The Latest

Last Friday, November 18, 2011, Bradley Biggs along with University of Southern California fraternity Alpha Gamma Omega, held a unique event to raise funds for URM.  This creative approach proved to be a success at helping those experiencing homelessness in Los Angeles.  An over sized foursquare tournament was the name of the game that brought in a generous sum to URM.

A USC parking lot was transformed into a foursquare battlefield, beckoning the bold and courageous to face the over sized squares.  Competitors were members of sororities who were invited to participate in the event for a fee, which was donated to URM.  Through long, grueling foursquare battles, Delta Gamma proved to be the champions at the end of the day.  Congratulations Delta Gamma!!

A huge thank you goes out to Alpha Gamma Omega Fraternity, Bradley Biggs, and all the participating Sororities for partnering with Union Rescue Mission to help end homelessness in Los Angeles.

On Sunday, November 6^th, the Union Rescue Mission presented its traditional graduation ceremony for those men successfully completing its intensive one-year Christian Life Discipleship Program with its focus on “Life Transformation…from the inside, out”. Each of the men graduating participated and completed:

• 1,000 hours of Work Therapy
• 144 hours of Bible/Recovery Classes
• 50+ hours Biblical 12-Step Program
• 200 hours Education and Vocational Training at URM’s Bank of America Learning Center
• 200 hours of Physical Fitness classes
• 100+ hours of attendance in Servant Leadership and URM Family Devotions
• 52 weeks of Sunday Church Attendance
• 20 hours of Individual Counseling with the URM Chaplains

Held in URM’s Main Chapel, 13 men in caps and gowns entered the auditorium to ‘Pomp and Circumstance’ to be presented to their families and friends, as well as URM Staff and other program participants. Emotions ran high; families and relationships that had been broken and strained had been mended, in many cases addictions conquered and the atmosphere was tense with excitement and anticipation.

The assembled audience of guests, visitors and graduates heard from Mr. Scott Minerd, Chief Investment Officer, Guggenheim Partners, the Keynote Speaker for the ceremony. Hearts were warmed and touched by Scott Minerd’s recounting of the story behind the hymn, “Amazing Grace” at which point he shared that it was, indeed, God’s amazing grace, that had saved ‘…a wretch like me’. CLDP graduate Greg McNeal then followed with the words of appreciation from the graduating class, citing the enormous and deep impact URM’s chaplains had had on each man’s life, how every person at Union Rescue Mission, be they staff or guest alike, combined to transform lives with their dedication and attitude.

After each man had crossed the stage and received his certificate of completion, amidst applause and acclaim from everyone in attendance, Rev. Andy Bales, CEO of Union Rescue Mission addressed the assembled guests and graduates expressing his deep, heartfelt appreciation, gratitude and pride in the accomplishment of the men and announcing that URM was about to enter a new era in life transformation “…where job opportunities will be available to graduates of the CLDP…”.

For More pictures please Visit the Album Here

A big thank you to Melissa Lundie for these wonderful photos!

Saturday, October 22^nd saw a powerful presentation by Full Harvest International Church featuring Bishop Clarence E. McClendon and Union Rescue Mission in its “Global Harvest Outreach” that touched the bodies, minds, and souls of hundreds of eager listeners assembled at the Mission’s San Julian lot.

During a time when food, clothing, gifts, and even haircuts were freely given to those in attendance, Bishop McClendon brought a message of the Lord’s power and love that touched the very hearts of his listeners. The Rev. Andy Bales, CEO of Union Rescue Mission brought a message from Job 19 and knowing our Redeemer lives. There were two presentations that day with a total attendance of over 800 people. The ministry reaching out to the whole person resulted in 200 people making a decision for the Lord.

Without the help and assistance of a virtual army of supporters, workers, and assistants the entire project could never have occurred. Thanks to everyone who helped; no contribution was too small or neglected.

Urban LA Boot Camp is a 5-week outdoor fitness program designed to help you achieve positive changes in your fitness, health, and spirit.

Starting November 26th, you have the incredible opportunity to be part of this 5-week course while simultaneously helping fight homelessness in LA.  If you donate $100 to URM, your LA Boot Camp course (valued at $225) will be waived!

There are a total of 100 spaces, with 4 different classes and times offered (25 spaces per class section).  When you and your friends SIGN UP, you will not only be improving your health, fitness, and spirit; you will also be providing food, shelter, and fundamental services to those experiencing homelessness!

FOR ALL THE INFO YOU NEED AND TO REGISTER, PLEASE CLICK HERE.

Spaces are limited so don’t wait to sign-up.

We look forward to seeing you there!

On Sunday, October 23^rd, students from SCI-Arc hosted a Harvest Party for all the kids at URM! SCI-Arc is an independent architecture school located close to downtown; generous undergrad and graduate students took time out of their extremely busy Mid-Terms week to sponsor and host this fun event.

Kids played games such as musical chairs, received goodie bags, and had pizza for lunch before closing out the afternoon with a piñata!

We are very grateful to all the students from SCI-Arc who made this fun day possible for the kids at Union Rescue Mission!

Last night was a night full of excitement for history-lovers on the URM rooftop as the reel for the vintage film Of Scrap and Steel began to run.  After gourmet box dinners had been served by the URM kitchen staff, brilliant historians walked attendees through the amazing history of Los Angeles and the vital role that Union Rescue Mission has played.

Though this film was made in 1948, the story it tells is an enduring tale of men and women in search of hope, and an opportunity to get back on their feet.  Over the past 120 years, URM has been such a place for these individuals.   Of Scrap and Steel is not only a rich, historical gem, but is also a powerful reminder of the timeless redemption and salvation found through Christ.

A huge thank you to Los Angeles Visionaries Society (LAVA) and to URM Historian, Liz Mooradian for coordinating this wonderful event.

For more pictures of the event please Visit the Event Album.

For more information on the Los Angeles Visionaries Society Please visit Lavatransforms.org.

And for intriguing and historical testimonies of men and women who came through URM years ago please visit In SRO Land.

It was a cold night on the URM rooftop this last Tuesday night, but that only made the screening of the movie Snowmen even more appropriate.  Mothers and children from Hope Gardens and URM, staff, and members of the cast (including Bobby Colemen) all nuzzled together under the heat lamps to stay warm and enjoy the movie.

Snowmen is a movie about three boys who make a surprising discovery in the snow, casting them into a spot-light of small-town fame.  The journey of fame takes these friends through a series of events leading them to the conclusion that though fame comes and goes, true friendship lasts a life-time.

Click Here To watch the trailer and read more about the cast and the movie

To view more pictures of this event and it’s participants please visit our photo album here