CIT Donates over 26,000 Pounds of Food to City Rescue Mission
Jacksonville office sets new record with 2009 food drive

JACKSONVILLE, FLA., July 15, 2009 – Setting a new record, CIT employees donated nearly 27,000 pounds of food donation to the City Rescue Mission, enough food to feed the homeless over 20,000 meals. The City Rescue Mission is an organization that houses and feeds the homeless in Northeast Florida.
“We are honored to receive such an incredible donation,” said Bill Duguid, chief operating officer at City Rescue Mission. “The employees at CIT have gone above and beyond with their kind contribution. We are overjoyed to receive support from such an extraordinary team of people.”
CIT's annual food drive was held from June 15 to June 19, 2009, and included an internal competition to see which team could collect the most food for City Rescue Mission. This year, the firm’s 277 employees collected a total of 26,947 pounds of food, over 4,000 pounds more than in 2008.
In addition to hosting annual food drives for the City Rescue Mission since 2006, CIT prepares and serves meals for the homeless with City Rescue Mission during the company’s Global Employee Volunteer Month. CIT employees also frequently participate in unique projects at City Rescue Mission, such as re-painting their cafeteria.
City Rescue Mission is a non-profit, faith-based organization in downtown Jacksonville that has provided help to the homeless and needy in Jacksonville and Northeast Florida since 1946. In addition to providing emergency services for the homeless, they offer life-changing programs like the New Day Workforce and LifeBuilders to help homeless people get off the streets and back on their feet.
For more information about CIT, please visit http://www.cit.com.
For more information about City Rescue Mission, please visit http://www.crmjax.org.

About City Rescue Mission

City Rescue Mission (CRM) is a non-profit, faith-based organization in downtown Jacksonville that has provided help to the homeless and needy in Jacksonville and Northeast Florida since 1946. In addition to providing emergency services for the homeless, they offer life-changing programs like the New Day Workforce and LifeBuilders, which help people get off the streets and back on their feet. CRM serves around 280,000 meals a year and provided over 100,000 nights of shelter in 2008. For more information, visit http://www.crmjax.org.

About CIT

CIT (NYSE: CIT) is a bank holding company with more than $60 billion in finance and leasing assets that provides financial products and advisory services to small and middle market businesses. Operating in more than 50 countries across 30 industries, CIT provides an unparalleled combination of relationship, intellectual and financial capital to its customers worldwide. CIT maintains leadership positions in small business and middle market lending, retail finance, aerospace, equipment and rail leasing, and vendor finance. Founded in 1908 and headquartered in New York City, CIT is a member of the S&P 500 and Fortune 500. www.cit.com

City Rescue Mission Hosts First Annual Golf Tournament
August 31 event will raise funds to feed Jacksonville’s homeless

City Rescue Mission, a non-profit organization providing services to Jacksonville’s homeless, is excited to announce their first golf tournament, Champions 1800, which will be held at the TPC Stadium in Ponte Vedra, Fla. on August 31, 2009.

The Champions 1800 Golf Tournament is open to all residents in Northeast Florida. People can sign up individually or as a team of four. Participants are asked to raise a donation in addition to the $100 entry fee for the tournament in relation to whether they are playing individually or as a team. All proceeds raised from the Champions 1800 Golf Tournament will benefit the City Rescue Mission.

“Golf is the sport of choice for many in Northeast Florida,” said Patrick Hayle, chief executive officer, City Rescue Mission. “It is a great opportunity to offer a tournament at TPC Stadium in order to raise awareness and funds to help the homeless. Our needs are greater than ever, and the tournament provides a fun way for people to help us help the growing homeless population in Jacksonville.”

The Champions 1800 tournament is a shotgun scramble. Teams will be assigned a different hole to start on and continue through the course from that starting point. As a scramble, teams choose the best drive for each hole and then hits their second shot from that spot. As soon as someone on the team hits the ball in the hole, they mark the score and move on to the next hole. The shotgun scramble is a fun way for a number of teams to all play at once.

To register for The Champions 1800 Tournament, please contact Sylvie LaBerge at (904) 421-5180 or slaberge@crmjax.org. For more information, visit http://www.crmjax.org/calendar.html.

About City Rescue Mission

City Rescue Mission is a non-profit, faith-based organization in downtown Jacksonville that has provided help to the homeless and needy in Jacksonville and Northeast Florida since 1946. In addition to providing emergency services for the homeless, they offer life-changing programs like the New Day Workforce and LifeBuilders to help homeless people get off the streets and back on their feet.
For more information about City Rescue Mission, please visit http://www.crmjax.org.

Change Your Look and Change a Life with City Rescue Mission
City Rescue Mission links with area barbers and salons to raise money

Get your hair cut at one of Jacksonville’s fine hair salons or barbers and change a life. From August 16 - September 30, City Rescue Mission, a non-profit organization providing services to Jacksonville’s homeless, will be working with hair organizations to raise money for their homeless programs.

Participating salons and barbershops will offer a chance for people to designate money to the organization after their hair cut. All donations will benefit the City Rescue Mission and their services.

“The Cuts for Change program is a great way to raise awareness in Jacksonville about the homeless,” said Bill Duguid, chief operating officer, City Rescue Mission. “In the past year, the number of homeless in Jacksonville has increased by 33 percent due to the current economy. Our need is greater than ever – and this is a great way for people to help us meet those needs.”
The Cuts for Change campaign hopes to bring awareness to the homeless in Jacksonville. In addition to the increase in population, the face of the homeless has drastically changed.

“We are now welcoming more families and professionals into our shelter than before,” said Duguid. “The economy has changed the homeless population – there are more people with college education and degrees than before.”

Salons and barbershops interested in participating in the Cuts for Change should contact La Tonya Lockhart at City Rescue Mission at 904-421-5157 or jbarnes@crmjax.org.

For a complete list of participating salons and barbershops, please visit http://www.crmjax.org/calendar.html.
City Rescue Mission is a non-profit, faith-based organization in downtown Jacksonville that has provided help to the homeless and needy in Jacksonville and Northeast Florida since 1946. In addition to providing emergency services for the homeless, they offer life-changing programs like the New Day Workforce and LifeBuilders to help homeless people get off the streets and back on their feet.
For more information about City Rescue Mission, please visit http://www.crmjax.org.

About City Rescue Mission

City Rescue Mission (CRM) is a non-profit, faith-based organization in downtown Jacksonville that has provided help to the homeless and needy in Jacksonville and Northeast Florida since 1946. In addition to providing emergency services for the homeless, they offer life-changing programs like the New Day Workforce and LifeBuilders, which help people get off the streets and back on their feet. CRM serves around 280,000 meals a year and provided over 100,000 nights of shelter in 2008. For more information, visit http://www.crmjax.org.

Mike Davidson Ford Holds 2nd Annual Food Drive for City Rescue Mission
Car dealer hopes to fill eight F-150s with food to feed needy in Jacksonville

In 53 days, from October 1, 2009 – November 22, 2009, Mike Davidson Ford hopes to collect enough food to fill the beds of eight Ford F-150 trucks. The food drive, in its second year, benefits City Rescue Mission, a local organization offering comprehensive programs and emergency services for the homeless.

“We are honored to work with Mike Davidson Ford,” said Bill Duguid, chief operating officer, City Rescue Mission. “Now more than ever, we are in dire need of food to help the needy in Jacksonville. There are more homeless people in our community than ever before, and the face of the homeless has also changed. Even if people are able to donate one or two cans, it will help us greatly in meeting the growing need for food.”

Donations will be collected at Mike Davidson Ford. In addition, people may drop donations at Jacksonville University and Sandalwood High School.
“The City Rescue Mission is a wonderful local organization making a difference in Jacksonville,” said Thom Workman, general sales manager, Mike Davidson Ford. “We are proud to help them in their efforts.”

City Rescue Mission is a non-profit, faith-based organization in downtown Jacksonville that has provided help to the homeless and needy in Jacksonville and Northeast Florida since 1946. In addition to providing emergency services for the homeless, they offer life-changing programs like the New Day Workforce and LifeBuilders to help homeless people get off the streets and back on their feet.

For more information about City Rescue Mission, please visit http://www.crmjax.org.
For more information about Mike Davidson Ford, please visit http://www.mikedavidson.com.

About City Rescue Mission

City Rescue Mission (CRM) is a non-profit, faith-based organization in downtown Jacksonville that has provided help to the homeless and needy in Jacksonville and Northeast Florida since 1946. In addition to providing emergency services for the homeless, they offer life-changing programs like the New Day Workforce and LifeBuilders, which help people get off the streets and back on their feet. CRM serves around 280,000 meals a year and provided over 100,000 nights of shelter in 2008. For more information, visit http://www.crmjax.org.

City Rescue Mission’s LifeBuilders Program Graduates 19 Students
Program helps homeless find homes, careers in 15-month program

Nineteen people walked into City Rescue Mission about fifteen months ago without a home, clothing or hope. On Friday, September 25, these 19 people graduated from City Rescue Mission’s LifeBuilders program with all of the above, as well as full-time jobs and a place to call home.

“The LifeBuilders program helps people find hope in life again,” said Bill Duguid, chief operating officer, City Rescue Mission. “For many, entering this program is a last resort as many have lost everything and don’t even have an extra shirt to wear. We give them clothing, shelter, food and provide a year-long educational process to help them set goals, find a career and pursue their dream of living on their own again.”

The LifeBuilders program is a fifteen-month program, on average, for people to regain confidence in their lives. The students begin in courses to learn about life and God. Over time, they pursue jobs at City Rescue Mission in positions like food services, receptionist and administrative assistant.

Program directors at City Rescue Mission help students determine their future career and they enroll in a program of their choice. Prior to graduation, students are required to work in a steady job and live on their own after transitioning from housing with City Rescue Mission.

“People from across the country come to participate in our LifeBuilders program,” said Gerald Cruse, program director. “We have an 85 percent success rate, which is much higher than the average of 27 percent for long-term programs nationwide.”

Among the graduates this year was Rhonda Harrison. Harrison came to City Rescue Mission after losing her son, husband and home because of her severe addiction to drugs. She was addicted to drugs for thirty years and finally sought help at City Rescue Mission after living on the streets for nine months. At City Rescue Mission, she learned how to overcome this addiction and focus on living her life through God. Now, she is working as a caregiver for an elderly man in Jacksonville.

“It is such an awesome feeling to be a graduate,” said Harrison. “I feel good because of all the things that I learned from City Rescue Mission. I look forward to giving back to the mission and staying connection with my fellow graduates through the alumni association.”

Currently, there are a total of 165 students enrolled in the LifeBuilders program at City Rescue Mission. For more information about LifeBuilders,
please visit http://www.crmjax.org/LifeBuilders.html.

City Rescue Mission is a non-profit, faith-based organization in downtown Jacksonville that has provided help to the homeless and needy in Jacksonville and Northeast Florida since 1946. In addition to providing emergency services for the homeless, they offer life-changing programs like the New Day Workforce and LifeBuilders to help homeless people get off the streets and back on their feet.
For more information about City Rescue Mission, please visit http://www.crmjax.org.

About City Rescue Mission

City Rescue Mission (CRM) is a non-profit, faith-based organization in downtown Jacksonville that has provided help to the homeless and needy in Jacksonville and Northeast Florida since 1946. In addition to providing emergency services for the homeless, they offer life-changing programs like the New Day Workforce and LifeBuilders, which help people get off the streets and back on their feet. CRM serves around 280,000 meals a year and provided over 100,000 nights of shelter in 2008. For more information, visit http://www.crmjax.org.

Bed Races Help Jacksonville’s Needy and Homeless
City Rescue Mission Hopes to Raise $25,000 to Help Jacksonville’s Homeless

JACKSONVILLE, FLA., October 22, 2009 – A bed on wheels and a creative idea will bring teams to the start line at City Rescue Mission’s sixth annual Bed Race & Family Festival on November 14, 2009 at Julia Landon College Preparatory in San Marco.

The Bed Race & Family Fun Festival will be held from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. In addition to the highly competitive bed race series, participants and the general public can enjoy a family festival with carnival-themed food and games.

“The Bed Race is one of our most popular fundraisers,” said Bill Duguid, chief operating officer, City Rescue Mission. “It’s neat to see the creativity from each team. We appreciate the time that everyone dedicates in order to make this event a success. Last year, we were able to provide 12,500 meals to the homeless with the amount we raised through the event.”

This year, City Rescue Mission hopes to increase the amount raised at the Bed Races to $25,000. Last year, $20,000 was raised at last year’s event.
“The eleven percent unemployment rate has affected a lot of families right here in Jacksonville,” said Duguid. “We are seeing more requests for support from families, professionals and elderly persons in need. We do not turn anyone away who needs our assistance. With the growing need of the homeless and needy in Jacksonville, we need your support to help us maintain our services.”

City Rescue Mission is a faith-based organization that does not receive any support from local, state or federal government organizations. The mission relies solely on donations to provide its breadth of services to the homeless in needy in Jacksonville. In addition to emergency shelter services, City Rescue Mission offers a long-term comprehensive program to help the homeless get off the streets and back on their feet. The LifeBuilders program just celebrated a graduating class of 19 people, who are now living on their own and working in full-time positions.

“The LifeBuilders program is just one example of how the funds raised at the Bed Races are used,” said Duguid. “In addition, it supports our New Day Workforce, emergency shelter services and medical services for shelter visitors.”

New this year, City Rescue Mission will be accepting donations for the Bed Race on their Web site http://www.crmjax.org. To donate, click on the “Donation” button on the homepage and designate the Bed Race for your donation.

City Rescue Mission is a non-profit, faith-based organization in downtown Jacksonville that has provided help to the homeless and needy in Jacksonville and Northeast Florida since 1946. In addition to providing emergency services for the homeless, they offer life-changing programs like the New Day Workforce and LifeBuilders to help homeless people get off the streets and back on their feet.
For more information about City Rescue Mission, please visit http://www.crmjax.org.

About City Rescue Mission

City Rescue Mission (CRM) is a non-profit, faith-based organization in downtown Jacksonville that has provided help to the homeless and needy in Jacksonville and Northeast Florida since 1946. In addition to providing emergency services for the homeless, they offer life-changing programs like the New Day Workforce and LifeBuilders, which help people get off the streets and back on their feet. CRM serves around 280,000 meals a year and provided over 100,000 nights of shelter in 2008. For more information, visit http://www.crmjax.org.

Native Sun Natural Foods Market Chooses City Rescue Mission as
Their GreenApples Charity of the Month for November 2009
Local organic supermarket will host food drive for City Rescue Mission

JACKSONVILLE, FLA., October 27, 2009 – Native Sun Natural Foods Market has chosen City Rescue Mission as their GreenApples Charity of the Month for November 2009. Throughout the month, Native Sun will collect non-perishable food items for the organization, which provides support, shelter and food for the homeless and needy in Jacksonville.

“We are honored that Native Sun has chosen us as their designated charity for November,” said Bill Duguid, chief operating officer, City Rescue Mission. “With the increasing need in the Jacksonville community, this will only help us spread awareness about the changing face of the homeless in Jacksonville. We are so appreciative of Native Sun’s support.”

Through November 14, customers will receive one free raffle ticket for every item donated. Raffle winners will be pulled during Native Sun’s Fall Food Festival on Saturday, November 14. Donations will be accepted at both Native Sun locations and raffle winners will be pulled from each store. You do not have to be present to win.

Cash donation boxes will also be available at each register throughout the entire month and people paying with credit or debit can add a donation to their shopping bill.

“We understand, now more than ever, how important the work of the City Rescue Mission is to our community and hope the items collected during
our Food Drive will bring comfort to those less fortunate this holiday season,” said Sarah Butsch, Native Sun’s GreenApples Charity Coordinator.
Native Sun has been a long time supporter of City Rescue Mission donating food items from their stores year round. To date, the locally owned and operated grocer has donated over $14,400 in goods.

The canned food items collected throughout the month of November will help City Rescue Mission feed Jacksonville’s homeless and needy, which has increased by 33 percent in the last year alone. In addition to the increase, the face of the homeless has also changed.

“We are seeing more families, elderly and out of work professionals in need of our services because of the difficult economy,” said Duguid. “Many of these people never imagined they would be put in this position. They once held jobs, owned homes and many even have college degrees.”

City Rescue Mission is a non-profit, faith-based organization in downtown Jacksonville that has provided help to the homeless and needy in
Jacksonville and Northeast Florida since 1946. In addition to providing emergency services for the homeless, they offer life-changing programs
like the New Day Workforce and LifeBuilders to help homeless people get off the streets and back on their feet.
For more information about City Rescue Mission, visit http://www.crmjax.org.

About Native Sun Natural Foods Market

Native Sun is the industry leader in all-natural and organic products, named 2008 Natural Retailer of the Year. The Jacksonville-owned and operated grocer offers fresh organic produce, free range poultry, organic grass-fed beef, wild catch seafood, packaged and frozen foods, health and beauty products, supplements, earth-friendly household products, baby items, pet supplies and more. Native Sun also serves healthy lunch and dinner
options made fresh daily in-store along with organic juices and smoothies. Stores are located at 10000 San Jose Boulevard in Mandarin and 11030 Baymeadows Road on the Southside. http://www.nativesunjax.com

About City Rescue Mission

City Rescue Mission (CRM) is a non-profit, faith-based organization in downtown Jacksonville that has provided help to the homeless and needy in Jacksonville and Northeast Florida since 1946. In addition to providing emergency services for the homeless, they offer life-changing programs
like the New Day Workforce and LifeBuilders, which help people get off the streets and back on their feet. CRM serves around 280,000 meals a year and provided over 100,000 nights of shelter in 2008. For more information, visit http://www.crmjax.org.

City Rescue Mission Promotes Penny Kievet to Development Director

City Rescue Mission has promoted Penny Kievet, who previously served as development officer, to development director. Kievet has been employed with the nonprofit for over a year.

“Penny is a wonderful employee and an asset to our organization,” said Patrick Hayle, executive director, City Rescue Mission. “She is an inspirational, hard-working woman. Her tenacity is reflected in her work; because of her efforts, Penny has built and maintained numerous superlative relationships with our major donors.”

Kievet came to the City Rescue Mission as a development officer in June 2009. 

Prior to joining CRM, she spent 17 years with the American Management Association New York as a trainer, outside sales manager and sales executive. Kievet has also served as a teacher, principal and college professor in the Kansas City, Mo. area.
In her new role with City Rescue Mission, Kievet will oversee the Development Department and serve on the leadership team. Kievet holds a master’s degree in organizational communication.

City Rescue Mission is a non-profit, faith-based organization in Jacksonville that has provided help to the homeless and needy in Jacksonville and Northeast Florida since 1946. In addition to providing emergency services for the homeless, they offer life-changing programs like the New Day Workforce and LifeBuilders to help homeless people get off the streets and back on their feet.

For more information about City Rescue Mission, please visit http://www.crmjax.org.

About City Rescue Mission

City Rescue Mission (CRM) is a non-profit, faith-based organization in downtown Jacksonville that has provided help to the homeless and needy in Jacksonville and Northeast Florida since 1946. In addition to providing emergency services for the homeless, they offer life-changing programs
like the New Day Workforce and LifeBuilders, which help people get off the streets and back on their feet. CRM serves around 280,000 meals a year and provided over 100,000 nights of shelter in 2008. For more information, visit http://www.crmjax.org.

CIT EMPLOYEES DONATE NEARLY 15 TONS OF FOOD TO CITY RESCUE MISSION

Record-Breaking Tally Will Provide More Than 20,000 Meals to Area Homeless

City Rescue Mission (CRM), a non-profit organization that provides food and shelter to the homeless and needy in Northeast Florida, today announced that employees of CIT Group Inc. (NYSE: CIT), a leading provider of financing to small businesses and middle market companies, collected nearly 15 tons (30,000 pounds) of food during their annual food drive, which took place from June 14 to June 17. This amount set a new record, surpassing the group’s 2009 total by approximately 3,000 pounds, and will provide more than 20,000 meals to Jacksonville-area homeless.

“Once again, we are honored to receive such an incredible donation from CIT’s Jacksonville employees,” said Patrick Hayle, executive director, City Rescue Mission. “They continue to go above and beyond each year to support their local community with their kind contributions. We are extremely overjoyed to receive such great support from such an extraordinary group of people.”

Patricia Philbin, Co-Chair, Jacksonville Community Involvement Team, CIT, said, “I am extremely pleased with the overwhelming success of this year’s food drive and the generosity and kindness of CIT’s employees who donated 15 tons of food and shelter needs. I am also very proud of our neighbors, Ceva Logistics and Mark One Financial, who readily accepted the challenge and donated more than 1,300 pounds to the Betty Griffin House and City Rescue Mission.  Together we continue to show that by uniting as one, we can all make a profound difference in the lives of others in the Jacksonville area.”    

In addition to hosting its annual food drive to benefit City Rescue Mission since 2006, CIT employees prepare and serve meals for the homeless with City Rescue Mission during the Company’s Global Employee Volunteer Month that takes place each May. CIT employees also frequently participate in unique projects at City Rescue Mission, most recently repainting the Organization’s cafeteria.

EDITOR’S NOTE
Photos of the food drive can be accessed and downloaded at http://www.crmjax.org/Upload.html

About City Rescue Mission
City Rescue Mission (CRM) is a non-profit, faith-based organization in downtown Jacksonville that has provided help to the homeless and needy in Jacksonville and Northeast Florida since 1946. In addition to providing emergency services for the homeless, they offer life-changing programs like the New Day Workforce and LifeBuilders, which help people get off the streets and back on their feet. CRM serves around 280,000 meals a year and provided over 100,000 nights of shelter in 2008. For more information, visit http://www.crmjax.org

About CIT
Founded in 1908 and headquartered in New York City, CIT (NYSE: CIT) is a bank holding company with approximately $45 billion in finance and leasing assets that provides financial products and advisory services to small and middle market businesses. Operating in more than 50 countries across 30 industries, CIT provides an unparalleled combination of relationship, intellectual, and financial capital to its customers worldwide. CIT maintains leadership positions in small business and middle market lending, factoring, retail finance, aerospace, equipment and rail leasing, and vendor finance. www.cit.com

CITY RESCUE MISSION
Lora Johnson
(904) 737-0012
lora@montelloagency.com

http://www.cit.com/media-room/index.htm CIT:
C. Curtis Ritter
Vice President
Director of External Communications & Media Relations
(212) 461-7711
Curt.Ritter@cit.com

City Rescue Mission Seeks Community Support for Golf Tournament
Hole, supporting sponsors needed to benefit fundraiser for area homeless

City Rescue Mission is hosting their second annual Champions Challenge golf tournament on Monday, August 30, 2010 and is seeking community support and sponsorships for the event.

“The golf tournament was a huge success last year,” said Bill Duguid, chief operating officer, City Rescue Mission. “We are looking forward to another great tournament. We are so grateful for the community support that we receive as it helps the homeless and needy in our community.”

Currently, City Rescue Mission is seeking supporting sponsors, which includes two dinner seats and recognition at the tournament, dinner and in marketing materials for the event. Hole sponsorships are also available, which includes recognition at one hole along the course and recognition at the tournament, dinner and in the program guide. Additionally, City Rescue Mission is seeking volunteers to help plan and execute the event.

“Our staff is very appreciative of the assistance our volunteers provide,” said Duguid. “Because of their dedication and effort, we are able to host a fun event and raise money to help the homeless.”

The Champions Challenge Golf Tournament will be held at the TPC Stadium Course in Ponte Vedra, Fla. with dinner being served in the Sunset room at the clubhouse. Dinner is open to tournament participants with a limited number of tickets available for spectators. For more information about sponsorships at the Champions Challenge Golf Tournament or to register for dinner, please contact Kathi Crothers at 904-421-5157 or email kcrothers@crmjax.org.

City Rescue Mission is a non-profit, faith-based organization in Jacksonville that has provided help to the homeless and needy in Jacksonville and Northeast Florida since 1946. In addition to providing emergency services for the homeless, they offer life-changing programs like the New Day Workforce and LifeBuilders to help homeless people get off the streets and back on their feet.

For more information about City Rescue Mission, please visit http://www.crmjax.org.

About City Rescue Mission

City Rescue Mission (CRM) is a non-profit, faith-based organization in downtown Jacksonville that has provided help to the homeless and needy in Jacksonville and Northeast Florida since 1946. In addition to providing emergency services for the homeless, they offer life-changing programs like the New Day Workforce and LifeBuilders, which help people get off the streets and back on their feet. CRM serves around 280,000 meals a year and provided over 100,000 nights of shelter in 2008. For more information, visit http://www.crmjax.org

City Rescue Mission Hits the Links for Jacksonville’s Homeless
Second Annual Champions Challenge Golf Tournament Raises $30,000

City Rescue Mission is a non-profit, faith-based organization in Jacksonville that has provided help to the homeless and needy in Jacksonville and Northeast Florida since 1946. In addition to providing emergency services for the homeless, they offer life-changing programs like the New Day Workforce and LifeBuilders to help homeless people get off the streets and back on their feet.

For more information about City Rescue Mission, please visit http://www.crmjax.org.

About City Rescue Mission

City Rescue Mission (CRM) is a non-profit, faith-based organization in downtown Jacksonville that has provided help to the homeless and needy in Jacksonville and Northeast Florida since 1946. In addition to providing emergency services for the homeless, they offer life-changing programs like the New Day Workforce and LifeBuilders, which help people get off the streets and back on their feet. CRM serves around 280,000 meals a year and provided over 100,000 nights of shelter in 2008. For more information, visit http://www.crmjax.org

City Rescue Mission Receives Egg-Cellent Support from Dixie Egg Company

City Rescue Mission is excited to announce a partnership with Dixie Egg Company, an egg production, warehouse and distribution network headquartered in Jacksonville. Over the next year, Dixie Egg Company will donate more than 120,000 eggs, valued at $10,000, to City Rescue Mission. These eggs will be used to feed Jacksonville’s homeless at City Rescue Mission’s State Street and McDuff locations.

“We are thrilled to supply City Rescue Mission with our product, which will provide essential nutrition to our area’s homeless and help in the process of getting them back on their feet,” said Jacques Klempf, Chairman and CEO of Dixie Egg Company. “We also want to encourage other local food service businesses, if they are not already doing so, to donate product to City Rescue Mission.”

With the colder months approaching, City Rescue Mission will have more homeless in need of a hot meal. Companies like Dixie Egg Company can greatly enhance the reach of City Rescue Mission by offering in-kind donations. The eggs received from Dixie Egg Company are top-quality product that are part of overstock or returned goods that cannot be processed for resale. Companies with similar products can donate their goods to City Rescue Mission for a tax deduction.

“The demand for our services has increased as homelessness has risen nearly 30 percent over the past year,” said Penny Kievet, Director of Resource Development for City Rescue Mission.

“Companies like Dixie Egg play a vital role in City Rescue Mission’s ability to feed and rehabilitate Jacksonville’s homeless and we are grateful to all of
the members of the community who donate their money, time, good and services to help further our mission.”

About City Rescue Mission

City Rescue Mission is a non-profit, faith-based organization in Jacksonville that has provided help to the homeless and needy in Jacksonville and Northeast Florida since 1946. In addition to providing emergency services for the homeless, they offer life-changing programs like the New Day Workforce and LifeBuilders to help homeless people get off the streets and back on their feet. As the need for assistance continues to grow, the number of donations continues to decrease for City Rescue Mission, which does not receive any local, state or federal funding.

For more information on City Rescue Mission, visit www.crmjax.org. For more information on Dixie Egg Company, visit www.dixieegg.com.

City Rescue Mission to Host “Turkey and a Tour” Turkey Drive

In preparation for feeding the homeless and needy this holiday season, City Rescue Mission is seeking donations to help feed more than 1,000 people on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. From 9 a.m. to noon on Nov. 6, City Rescue Mission will host the “Turkey and a Tour” turkey drive at the New Life Inn on State Street in Downtown Jacksonville. Community members are asked to drop off a turkey to assist in serving thousands of hungry men, women and children who come to the Mission for help.

“Turkey is the centerpiece of holiday meals, and we want to be sure that there is plenty for everyone who is in need of a Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner,” said Penny Kievet, Director of Resource Development for City Rescue Mission. “The Turkey and a Tour event is a great way for the community to give back by helping those in need, as well as to serve as a reminder of all the things they have to be thankful for in their own lives.”

City Rescue Mission hopes to receive at least 300 turkeys on Nov. 6 to help carry them though the holiday season. Donated turkeys must be frozen and other food donations will also be accepted. City Rescue Mission staff will be on hand to process the donations, making it quick and easy for community members to drop off their goods. Tours of the New Life Inn will also be given for anyone interested in seeing the facilities.

“On any given night, there are approximately 4,000 homeless living on our city streets,” said Kievet. “Now more than ever, it is so important that we are able to serve all of the families in need in our community during the holiday season.”

City Rescue Mission will have meals available on Thanksgiving Day at the New Life Inn on State Street for anyone in need. The traditional Thanksgiving dinner will be served from noon to 2 p.m. For more information regarding donations or mission services, please contact Kathi Crothers, Volunteer Coordinator at (904) 421-5157.

About City Rescue Mission

City Rescue Mission is a non-profit, faith-based organization in Jacksonville that has provided help to the homeless and needy in Jacksonville and Northeast Florida since 1946. In addition to providing emergency services for the homeless, they offer life-changing programs like the New Day Workforce and LifeBuilders to help homeless people get off the streets and back on their feet. As the need for assistance continues to grow, the number of donations continues to decrease for City Rescue Mission, which does not receive any local, state or federal funding.

For more information on City Rescue Mission, visit www.crmjax.org. For more information on Dixie Egg Company, visit www.dixieegg.com.

Ansley Foods Partners with City Rescue Mission
In-Kind and Monetary Donations Will Be Made Over the Next Year

Local food company Ansley Foods has teamed up with City Rescue Mission to provide food for Jacksonville’s homeless, as well as a way to raise money for the Mission through AnsleyFoods.com. The pledge, totaling approximately $25,000 over the next year, will help feed more than 600 people each month at City Rescue Mission.

“This partnership will not only provide 7,440 meals over the next year, but also introduces a way for Ansley Foods to help City Rescue Mission generate funds on an ongoing basis,” said Penny Kievet, Director of Resource Development for City Rescue Mission. “Supporters of City Rescue Mission can go online to Ansley Food’s website and purchase their delicious hardwood smoke ribs. With every purchase, 10 percent of the purchase price will be donated to the Mission.”

Once a month, City Rescue Mission will receive a donation from A.J.'s on Park Street Restaurant, an Ansley Foods company in the Riverside area, consisting of smoked barbeque pulled pork, Cuban-style pork, Cuban-style chicken and hardwood smoked ribs to be served at the Mission. Ansley Foods, Inc is a minority-owned manufacturer of pre-cooked, pre-packaged, heat-and-serve advanced foods. Their mission is to be the premiere provider of heat-and-serve advance products that are superior in taste and quality. The Ansley Foods product line consists of everything from hardwood smoked ribs to lobster macaroni and cheese and their products are served throughout the world.

“Jacksonville is our home and we are proud to help feed our less fortunate neighbors by donating to City Rescue Mission,” said Mark Ansley, Owner of Ansley Foods. “We encourage the community to also give back to City Rescue Misison by using the CRM100 promotional code when buying products from AnsleyRibs.com.”

For more information regarding donations or mission services, contact Penny Kievet, Director of Resource Development at (904) 421-5156. For more information on Ansley Foods, contact Adrian Gentry at H Adrian@AnsleyFoods.com.

About City Rescue Mission

City Rescue Mission is a non-profit, faith-based organization in Jacksonville that has provided help to the homeless and needy in Jacksonville and Northeast Florida since 1946. In addition to providing emergency services for the homeless, they offer life-changing programs like the New Day Workforce and LifeBuilders to help homeless people get off the streets and back on their feet. As the need for assistance continues to grow, the number of donations continues to decrease for City Rescue Mission, which does not receive any local, state or federal funding.

For more information on City Rescue Mission, visit www.crmjax.org. For more information on Dixie Egg Company, visit www.dixieegg.com.

Native Sun Natural Foods Market Chooses City Rescue Mission for the November 2010 GreenApples Charity of the Month

Native Sun Natural Foods Market has chosen City Rescue Mission (CRM) as their GreenApples Charity of the Month for November 2010. Throughout the month, Native Sun will collect non-perishable food items for the organization, which provides clothing, shelter and food for the homeless and needy in Jacksonville.

“We are thrilled and appreciative to have Native Sun’s support again this year,” said Penny Kievet, director of resource development, City Rescue Mission. “Their event is such a wonderful testament of community support for the homeless and needy in Northeast Florida. We look forward to reaping the results of their efforts.”

Through November 20, customers will receive one free raffle ticket for every item donated. Raffle winners will be pulled during Native Sun’s Fall Food Festival on Saturday, November 20. Donations will be accepted at both Native Sun locations and raffle winners will be pulled from each store. Cash donation boxes will also be available at each register throughout the entire month.

“We understand, now more than ever, how important the work of the City Rescue Mission is to our community and hope the items collected during our Food Drive will bring comfort to those less fortunate this holiday season,” said Sarah Butsch, Native Sun’s GreenApples Charity Coordinator.

Native Sun has been a long time supporter of City Rescue Mission donating food items from their stores year round. To date, the locally owned and operated grocer has donated over $15,000 in goods. The canned food items collected throughout the month of November will help City Rescue Mission feed Jacksonville’s homeless and needy, which has increased by over 30 percent in the last year.

“We are preparing for our busiest season ever,” said Kievet. “With the support of Native Sun, we will have the opportunity to reach out in love to more hungry and homeless people needing a way out of their misery.”

Since 1946, City Rescue Mission has provided help to the homeless and needy in Jacksonville and Northeast Florida. In addition to providing emergency services for the homeless, they offer life-changing programs like the New Day Workforce and LifeBuilders to help homeless people get off the streets and back on their feet. For more information about City Rescue Mission, visit www.crmjax.org.

Native Sun is the industry leader in all-natural and organic products, named 2008 Natural Retailer of the Year and 2010 Socially Responsible Retailer of the Year. The locally-owned and operated grocer offers fresh organic produce, free range poultry, organic grass-fed beef, wild catch seafood, packaged and frozen foods, health and beauty products, supplements, earth-friendly household products, baby items, pet supplies and more. Native Sun also serves healthy lunch and dinner options made fresh daily in-store along with organic juices and smoothies. Stores are located at 10000 San Jose Boulevard in Mandarin and 11030 Baymeadows Road on the Southside. www.nativesunjax.com

About City Rescue Mission

City Rescue Mission is a non-profit, faith-based organization in Jacksonville that has provided help to the homeless and needy in Jacksonville and Northeast Florida since 1946. In addition to providing emergency services for the homeless, they offer life-changing programs like the New Day Workforce and LifeBuilders to help homeless people get off the streets and back on their feet. As the need for assistance continues to grow, the number of donations continues to decrease for City Rescue Mission, which does not receive any local, state or federal funding.

City Rescue Mission Predicts Record Numbers on Thanksgiving

With Jacksonville unemployment hovering around 10 percent, City Rescue Mission is anticipating a record turnout for their annual free Thanksgiving dinner. The New Life Inn on State Street in Downtown Jacksonville is prepared to feed upwards of 500 men, women and children from noon to 2 p.m. on Thursday.

“On any given night, there are approximately 4,000 homeless living on our city streets, but there are also a great deal of families that are struggling in our area due to loss of jobs and the economy,” said Penny Kievet, Director of Resource Development for City Rescue Mission. “Now more than ever, it is so important that we are able to serve all of the families in need in our community during the holiday season.”

Homelessness has increased more 30 percent in Jacksonville over the past year, while charitable giving has dropped significantly. City Rescue Mission operates solely on donations from the community including individual contributions and corporate sponsorships with area businesses.

“We are grateful to our donors for everything they do for City Rescue Mission throughout the year. As we head into the holiday season, we ask everyone to remember all the things they have to be thankful for in their lives and to give back to their neighbors if they can,” said Kievet.

City Rescue Mission will have meals available on Thanksgiving Day at the New Life Inn on State Street for anyone in need. The traditional Thanksgiving dinner will be served from noon to 2 p.m. and bagged lunches will be handed out 4-5 p.m. For more information, contact Penny Kievet at
(904) 421-5156 or via email at pkievet@crmjax.org.

About City Rescue Mission

City Rescue Mission is a non-profit, faith-based organization in Jacksonville that has provided help to the homeless and needy in Jacksonville and Northeast Florida since 1946. In addition to providing emergency services for the homeless, they offer life-changing programs like the New Day Workforce and LifeBuilders to help homeless people get off the streets and back on their feet. As the need for assistance continues to grow, the number of donations continues to decrease for City Rescue Mission, which does not receive any local, state or federal funding.

Mike Davidson Ford Collects 3,000 Pounds of Food for City Rescue Mission
Third Annual Food Drive A Success Thanks to Support from Community

Over 30 days, Mike Davidson Ford collected more than 90 pounds a food each day to donate a total of 3,000 pounds of food to City Rescue Mission. This amount set a new record, surpassing last year’s food drive total by more 2,000 pounds.

“Once again, we are so thankful for Mike Davidson Ford’s commitment and donation, as well as everyone in the community who contributed to the food drive,” said Penny Kievet, Director of Resource Development for City Rescue Mission. “Now more than ever, it is so important that we are able to serve those in need in our community.”   The donated food will fill the food pantry at City Rescue Mission to feed the hungry, needy and homeless who come to City Rescue Mission’s New Life Inn emergency shelter in Downtown Jacksonville. The number of meals that City Rescue Mission serves continues to increase each month, with more than 24,000 meals served in a year.

“We thank Ameris Bank and Jacksonville University for their support of the Fill an F-150 Food Drive,” said Rob Henry, General Manager for Mike Davidson Ford. “We are extremely honored to work with a great organization like the City Rescue Mission.”
 
City Rescue Mission is a non-profit, faith-based organization in Jacksonville that has provided help to the homeless and needy in Jacksonville and Northeast Florida since 1946. In addition to providing emergency services for the homeless, they offer life-changing programs like the New Day Workforce and LifeBuilders to help homeless people get off the streets and back on their feet.
 
For more information about City Rescue Mission, please visit www.crmjax.org.
For more information about Mike Davidson Ford, please visit www.mikedavidson.com.

About City Rescue Mission

City Rescue Mission is a non-profit, faith-based organization in Jacksonville that has provided help to the homeless and needy in Jacksonville and Northeast Florida since 1946. In addition to providing emergency services for the homeless, they offer life-changing programs like the New Day Workforce and LifeBuilders to help homeless people get off the streets and back on their feet. As the need for assistance continues to grow, the number of donations continues to decrease for City Rescue Mission, which does not receive any local, state or federal funding.

Acosta Has a Heart for Jacksonville’s Homeless
Local company breathes new life into City Rescue Mission’s learning center

City Rescue Mission’s Learning Center received an electronic overhaul thanks to the kind hearts at Acosta Sales & Marketing. Twenty-eight new flat screen monitors, keyboards, Microsoft Office software and computers were installed in the onsite computer lab used by students enrolled in the Mission’s LifeBuilders and New Day Workforce programs. Acosta also donated professional installation of the equipment, new headphones for each computer, two new printers and upgraded cables and wiring in the room. The lab will be renamed the Acosta Learning Center at City Rescue Mission in honor of the donation.
 
“This is the first time we have ever had brand new computers in our Learning Center,” said Penny Kievet, Director of Resource Development at City Rescue Mission. “Much like the students in our programs, the center is receiving a fresh start with incredible potential to impact so many lives. We are extremely grateful to our friends at Acosta for their generosity and commitment to helping those less fortunate in our community.”
 
Acosta partnered with City Rescue Mission in conjunction with “Hearts for the Homeless,” a campaign to raise awareness for Jacksonville’s homeless and City Rescue Mission’s services. The campaign runs through February and encourages members of the community to show their heart for the homeless by donating a dollar for each day in February. City Rescue Mission is providing heart posters for civic groups and churches to distribute to their members during the month of February.
 
“Acosta and its associates enjoy giving back to the local communities we serve through various programs and fundraising events,” said Acosta’s Director of Data Center Services Michael Mahoney. “We are pleased to be able to provide The Learning Center at City Rescue Mission with this gift to advance its mission of providing students with the opportunity to earn their GED, complete certifications and job skills training, as well as providing life skills so that they can be viable and productive members of the community.”
 
Acosta brought together a number of its vendor partners to secure and install the new equipment and also coordinated the donation and the installation of the equipment. “Acosta is proud to have vendors like CDW, which provided the hardware, software and headphones, Miller Electric, which replaced and improved the cable infrastructure, and Verizon, which assisted with the installation,” Mahoney added. “When we asked our vendors to help with this effort, they quickly jumped in.”
 
City Rescue Mission does not receive city or state funding and relies solely on contributions and support from the community. “We simply couldn’t do what we do without companies like Acosta and individual donors who have a heart for helping Jacksonville’s homeless,” said Kievet.

About City Rescue Mission

City Rescue Mission is a non-profit, faith-based organization in Jacksonville that has provided help to the homeless and needy in Jacksonville and Northeast Florida since 1946. In addition to providing emergency services for the homeless, they offer life-changing programs like the New Day Workforce and LifeBuilders to help homeless people get off the streets and back on their feet. As the need for assistance continues to grow, the number of donations continues to decrease for City Rescue Mission, which does not receive any local, state or federal funding.

About Acosta Sales & Marketing

Acosta is the sales and marketing powerhouse behind thousands of the biggest brands you see every day, with a client roster that includes 66 percent of #1 and #2 brands sold in most grocery stores. With more than 80 years of experience, Acosta provides a range of outsourced sales, marketing and retail merchandising services to effectively move products off shelves and into shoppers’ baskets, ensuring clients are achieving their true sales potential. Acosta is based in Jacksonville, Fla., with 17,000 associates in 65 offices throughout the United States and Canada. For more information, visit www.acosta.com.

Have a Heart for Jacksonville’s Homeless This Valentine’s Day
City Rescue Mission campaign raises awareness, funds for local homeless

City Rescue Mission is launching the “Hearts for the Homeless” campaign this February to increase awareness of Jacksonville’s homeless population and raise funds for the Mission’s emergency services and homeless rehabilitation programs. The campaign encourages members of the community to show their heart for the homeless by donating a dollar for each day in February.

“When we share our hearts with the homeless we can inspire change and give hope to those who would otherwise be hopeless,” said Penny Kievet, Director of Resource Development at City Rescue Mission. “Without the love and compassion of our supporters, many of our less fortunate neighbors wouldn’t have a place to sleep, food to eat or hope for the future.”

City Rescue Mission is providing “Hearts for the Homeless” posters with money slots for businesses, civic groups and churches to distribute to their members during the month of February. Each heart has 28 slots that will hold a dollar or more. When the heart is filled, there will be enough money to provide a homeless individual with a night of shelter, a warm meal, basic necessities and the chance to turn their lives around through City Rescue Mission programs. Donations can also be made online at www.crmjax.org.

City Rescue Mission does not receive city or state funding and relies solely on contributions and support from the community. For more information regarding “Hearts for the Homeless” or to receive heart posters for your group, contact Penny Kievet, Director of Resource Development at (904) 421-5156.  

About City Rescue Mission

City Rescue Mission is a non-profit, faith-based organization in Jacksonville that has provided help to the homeless and needy in Jacksonville and Northeast Florida since 1946. In addition to providing emergency services for the homeless, they offer life-changing programs like the New Day Workforce and LifeBuilders to help homeless people get off the streets and back on their feet. As the need for assistance continues to grow, the number of donations continues to decrease for City Rescue Mission, which does not receive any local, state or federal funding.

National Survey Shows Many American Families are Living on the Edge
City Rescue Mission Confirms Trends Match Jacksonville’s Population of Needy

With 43.6 million Americans slipping into poverty, members of the Association of Gospel Rescue Missions (AGRM) are seeing an increasing number of people on the brink of homelessness, according to the 21st annual Snapshot Survey of the Homeless. The Snapshot Survey highlights a significant shift as compared to recent years: More intact families are in need of assistance for the first time. Jacksonville is no stranger to these trends; with an overall increase in homelessness of 30 percent and a 36 percent increase in intact families needing assistance over the past year, according to the Emergency Services & Homeless Coalition of Northeast Florida.
 
Nationally, while those with women and children are still by far the most frequently served needy family units (57 percent of families), the number of intact families seeking aid grew by eight percent during the last two years to 22 percent. Nine percent of families at rescue missions are men with children, a number that holds steady from last year’s survey. The survey, completed in October by 85 gospel rescue missions across North America including Jacksonville’s City Rescue Mission, studies only a point in time. However, because it is a reoccurring survey looking at the same point in time each year, it provides excellent comparative figures and trending data.
 
“Today, rescue missions are not just emergency shelters that provide longer-term services for individuals, but more of an everyday solution for families,” said AGRM President John Ashmen. “Many people —7 percent more than two years ago—come daily to our missions to eat meals and get hygiene products and clothing. And they often leave with a bag or box full of necessities for other family members.”
 
In October, City Rescue Mission provided 2,759 nights of shelter to men, women and children, an increase of 8 percent from October 2009. Throughout the winter, City Rescue Mission collects “Shoeboxes of Love” from the community to distribute to the men, women and children who come to the New Life Inn emergency shelter. These boxes contain basic necessities such as socks, deodorant, toothbrushes and toothpaste, tissues and lotion. An increased demand for these items has left the mission in short supply, along with other items the mission provides, such as clothing and bedding.
 
“The winter season always brings in more people in need of our emergency services, but steady growth over the past several months shows that is not a just a seasonal trend,” said Penny Kievet, Director of Resource Development for City Rescue Mission. “We anticipate that the greater number of people in need will remain steady, with the potential for more growth, well into the new year.”
 
In addition, 84 percent of respondents reported frequenting the mission daily. Some have not been able to successfully transition out of the organization’s programming and into a job. Current economic conditions mean fewer or no employment options for rescue mission program graduates. City Rescue Mission’s New Day Workforce program provides training in employment, personal development and skills certification courses. Following life skills training, students complete 40 hour work weeks at the Mission to replicate the work environment and begin seeking employment opportunities by filling out job applications, scheduling interviews and following up on job leads.
 
“We have an average of 35 students enrolled in our New Day Workforce program each month and maintain an optimal job placement rate on an ongoing basis,” said Kievet. “Unfortunately, there are still a significant number of people in Jacksonville who are homeless as a result of unemployment.”
 
Every year, faith-based ministries that are members of the AGRM serve approximately 42 million meals, provide more than 15 million nights of lodging, distribute more than 27 million pieces of clothing, bandage the wounds of hundreds of abuse victims, and graduate 18,000-plus men and women from addiction recovery programs and into productive living.
 
In 2010, City Rescue Mission provided more than 100,000 nights of safe shelter to Jacksonville men, women and children in need.

About City Rescue Mission

City Rescue Mission is a non-profit, faith-based organization in Jacksonville that has provided help to the homeless and needy in Jacksonville and Northeast Florida since 1946. In addition to providing emergency services for the homeless, they offer life-changing programs like the New Day Workforce and LifeBuilders to help homeless people get off the streets and back on their feet. As the need for assistance continues to grow, the number of donations continues to decrease for City Rescue Mission, which does not receive any local, state or federal funding.

Founded in 1913, the Colorado Springs-based AGRM is North America's oldest and largest network of independent crisis shelters and rehabilitation centers, offering radical hospitality in the name of Jesus. With approximately 275 member missions, AGRM exists to proclaim the passion of Jesus toward the hungry, homeless, abused and addicted; and to accelerate quality and effectiveness in member missions. For more information, see www.agrm.org, or call (800) 4RESCUE.

City Rescue Mission Bed Races Will Zoom Through Downtown
Annual event raises money and awareness for Jacksonville’s homeless

Beds will roll at City Rescue Mission’s 7th Annual Bed Race and Family Festival on Saturday, March 5 along Hogan Street near the Jacksonville Landing. This free event is open to the public, who are invited to help cheer on bed racing teams and enjoy activities, food and fun for the whole family from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
 
Beginning at 10 a.m., teams of six will race their handmade beds decorated in this year’s theme, “Fairy Tales Do Come True,” down Hogan Street toward The Landing. Awards will be given to teams in several categories including best decorated bed, most entertaining team, best fundraising team, best team costume, fastest bed and overall winner. The event also offers a children’s fair, music courtesy of Lite 96.1, concessions and tons of fun for the entire family. All proceeds benefit City Rescue Mission, funding their programs and services for Jacksonville’s homeless population.
 
“We chose the bed as the vehicle because it represents the needs of Jacksonville’s homeless for shelter and a safe place to get back on their feet,” said Penny Kievet, Director of Resource Development for City Rescue Mission. “The efforts that the teams put into their bed designs are always creative and fun, making the event truly unique for the community to enjoy.”
 
City Rescue Mission is a faith-based organization that does not receive any support from local, state or federal government organizations. The Mission relies solely on donations to provide its breadth of services to the homeless in needy in Jacksonville. In addition to emergency shelter services, City Rescue Mission offers a long-term comprehensive program to help the homeless get off the streets and back on their feet. The LifeBuilders Recovery Program will soon celebrate a graduating class of 20 people, who are now living on their own and working in full-time positions.

About City Rescue Mission

City Rescue Mission is a non-profit, faith-based organization in Jacksonville that has provided help to the homeless and needy in Jacksonville and Northeast Florida since 1946. In addition to providing emergency services for the homeless, they offer life-changing programs like the New Day Workforce and LifeBuilders to help homeless people get off the streets and back on their feet. As the need for assistance continues to grow, the number of donations continues to decrease for City Rescue Mission, which does not receive any local, state or federal funding.

Founded in 1913, the Colorado Springs-based AGRM is North America's oldest and largest network of independent crisis shelters and rehabilitation centers, offering radical hospitality in the name of Jesus. With approximately 275 member missions, AGRM exists to proclaim the passion of Jesus toward the hungry, homeless, abused and addicted; and to accelerate quality and effectiveness in member missions. For more information, see www.agrm.org, or call (800) 4RESCUE.

City Rescue Mission Welcomes New Executive Director
David Bugher brings 18 years of rescue mission experience to Jacksonville

The City Rescue Mission has named David Bugher as executive director, responsible for overseeing day-to-day operations and providing strategic leadership of the Mission’s key initiatives and goals for serving Jacksonville’s homeless and needy. His first day was April 21 and he spent the week meeting with the board of directors, internal staff, major donors and leaders of other homeless organizations in Jacksonville..

“I am excited to begin working with the staff and board of City Rescue Mission—and the community in general—to show those on the streets of Jacksonville that in Christ there is hope to get off the streets and back on their feet,” said Bugher.

Before coming to CRM, Bugher served as executive director for Light of Life Rescue Mission in Pittsburgh for more than eight years. Prior to that, he was employed as director of development at Water Street Rescue Mission in Lancaster, PA and Bethesda Mission in Harrisburg, PA for 10 years. He also served on the board of the Greater Pittsburgh Nonprofit Partnership, the largest regional association of nonprofits in the country, and as Vice President of the Association of Gospel Rescue Missions, MidEast Region. Before being called into ministry, Bugher spent 12 years working in finance. He received his Bachelors degree in Economics from the University of Pittsburgh and an MBA in Finance from Loyola College.

City Rescue Mission’s Board of Directors formed a search committee to conduct a comprehensive, nationwide search for the position. Major search criteria included Christian values, demonstrated strategic leadership and experience working with a rescue mission or homeless shelter. “David’s experience in gospel rescue missions, particularly in an urban setting, will be extremely beneficial for the Mission,” said Pat Coleman, Board Chairman. “His passion for serving others coupled with his leadership and entrepreneurial skills will surely invigorate the staff and the community.”

City Rescue Mission is a non-profit, faith-based organization in Jacksonville that has provided help to the homeless and needy in Jacksonville and Northeast Florida since 1946. In addition to providing emergency services for the homeless, they offer life-changing programs like the New Day Workforce and LifeBuilders to help homeless people get off the streets and back on their feet. As the need for assistance continues to grow, the number of donations continue to decrease for City Rescue Mission, which does not receive any local, state or federal funding. For more information on City Rescue Mission, visit www.crmjax.org.

City Rescue Mission Seeks Community Support for Golf Tournament
Teams and sponsors needed for fundraiser to benefit area homeless

City Rescue Mission (CRM) will host the third annual Champions Challenge Golf Tournament on Monday, August 29, 2011 at TPC Sawgrass in Ponte Vedra Beach. The tournament raises money to fund programs and initiatives that help the homeless and needy in Northeast Florida get off the streets and back on their feet. City Rescue Mission does not receive any local, state or federal funding and is currently seeking supporting sponsors and tournament teams.

“The Champions Challenge is a great way for the Jacksonville community to show their support for our area’s homeless and needy,” said Dan Hicken, First Coast News Sports Anchor and Honorary Tournament Chairman. “City Rescue Mission does a tremendous job putting on the event, and the chance to play the Stadium Course is a fantastic opportunity for any golfer. It’s truly an event not to be missed.”

The tournament is limited to 18 teams and features a four-person shotgun scramble starting at 1 p.m. The entry fee is $2,000 per team and team captains are responsible for coordinating their four players. After the tournament, a dinner and awards ceremony will be held in the Sunset Room in the Clubhouse. Trophies are awarded to the low gross and low net teams, and the Grand Trophy (an annual traveling trophy) will be presented to the true Champions of the tournament, the team that raises the most money for the men and women in recovery from addiction and homelessness at City Rescue Mission. Dinner is open to tournament participants with a limited number of tickets available for spectators at $100 per person. There will be a number of opportunities to win other prizes by entering the tournament raffle and three Hole-in-One contests sponsored by O’Steen Volvo, Underwood Jewelers and Mike Davidson Ford.

Sponsorship opportunities are also available at a variety of levels, many of which provide exposure before, during and after the event. Sponsorships costs range from $10,000 for the Title Sponsor to $250 for Hole Sponsors, and include a number of perks based on investment. The $5,000 Major Sponsorship Package includes registration for one foursome, tournament and dinner recognition through signage, website, program and a logo on any other printed collateral where possible.

“The golf tournament provides a wonderful opportunity to bring together key members of our donor community for a day of fellowship and recreation, while supporting the mission and vision of City Rescue Mission to change lives and build futures of those in need,” said David Bugher, Executive Director for City Rescue Mission. “We hope that this annual event will become a cornerstone of giving each year for individuals and businesses who have a heart for Jacksonville’s homeless.”

For more information about teams and sponsorships for the Champions Challenge Golf Tournament or to register for dinner, please contact Kathi Crothers at 904-421-5157 or email kcrothers@crmjax.org.

City Rescue Mission is a non-profit, faith-based organization in Jacksonville that has provided help to the homeless and needy in Jacksonville and Northeast Florida since 1946. In addition to providing emergency services for the homeless, they offer life-changing programs like the New Day Workforce and LifeBuilders to help the homeless get off the streets and back on their feet. The summer months can be a barren time as the number of donations decrease for City Rescue Mission, which does not receive any local, state or federal funding. For more information on City Rescue Mission, visit www.crmjax.org.

City Rescue Mission Expands to Accommodate More Women, Women with Children
New Women’s Emergency Services Shelter Scheduled to Open in August

City Rescue Mission (CRM) is expanding to accommodate the growing number of homeless women and women with children in the Jacksonville area. Renovations are currently underway to remodel an existing building on the McDuff campus into a new Women’s Emergency Services Shelter. The facility will provide housing for up to 50 women and four women with children — more than triple the current amount of space available. Currently, CRM can house 14 women in the overnight women’s shelter and there are limited accommodations for women with children.

“To escape from the darkness and dangers of the streets, women and women with children come to our emergency services shelter on a nightly basis,” said David Bugher, Executive Director for City Rescue Mission. “Over the past year, City Rescue Mission has provided nearly 9,000 nights of safe shelter for women and children and as the numbers continue to rise, we are simply running out of empty beds. It is essential that we adapt our space and services to meet their needs.”

City Rescue Mission’s emergency shelter services provide women and women with children with a safe place to sleep away from the violence and brutality they might experience on the streets. They are also fed a nutritious meal and provided with clothing and other basic necessities. While at the shelter, the women receive information about CRM’s LifeBuilders Recovery Program, which can help them to get off the streets permanently.

“Our emergency shelter serves as a gateway to our other programs, so the more women we can accommodate, the more we can help to seek long-term changes in their lives,” said Bugher. “For women with children, we hope to break the cycle of homelessness by helping mothers to provide a stable life for their children.”

The new building previously served as the Learning Center for CRM’s LifeBuilders and New Day Workforce programs, which has been relocated into the main building. Renovations are slated for completion in August of this year, and currently $200,000 has been raised for the project. Other renovations have also been taking place around City Rescue Mission recently. The LifeBuilders Women’s Dorm received new hardwood flooring and nine rooms out of 18 have been remodeled. The Men’s Dorm hallway received a fresh coat of paint and a few of the rooms have also been remodeled. The main lobby area was also painted and outfitted with new furniture.

“We are extremely grateful for the donors who help fund our renovations and other projects. Without them, we would not be able to provide our area’s homeless and needy with a safe place to turn their lives around,” said Bugher.

City Rescue Mission is a non-profit, faith-based organization in Jacksonville that has provided help to the homeless and needy in Jacksonville and Northeast Florida since 1946. In addition to providing emergency services for the homeless, they offer life-changing programs like the New Day Workforce and LifeBuilders to help the homeless get off the streets and back on their feet. The summer months can be a barren time as the number of donations decrease for City Rescue Mission, which does not receive any local, state or federal funding. For more information on City Rescue Mission, visit www.crmjax.org.

City Rescue Mission Hosts Champions Challenge Golf Tournament
TPC Tournament fundraiser benefits area homeless

City Rescue Mission (CRM) hosted its third annual Champions Challenge Golf Tournament on Monday, August 29, 2011 at TPC Sawgrass in Ponte Vedra Beach. The tournament raises money to fund programs and initiatives that help the homeless and needy in Northeast Florida get off the streets and back on their feet. City Rescue Mission does not receive any local, state or federal funding, yet is one of North Florida’s largest providers of emergency services and lifebuilding programs to the homeless.

“The Champions Challenge was a huge success and a great way for the Jacksonville community to show their support for our area’s homeless and needy,” said Dan Hicken, WTLV 12 First Coast News Sports Anchor and Honorary Tournament Chairman. “City Rescue Mission does a tremendous job of putting on this event, and the chance to play the Stadium Course is a fantastic opportunity for any golfer. I was honored to be a part of such a great cause.”

The tournament featured 19 teams with a four-person shotgun scramble that started at 1:15 p.m. Each team paid an entry fee of $2,000 and team captains were responsible for coordinating their four players. After the tournament, a dinner and awards ceremony was held in the Sunset Room in the Clubhouse. Trophies were awarded to the low gross and low net teams, and the Grand Trophy (an annual traveling trophy) was presented to the true Champions of the tournament, the team that raised the most money for the men and women in recovery from addiction and homelessness at City Rescue Mission. There were a number of opportunities to win other prizes by entering the tournament raffle and three Hole-in-One contests sponsored by O’Steen Volvo, Underwood Jewelers, Tom Bush BMW and Mike Davidson Ford.

Sponsorships are always one of the most important aspects of any event. Cecil W. Powell and Company and Lighthouse Christian Schools both stepped us as major sponsors of the tournament, as well as, many other supporting sponsors.

“The golf tournament provides a wonderful opportunity to bring together key members of our donor community for a day of fellowship and recreation, while supporting the mission and vision of City Rescue Mission to change lives and build futures of those in need,” said David Bugher, Executive Director for City Rescue Mission. “We hope that this annual event will become a cornerstone of giving each year for individuals and businesses who have a heart for Jacksonville’s homeless.”

Two of City Rescue Mission’s graduates were recognized at the dinner and shared their journey of recovery. “Our church is honored to fully support a mission that changes lives and does the important work that City Rescue Mission does.” said Rev. Bill Driscoll of Church of the Redeemer. “Travis [one of CRM’s graduates] is a result of City Rescue Mission’s Life Builders program and he is, in turn, a shining light at Redeemer.”

City Rescue Mission is a non-profit, faith-based organization in Jacksonville that has provided help to the homeless and needy in Jacksonville and Northeast Florida since 1946. In addition to providing emergency services for the homeless, they offer life-changing programs like the New Day Workforce and LifeBuilders to help the homeless get off the streets and back on their feet. The summer months can be a barren time as the number of donations decrease for City Rescue Mission, which does not receive any local, state or federal funding. For more information on City Rescue Mission, visit www.crmjax.org.