations allow us
to budget more effectively so we can
provide all the benefits of our “Fresh
Start” recovery program, including
educational support, GED test
preparation classes, life-skills classes,
counseling, vocational training and
much more.
Become a Meals a Month
partner today
Summer Block Party is here!
Did you know?
The Mission’s monthly
ALS
donors help provide
ME
hot meals and so
much more for
our friends and
A
neighbors on Skid
MONTH
Row. They also keep
meals on the table, water
running in the showers and clean
sheets on the beds for our guests.
Education: Gateway
to a new life
On page three
Learn how Melinda Chavez
got her life back on track
PAGE 4
303 E. 5th Street
Los Angeles, CA 90013
losangelesmission.org
Living Out a Father’s
Dying Wish
Rolando Benitez follows his father’s advice and it changes his life.
PAGE 2
THE POWER OF
MENTORSHIP
AT THE ADC
By Dr. Roxanne Jordan
PAGE 5