I never lived on my own, I’ve always lived in community or in homes with families. That’s how I was raised. I grew up in Mombasa, Kenya, in a community called Frere Town, started by missionaries for rescued slaves. My great father was one of them. We were a Christian community. We worked together, played together, and went to church twice a day. I had a very happy and content life. Many years later, I was invited to come to the United States to learn how to minister and evangelize. Then I started a new career as a live-in nanny or caregiver for elderly people. In 2017, however, I faced my worst fear. I could no longer work, and suddenly I was alone and homeless. I prayed to God … and God heard my prayers.
Resurrected From Death to a New Life
Diana Thanks
YOU for Her New
Chance at Life!
INSIDE THIS NEWSLETTER
Senior Ladies Find Hope and Safety at Hope Gardens
— Thanks to you.
God led me to Union Rescue Mission, and they brought me to Hope Gardens’ Sequoia Lodge, which offers housing and care to senior ladies like me. When I first saw this place, I thought, This is a resort! Everything was so beautiful and peaceful. I saw the dining room, the exercise room, the gardens, and the library, where I could continue my ministerial studies. Best of all, I was surrounded by so many mothers and children. I was in a loving, Christian community, and I would never be alone again. When they showed me my room, I burst into tears. I could feel God’s mercy and His personal love for me. Since I came here, I graduated with a certificate in ministerial studies. I pray with other ladies here and pass out devotional pamphlets. I also help Hope Gardens with all their recycling. Hope Gardens has made me feel valuable and useful again. I feel safe and loved, especially when Rev. Andy Bales comes to visit us. It’s like having two fathers now, my Father in Heaven and my papa Rev. Andy. God has answered all my prayers. He has shown me how much He cares for me, because He reached out to me and met all my needs. He even gave me the chance to dye my hair! God has made me beautiful again! Hope Gardens is a miracle to me. Yet, I also want to remember you, who donated to make this miracle possible for me. I pray for you every day that God will bless you and your families for your caring hearts. You give to help someone you don’t even know, and I
want you to know I love you dearly. Thank you!
“Retiring” on the Streets –
a Nightmare Scenario
“Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you.” —Isaiah 60:1
They’re often invisible, but their numbers are tragically growing. In fact, older adults are the fastest-growing segment of people devastated by homelessness in California. Because of growing poverty and rising housing costs, some predict a tidal wave of
seniors falling onto our streets by 2030. The challenges they face are unimaginable, and the impact on their physical, emotional, and mental health is overwhelming. Few live past the age of 62. Due to poor nutrition and severe living conditions, they often resemble someone much older. As one writer said, “50 is the new 70.”They urgently need our help.
TAKE THE LEAP TO FIGHT HOMELESSNESS
Interested in a thrilling new way to help fight homelessness in Los Angeles? Union Rescue Mission, in partnership with Over the Edge, is hosting a unique fundraising event, offering participants a once-in-a-lifetime chance to rappel down a 30-story office building. Individuals participating in the 2-day event
Proceeds will go toward services and programs for the men, women, children, and families in our care at Union Rescue Mission.
Join the Walk to Fight Homelessness
We need you!
Join CEO Andy Bales and Union Rescue Mission for our annual
5k walk to provide a safe haven and life transformation for those
devastated by homelessness on Skid Row.
The walk begins at 9:30 am at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena.
Registration begins at 8:00 am.
Please visit urmwalk.org for race details and to sign up!
Bless a Mom on mothers day
This Mother’s Day, you can encourage another hurting mom like Diana. Moms devastated by homelessness are often traumatized by abuse, and struggling with addictions, and some bear the overwhelming challenge of raising kids with special needs. Give to Help Another Mom Off the Streets. Your generous gift of $25, $35, $100, or more will help provide safe shelter, hot meals, and a second chance at life for more mothers, fathers, sons, and daughters who deserve more than abandonment on the streets. So please send the more generous gift you can today.
NOTES FROM ANDY
Stepping Up to Meet the Challenge
Diana and her two sons, Justice and Jackson, have a special place in my heart. I have a 7-year-old grandson myself who’s nonverbal and autistic. So I know the challenges that Diana is facing—and I know the extraordinary love and commitment she has for her boys. Today, at Hope Gardens, there are more families with kids who have special needs than ever before. Many are on the spectrum of autism, while others are experiencing posttraumatic stress, ADHD, and many other issues. The heroic mothers of these children need extra support and understanding. It also puts extra pressure on our staff to be the hands and feet of Jesus in new ways. At the same time, these precious children need extra attention and specialized care. So, we’re holding workshops and in-depth training so our staff can meet their needs. We’re also building relationships with regional resources to better support these families. That’s why I’m so grateful for people like you, who know the overwhelming needs we’re facing and yet always rise up to help us step up. Thanks to you, we will never turn a family with special needs away