Sobering Rooms

When plans were still in the visionary stage, Yvonnia Brown, who at that time was the Director of the County Behavioral Health and Recovery Services, recommended that we include space for Sobering Rooms in our Respite Care building. Currently in Merced County, when law enforcement finds a person who is intoxicated or under the influence of drugs and is in need of a place to “sleep it off,” the only alternatives are the hospital for detox or booking a person into jail. Sobering rooms are a less expensive alternative that has been tried throughout the State of California with good results. With this background, the Mission did build space in its new Respite Care facility for Sobering Rooms.

The Mission is working collaboratively with the County Behavioral Health & Recovery Services, Central California Alliance for Health (CCAH Medi-Cal), Golden Valley Health Centers, the City of Merced Police Department, and others to implement a Sobering Room program. We are hoping to begin this program in September if all things fall into place. Policy manuals have been put together and are being reviewed. Funding sources have been sought and Cal-Aims has responded with a program to help fund the first year of operation. The Mission is excited to collaboratively offer this new service to the County of Merced for the benefit of everyone.

Power of Prayer

Years of prayer provided a foundation for the development of the Village of Hope campus.  Following years of fruitless looking, through help from E.J. Lorenzi, the Mission was able to locate an appropriate property where a dream could be realized.  More prayer and the generosity of many allowed sketches and diagrams to become detailed plans which were turned into buildings.  Buildings have become homes and places of healing, and lives are being changed.  The power of answered prayer is evident at the Village of Hope.

DAV Chapter 31 (Disabled American Veterans) is a non-profit organization dedicated to advocating, assisting, and supporting America’s Veterans and represents the Atwater and Merced area. The group recently invited Bruce Metcalf, the Executive Director of the Rescue Mission, to speak at their May meeting to share about the work of the Rescue Mission.  He discovered at the meeting that members of the DAV often got together for lunch once a month in addition to their regular meetings.  Upon hearing this, DAV Chapter 31 was invited to come to have their lunch once a month at the Village of Hope campus. On June 16th, members of the DAV Chapter 31 - California, members of the Marine group MCCV, and members from the VFW 4327 Merced, came to the campus and shared lunch together with veterans who are living in the Hope for Veterans building. This gathering was a huge success as stories were shared and new friendships developed. At this event, the MCCV (Marines) presented a plaque to the Mission recognizing their work with homeless veterans. The Mission looks forward to hosting these veteran groups on a regular basis and appreciates their interest in reaching out to care for disabled veterans in our community. Another demonstration of the power of prayer in positively impacting lives.

Grand Opening, Village of Hope

A Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting for our Village of Hope campus, Phase I, was held on April 22nd. Mayor of Merced, Matt Serratto, and Lloyd Pareira, Chairman, Merced County Board of Supervisors each gave remarks recognizing this great accomplishment which will benefit our whole community. Thanks to all who joined and shared this very special moment with us.

Mark Mayo, our Board Chair, welcomed everyone and provided a short history of the Mission. Paul Cauwels, Board Vice Chairman, gave the opening prayer. Founding partners were recognized by CEO Dr. Bruce Metcalf for their contributions toward purchasing land and building the facilities. Among these were Bill and Carolyn Ahlem, who donated the first seed money, Cori Lucero, Central Valley Opportunity Fund, Stephanie Sonnenshine, CEO Central California Alliance for Health, and Interim President Richard Moreland, Dignity Health Mercy Merced.

Special thanks were given to Jim Xu from Golden Valley Engineering, and Skip George, our contractor, Commercial Construction.

A reception followed and many people toured the facilities. A big thank you to Central Valley Community Bank for providing cookies for the event. Our chef Darryl provided mouthwatering appetizers.

WE DO RECOVER!

"Through Jesus Christ all things are possible. We do recover!" - David Carr, MCRM COO

"I didn't let my past be an excuse to fail. I made it my reason to succeed!" - Crystal Cheney, Navigation Center, Service Coordinator

"Graduating from college had never crossed my mind. After getting my GED at adult school, I enrolled in college and graduated with honors! God and hard work have brought me a long way!" - Jennifer Carr, Director, Navigation Center

"Success comes in cans, and I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." - Kenny Locken, Navigation Center staff

CONGRATS TO ALL, ON YOUR GRADUATION FROM MERCED COLLEGE!!!

Did you know that we have a program for Seniors?

BINGO!

When I retired in 2017, after having worked my entire adult life, I thought that I might travel and finish a few chores around the house. Well, I did go to Georgia for a family visit, but one cannot afford to do a lot of traveling.

One day I noticed many cars parked around Del Hale Hall. I was curious as to what was going on in the mornings there. So one day I entered the building and found many Seniors doing all kinds of activities. I thought, “This is the place for me.” Here, we play Bingo work jigsaw puzzles and participate in exercise programs. I find that the program keeps my mind sharp and my body stronger. Here I have found many friends and a purpose in life! I really enjoy and appreciate our Senior program!

DID YOU KNOW THAT WE HAVE A PROGRAM FOR SENIORS?

We contract with the Area Agency on Aging to provide nutritious lunches to seniors ages 60 and older, Monday - Friday at several locations throughout Merced County. Seniors enjoy a healthy meal while socializing with peers, playing games, and learning about fall prevention and safety in the home. They also participate in educational workshops with a Public Health Nurse and other community organizations. To learn more about the Senior Meals program, please contact Gina Thomas, at (209) 626-7595.

Atwater - 2550 Linden Avenue

Dos Palos - 931 Center Street

Livingston - 420 Main Street

Los Banos - 1248 Santa Barbara Drive

Merced - 851 West 23rd Street

Planada - 9167 Stanford Street

Winton - 7091 Walnut Avenue

OASIS FUNDRAISER 2022 A SUCCESS!

We would like to thank all our faithful donors who made the Oasis Fundraiser a success. $50,000 was raised this year, and all of these funds will go towards supporting the faith-based Hope for Men and Women program.

Tours were a big hit as guests enjoyed experiencing the beautiful new facilities that are now in operation and serving veterans, families, and people experiencing homelessness who have been discharged from the hospital. Reuben, one of our veterans, was gracious enough to allow guests to check out his new apartment in the Hope for Veterans building. Thank you, Reuben. The appetizers were much appreciated by guests as they perused a wonderful silent auction. Thank you, Kerry and Annette, for a great job on the silent auction.

Guests then were seated outside under a big tent where they enjoyed some great barbequed chicken while they listened to our staff talk about their areas of ministry. The highlight of the evening, for me, was the testimonies of individuals who have gone through the Hope for Men and Women program. I am always amazed at how God takes lives that are broken and brings new life, healing, and restoration. That is what the Mission is about, - CHANGED LIVES.

We are extremely grateful for the facilities that God has provided so that we can be about the ministry of bringing in men and women and giving them the hope that only Jesus Christ can give.

Our greatest need at the Mission is to receive your prayers. Pray for our staff as they teach, lead and serve our participants so that God will give them strength as they face challenges. Pray for our participants that God will open their hearts and minds to receive the Good News of Jesus Christ. Pray that God will provide all the funding necessary to establish an even stronger program that will turn men, women, and families to Christ. Pray also that, as we take on the challenge of raising funds for Phase II of the Village of Hope Campus, God will provide the funding. The Mission is a blessing to so many people experiencing homelessness, and you are a blessing to this ministry as you pray and as you give! God bless you for your strong support!

Click here to donate to the Mission’s Hope for Men and Women program.

Annual Oasis Fundraising Event, Supports our Hope for Men and Women

SATURDAY, MAY 7, 2:00 p.m. at our new Village of Hope Campus
129 W. Cone Avenue
(between martin Luther king jr., and g streets)

Tickets are $25
Contact CEO Dr. Bruce Metcalf (209) 480-3899
COO David Carr (209) 354-0559
Please RSVP by Friday, April 29th

We invite you to join us at our new Village of Hope campus for an afternoon chicken barbeque. Prior to the barbeque, we will welcome you to tour portions of the new facilities and participate in a silent auction as appetizers are served. 

This will be a wonderful opportunity for those who attend to see our new facilities, catch a vision of what is coming in phase two, and hear great news about changed lives in our Hope for Men and Women program.

Our fundraising goal for this annual event is $100,000, which will keep our Hope for Men and Women, faith-based, life transformation program going strong throughout the year. Your donations change lives!

This event will also present opportunities to invest in phase two, the Mission’s Building Hope campaign, which will build the faith-based side of our Village of Hope.

2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Appetizers, tours, silent auction

3:00 p.m.
Chicken barbeque
Program
Opportunity to invest in Phase Two, the faith-based side of our Village of Hope campus.