2009 is the Year of The Parent!
As we launch into the deep of community transformation, let us be mindful that a reduction of homelessness, or any other community ill, will require us to gather ourselves together like never before and with focused, sustained and combined effort strengthen the roots of parents and family.
However, around these vital roots are the entanglements of poverty, illiteracy and spiritual deformity. These entanglements have a strangle hold on the stability of the home and are feeding the repetitiveness of incarceration and homelessness like never before in our history.
We can see this stranglehold on the family, as each spring seems to reveal new batches of young people on our streets. The young men are standing idle on our corners and too many of the young women are finding ways to sustain their living through prostitution.
These are our sons and daughters – something must be done, and it must be done quickly.
I have been asked several times; "Why should Cherry Street focus on, or participate in, parent initiatives?"
For us the answer is quite simple – the data Cherry Street has gathered has led us to conclude that the disenfranchisement of parents has lead to the break down of the family which continues to be the primary contributor to homelessness.
For 62 years we have seen the effect of brokenness in the home and the realities of both the brokenness in men and women along with the restoration of them, have taught us valuable lessons and keen insights that life transformation must also be a preventative measure, rather than just a cure.
Parents are the very head waters of our society – what flows from those headwaters and how it flows through the tributaries of our communities determine whether we have a high productive community or a high risk community.
One hundred percent of the men and women arriving at our doors come from somewhere – more than the home, more than the family. Our men and women come from parents.
If there is to be lasting and enduring change within our neighborhoods and communities, our plans must include our utmost and valiant effort to reach the parent.
In it together,
Dan
Monday, January 19, 2009
Friday, January 9, 2009
Because of you - lives are transformed
They spoke the Lord's word to the jailer and everyone in his home. At that hour of the night, the jailer washed Paul and Silas' wounds. The jailer and his entire family were baptized immediately.
Acts 16: 32,33
More than likely, you’re familiar with the above chapter and verse from the book of Acts. It’s the story of two friends, Paul and Silas being imprisoned for openly sharing their faith. While in prison they sang songs and praised God and the place where they were being held shook violently setting them free. The jailer, was so astonished Paul and Silas had not run away, decided to take them home.
The greatest thing for me in this account of Paul and Silas is that the whole jailer’s family experienced life transformation. All because two guys decided not to let their circumstances dictate their belief or their behavior.
To the hundreds of men, women and families arriving at one of our doors each day – you, our loving friends, are a lot like Paul and Silas. Despite the economic realities and the circumstances of your life – you give and have given your time, talent and treasure.
Because of you, lives are transformed - like Larry.
Larry is one of the men being served in our Ready For Life Program and is learning to read and write for the first time in his life - how? A volunteer! Someone just like you who decided to matter to someone who matters. Imagine the joy of Larry's son, who is fighting in Iraq, receiving a letter from his Dad recently - amazing!
I hope you will see God at work through your hands and heart as you continue to reach into the lives of the guests of Cherry Street Mission Ministries.
To volunteer you may contact Roz Goodwin at rgoodwin@cherrystreetmission.org or call our main switchboard at 419-242-5141.
See you at the Mission,
Dan
Acts 16: 32,33
More than likely, you’re familiar with the above chapter and verse from the book of Acts. It’s the story of two friends, Paul and Silas being imprisoned for openly sharing their faith. While in prison they sang songs and praised God and the place where they were being held shook violently setting them free. The jailer, was so astonished Paul and Silas had not run away, decided to take them home.
The greatest thing for me in this account of Paul and Silas is that the whole jailer’s family experienced life transformation. All because two guys decided not to let their circumstances dictate their belief or their behavior.
To the hundreds of men, women and families arriving at one of our doors each day – you, our loving friends, are a lot like Paul and Silas. Despite the economic realities and the circumstances of your life – you give and have given your time, talent and treasure.
Because of you, lives are transformed - like Larry.
Larry is one of the men being served in our Ready For Life Program and is learning to read and write for the first time in his life - how? A volunteer! Someone just like you who decided to matter to someone who matters. Imagine the joy of Larry's son, who is fighting in Iraq, receiving a letter from his Dad recently - amazing!
I hope you will see God at work through your hands and heart as you continue to reach into the lives of the guests of Cherry Street Mission Ministries.
To volunteer you may contact Roz Goodwin at rgoodwin@cherrystreetmission.org or call our main switchboard at 419-242-5141.
See you at the Mission,
Dan
Saturday, January 3, 2009
It's a New Year!
This will be Cherry Street's 62nd. year of service to the many communities of Northwest Ohio and Southeast Michigan. I'm so very grateful to God for everyone who comprises the ministries of Cherry Street; from our guests to our donors it is truly a blessing to serve.
With the new year it will be easy to think there will be new challenges - in fact there won't be new challenges as much as there will be old challenges on new faces. The old challenges are as ageless as time - you know them as well as I do.
The new faces? That's another issue all together.
The faces are younger in that the median age of homeless men and women in the U.S. has dropped from the mid 50's to the mid 30's in the last ten years, are more generational in that homeless men now may be sharing the same shelter with their adult children, and the younger faces involve more children - much more children.
The solutions will require an ever increasing sophistication in services to those who come to us in need AND an equal eye toward prevention - understanding that an ounce of prevention is still worth a pound of cure.
Yes - 2009 will be an exciting year.
Join me,
Dan
With the new year it will be easy to think there will be new challenges - in fact there won't be new challenges as much as there will be old challenges on new faces. The old challenges are as ageless as time - you know them as well as I do.
The new faces? That's another issue all together.
The faces are younger in that the median age of homeless men and women in the U.S. has dropped from the mid 50's to the mid 30's in the last ten years, are more generational in that homeless men now may be sharing the same shelter with their adult children, and the younger faces involve more children - much more children.
The solutions will require an ever increasing sophistication in services to those who come to us in need AND an equal eye toward prevention - understanding that an ounce of prevention is still worth a pound of cure.
Yes - 2009 will be an exciting year.
Join me,
Dan
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Seriously - Thank God!
What a year 2008 has been.
Along with the normal challenges of life and ministry this has been a year where we voted in a new president, banks have been bailed out, auto manufacturers are in trouble and to put the icing on the cake, according to a report released today, Toledo has the highest unemployment rate in all of the urban centers in Ohio at 10.9% - which means roughly one out of 10 people in Toledo who are able to work are without a job.
However, lately I've been warming myself with Jeremiah's writings in chapter 17, and the way David describes his own challenges and his responses to them, in Psalm 131. Can I tell you something you already know - God's view of us, our problems and our environment are so vastly different because His vantage point is different. I'm glad I can ask Him whenever I want, what He thinks based on His advantage of things.
And so, I thank God.
While I'm thanking Him I'm reminded of the outlandishly generous community we live in. I can tell you with a first hand account of the countless times when things have gotten tough around the many ministries of Cherry Street - the wonderful men, women and families, of whom you may be one, rise to offer assistance, love, support, or a shoulder.
Time and again thousands of families, churches, corporations and businesses stand in the gap and make the difference to someone else - THANK YOU!
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Dan
Along with the normal challenges of life and ministry this has been a year where we voted in a new president, banks have been bailed out, auto manufacturers are in trouble and to put the icing on the cake, according to a report released today, Toledo has the highest unemployment rate in all of the urban centers in Ohio at 10.9% - which means roughly one out of 10 people in Toledo who are able to work are without a job.
However, lately I've been warming myself with Jeremiah's writings in chapter 17, and the way David describes his own challenges and his responses to them, in Psalm 131. Can I tell you something you already know - God's view of us, our problems and our environment are so vastly different because His vantage point is different. I'm glad I can ask Him whenever I want, what He thinks based on His advantage of things.
And so, I thank God.
While I'm thanking Him I'm reminded of the outlandishly generous community we live in. I can tell you with a first hand account of the countless times when things have gotten tough around the many ministries of Cherry Street - the wonderful men, women and families, of whom you may be one, rise to offer assistance, love, support, or a shoulder.
Time and again thousands of families, churches, corporations and businesses stand in the gap and make the difference to someone else - THANK YOU!
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Dan
Monday, November 17, 2008
More than an adjective
As the leader of Cherry Street Mission Ministries, I have read with dismay the reports of negative reaction to the fact that the homeless can vote. I have also received calls from folks who have read these reports and believe Cherry Street participated in partisan practices or attempted to “get out the vote” for a specific candidate in this year's election.
I would like to set the record straight on both counts.
First, allegations that we attempt to get out the vote or influence homeless people’s votes are completely false and without merit. Cherry Street Mission Ministries believes that all citizens – no matter race, creed, color, gender, or religion – have fundamental rights as Americans, among them the right to vote. That is why Cherry Street provided transportation to a polling station when our guests requested it: so they can exercise their right to vote – period.
Second, to suggest that citizens be denied the right to vote because they are identified by the adjective “homeless” is as reprehensible as attempts in our nation’s past to disenfranchise those identified as “black” or “female.” Homeless men and women come from every walk of life and every educational level. Like you and me, they read newspapers, watch TV, and form their opinions of candidates and issues. Like you and me, they have the right to vote based on their opinions.
For 61 years, Cherry Street Mission Ministries has been a refuge for men and women who have nowhere else to go. We’ve been privileged to help thousands transform their lives through faith and return to their family and community to build new lives. Today, we’re working harder than ever to serve a record 650 meals each day and shelter a record 200 men and women each night.
There has never been room for political advocacy at Cherry Street, only people advocacy because every one matters.
Dan
I would like to set the record straight on both counts.
First, allegations that we attempt to get out the vote or influence homeless people’s votes are completely false and without merit. Cherry Street Mission Ministries believes that all citizens – no matter race, creed, color, gender, or religion – have fundamental rights as Americans, among them the right to vote. That is why Cherry Street provided transportation to a polling station when our guests requested it: so they can exercise their right to vote – period.
Second, to suggest that citizens be denied the right to vote because they are identified by the adjective “homeless” is as reprehensible as attempts in our nation’s past to disenfranchise those identified as “black” or “female.” Homeless men and women come from every walk of life and every educational level. Like you and me, they read newspapers, watch TV, and form their opinions of candidates and issues. Like you and me, they have the right to vote based on their opinions.
For 61 years, Cherry Street Mission Ministries has been a refuge for men and women who have nowhere else to go. We’ve been privileged to help thousands transform their lives through faith and return to their family and community to build new lives. Today, we’re working harder than ever to serve a record 650 meals each day and shelter a record 200 men and women each night.
There has never been room for political advocacy at Cherry Street, only people advocacy because every one matters.
Dan
Saturday, September 13, 2008
Biblical Rescue Intensives
Many of you have been asking when the next Biblical Rescue Intensive will be offered. Here is the fall schedule.
Biblical Rescue Overview
Cedar Creek Toledo Campus
Three consecutive Thursday evenings:
September 25th from 7-9 p.m.
October 2nd from 7-9 p.m.
October 9th from 7-9 p.m.
The Biblical Rescue Overview will cover the Upstream Downstream Model of Think, the Biblical Formation and Foundation for Rescue, The Truths of Rescue and The Principles of Rescue. This overview is designed to empower the attendee toward the practicality of Rescue using the kitchen table.
You may register for the Biblical Rescue Overview at www.cedarcreek.tv (Toledo campus), or send an email to Ashley Hall at ahall@cherrystreetmission.org
____
Biblical Rescue Intensive
Family Christian Center
October 16-18
Thursday 6-9 p.m.
Friday6-9 p.m.
Saturday 8-4
The Biblical Rescue Intensive is designed to equip the attendee for Biblical Rescue. The attendee will learn how to use everyday opportunities as intersections and provide the Biblical Alternative as an interruption. The Intensive also includes a clinical introduction toward Rescue with an opportunity to become an Intern after course completion.
To register for the Family Christian Center Biblical Rescue Intensive, go to www.aroundthefamily.com or email Ashley at ahall@cherrystreetmission.org for a brochure and registration information.
____
Biblical Rescue Intensive
Cedar Creek Toledo Campus
October 23-25
Thursday 6-9 p.m.
Friday6-9 p.m.
Saturday 8-4
As a follow up from the Biblical Rescue Overview, the Biblical Rescue Intensive is designed to equip the attendee for Biblical Rescue. The attendee will learn how to use everyday opportunities as intersections and provide the Biblical Alternative as an interruption. The Intensive also includes a clinical introduction toward Rescue with an opportunity to become an Intern after course completion.
To register for the Cedar Creek Toledo Campus Biblical Rescue Intensive, go to www.cedarcreek.tv or email Ashley at ahall@cherrystreetmission.org for a brochure and registration information.
____
If you are a follower of Christ and have tried to help someone get out of trouble and have not been as successful or not successful at all - I encourage you to attend the Overview or one of the Three Day Intensives.
You can be successful when helping others when you learn how to apply the Biblical alternatives - every time!
Dan
Biblical Rescue Overview
Cedar Creek Toledo Campus
Three consecutive Thursday evenings:
September 25th from 7-9 p.m.
October 2nd from 7-9 p.m.
October 9th from 7-9 p.m.
The Biblical Rescue Overview will cover the Upstream Downstream Model of Think, the Biblical Formation and Foundation for Rescue, The Truths of Rescue and The Principles of Rescue. This overview is designed to empower the attendee toward the practicality of Rescue using the kitchen table.
You may register for the Biblical Rescue Overview at www.cedarcreek.tv (Toledo campus), or send an email to Ashley Hall at ahall@cherrystreetmission.org
____
Biblical Rescue Intensive
Family Christian Center
October 16-18
Thursday 6-9 p.m.
Friday6-9 p.m.
Saturday 8-4
The Biblical Rescue Intensive is designed to equip the attendee for Biblical Rescue. The attendee will learn how to use everyday opportunities as intersections and provide the Biblical Alternative as an interruption. The Intensive also includes a clinical introduction toward Rescue with an opportunity to become an Intern after course completion.
To register for the Family Christian Center Biblical Rescue Intensive, go to www.aroundthefamily.com or email Ashley at ahall@cherrystreetmission.org for a brochure and registration information.
____
Biblical Rescue Intensive
Cedar Creek Toledo Campus
October 23-25
Thursday 6-9 p.m.
Friday6-9 p.m.
Saturday 8-4
As a follow up from the Biblical Rescue Overview, the Biblical Rescue Intensive is designed to equip the attendee for Biblical Rescue. The attendee will learn how to use everyday opportunities as intersections and provide the Biblical Alternative as an interruption. The Intensive also includes a clinical introduction toward Rescue with an opportunity to become an Intern after course completion.
To register for the Cedar Creek Toledo Campus Biblical Rescue Intensive, go to www.cedarcreek.tv or email Ashley at ahall@cherrystreetmission.org for a brochure and registration information.
____
If you are a follower of Christ and have tried to help someone get out of trouble and have not been as successful or not successful at all - I encourage you to attend the Overview or one of the Three Day Intensives.
You can be successful when helping others when you learn how to apply the Biblical alternatives - every time!
Dan
Sunday, August 10, 2008
The Most, The First and The Found
A few day's ago I was challenged as to the validity of a common statement, particularly within the Rescue Mission community, regarding the homeless and impoverished. The statement is; 'The Least, Last and Lost. It's a statement intended to bring attention to the often overlooked of our society. I've used the statement many times over the years during talks, in our newsletters and in various publications - including this blog.
Interestingly enough however, at the same time I've contended for some time now that you and I have to stop thinking about people as adjectives. People are nouns. All nouns have something in common - a capital letter. That capital letter connects us to the importance of the word. When a person is thought of and treated as an adjective, it's demoralizing. None of us want that for ourselves and not for anyone else. No matter how easy it is to slip and refer to someone in the description of their life; homeless, drunk, gay, addict or poor, we have to diligently guard against it.
Words like least, last and lost are actually more than adjectives in this case because they, when used to describe the homeless and poor, are assumptive and negative - as I'm being challenged.
And so, allow me to change my thinking. Instead of the negative assumption, how about a positive hope - The Most, The First and The Found. Isaiah 61 says it best; "And these shall be the rebuilders ..."
Dan
Interestingly enough however, at the same time I've contended for some time now that you and I have to stop thinking about people as adjectives. People are nouns. All nouns have something in common - a capital letter. That capital letter connects us to the importance of the word. When a person is thought of and treated as an adjective, it's demoralizing. None of us want that for ourselves and not for anyone else. No matter how easy it is to slip and refer to someone in the description of their life; homeless, drunk, gay, addict or poor, we have to diligently guard against it.
Words like least, last and lost are actually more than adjectives in this case because they, when used to describe the homeless and poor, are assumptive and negative - as I'm being challenged.
And so, allow me to change my thinking. Instead of the negative assumption, how about a positive hope - The Most, The First and The Found. Isaiah 61 says it best; "And these shall be the rebuilders ..."
Dan
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