100524 Rescue Mission Spring 2010 NL

The Rescue Mission of Trenton is the
agency in the City of Trenton that
serves the truly needy men and
women who have no place to turn
for shelter, food, and clothing. The
Mission provides a safe, clean, warm
refuge for the homeless, the hungry,
the transient, the addicted. The
Mission provides services and counseling to encourage individuals to
reach their greatest potential. The
Mission creates an environment
where one can live with dignity,
build self-esteem, experience love,
responsibility and hope.
Services include:
Vince’s Place: Licensed by the State
of NJ, Department of Human
Services, as a Residential Addictions
Treatment Facility (75 beds).
Outpatient Program: Substance
abuse care for men and women
providing counseling
sessions, group counseling
sessions, and addiction education.
Referral for medical, behavioral
health care, and other services as
appropriate.
Robinson Program: Licensed by
the State of NJ, Department of
Community Affairs, Class C Rooming
& Boarding House (50 beds).
Weekend Soup Kitchen
Emergency clothing and furniture
Emergency Shelter: Shelter for
single men and women. Licensed
by the State of NJ, Department
of Community Affairs.
TEACH Program: Individuals are
provided training in GED preparation,
basic literacy, reading/writing skills,
job seeking skills and computer
and word processing skills.
Industrial Salvage: Donated
materials are collected by route
trucks and processed and sold
through the Carroll Street Store and
warehouse. The Mission depends
on Industrial Salvage for 40% of
its operating budget.
Rescue Mission of Trenton
98 Carroll St., P.O. Box 790
Trenton, NJ 08605-0790
Main 609-695-1436
FAX 609-695-5199
Toll Free: 800-528-8825
www.rescuemissionoftrenton.org
April 2010
Spring
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction
at Rescue Mission of Trenton
by Pat Vroom
Mindfulness, a program that helps people learn to control their anger, improves focus and
patience and reduces stress, has come to the Rescue Mission.
Last fall psychologist Pat Vroom, PhD, and social worker Tom Lynch, MSW, led 16 Mission
residents in an eight-week introductory Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR)
course.
MBSR is a structured program developed at the University of Massachusetts Medical
School by Jon Kabat-Zinn, PhD in 1979. It includes didactic learning, experiential
meditation and yoga practices, and both small- and large-group discussions. Its success
requires a strong commitment to daily practice.
Mindfulness is the capacity to pay attention to the present moment, just as it is, with
awareness and acceptance. It arises naturally when we let go of all the things we usually
do with the mind and focus on our present experience. By cultivating mindfulness, we
become more aware, less reactive and have more choice in how we respond to thoughts
and mood states.
Mission participants were given two CDs and a workbook with home practice instructions,
course summary materials, and articles for expanded learning. Mission CEO Mary Gay
Abbott-Young was supportive of the program and provided mats for use during class as
well as a “Quiet Room” at the mission for participants to use for their daily mindfulness
practice.
Research in mindfulness has demonstrated improvements in a range of stress-related
problems, such as gastrointestinal, headaches, high blood pressure, sleep disorders,
depression, anxiety and panic, as well as physiological conditions including cancer, heart
disease, AIDS, and chronic pain. Addiction research centers at University of Washington and
Yale have newly incorporated mindfulness for relapse prevention.
Mission participants were enthusiastic and committed throughout the program, despite
struggles to make time for practice within their busy schedules. When asked to give
reasons to continue practicing mindfulness, participants said it helps them to control their
anger/temper, creates calm, improves focus, patience, and open-mindedness, allows better
choices and decreases reactivity. They said it allows them to see the larger picture, be in
touch with themselves, and think about the moment in which things are happening rather
than obsessing about a negative future.
(continued on page 2)
2
New Jersey Sanitary Supply Association Conduct
Operation Clean Sweep at Mission – October 17th
The NJ Sanitary Supply Association (NJSSA) is a not-for-profit trade association
dedicated to the advancement and professionalism of its members in the
janitorial and sanitary supply industry. Its members include janitorial supply
distributors, manufacturers, and representatives.
For the past few years NJSSA’s Social Outreach Committee has
annually selected a worthwhile community-based program to
conduct Operation Clean Sweep day at their location. On October
17th some 30 NJSSA members, under the direction of Dan Rubinstein,
Social Outreach Committee Chair and NJSSA Trustee, arrived at 8:00
am at the Mission to begin their clean-up effort.
The Mission’s emergency shelter was given a thorough cleaning by the
NJSSA team. In addition to dozens of man/woman hours of hard work,
NJSSA members also provide the Mission with thousands of dollars worth of janitorial and sanitary supplies to assist in the
ongoing cleaning of the Mission. “The effort was greatly appreciated by the Mission and we learned a great deal about best
practices with regard to the proper way to clean,” indicated Mary Gay Abbott-Young, the Mission’s CEO.
Borden Perlman Agency and Chubb Insurance Perfect Together
Over the last seven years the Mission has received an astonishing $54,750 as a result
of the Borden Perlman Agency’s participation in the New Jersey and National Chubb
Charity Golf Tournaments.
This year the Mission will be receiving a whopping $17,000. It began when the
Borden Perlman team won first place in the New Jersey Tournament. The team’s firstplace finish guaranteed us at least a $5,000 prize at Chubb’s national tournament
held in Pinehurst, North Carolina.
We were not expecting an additional $10,000, which resulted from Doug Borden’s
extraordinary putting skills. At the event’s opening night ceremony 45 teams of
4,180 participants attempted a 45-foot putt through various obstacles. Four golfers
made the putt, including our own Doug Borden. Their next challenge was a 20-foot
putt-off. Voila! The only golfer to sink the 20-footer was Doug – and an additional
$10,000 was provided to the Mission.
William Tully of the Chubb Group, presented a $17,000 check to Mary Gay-Abbott
Young and Doug Borden on November 10, 2009.
William Tully of the Chubb Group with
Doug Borden, long-time Rescue Mission
board member
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction
(Continued from page 1)
MBSR has been featured in Time, Newsweek, Oprah, PBS, etc. It is taught internationally and is the basis for virtually all
meditation and related brain imaging research going on today. Mission participants received a Certificate of Completion at the
end of the course.
MBSR was co-led by Pat Vroom, PhD, a psychologist in private practice in Princeton, NJ and Tom Lynch, MSW, a Social Worker in
private practice in the Bordentown area. Pat’s practice focuses on mindfulness-based approaches to stress, anxiety and
depression. She teaches MBSR regularly at Princeton Center for Yoga and Health and in New York City. In February 2010, the
second session of MBSR began for the residents of Rescue Mission of Trenton.
3
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6th Annual Adam Shanks Miniature Golf Masters Tournament
By Susan Sprague Yeske
Outside, the morning was chilly and gray. Inside, the turf was green, the brightly colored golf balls moved smoothly
across the grass and the golfers were too busy having fun to think about the lingering winter outside.
A snowstorm delayed the sixth annual Adams Shanks Memorial Mission Miniature Golf Masters Tournament by a week,
but when the big day arrived, the Rescue Mission fundraising event drew an appreciative and happy crowd to compete
for prizes for the highest and lowest scorers on the 18 holes of miniature golf.
“The courses are awesome and the themes are really great,” said Denny Rodgers, a volunteer with Battle Against Hunger,
which provides funding for the Mission. He and the rest of his foursome were the first to head out on the North Course,
a colorful and inventive series of nine holes decorated by Mission employees and residents using recycled items donated
to the Mission.
The final preparation of the course began early in the morning, with employees, volunteers and Mission residents
gathering at 6 a.m. to create golfing holes in a large storage room and an area of the Mission traditionally used as
emergency shelter rooms. A rock ‘n roll theme, complete with a cardboard cutout of Elvis Presley and ‘60s music playing in
the background, was featured on the first hole, where one golfer hit Elvis hard enough to knock him over. At the same hole,
Joel Mordecai of Creative Print Group, a Mission supporter, managed to hit his ball into a dinner plate-sized sand trap.
Moving on, the golfers hit through a World War II-themed hole, complete with a tiny skeleton; an Egyptian hole with a
pyramid that required careful aim to get through; a baseball hole with soft drinks and popcorn, and a Rescue Ranchthemed hole with its own live, guitar-toting Cowboy Ken.
Themes changed with each hole,and the golfers met each challenge with humor and grace.“The key is to keep your eyes closed
when you’re putting, and it goes in,”joked Chuck Inman, also of Battle Against Hunger. Despite his jokes, Inman’s score was low
enough to place him among the top three finishers. Most important, Inman and Rodgers said, was enjoying the fellowship and
companionship of the day,and supporting the Rescue Mission,which raised more than $39,000 through this year’s tournament.
A Washington-D.C.-themed hole proved to be a challenge,with Inman hitting his ball inside a pint-sized Lincoln Monument.His
friends challenged him to get inside and hit from there, which prompted a laugh from the over-6-foot Inman.
The South Course brought another inventive nine holes for the golfers, with themes including outer space, the NFL, the
beach, and a superheroes’ hall of fame. Local themes included a reduced-size “Trenton Makes the World Takes”bridge and
a Rescue Mission hole complete with miniature clothing pick-up truck.“I couldn’t believe how much work they put into
creating the holes,” said Terri Bryant of Bryant Electric Co. A first-time golfer in the tournament, she said her husband
Timothy had played the course for the past several years. She had so much fun that she plans to return next year.
The annual tournament is held as a memorial to the late Adam Shanks, who served for more than thirty years on the
Rescue Mission Board of Trustees, including terms as president and treasurer. His wife, Ruth Shanks, attended the
tournament and thanked the participants for attending. “Adam’s passion was the Rescue Mission,” she said during the
post-play barbecue luncheon prepared by Mission residents.“I want to thank you all for being here.”
Mission CEO Mary Gay Abbott-Young offered praise to everyone who helped create the one-of-a-kind event. "What
makes this event so special is that it is a product of the combined talent, commitment and support of the Mission staff,
volunteers and supporters,” she said. “The challenging course and wonderful meal are the end products of the labor of
our skilled residents and the creativity of our dedicated staff. We could not do it without the help of a wonderful Event
Planning Committee. Last but not least, the event would not be the financial success it is without the continued support
of our tournament hosts, event supporters and cadre of dedicated golfers.”
Board President Bonnie Baker offered praise as well. “This is a great event,” she said. “It costs almost nothing to put
together because the staff and residents make all the holes using materials we have here.” The event utilizes available
space, she said, and brings people into the Mission who otherwise might not visit. She said the money raised will be used
for two projects: fifteen studio apartments for residents, and for emergency shelter and renovations. Part of the day’s
proceeds came from a silent auction that featured a variety of donated prizes including a Mexican vacation, beach rental,
golf packages, helicopter rides, and dinner at various area restaurants and theater tickets.
6
F OCUS O N
…Donald Waters, Jr.
If you’re visiting the Rescue Mission of Trenton and happen to
see a man with clipboard in hand studiously checking pipes,
roofing and joints, it’s probably Donald Waters Jr.
Don is senior vice president of the family-owned Waters &
Bugbee Inc. based in Hamilton Township. Waters and Bugbee
Inc. is a full-serve general contractor in its third generation of
family ownership. The firm is currently celebrating forty-five
years in construction and employs approximately 135
individuals. In recent years, the firm has constructed electrical
substations for various New Jersey utilities, completed natural
gas and fiber optics installations, installed water mains for the
Trenton Water Works, undertook streetscape projects in
Hopewell Township and for the Mercer County Improvement
Authority, built the Mountain View Golf Course Club House,
renovated the Roebling Building in Trenton, and repaired the
New Jersey State Capital Parking Garage in Trenton.
Don came to the Mission Board two years ago. His expertise
as a general contractor made him a natural choice to head the
committee on physical facilities. “It’s very much of a
challenge,” he said of the Mission work that has kept him
busy.“You’re always dealing with antiquated facilities.”
“The Mission is working hard to provide its clients with a
varied continuum of housing options. As a result, we are
constantly looking at ways to maximize the use of our
existing space and exploring off-site housing options for
clients who have made significant progress in their recovery,”
he said.
A dedicated family
man who is raising
three teenage sons
and a daughter with
his wife Heather in
Yardley, Pa., Don said
his work at the Mission
has been his first experience with hands-on volunteer work.
His involvement came after he was approached by Mission
Chief Executive Officer Mary Gay Abbott-Young after
attending the Mission’s indoor Adam Shanks Memorial
Mission Miniature Golf Tournament. “I really hadn’t done
anything like this before,” he said,“at least not to this degree.”
He has found the work rewarding and all he hoped it would
be. “I thought it would be a feel-good kind of thing to help
people who don’t have the ability to put the right foot
forward to help themselves,”he said.“I believe in the Mission’s
work and it makes me feel good to help.”
His company, which he operates with his brothers, has been
supportive of his volunteer work.“I’m fortunate to be able to
give the Mission the time,” he said. Among his duties is
planning for future improvements at the Mission and making
reports to the board, which is where the spot checks come in.
When not working or volunteering, Don spends time with his
family. All four children are athletes and he manages a travel
soccer team. He also is an avid golfer who heads for the links
whenever he has a chance.
THE MISSION CAN’T AFFORD TO LOSE YOUR SUPPORT
If you did not respond to our annual appeal please do so at this time.
We cannot serve those most in need in our community without your continued support.
□ $35
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Email: __________________________________________ Telephone:_______________________________________
Please send check and coupon to: Rescue Mission of Trenton, P.O. Box 790,Trenton, NJ 08605-0790
7
End of an Era: Joe’ Prewitt Leaves Mission
For the past two decades the friendly, professional voice answering calls about clothing and
furniture pick-ups and clothing drives has belonged to Joe’ Prewitt.
Affectionately known as “Mrs. Prewitt” to her fellow Mission residents, she is the person who
has helped tens of thousands of individuals calling to schedule home pick-ups and has
helped arrange clothing drives for more than 1,000 religious institutions, schools,
businesses, organizations and shopping malls. In November 2009, Mrs. Prewitt moved to
Ewing Township.
Mrs. Prewitt, who was recently honored by the Mission Board of Directors with a formal
resolution recognizing the tremendous contribution she made to all aspects of the Mission,
came to the Mission in 1987. What she thought would be “a very short stint”evolved into 23
years at the Mission and a position as a linchpin of the Mission family.
Mrs. Prewitt is a Midwesterner with “solid conservative values.” She was born and raised in
the suburb of Indianapolis, Indiana and spent much time in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. She
and husband Arthur subsequently lived for almost twenty years in Edina, Minnesota, where they raised their daughter. For a
number of years she worked in the hospitality industry.
After the death of her husband, Mrs. Prewitt came to the Trenton area to be closer to her family. Through a combination of her
work experience and her volunteer work as a fundraiser for a prominent political party in the Midwest, Mrs. Prewitt developed
terrific customer-service skills which served her extremely well as the voice of the Mission’s donation line. Every year the Mission
received numerous compliments from churches and organizations she helped to schedule pick-ups. Over the years, Mrs. Prewitt
developed very close friendships with dozens of Mission donors.
After a few years at the Mission, Mrs. Prewitt emerged as one of the bedrocks of the Mission family. Everywhere one would look
at the Mission one would see Joe’s ubiquitous presence and sense of style. You’d see it in the paintings and posters that she
selected to adorn the various hallways and dining room of the Mission and the various embellishments in the Mission’s inner
courtyards. Newcomers at the Mission would feel her firm handshake upon meeting her for the first time. If you were
celebrating a birthday or recovering from an illness you would invariably be the recipient of a birthday or get-well card (often
with a snack card inside) from Joe’. Even Oscar, the giant fish in the TV room fish tank, and the birds in the courtyard reaped the
benefits of her careful attention to detail by never missing a meal. And generations of Mission men will have fond memories of
Joe’ calling out the winners at bingo and dispensing snack bar tickets to the winners.
Those who know Mrs. Prewitt know that beneath the extremely prim, proper and fashionable exterior is a powerful, assertive,
opinionated woman who is not afraid to tell you what’s on her mind, e.g.“in comparison to me, Pat Buchanan is a liberal.” They
also know that Mrs. Prewitt will readily acknowledge that she is “incredibly vain” and would not think of going out in public
without having her hair done and her nails manicured and a pedicure.
Interested in volunteering, but do
not have time to commit weekly?
Join our monthly volunteer group!
Group meets the first Saturday
of every month.
Upcoming dates: May 1st and June 5th
10:00 am-12:30 pm
Sorting, painting, cleaning.
Residents at the Mission for years to come will hear heartfelt
stories about Joe’ Prewitt, a Mission woman who found her niche
at the Rescue Mission, contributed immensely to its success and
was loved dearly by donors, fellow residents, and the Mission’s
staff. Joe’, thank you for all you did and all you are.
To get involved contact Joanna Weill
at 609-695-1436 Ext. 177 or
[email protected]
Must be 18 or older to volunteer.
R ESCUE
M ISSION
O F T R E N T O N
NON PROFIT ORG.
US POSTAGE
PAID
PERMIT 1409
TRENTON NJ
98 CARROLL STREET, P.O. BOX 790
TRENTON NJ 08605-0790
WWW.RESCUEMISSIONOFTRENTON.ORG
The Rescue Mission of Trenton is not affiliated with any other organization in the U.S. listed as Rescue Mission. It is a private non-profit organization.
Did You Know...
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Did You Know ...
Volunteer Coordinator Appointed: Joanna Weill has joined the Mission staff, through the
AmeriCorps VISTA Program. VISTA members commit to serve full-time for a year at nonprofit
organization or local government agency. Joanna, who is a graduate of Vassar College, with a B.A.
degree in psychology, is overseeing the recruitment and coordination of volunteers at the Mission.
You can reach Joanna at 609-695-1436 ext. 177, or email her at [email protected].
Mary Gay-Abbott-Young Inteviewed on iGivingWorld: iGivingWorld is a network specifically
designed for foundations and philanthropists to collaborate, share information and projects.
According to its founders, iGivingWorld can “ help an organization discover like-minded individuals
to find out what others are working on in real time, stop the duplication of efforts and possibly
pool resources.” To listen to the interview go to www.ingivingworld.com.
Rescue Mission Welcomes New Staff: The Rescue Mission welcomes additional members to our
growing staff: Rosalyn Ford, Administrative Assistant; Bryan Meyers, Richard Brown, Mia Baldwin,
and Freda Scott, Emergency Shelter Associates; Richard K. Harris, Director of Addiction Services;
and David Mazenko, Entrepreneurial and Training Manager.
Congratulations Are In Order: Parbattie Persaud Harris has been promoted to the position of
Director of Finance for the Rescue Mission of Trenton, a much earned promotion.
The Rescue Mission suffered another loss on February 9, 2010 when Kermit Register, a former
resident who became a long-time employee passed away. Our sympathy goes out to his family
and friends.