Denver Rescue Mission | Changing Lives Online Newsletter

AUGUST 2007
In This Issue
Running for their Lives

News

Statistics


Mission Events

An evening to remind you
there is hope.

Be a part of the Denver Rescue Mission's continuing legacy.

Saturday, October 20, 2007
Seating at 6:30 p.m. 
Dinner and program begin
at 7:00 p.m.


The Denver Center
for the Performing Arts

Donald R. Seawell Grand Ballroom
1101 13th Street
Denver, Colorado

For information, Click Here

 

Do you have questions about estate planning? Planned giving? Your will? Each month, we feature new articles and interactive features that cover such topics. We hope it will be a useful resource for you.
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ole0.bmpWill Johnny Get the Farm?

What Kind of Philanthropist Are You?

Taxpayer's Deduction Sinks With His Boat

 
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Statistics

How You Help

June
YTD
Meals served
42,330
235,343
Beds
11,906
79,648
Chapel attendance
4,218
31,315
Altar call responses
404
1,480
Food boxes distributed
141
843
Furniture (households)
29
311
Clothing (lbs.)
23,668
177,092
Chiropractic
18
209
Dental
58
316
Medical
172
723
Optical
1680
835

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

On May 20th, fifteen New Life Program residents participated in the Post-News Colorado Colfax Marathon.

The commitment these “athletes” demonstrated in completing this grueling challenge is a poignant reflection of the determination they show every day as they prepare to win the marathon of life.

With great perseverance, each one is participating in a rehabilitation program that is equipping him to face the hills and hard places of life without giving up until he crosses the finish line.

Below are snapshots of some whose lives were impacted by their involvement in the Colfax Marathon, and whose stories are an inspiration to anyone who thinks their racing days are over.


Pictured Above: New Life Program resident Shannon and his mother Nancy embrace at the finish line of the 2007 Post-News Colorado Colfax Marathon. “For him to do this showed how much he wanted to recover,” said his mother, lovingly.

 

Most of the men pictured below never saw themselves running in a marathon. Sponsored by the Dalbey Education Institute, they trained under a rigorous schedule that began January 20th with Jeff Galloway and the Denver Galloway Training Group. Training included numerous smaller races and practicing on their own as a team until the day of the run. All of them ran either the full or half marathon, and to their great credit, all finished the race! As they pursued their goal, they also renewed their dedication to change their lives through the New Life Program.

 

Steve “The last ten miles of the actual marathon were the hardest part of the race. I couldn’t have done it without God. Like my life, doing the marathon included the best of times and the worst of times. I realize that going through the valleys is necessary. Now, I’m always asking God to get me through the day.” Shannon “I gained a lot of weight when I quit doing drugs and alcohol, so I ran for health concerns and to lose weight—to attempt a lifestyle change. I had been very athletic in high school, and this was a good way for me to get back into good physical shape.”

Michael “It helped me realize how much I needed and depended on others for my success. I’m living a more structured and disciplined life, now.” When asked what the best part of the marathon was, Michael said, “The fellowship and camaraderie that developed with other guys throughout the training, and the decision of several of us to keep running together after the marathon. The training helped me realize how to overcome my addictions in little chunks, and how important long-term commitment was to my recovery.” John “I was encouraged to run by another resident, Bobby, and we ran the whole marathon side by side.” When asked what some of the unexpected results of running the marathon were, John replied, “The fact that I had the physical ability to do it at all. Before this, I couldn’t even run to the corner stop sign because of alcohol and smoking. Hitting the wall at miles 13, 18 and 23 was like hitting the walls in my life. That’s when I remembered Philippians 4:13, ‘I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me.’”

 

Bobby “The marathon relit a fire in me to maintain my physical fitness. It gave me things to look forward to besides just getting through the New Life Program. It helped me stay goal-oriented and focused as I come to the close of my program.” Joe “Finishing the race gave me a lot of confidence. Running across the finish line and being congratulated by my team was the best part. I had tried to get sober on my own several times, and the race helped me see that sobriety is a marathon, a lifetime run. Sobriety is a run and a goal to be reached. I have hopes and dreams, and I know I can do them now.”


Thank you!
New Life Program residents face many challenges and struggles along the way to restoring their lives. They could not make lasting progress without the support of volunteers, staff and generous donors like you.

News

FOOTBALL PLAYERS HAVE A “CRUSH” ON KIDS

On June 20th, Colorado Crush players, led by teammate and long time Denver Rescue Mission volunteer Rashad Floyd, hosted some 30 appreciative children who live at The Crossing for a time of fun and food at the ESPN Zone restaurant. Committed to serving families who live at The Crossing, Rashad and the team have also provided tickets to Crush games, and have plans for more exciting activities in the future.

 

SIXTH ANNUAL JR. BRONCOS TRAINING CAMP SCORES AGAIN!

Sponsored by the Denver Broncos Organization, over 100 children ages 6 to 12 from Lowry Family Center, Church in the City, and The Crossing gathered on June 27th at Village Place Park in Denver to learn the basics of football and receive health and fitness training, along with tips on sportsmanship. Football players from the Grandview High School football team helped with the training for this fun, motivational and confidence-building event.