The Gospel Rescuer | Blog-site for Gospel Rescue Mission Tucson AZ

Archive for April, 2010

Today began the 2 day conference on Cultural Competency with the focus on Latino and Native American cultures. About 100 people are attending from various organizations, agencies, and ministries. The trianing is being held at the Juvenile Court Center.

It was organized by the Diverse Voices in Prevention sub-committee of the Community Prevention Coalition. GRM’s Community Outreach Coordinator, Liz Lane, serves on this committee and assisted with the organization of the event. I am the Chair of the Community Prevention Coalition and I played a small part in the event today.

It’s wonderful that the Mission continues to go “outside our walls” to collaborate with other organizations, ministries, and coalitions to make our community a better one and to raise the quality of life for us all. The Mission often plays a significant role in participating in and assuming a lead role in these various efforts throughout the year. We are taking God’s love to the community as we represent Him when we actively participate and assist these groups.

The national director for the Jobs for Life Program, David Spikard, is in Tucson today. GRM Director of Programs Steve Trost and myself will be meeting with him at Beth Walkup’s home for dinner this evening. Beth volunteers on the National Board and local Board for Jobs for Life (JFL).

JFL is a Christian education and training program to help men and women successfully integrate into employment. There are Bible studies that relate to each of the 16 lessons. Lesson topics include resumes, how to conduct interviews, attitudes, work habits, etc.

An important element to this program is mentoring, where clients are matched to men or women from the community who become their “champions” and help them not just through the classes, but after they become employed. The Champions assist the clients with any job problems, equipment needs, resolution of problems or conflicts, monitoring budgets, etc.

This is the difficult part for our Mission…recruiting male mentors. If YOU would like to mentor a GRM client, please contact me. Mentoring is a very rewarding experience as you pour into someones life to make a positive difference.

Because of the intense and practical training in JFL, there is a tremendous success rate for the graduates placed into jobs. However, more employers are needed to hire the graduates. If your company has a need for well trained, motivated, and job ready employees, let me know.

The Mission held a JFL training program several years ago, but the lack of mentors and available jobs made it difficult to continue. I hope after tonight’s meeting we can rekindle this program at the Mission. It will bless the men and the community.

I trust the meeting with David and Beth will be a productive one for the Mission and this community.

Steve Trost and I are having dinner tonight at Beth Walkup’s home to meet with the national director of the Jobs for Life program.

Staff at day 2 Covey Leadership training. Learning management tools to improve our Mission and services.

A lot of people came to the miracle mile tour today and saw our new womens center including our Mayor’s wife Beth – thanks Beth