About Jim: As President of the Orange County Rescue Mission (OCRM) since 1992, the county’s most comprehensive private homeless services provider, Jim Palmer has worked to create long-term self-sufficiency and stability among the Orange County and Southern California homeless by going beyond temporary solutions to address the underlying causes of transitional and chronic homelessness. Read More About Jim

Congratulations to a “Perfect 10” Veteran!

It is always my privilege and joy to share the accomplishments of our Rescue Mission staff! On September 14, our very own Derrick Burton, Village of Hope Manager, was honored as the “Perfect 10” Veteran at the District at Tustin Legacy’s “Taste of 10” Anniversary Celebration!  Congratulations to Derrick as well as as a big thank you to our friends at the Exchange Club of Tustin for nominating him for this honor!

Derrick was chosen because of his important contributions and outstanding leadership in the Tustin community, which we experience firsthand every day.  Derrick’s heart for the Least, the Last, and the Lost is abundantly clear as he tirelessly serves and cares for the residents of the Village of Hope each day.  His energy and wisdom are invaluable to the Village of Hope community, and he has made a lasting impact on so many that pass through our gates.

Derrick has also served our country faithfully.  He is a Marine veteran that served in the military from 1983-1987.  He went to Boot Camp and school at Camp Lejeune in North Carolina and afterwards was stationed in Okinawa, Japan from 1984-1985 before returning to El Toro Marine Corps Air Station.

Derrick, we are so thankful for your service both to our country and to the Least, the Last and the Lost of our community!  The Rescue Mission is continually blessed by you!  Congratulations Derrick!

Giving online is easy, safe, and quick. Your donation will make an immediate impact to provide meals, shelter and services for a homeless family in desperate need of a hand up to self-sufficiency.

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You’re Invited to Hurtt Family Health Clinic Anaheim Open House!

Just last week, the Anaheim City Council declared a state of emergency in regards to the growing homeless population. It is no secret that homeless and low-income populations are on the rise, and often these populations lack access to basic necessities such as adequate medical care.

Since 2000, the Orange County Rescue Mission has provided free medical care to the homeless through a converted mobile home at various sites throughout Orange County.  This grew into an organization called Hurtt Family Health Clinic that has expanded over the years to include several fixed-site clinic locations as well.

This month, the Hurtt Family Health Clinic has opened a third, fixed-site clinic in the city of Anaheim! This clinic will bring the Hurtt Family Health Clinic’s mission of providing all-encompassing care and treatment options to homeless and low-income families and individuals to Anaheim, a community in great need.

To celebrate this exciting event, the Hurtt Family Health Clinic will be hosting a ribbon-cutting ceremony and open house on Friday, September 29th. I would like to extend to you an invitation as well as share some of the heart behind the Hurtt Family Health clinic and this event:

Why are we opening a new clinic? Our goal is to serve families in need throughout Orange County and this new clinic will allow us to expand care to the Anaheim area, a largely under-served geographic area. We hope to continue to connect homeless and individuals with chronic care issues to on-going primary care.

Why are we celebrating with an opening? Because it is truly a reason to celebrate! The Hurtt Family Health Clinic aims to impact the Anaheim community by improving health outcomes for low-income and homeless populations. In addition, we will be able broaden our outreaches to serve communities in need of primary medical care and mental health services. Even more lives will be touched through this new clinic.

Why should you attend? You should join us to learn more about the wide variety of affordable services that Hurtt Family Health Clinic provides, including primary medical care, behavioral health, and counseling. You can also tour our brand new facility and meet with our staff. If you are in the medical care field, you can find out more about how to refer patients for clinic services.

This is an important milestone not only for the Hurtt Family Health Clinic, but for the Anaheim community, as we work together to serve the Least, the Last, and the Lost in this area. We look forward to having you join us as we celebrate this moment!

Please click here to RSVP.  For more information about the Hurtt Family Health Clinic, please call (714) 247-0300.

Giving online is easy, safe, and quick. Your donation will make an immediate impact to provide meals, shelter and services for a homeless family in desperate need of a hand up to self-sufficiency.

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Volunteer Spotlight: Randi Bernstein

I would like to introduce you to another Orange County Rescue Mission superhero: Randi Bernstein!

Randi Bernstein has created a wonderful partnership through the Exchange Clubs of Tustin and Irvine with the Tustin Veterans Outpost at Orange County Rescue Mission.  She is a wonderful supporter and advocate for our veterans.  She has invested in the cause of honoring veterans for their service to our country, and is supporting those who are on the “front lines” to help restore veterans who are challenged by the difficult transition to civilian life.

Through Randi’s leadership the Exchange Club comes to the Tustin Veteran’s Outpost to host amazing BBQs for the residents.   From delicious food to fun games, Randi and the team lift everyone’s spirits and warm everyone’s hearts.

Randi has also raised thousands of dollars in cash donations and purchases for Orange County Rescue Mission’s Tustin Veterans Outpost.  Randi’s efforts have made our veterans feel like they have a place to call home.  Her compassionate spirit has ignited people to come together to serve our veterans with dignity and honor.

Thank you for your service, Randi!

Giving online is easy, safe, and quick. Your donation will make an immediate impact to provide meals, shelter and services for a homeless family in desperate need of a hand up to self-sufficiency.

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Teens Caring for the Community

At the young age of 14, I came face-to-face with the issue of homelessness when a family came to me for help, with nowhere to turn. From my own experience, I have seen the incredible value in passionate young people caring for their community. It is equally important that the community provide opportunities for young people to utilize their talents and skills to meet needs.

The Rescue Mission is proud to be a place for young people to channel their creativity and innovation into service. As teens serve, they are able to use their abilities and talents to broaden their experiences and skills in ways that are beneficial to others.

Madeline is a shining example of a young girl doing great things for her community! She is passionate about serving others, specifically kids, and she found a way to do just that here at the Village of Hope. Madeline created and led a 5-day career camp for the VOH kids at this year’s Summer to Remember! Please watch the ABC 7 news story below for a look at Madeline’s innovative service project!

If you are a teen or the parent of a teen that is interested in serving with us, please contact our Volunteer Department at (714) 247-4368 to learn more about service opportunities!

Giving online is easy, safe, and quick. Your donation will make an immediate impact to provide meals, shelter and services for a homeless family in desperate need of a hand up to self-sufficiency.

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Medtronic Sends Village of Hope Kids Back to School in Style!

Currently, children make up over 40% of the residents here at the Village of Hope.  Fifty-four of those children are school-aged – that’s a lot of school uniforms to purchase!

I want to thank our friends at Medtronic, who helped make it possible for all 54 of our school-aged children to have brand new uniforms!  Medtronic heard of our need for uniforms and generously donated articles of clothing to help us meet that need.

Thank you Medtronic for sending the Village of Hope kids back to school in style!

Giving online is easy, safe, and quick. Your donation will make an immediate impact to provide meals, shelter and services for a homeless family in desperate need of a hand up to self-sufficiency.

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OCRM Employee Highlight

Each month we like to highlight an employee who exemplifies the mission, philosophy, and values of our organization. This month we are delighted to highlight Jacqueline Steadmon as our Employee of the Month.

Jacqueline faithfully serves as one of our Case Managers at the Village of Hope, working with the female residents that are in the first phase of the program. She walks alongside these women as they begin the journey to self-sufficiency and supports them as they grow in their relationship with the Lord.  She is well-loved by all of the women she works with, and it is clear she has a passion for caring for God’s people!  It is an honor to serve alongside of you, Jacqueline!

Tell us a little about yourself. 

My name is Jacqueline Steadmon.  I was born and raised in California and I have two children.  I enjoy painting, reading about health and wellness, exercising, enjoying art, and spending time with friends and family.  I currently attend several churches.  I volunteer at one of the churches that I attend.  I love Saturdays and Sundays because I love hearing the messages and worshipping the Lord.  I look forward to hearing how God will minister to me and help me grow in my walk with Him.

How long have you been at the Rescue Mission? How did you hear about the job opportunity?

I have worked at the Rescue Mission for nearly 2 years.  I heard about the job when a friend suggested that look into employment opportunities at rescue missions since I enjoy helping people.

What do you love most about your job?

I love getting to know the ladies on my caseload,  and relying on God to help me support them as they grow in their relationship with God, while working to become self-sufficient.  It’s awesome when I see their growth!

What is the hardest part of your job? 

The hardest part of my job is seeing ladies leave the program before completion.

How have you grown since working at the Rescue Mission?

I’ve become even more grateful and humble personally after hearing the stories of some of the residents here.  Some residents have experienced some heart-breaking things in their lives.

What is your favorite verse?  

Romans 8:38-39: “For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

What motivates you to keep going, even in the tough days?

Jesus, and reaching the Least, the Last, and the Lost.  It’s a blessing to be a part of fulfilling the Great Commission!

Join Jacqueline and her coworkers!

Orange County Rescue Mission is a great place to work!  Go to RescueMission.org and click on Employment to learn more about our current job opportunities.

Giving online is easy, safe, and quick. Your donation will make an immediate impact to provide meals, shelter and services for a homeless family in desperate need of a hand up to self-sufficiency.

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Village of Hope Kids Dressed for Success, Thanks to Steadfast Companies

Summer is winding down and school is back in session!  This past week, the school-age children living here at the Village of Hope said goodbye to summer break and began their fall semester.

And thanks to our friends at Steadfast Companies, all 62 of the Village of Hope kids were dressed in brand-new school uniforms! Steadfast Companies is a supporter of the Rescue Mission, and have also volunteered with us several times this year already. This gift is a tremendous blessing to the families that live at the Village of Hope, for which we are so grateful!

Steadfast Companies is a wonderful example of an organization that is passionate about a  cause – helping families and children. Their generosity is making such a difference in the lives of these children, who have been provided with much more than just new uniforms.  They have been given the chance to start the school year dressed for success, knowing their needs have been met by the generosity and support of caring individuals.  Thank you Steadfast Companies!

If you or your company are passionate about a specific cause, please contact Ashley Jacobs at ashley.jacobs@rescuemission.org to see how you can use your passion to make a difference in the lives of the Least, the Last, and the Lost!

Giving online is easy, safe, and quick. Your donation will make an immediate impact to provide meals, shelter and services for a homeless family in desperate need of a hand up to self-sufficiency.

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With Appreciation for Our Supporters

It is never too early to begin preparing for the future with the well-being of your loved ones in mind. As a father of four, I want to do all I can to leave my children cared for and supported. And, just as important, I want to be sure that I have a giving plan in place so that the people and causes I am passionate about will receive a portion of my estate.

As a thank you to our supporters and friends, the Orange County Rescue Mission has partnered with Christian Trustmaker to offer a discount on their services. I encourage you to take advantage of this amazing opportunity and prepare for the future!  Christian Trustmaker will assist with your needs, whether you need a simple will or a Living Trust, as well as other legal services for preparing for your future.

See the information below to take advantage of this wonderful opportunity.

Don’t delay to prepare your finances and plans for your loved ones! As an incentive to prepare your will or Living Trust, we have a special offer for Orange County Rescue Mission supporters. Christian Trustmaker is offering you a 20% discount on their services, starting at $99. To learn more and get your discount code, go to www.christiantrustmaker.com/OCRescueMission.

Legacy Planners, LLC dba Christian Trustmaker provides access to independent attorneys and self-help services at your specific direction. We are not a law firm or a substitute for an attorney. Legal Document Assistant #354  Orange County (exp. 8/14/17) 9870 Research Drive, Suite 209, Irvine, CA 92618/(888) 948-7904.

Giving online is easy, safe, and quick. Your donation will make an immediate impact to provide meals, shelter and services for a homeless family in desperate need of a hand up to self-sufficiency.

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Travis Mathew Brings Summer Splash to the Village of Hope!

Who said recovery couldn’t be fun?  That surely was not the case last Friday, when our friends from Travis Mathew visited to bring us Water Day!

As part of their Serve Day, fifty-seven Travis Mathew employees joined us for a water day event including a water balloon toss, water slides for both kids and adults, and a courtyard-wide water gun fight!  Other volunteers helped the day’s work continue on in our warehouse and kitchen, which gave all of our residents a chance to join in on the fun.

Recovery and life change is hard work and a challenging process. But we all need fun, too! Thanks to friends like Travis Mathew, residents of Orange County Rescue Mission have many fun and enjoyable experiences! Take a look at some photos from our Water Day extravaganza.

Thank you to our friends at Travis Mathew for making quite a SPLASH at the Village of Hope!  We are blessed by you!

Giving online is easy, safe, and quick. Your donation will make an immediate impact to provide meals, shelter and services for a homeless family in desperate need of a hand up to self-sufficiency.

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No Place Like Home

 

It is no accident that God placed the Rescue Mission in the City of Tustin, and we continue to be blessed by this city and its support.  Tustin continues to provide a home where the Rescue Mission can thrive and expand, enabling us to care for so many of the Least, the Last, and the Lost of Orange County.

The relationship between the City of Tustin and Orange County Rescue Mission is gaining recognition throughout Orange County for its mutually beneficial partnership.  At this year’s Annual Golden Hub of Innovation Awards,  the Association of California Cities, Orange County honored the Rescue Mission and the City of Tustin with the “Public/Private Partnership” award!

I am thankful that this partnership is being recognized, and I hope that it can be a model for other cities in Orange County and throughout the nation.  As communities come together in support, true change can be made in the lives of hurting and broken individuals.

Thank you to the Association of California Cities, Orange County for this honor! And thank you to the City of Tustin, Mayor Allan Bernstein and City Council members for your support of Orange County Rescue Mission! Tustin is a wonderful place to call ‘home’!

Giving online is easy, safe, and quick. Your donation will make an immediate impact to provide meals, shelter and services for a homeless family in desperate need of a hand up to self-sufficiency.

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