BACKPACKS, BACKPACKS & MORE BACKPACKS

At the Dallas AGRM Convention, many missions requested information on a
Group Buying Program for K-12 Backpacks. We are currently
negotiating with several manufacturers to make this buy.
The more missions involved the better pricing we can get.

We need to know how many missions are involved in a
School Backpack Program and how many they would need.

Master Source has managed the AGRM Group Buying Program since 1976.
Our mission is to serve you.

Contact John Leopold at 1-800-236-2673 or by email at john@mastersourcecorp.com.

A great time was had by all
AGRM’s 95th annual convention was a very different kind of ever for the association: new format, new tracks, new schedule. And the responses have been extremely positive. Here are excerpts from a few emails earlier this week:

“…this was the best convention that I have attended…The speakers at all of [general sessions] were outstanding, and the worship music was more upbeat. It seemed as though there was more of a variety of workshop choices and I liked how they were laid out in [new] tracks…”

“[We] really appreciated the way Christ was honored in all aspects…from the worship music to the speakers and even in the fun times.”

“I can't begin to tell you how wonderful the AGRM Conference was in Dallas. It was my first time and words escape me [in describing] how great it was.”

“I have never laughed so much at an AGRM convention…I’m going home totally refreshed and invigorated.”
A formal evaluation is being sent to all attendees this week. A brochure for next year’s event in Denver will be available this summer.

Annual meeting yields major bylaw changes
At the annual business meeting, members approved a new membership proposition that will be implemented this summer. The biggest change is that every rescue mission (organization) that joins or renews will automatically receive a given number of individual members. This will take AGRM deeper into every rescue mission. There will also be an associate membership category for individuals not connected with a rescue mission, and a business member category will be part of the plan.

Also at the annual business meeting, it was approved to deconstruct the formality of the districts and tracks. These entities will still exist (but will be realigned and renamed), but will no longer have their own bylaws and separate policies; they will simply be groups under the AGRM umbrella. This will simplify AGRM’s structure, especially in the eyes of the IRS.

Order CDs from Dallas
Were you unable to get to Dallas? Did you miss out on a seminar that you really wanted to attend? The good folks at Piper Media have CDs available from the general sessions, and most of the seminars. Pick up the order form here http://www.agrm.org/pdf/AGRM_2008_ORDER_FORM.pdf. Fax your order to Piper Media at 918-258-1476.

Convention lost and found
At the convention, we had some items turned in that were separated from their rightful owners. If you misplaced something during convention, contact Faye Wisdom at fwisdom@agrm.org with a description to reclaim your property.

Looking down the street . . .
While in a training session at convention, Los Banos Rescue Mission (Los Banos, Calif.) executive director Tom Hammond learned that a $25,000 check from the city to help the mission get established was deposited in the mission account. Upon hearing the news that the check was in the bank, director Tom Hammond said with a grin, “Great, now my convention registration check won’t bounce.” Topeka Rescue Mission (Topeka, Kan.) is celebrating 55 years of ministry this month. Congratulations to Barry Feaker and staff. No more cold showers at Outreach Gospel Mission (Brookings, Ore.). Generous donations of a Rennai on-demand gas water heater and a new propane tank mean there is always enough hot water to go around.

California zoning law trumps NIMBY
A California zoning law recently enacted mandates that municipalities plan where homeless services might be placed within their jurisdiction. State Bill 2 requires that local governments consider what minimal services should be available to meet the needs of the community, including number of beds, public transportation, parking, etc. When the local governments agree on what services should be offered, providers must be allowed to locate within the boundaries established, effectively putting and end to NIMBY arguments. Read more at http://tinyurl.com/5zpemg.

Nation’s largest homeless provider begins policy changes
New York City, the nation’s largest provider of homeless services, is closing its Manhattan based intake center for homeless men citywide, and converting the building to a hotel and conference center. The intake center will move from Manhattan, which has 58 percent of the city’s homeless people, to Brooklyn, where 16 percent of the homeless stay. The shift represents a change in city policy: a de-emphasis of large shelters in favor of outreach teams that find homeless people “safe havens” with few barriers to entry. Look for cities across the nation to follow suit. Read more here http://tinyurl.com/5v8jbq.

Reliving trauma may reduce PTSD
People who undergo therapy in which they relive traumatic events in a controlled environment are less likely to develop post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) according to an Australian study recently released. Only 33 percent of trauma survivors who received five weekly 90-minute sessions of prolonged exposure therapy developed PTSD, as compared to 77 percent of those who received no therapy. The study was published in the Archives of General Psychiatry. Find out more here http://tinyurl.com/6pw4kd.

America’s giving heart
America’s 1.4 million charities received more than $295 billion in gifts and bequests during 2006, according to a report from the Giving USA Foundation. Although megagifts get much of the attention, giving is not limited to those who are wealthy. In fact, 65 percent of households with incomes below $100,000 gave to charity in 2006. Learn more here http://tinyurl.com/685ulu.

Researchers say extended marijuana use shrinks the brain
Heavy daily use of marijuana may have a damaging effect on the brain, according to a report published in the June issue of the Archives of General Psychiatry. Over a ten year study period, the hippocampus of marijuana users was 12 percent smaller, and the amygdala was 7 percent smaller than among nonusers. The hippocampus is associated with the regulation of emotion and memory, while the amygdala controls fear and aggression. In addition, men who used marijuana also had symptoms of psychiatric disorders. Read more on the study here http://tinyurl.com/5r62yr.

One-fifth of Americans have never used email
Twenty percent of U.S. heads of households have never sent an email, and about 20 million American homes (18 percent) do not have access to the internet, according to the research firm Parks Associates. Although only 7 percent of the unconnected households plan to subscribe to the internet within the next year, the digital disconnect in 2008 is down considerably from the 39 million homes in 2006. Researchers say age, economics, and fear are important factors that reduce the number of people going online. Get the full story here http://tinyurl.com/5ozxg5.

Promote group tours
Last month, a local chapter of the Red Hat Society held their monthly meeting at the Eugene Mission (Eugene, Ore.). The group brought bags of clothing, took a tour, and then had lunch. It was a great awareness event for the mission. Why not encourage service clubs and societies in your community to hold specially scheduled meetings at your mission?

[Send us a blurb about your unique ideas or simple solutions and we’ll communicate them on Easy Street.]

Positions available…

Albany, NY: Director of Learning Center - Responsible for activities including helping people learn to read, gain GED, learn other skills. Assists in job searches, resume preparation, job readiness skills. College graduate, organized/detailed, heart for the homeless/needy. Capital City Rescue Mission, PO Box 1999, Albany, NY 12201. Phone: 518-462-0459 x222 Fax: 518-462-0489 To contact via email: ccrm259@yahoo.com Date Added: 04/18/2008

Fresno CA: Resource Development Assistant - Provide administrative support to Marketing-Resource Development. Requires self-starter, multi-tasker with analytical skills. Microsoft Office experience with Publisher/other publishing software and Access preferred. FT position. Contact Fresno Rescue Mission, PO Box 1422, Fresno CA 93716-1422. Phone: 559- 268-0839, Ext. 204 Fax: 559-268-1317 To contact via email: jsteinhauer@fresnorescuemission.org Date Added: 04/15/2008

Jackson, WY: Assistant Director - Operate programs/services to promote spiritual, physical, emotional and vocational welfare of guests. Bachelor Degree/equivalent experience in small rescue mission operation. Housing available for single male. Contact Good Samaritan Mission, PO Box 1218, Jackson, WY 83001. Phone: 307-733-3165 To contact via email: GSM-WY@MAIL.COM Date Added: 04/03/2008

Joliet, IL: Multiple Openings - Kitchen supervisor, Men's Program Director, Thrift Store Manager. Please send resume with salary history and references. MorningStar Mission, 350 E. Washington Street, Joliet, IL 60435. Phone: 815-722-5780 To contact via email: morningstarbm@yahoo.com Date Added: 05/01/2008

Oxnard, CA: Ministry Vice-President - Seeking energetic, experienced leader to work along side President/CEO to provide leadership, direction, management for ministries providing addiction recovery programs, life essential services across Southern California. Bachelor’s Degree, five years rescue mission ministry, management, non-profit experience desired. Must have exemplary character and proven ability to lead, initiate, problem-solve, disciple, mentor. Strong writing, computer, administrative skills required. Fax resume and work history. Rescue Mission Alliance, PO Box 5545, Oxnard, CA 93031. Fax: (805) 385-4126 To contact via email: jobs@erescuemission.org Web site: http://www.erescuemission.org Date Added: 05/19/2008

Oxnard, CA: Database Analyst/Administrator - Seeking Database Analyst/Administrator to maintain Raiser’s Edge donor database, statistical accuracy. Oversee staff. 3-years Raiser’s Edge or equivalent SQL database + MS Access, Excel, accounting and quality assurance experience preferred. Good verbal/written communication, interpersonal skills. Proven ability to multi-task. Email resume/salary history. Rescue Mission Alliance, 315 N "A" Street, Oxnard, CA 93030. Phone: 805 436-4522 Fax: 805 385-4126 To contact via email: Jobs@erescuemission.org Web site: http://www.erescuemission.org Date Added: 06/02/2008

Panama City, FL: Associate Director of Enterprise - Responsible for effective/efficient direction to thrift store operations, Ebay sales, rescue recycling, appliance repair. Requires seven years of education, training, experience in managing multiple operations. Knowledge of personnel management, retail marketing. Contact Panama City Rescue Mission, PO Box 2359, Panama City FL, 32502 Phone: 850 215-9007 Fax: 850 763-0099 To contact via email: michaelmartin@pcrmission.org Date Added: 06/02/2008

Panama City, FL: Men's Program Manager - Oversee men's recovery program. Should have heart for the homeless; knowledge of addictions/mental illness; strong leadership, organizational skills. Bachelors Degree preferred, experience preferred. Panama City Rescue Mission, PO Box 2359, Panama City, FL 32402. Phone: 850 215-9007 Fax: 850 763-0099 To contact via email: michaelmartin@pcrmission.org Date Added: 05/09/2008

Phoenix, AZ: Major Gifts Officer - Oversee/manage all aspects of the major gifts program. Compile/analyze information on potential donors. Establish budget goals. Prepare written/marketing materials. Maintain donor cultivation cycle and gift stewardship program. Maintain records in Raiser's Edge. Bachelor's degree or related experience/training. Contact Phoenix Rescue Mission, PO 6708, Phoenix, AZ 85005-6708 Phone: 602-346-3323 Fax: 602-343-5185 To contact via email: ahathaway@phoenixrescuemission.org Date Added: 06/02/2008

Portland, OR: Assistant Director of Shepherd's Door - Site management position. Operate programs/services to promote spiritual, physical, emotional, vocational welfare of residential women and children. Bachelor Degree/equivalent experience. Contact Portland Rescue Mission, 700 NE Multnomah, Suite 400, Portland, OR 97232. Phone: 503-MISSION Fax: 503-227-1126 To contact via email: miekog@pdxmission.org Date Added: 04/23/2008

Raleigh, NC: Volunteer Ministry Director - Manage, plan strategies/enhancements/improvements in the volunteer ministry. Requires college degree, 3-5 years of non-profit experience, interpersonal, leadership, administrative & organizational, Microsoft Office skills. Full description on website. Raleigh Rescue Mission, 314 E Hargett Street, Raleigh, NC 27601. Phone: 919-828-9014 Fax: 919-833-6162 To contact via email: GingerR@raleighrescue.org Web site: http://www.raleighrescue.org Date Added: 05/08/2008

Rapid City, SD: Associate Director - Assist with operations, program oversight, staff supervision. Requires organizational, multi-tasking, problem solving abilities, verbal/written communication and presentation skills. BA in business/related field, or equivalent exp. Two years supervisory exp. Rescue ministry experience a plus. Cornerstone Rescue Mission, 30 Main Street - POB 2188, Rapid City, SD 57709. Email resumes. Phone: 605-341-2844 Fax: 605-341-2741 To contact via email: jcranford@cornerstonemission.org Web site: http://www.cornerstonemission.org Date Added: 06/03/2008

Seattle, WA: Multiple Openings - Gift Processing Data Entry Operator, Campaign Marketing Coordinator, Warehouse Assistant-GIK/Operations, Children's Activity Center Coordinator, Director of Recovery Ministries, Dental Assistant, Office Manager-Women & Children's Shelter, High School Outreach Staff, Children's Ministry Outreach Staff, Community Center Assistant/Athletic Coordinator, Gym Assistant, Computer Lab Assistant-Youth Services, Summer Outreach Staff, Children's Ministry Curriculum Specialist. Contact: Roslyn Alake, Seattle's Union Gospel Mission, PO Box 202, Seattle, WA 98111. Phone: 206-723-0767 Fax: 206-723-1076 To contact via email: rosalake@ugm.org Web site: http://www.ugm.org Date Added: 05/16/2008

Spokane, WA: Women and Children’s Center Director - Provide servant leadership, administration of staff, operations, programs, public relations. Requires mature individual, rescue ministry experience, proven leadership/organizational/public relations skills. Salaried position/benefits. Union Gospel Mission, PO Box 4066, Spokane, WA 99220. Phone: 509-535-8510 Fax: 509-535-0315 To contact via email: ugmteri@ugmspokane.org Date Added: 05/01/2008

St. Paul, MN: Director of Chaplains - Responsible for hiring, training, and managing chaplain staff. Oversee pastoral care for mission clients. Minimum requirements: Bachelor’s degree/equivalent, licensed/ordained as a minister. Three years of experience. Contact Union Gospel Mission, 77 Ninth St. E, St. Paul, MN 55101 Phone: 651-228-1800 x 301 Fax: 651-222-7968 To contact via email: jobinfo@ugmtc.org Date Added: 04/15/2008

Tucson AZ: Program Director - Women & Children's Center - Oversee shelter/recovery programs utilizing GENESIS Process recovery program. Supervise staff. Requires Bachelor degree in related field; experience with homeless; knowledge of addictions/mental illness; strong leadership, organizational skills. Contact Gospel Rescue Mission, 326 W. 28th St., Tucson AZ 85713. Phone: 520-740-1501 Fax: 520-622-8585 To contact via email: roy@grmtucson.com Date Added: 04/22/2008

To advertise in future Market Street Classifieds:
Individual or organizational members of the AGRM may place a 30-word classified ad listing one available position in one issue of Street Smart at no charge, and may renew that ad one additional time at no cost. Ads are due the 10th of the month before the ad is to be listed. Ads exceeding 30 words will be charged at 50 cents per word. Non-member ministries, businesses, and individuals may place an ad for $25.00 per issue for a 30-word ad. Additional words will be charged at 50 cents per word. Ads are also placed on the AGRM website. Member ministries may renew ads after the second placement at $15 per issue for a 30-word ad. E-mail desired ad placement to editor@agrm.org (subject line: Market Street Classifieds).

Just ask
“You do not have because you do not ask God” James 4:2 (NIV)

A few nights ago, I was home alone with my son. He is three and he is still learning to “use his words.” After he and I ate dinner, he walked over to the fruit bowl and started to whine and point. This wasn’t the first time he has done this and I knew exactly what he wanted: a banana. Even though I knew what he wanted, I asked him to tell me what he wanted. He whined some more and I refused to give in. Finally, he said “banana” and I opened one up and handed it to him. I was fully prepared to give him the banana; I just wanted him to ask for it.

I wonder how often we miss out on blessings that God wants to give to us, simply because we never ask. He knows what we need and even what we want before we ever say a thing. Sometimes, he is just waiting for us to ask him in prayer. Do you feel like your life is missing something? Has it been a while since you have felt the overwhelming joy and contentment that comes only from God’s blessings? Maybe it is time to ask God to step in and fill your life with blessing.

Submitted by Mike Barclay, Re-Entry Program Manager, Lighthouse Center, Wheeler Mission Ministries, Indianapolis, Ind.

ATTENTION MEMBERS: Would you like to write an encouraging devotional thought for a future issue of Street Smart? If so, send your submission of 200 words or less (including a related Bible verse) to editor@agrm.org.