Mission Musings

If you're looking for me, I'm at an all-expenses paid trip to a conference in Newport Beach, California!

noreply@blogger.com (Mission Musings) — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 23:47:00 +0000

Please Come to our Little Souls Daycare Indoor Picnic Grand Opening Tomorrow Morning!

noreply@blogger.com (Mission Musings) — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 11:23:00 +0000

Come join us for an Indoor Picnic as we celebrate the
Grand Opening of “Little Souls Daycare.”

Friday, January 29, 2010
10:00 a.m.
1475 Athol Street*, Regina, SK

You are invited to the official opening of Little Souls Daycare; a new ministry of Souls Harbour RESCUE Mission. Little Souls Daycare will begin operating on Feb 1, 2010, with 60 subsidized placements available to the public. The morning’s agenda will include dignitaries, a cake cutting ceremony at 10:00 a.m., and a “piñata” and hotdog lunch at 11:00 a.m.

Souls Harbour RESCUE Mission thanks the following partners:

• Government of Saskatchewan
• Affinity Credit Union and personnel including: the Board of Directors, Rich Harries (Community Development Manager) and Kevin Haas (Scarth Street Branch Manager)
• Rona Home & Garden (daycare kitchen donation)
• Elision Technologies (project management)
• Rev Ken & Michelle Porter, Founding Directors, Souls Harbour RESCUE Mission

* Corner of Dewdney Avenue & Athol Street

For information call Joseph Miller 501-7270

Media Release: Little Souls Daycare Grand Opening & Indoor Picnic

noreply@blogger.com (Mission Musings) — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 03:32:00 +0000

MEDIA ADVISORY FOR Friday, January 29th, 2010 10:00 a.m.
CONTACT: Michelle Porter
PHONE: 543-0011

Souls Harbour RESCUE Mission, in partnership with the Government of Saskatchewan & AFFINITY CREDIT UNION presents the Grand Opening of Little Souls Daycare!

********
Join parents, children, & friends for an indoor picnic as we dedicate Little Souls Daycare!

********

WHAT: This is the official opening of the brand new, Little Souls Daycare: a 60 placement subsidized daycare. The morning’s agenda will include a variety of guest dignitaries, a cake cutting ceremony, a “pinata,” and a hotdog lunch to follow.

WHO: This event is open to all media, the families of Little Souls Daycare, all project relevant trades people, and the public in general.

WHEN: Friday, January 29th, 2010 – 10:00 am
(Media can arrive at 9:40 am for early interviews with families and 10 new daycare staff members.)

WHERE: 1475 Athol Street, Regina, Saskatchewan
(Corner of Dewdney Avenue & Athol Street)

WHY: Little Souls Daycare is the end product of a collective vision, through the partnering of government, foundations, organizations, and numerous individuals, to address the need for subsidized daycare here in the City of Regina.

PHOTO/INTERVIEW OPPORTUNITIES:

• 9:40 am – Little Souls Daycare is open, children will be playing and parents will be available for interview opportunities.
• Honourable Ken Krawetz, Minister of Education, speaking at 10:00 am
• Affinity Credit Union personal will be preparing and serving the early lunch.
• Rev Ken & Michelle Porter, Founding Directors and visionaries of Souls Harbour RESCUE Mission, can talk about the continuum of care that the Mission provides to Regina’s less fortunate.

Souls Harbour RESCUE Mission is celebrating it’s 20th year of operation, and is an amalgamation of Souls Harbour Soup Kitchen, and Regina RESCUE. We offer a full continuum of care through 7 different facilities, providing food, clothing and shelter, life changing programs, subsidized daycare and the Gospel Message to those in need.

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Snow Day!

noreply@blogger.com (Mission Musings) — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 15:26:00 +0000

RIGHT: A man and woman are snowblowing my street this morning! How generous is that?!

There is usually at least one blizzard a year that keeps half the staff from being able to go to work. Today is the day. The timing, of course, is never great. This Friday is our Grand Opening Celebration at our brand new Little Souls Daycare, and we are nowhere near ready. We need to hire workers, fill children's slots, & finish assembling the furniture & play structures. All those last minute details, added onto one snow day, means some late nights for us as staff later in the week!

Rebecca, our LifeChange Program Manager, declared it a SNOW DAY for the 30+ residents at the campus. While Jack and Paula enjoy a month in Florida, Becca is also campus manager, which means looking after details for the 2 buildings which house our program, administrative teams, & Good News Chapel. Oh, and while Erin is enjoying beautiful BC, Becca is also the Women & Family Home resident manager. Yup. That's right. Three hats and a blizzard.

Aaron, our Emergency Services Manager, is making sure all 300 meals get served today. We normally cook all our food, banquet style, at the Soup Kitchen, and transport it to several facilities. Today the van has been decommissioned, so each location is responsible for their own cooking. It is Aaron's job to coordinate that.

Several staff are snowed in, including Mandy, our Little Souls Daycare Director. Today, she is working from home, recruiting & interviewing potential staff, informing folks of our 30 available licensed daycare slots, & preparing a to do list for us so we can all make the rest of the week smoother and ready for our grand opening on Friday, and our first day of kids next Monday!

This morning Mandy spoke on The Dog's Breakfast to promote our January Toy Drive. Brad Grass said that now they know she lives two blocks away they might call her in on a moment's notice for any storm stayed guests who can't make it this week!

We're thankful for some staff who live within walking distance who have saved the day: Rebecca, Rae, & Ruby, for instance! Others are not so lucky. While representing us at a missions conference at Millar College of the Bible, Intern Stephanie and LifeChange Program Intern, Theresa, have been storm stayed! Donovan, in charge of all construction on the St. Andrews project for our daycare and youth centre, got a flat tire this morning, and Derrick, who is the only office staff not storm stayed, has to go to emergency for a bout of gout! When it rains, it pours. When it snows, it blizzards!

Most of all, please remember the homeless in your prayers at this time. Our January Cold Weather Shelter appeal is out and we are asking for a generous financial response. We turn no one away this time of year, as the consequences can be fatal. Our Mens & Womens Emergency Shelters house singles, families and children who would otherwise be sleeping in cars or who knows where. And please don't forget to make an extra donation to help Haiti, via the relief organization of your choice. They're fate is far worse than a winter storm.

Sunday Bonus Blog

noreply@blogger.com (Mission Musings) — Sun, 24 Jan 2010 16:15:00 +0000

This morning I had a rather hilarious facebook encounter, which is the preamble to the following cartoon. If it gives you a giggle, friend me on facebook at www.facebook.com/MissionMusings!

Michelle's Status: The Rev called and told me not to come to church. WHAT??!! So, I have settled in at home, catching up on emails, enjoying homemade French toast--I am very good at making French toast--with real Canadian maple syrup from Quebec, and Kona coffee from Vern & Sherry Mebs. Life is good.

Kristen Bair Hink: And Canadian ham/bacon, too?

Me: lol. Nope, sadly, I'm off pork. How to Shed 10 years in 10 Weeks, remember? lol.

Michael Towers: That must be awkward having your husband call you up and tell you to not come to church! :)

Darryl Darwent: Just heard on the Mother Channel (CBC) that Regina has a honest blizzard going on (I don't know what a dishonest blizzard is so let go with that). Lucky you.

Me: The Mother Channel?!?! LOL!! I'm totally stealing that, Darryl!!

Michael, Ken's always enticing me to go to church by giving me bits of his sermon, etc. This morning I told him it looked likke a blizzard. It's not a blizzard; it's a light snow!" he replied. Then he shovelled a path to the garage so I would have not excuses to skip. Next thing you know, he calls me up and says, "Don't comel. It's a blizzard out there!

Darryl Darwent:I don't know if you are familiar with the comic strip Betty by Delainey and Rasmussen (from Edmonton). I wish I could send today's Sunday edition. I think it would fit the bill for the morning you are having.

The Dream of Little Souls Daycare

noreply@blogger.com (Mission Musings) — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 23:20:00 +0000

Today Derrick gave a tour to a group of Alliance women from across Saskatchewan and Manitoba. When they came to our new facility, the old St. Andrews United Church, I had a chance to talk and laugh with them. They easily caught our passion about the expansion into prevention through daycare and a youth centre. I must admit, it is pretty contagious when you see everything developing right before your eyes! When we entered into the Little Souls Daycare area, we greeted a group from Nipiwin Bible College , who were working to construct all the tiny toys and equipment needed to get a daycare started!
The concept for the Little Souls Daycare is a safe, fun place to spend the day away from home. It's an open plan floor design, divided into quadrants, where children of all ages can run freely and interact with one another.Quadrant 1: Indoor Playground
This is where the indoor play structures live, the make-believe furniture for dolls -- pretend kitchen, cradle, etc - and the dress-up costume area is. Kids get to run free and be rambunctious here.

Quadrant 2: Sensory Area
This is where kids can play on water and sand tables, learn through touch and be messy, as kids love to be! This is also our music central station, where kids can express themselves through love of music and song!

Quadrant 3: Eating & Craft Area
This is where the kids can gear down and work on crafts, finger painting, puzzles and of course, eat their lunch and two snacks a day! We developed our menu today, and on it is healthy foods using whole grains and a lot of fruit.

Quadrant 4: Quiet Area
This is where the TV and books reside. Think of it a giant living room. We'll keep quiet moving pictures on the TV, such as animals or scenery, have special movie times, (Yay, Veggie Tales!) and, for the most part, kids will use this area to rest and read. It's a no talking zone because it's right next to the bonus quadrant--

Quadrant 5: Baby Area
We have room for 6 infants, and their sleeping quarters and baby paraphernalia are located in the far back room. This is where the change tables are, and the rocking chairs for putting baby to sleep or giving baby a bottle.

Please join us at 10:00 am on Friday, January 29th, for our grand opening celebration and indoor picnic. Bring your children as our our brand new licenced daycare staff will be out in full force to provide childcare! Instead of a ribbon cutting, we're doing a pinata breaking! All are welcome to attend.

The January Toy Drive has been kicked off, and we have expanded it to include basic craft supplies, so clean out your cupboards! We need rice, macaroni, buttons, tape, scissors, bits of cloth, string, wool... you name it, we need it!

We are still hiring a few more staff, so if you have a love for the Lord and for children, please call Mandy Bull at 543-0011. She'll let you know how you can apply to join our missionary team. We have half our slots filled, so are looking for 30 children to make Little Souls Daycare complete. Please pass the word and this blog post at will! In one short week, this Little Souls dream will be a reality!

The Pool of Bethesda

noreply@blogger.com (Mission Musings) — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 13:40:00 +0000

The Pool of Bethesda today.

Back in Jesus' day, there was a man by the pool of Bethesda for nearly 40 years, waiting for healing. Traditionally, as the waters would get stirred up, one would dip themselves in, expectant of a miracle. Jesus walked up to this man, and said, "Don't you want to be made whole?"

He did, of course, but replied, "I have no one to put me into the water."

That's what we do at the Mission. We help people into the healing waters of a changed life. They have to want it. And we don't actually make the change for them. It's a lot of hard work on their part, and much prayer and patience on ours.

No one wants to touch the men and women with palsy. The ones full of sin, and lives that have been tainted with things that most of us wouldn't want to go near, much less hear about.

And so our RESCUE team, a committed group of staff members and volunteers, agree to sacrifice their own time and conveniences, not only to touch the ones with palsy, but to enter into their world and offer them a changed life.

Psalm 103:1-5

noreply@blogger.com (Mission Musings) — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 23:39:00 +0000

I've been under the weather lately, and was encouraged to receive a blessing from our newest staff member, Mandy Bull, who is our Assistant Director at Little Souls Daycare. She makes a wonderful addition to our RESCUE team!

Bless the LORD, O my soul and all that is within me,
bless HIS holy name.
Bless the LORD, O my soul, And forget not all His benefits:
Who forgives all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases,
Who redeems your life from destruction,
Who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies,
Who satisfies your mouth with good things,
So that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.

-I hope that encourages you...I know that I find strength in the Word when I feel like I can't take another step forward! God bless Michelle!

~Mandy

I work with such a wonderful group of people!

A Call to Christians in the City

noreply@blogger.com (Mission Musings) — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 13:15:00 +0000

Planning to go. Willing to stay.
Anywhere. Anytime. Anyway.
Lord, I am ready.

Silver and gold have I none,
but such as I have
I give to Thee.

Here I am Lord! Send me!

January Toy Drive

noreply@blogger.com (Mission Musings) — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 02:15:00 +0000

January Toy Drive

for our grand opening of
Little Souls Daycare!

Drop your new or gently used toys, books, puzzles & games to 3535-8th Ave.

Open 24 hours and weekends. Call Jennifer for more info. 543-0011.

Man's Best Friend

noreply@blogger.com (Mission Musings) — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 01:15:00 +0000

You've no doubt heard the expression, "man's best friend." Perhaps you've seen today's news story about the golden retriever that saved the life of an 11 year old boy, by fending off a cougar in the backyard.

Our collie, Trixie, found my sister, who was 2, toddling around the woods, and alerted my parents that she had wandered off at the cottage. This is real life Littlest Hobo stuff!

This is my commandment, that you love one another, as I have loved you. Greater love has no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. -John 15:12-13

This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers. If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him? Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth. -1 John 3:16-17

How far would you go for a friend?

Don't be a victim of your thought life

noreply@blogger.com (Mission Musings) — Sun, 03 Jan 2010 19:09:00 +0000

Watch your thoughts, for they become words.
Watch your words, for they become actions.
Watch your actions, for they become habits.
Watch your habits, for they become character.
Watch your character, for it becomes your destiny.
-Unknown

Health advocates like to tell us we are what we eat, but in reality, we are what we think.

For as he thinks in his heart, so is he. Proverbs 23:7a

If you're wondering what kind of study you should start 2010 off with, consider your thought life.

Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. Colossians 3:2

When we get a grip on our thought life, on the internal head-banging, as it were, the life we live out in the flesh will be one that is far more redeeming and full of grace.

Those resolutions you've planned... have you considered attacking them from the inside out?

Turning resolutions into reality

noreply@blogger.com (Mission Musings) — Sun, 03 Jan 2010 03:25:00 +0000

Turning resolutions into reality
Joe Couture,
Leader Post, Regina

For many, a new year means resolving to improve. In Regina, there are options to help make resolutions realities.

Tanya Shkopich, regional manager of California Fitness, said staff at the company's three Regina gyms always see increases in guest participation and in new memberships after the calendar is new.

The gyms have specials at this time of the year to encourage new folks to visit.

"Obviously, quite a few motivated people are walking through the door having New Year's resolutions and goals they'd like to achieve," she said. "Some people do stick around. You do get some of the people that come for a few months, but then they start to dwindle."

Anyone new to one of the three gyms will be taken through a quick, full-body workout in order to become familiar and comfortable with all of the equipment. They will be provided a program.

"Seek a professional for optimum results," added Shkopich, noting personal training is available at all the facilities.

Dawna Wiebe, manager of sport and recreation for the City of Regina, said the city sees "quite an increase" in drop-ins and class attendance at all three of its major leisure centres every time it's a new year. Last January, over 50,000 people went through leisure centre doors. That compares to a monthly average in the neighbourhood of 40,000.

"I would actually think New Year's resolutions do make a difference," said Wiebe. "We notice quite a substantial increase ... People want to get healthy -- right after Christmas is a good time."

The city also has promotions going on in January to encourage facility use. On personal trainers, she noted people can call the Fieldhouse to arrange sessions.

Though some resolve to get in shape, others resolve to volunteer more -- and the need for volunteers is always significant, according to both Michelle Porter of Souls Harbour Rescue Mission and Tracey Mann of the United Way Regina.

Many people volunteer at Christmas, but the needs continue into the new year. Volunteering options often can be flexible, and they provide benefits to both the volunteer and the organization that he or she is helping out, Mann said.

The United Way maintains an online database of volunteer opportunities in the city -- there are more than 300 positions posted for many different places.

Porter noted Souls Harbour alone needs all sorts of help with its many programs, especially at the year's start.

"Generally, people forget we exist in January," Porter said, with a laugh. "We need tons of volunteers; we're so short."
Some people resolve to get better organized and professional services are available to help with any kinds of organizing needs. Susan McCune is one of only a handful of professional organizers in Regina registered with the national association representing the job.

"Regina is not a hotbed for professional organizers," she said, noting she attributes that to an "agrarian mentality" in the city. But the practice of hiring a professional organizer is big in bigger cities, she said. Organizers work with clients to meet the individual needs they identify.

January isn't a busy time for McCune, she said, noting she tends to see an increase in interest in the spring and fall.

Some people resolve to cut back on drinking in a new year. David Morris, a spokesman for the Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority, said January is "typically the slowest month for sales on the whole," but said it's "difficult to say what impact New Year's resolutions would have" as there are a number of other reasons for a January slowdown.

"Many people purchase more in November and December in preparation for the holiday season," he said. "December is by far our busiest month of the year. Another thing that really has an impact on our sales is the weather."

My 3 Words for 2010

noreply@blogger.com (Mission Musings) — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 19:54:00 +0000

I love when things can be simplified, yet still contain clarity, force and purpose. This blog caught my eye: My 3 Words for 2010, by Chris Brogan.

Setting goals is what January 1st is all about. Over the last few years, I’ve practiced something I call “my 3 words,” where I come up with three words that I use as guidance for how I should conduct my efforts in the year to come. I set goals around these three words. I build deadlines and projects around these words. Ecosystems, Owners, Kings These words sit above the actual goals, and set your guiding principles in place. The words I use have larger meaning than the word itself.

I like that the three words are personal, and privately meaningful, yet can still convey a certain strength when shared.

My 3 Words for 2010:

1. Vision - Continue to set the vision and be the key visionary for http://www.SoulsHarbourRescueMission.org. This involves letting go and letting others rise to the occasion of leadership in their own right.

2. Decade - I'm at the start of a new decade, both in date and age. This year will be used as preparation in anticipation of how I will dedicate the next 10 years of my life.

3. Adventure - Never lose sight of that entrepreneurial spirit of risk-taking and embracing life and all it has to offer.

Happy New Year!

Christmas dinner takes on whole new meaning

noreply@blogger.com (Mission Musings) — Thu, 24 Dec 2009 13:56:00 +0000

Ruby Parenteau (left), Barb Straza, and Desirae Wallace, from Souls Harbour Rescue Mission, cut cake for Christmas dinner dessert. Photograph by: Bryan Schlosser, Leader-Post.

Christmas dinner takes on whole new meaning
Kerry Benjoe
Leader-Post

Christmas shopping, cooking and wrapping can be hectic for a family but imagine cooking for 300 or feeding nearly 2,000 families for the holidays.

Charitable organizations in Regina do just that each year with gusto.

The Souls Harbour Rescue Mission (SHRM) hosted its annual Christmas dinner on Wednesday for Regina's less fortunate.

"It's organized confusion," said Michelle Porter, executive director of the SHRM. "You have to imagine your own family at Christmas. The presents are being ripped open there's food and drink and merriment. You have to times it by several hundred people."

She said in order to pull off such an event takes a fair bit of planning. It takes the SHRM staff about six weeks to gather the stockings and gifts for the Christmas event and do the financial planning.

Despite weeks of planning, Porter said preparing a traditional Christmas meal for 300 men, women and children is still a monumental task.

"(Wednesday), specifically, it's a madhouse," she said. "Right now there's a bunch of volunteers at the soup kitchen just prepping vegetables and potatoes and all that."

The plan for Wednesday's Christmas festivities was a turkey dinner with all the fixings along with gifts for the kids and stockings stuffed with treats and other useful items for everyone.

Porter said it was important to make the day extra nice for everyone because it's a special time of year.

"We actually try to make it more family style as possible," said Porter. "I think it's important because we do have families in poverty in Regina and to give them a day that's special ... some of the Christmases tomorrow might be meager but to have a good meal today puts a good memory in their hearts."

Wayne Hellquist, CEO of the Regina Food Bank, echoed Porter's sentiments. He said the food bank has been working since Monday sorting and packing the food items for nearly 2,000 food hampers for needy families.

Although it takes a lot of time and work to co-ordinate everything, Hellquist said, being able to do so is "incredibly rewarding."

He said the food bank works with other charitable organizations to ensure that everyone who needs help at this time of the year gets it.

"Christmastime is by far the busiest time of the year for us and it requires commitment from all of our staff." said Hellquist.

This year, the toys from Santas Anonymous were stored at the food bank and to get the items sorted, wrapped and distributed required a massive number of volunteers.

CTV News: Souls Harbour Christmas Dinner for the needy

noreply@blogger.com (Mission Musings) — Thu, 24 Dec 2009 00:22:00 +0000

CTV Indigenous Circle Host, Nelson Bird & First Nation Sensation Wrestler Wavell Starr.

Some of Regina's less fortunate were enjoying a turkey dinner with all the trimmings on Wednesday evening. Hundreds of people are attending the Souls Harbour's Annual Christmas Dinner. Souls Harbour Rescue Mission has hosted the event for more than 15 years. CTV's Nelson Bird and Creeson Agecoutay were there to help serve dinner. They were joined by Wavell Starr and other community volunteers. Every needy person who attended received a stocking filled with personal care items. Children also received a toy. The Mission relies on the generosity of Saskatchewan residents to make this event possible.

Souls Harbour RESCUE Mission Board Member, Gareth Dillistone, Nelson Bird, and Creeson Agecoutay during some warmer weather!

Big Dog 92.7's General Manager, Mike Shannon & Patti Proud also came out to serve!

CBC News - Saskatchewan - Regina repeals anti-panhandling bylaw

noreply@blogger.com (Mission Musings) — Thu, 24 Dec 2009 00:11:00 +0000

CBC News - Saskatchewan - Regina repeals anti-panhandling bylaw

noreply@blogger.com (Mission Musings) — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 20:12:00 +0000

CBC News - Saskatchewan - Regina repeals anti-panhandling bylaw

Souls Harbour Christmas Party

noreply@blogger.com (Mission Musings) — Sat, 19 Dec 2009 17:43:00 +0000

Souls Harbour Christmas Party
Putting smiles on the faces of children
Newstalk 650 CKOM
Justin Blackwell

Christmas comes early for some less fortunate kids today in Regina. The annual Souls Harbour Rescue Mission children's Christmas party is taking place. Everything from games, to snacks, to shows will be on the agenda. And of course presents for all.

Executive Director of Souls Harbour Michelle Porter says it's always a blast to see the smiles the party generates.

"Think indoor carnival. The place is just full of smiles, energy, laughs and enthusiasm. You want to make good memories around Christmas time and for people who don't get a lot of presents, that one special gift they get means so much to them."

The party goes from 3pm to 5pm at the Good News Chapel's Hall on Elphinstone and 8th Ave.

Website grants Christmas wishes for Regina's homeless

noreply@blogger.com (Mission Musings) — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 19:36:00 +0000

Website grants Christmas wishes for Regina's homeless
By Pamela Cowan
Regina Leader-Post

Dwayne J. is 40 years old, but he's never had a Christmas tree. So the Reginan made a web wish.

Actually, he's made three wishes.

Besides the tree, the unemployed man would like a red or blue tie so he can go on a job interview and a CD player.

After his Christmas requests were posted on homelesspartners.com, people pledged to buy him a tie and CD player. So far, his plea for a tree has gone unanswered.

The web site was set up by Glen Elm Church of Christ last year to provide Christmas gifts to Regina's homeless.

"I have a good friend in Calgary who was involved in their Wish List project two or three years ago and he was so excited that it got us wondering if something like that could work in Regina," said minister Jason Bandura. "In every city that it's been run, it's a partnership between a church and an inner-city organization."

Glen Elm church partnered with Souls Harbour Rescue Mission last year and the venture expanded to include the Salvation Army this Christmas season.

Church volunteers chatted with some people at the mission and the Salvation Army and at the end of the informal interview, the homeless were asked what they would like or need for Christmas. Their stories and Christmas wishes are posted online at www.homelesspartners.com.

Gifts in red indicate someone has pledged to buy them. Requests with a gift box image indicate the item can still be purchased.

"You read the stories and if one resonates with you, you click on the gift box, which is your way of saying, 'I'll buy this one,' " said Bandura. "Once you click on that, it'll ask for your e-mail address and it starts a shopping list for you. At the end, you have a list of items that you've committed to buy with an ID number, so we know which gift ends up with which person...

"This project is unique and worth the effort because it puts a face on poverty a little bit. It's a step up the ladder from me sending my anonymous cheque to some organization. At least there's some level of personal connection here."

Melvin E. picks metal scraps to make money, but recently had a tumour surgically removed. His recovery has been slow and difficult. He also has gum disease and can't afford false teeth. His Christmas wish is warm footwear and a gift card for a denture clinic.

"Last year, every single person got their gift — right down to someone who needed dentures," said Michelle Porter, executive director of Souls Harbour Rescue Mission. "There was a dentist who did that for him ... Everyone will get a gift, but how nice to get the one that you actually chose."

She's moved by how the project connects the community to individual homeless people.

"In a sense, you're touching a real human being. Although you're not the one passing it to them, you can be assured that it's going to the person," Porter said. "It's the total spirit of Christmas."

Wednesday was the deadline for dropping off gifts at the church, but last-minute shoppers have until Tuesday to take presents to Souls Harbour's Good News Chapel, 3535 8th Ave., or to 2240 13th Ave. for Salvation Army clients.

In the News: Planet S Saskatoon's City Magazine

noreply@blogger.com (Mission Musings) — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 17:13:00 +0000

The Trouble With Charity
TAX-DEDUCTIBLE HELPING HANDS AREN’T THE SOLUTION TO SOCIAL PROBLEMS
by Stephen LaRose

Trying to track down folks like Sydney Bell of the Saskatoon Anti-Poverty Coalition or Peter Gilmer, executive director of the Regina Anti-Poverty Ministry, is like trying to track mosquitoes in a windstorm — these are busy people.

Clearly, the nature of their work means both of them are intimately acquainted with many of Canada’s charities. What may surprise you is that both of them are also clearly aware of the problems — yes, problems — that charities present.

Right about now, every charity — from the Regina Food Bank to Santas Anonymous, from CJTR’s Radiothon to the Souls Harbour Mission — is gearing up for the stretch drive into the Christmas season which, under Christian thought, is one of thankfulness and regard for those less well-off. But Dec. 31 also marks the last opportunity to ask for tax-deductible donations in any given year.

One of the first instincts of people is to assist those who need help — and there are a lot of ways to do that. Canada boasts 161,000 charities (about 10 per cent are social services charities), which employ two million Canadians and generate $121 billion in revenue, according to Mount Royal University’s Institute for Non-Profit Studies.

Fifty-four per cent of all Canadian charities are run entirely by volunteers, says Image Canada, a charity which acts as an advocacy group for Canada’s charities.

And Canada boasts the second-largest non-profit and voluntary sector in the world. (The Netherlands is first; the United States is fifth.)

Charities have become an integral part of our economy, and the frayed patchwork fabric that comprises Canada’s social safety net.

Yet the fact that they’re so important, that so many people depend on them, is also, counter-intuitively, the biggest symptom of the trouble with charities.

People like Bell and Gilmer are part of a probably very small group who understand the contradiction. While working to advance the causes of poor and impoverished citizens in Saskatoon and Regina, both would also like to work themselves out of a job.

Neither, however, is holding their breath.

The basic problem, says Gilmer, is that the charity business reflects the unequal structure of society — the donator holds a lot of power over those receiving the donations.

And people who have power aren’t willing to share power — especially if there aren’t strings attached.

“In the 1980s and 1990s the focus of governments was on fiscal restraint, that we couldn’t do more to expand our social programs,” says Gilmer. “Suddenly the government is running record surpluses, and suddenly we see a shift in focus towards tax cuts for the middle and upper class.

“I don’t mind governments raising tax exemptions on the bottom end, but I’m very concerned this has come hand-in-hand with tax relief for those at the higher end of the income scale.

“When governments say that they’re in a period of belt-tightening, it’s usually around the necks of the poor that the belt-tightening takes place.”

No kidding.

There were no food banks in 1980, in the time before government cutbacks and the ‘business agenda.’ In 2008, more than 700,000 Canadians used food banks at least once a month, says Food Banks Canada, the national umbrella group of Canada’s food banks.

Where once the social safety net protected people, now, increasingly, it’s charity.

“I don’t want to be seen as saying ‘we should do away with charities.’ Charities are an absolute necessity to help meet the needs for some people,” says Gilmer. “That being said, one thing we ask of people is to understand that people need to be concerned with social justice issues. Everyone has a right to have their basic needs met.”

Many of the biggest boosters of Canada’s charities are businesses and governments who have a vested interest in maintaining economic and social policies — unequal tax loads, cuts to education and health, removing equal access to government services — that hurt the same people these charities purport to help.

“It maintains power and balance that perpetuates the cycle of poverty and violence for the recipients, rather than putting an end to it,” says Bell, “instead of creating a system that puts people on more of a level playing field.”

This isn’t to say there isn’t good and important work being done, she adds. “The example that comes to my mind is the Saskatoon Food Bank learning system. There is the age-old tension between providing a hand up for people in poverty, and working towards a more just system. I know there are many people who have issues with food banks, and rightly so: it’s the idea that they provide just enough help so that real social change to address the concerns of the poor doesn’t happen.

“There is a commitment by Canadian food banks to put themselves out of business within a period of time: but I don’t know how practical that could be.”

John Kolkman has heard it all before. He was a senior policy researcher for the Alberta New Democratic Party’s legislative caucus just as Ralph Klein stumbled out of some Calgary pub and into the premier’s office.

Throughout the 1980s and ’90s, governments made cuts to health care, education, and social assistance, but few did it with the zeal and relish of King Ralph. Alberta’s welfare rates were cut, on average, 11 per cent (those Alberta Social Services judged were fit for work faced larger cuts), and the poor were given bus tickets to British Columbia.

“It wasn’t just welfare. The affordable housing programs were abandoned at the same time,” Kolkman adds.

“If you’re bloody-minded enough, you could call that a success, because within two years the Klein government cut the social services rolls by two-thirds, but half of that would have happened anyway because there was a pick-up in the economy, and the rest of those numbers were removed by the cuts Klein imposed,” says Kolkman, now executive director of the Edmonton Social Planning Council.

The problem is, however, those people still needed food, clothing and shelter.

“There was mostly a voluntary response to people caught in those situations — food bank use and homeless and emergency shelter use skyrocketed, for example.”

The social services work therefore gets done not by civil servants, but by people making only a fraction of a civil servant’s salary — so governments can spend less money on such services. Governments get to make themselves look good — they’ve just found the fiscal room to cut taxes. And by the time the effect of these cuts is noticed by the voters, it will be too late for most of them to connect the dots.

Besides — rising homelessness, crime rates and other ills have easy scapegoats. The so-called lazy homeless and criminals, for instance.

That’s one reason why the private sector loves this kind of ‘welfare reform,’ says Kolkman. In theory, more people can be aided with the same amount of money.

In practice this allows governments to cut back the money spent on social services, keeping taxes down for those who have the ability to pay.

Turning social work over to charities and non-profits allows the donating individual or corporation to choose who gets the benefit. There’s only so much money going around — even less in a time of recession, or for those seen as ‘uppity.’

“There are some charities — some of the larger, non-profit charities — who never really speak out against the government, even when they’re doing things that hurt their clients. The reason why is that if they speak out, they’re less likely to receive funding,” says Kolkman.

“They don’t want to bite the hand that feeds [them].”

Even worse are the stories of who, in a less enlightened time, were called the deserving poor. You see them on television shows like Extreme Home Makeover, where Mom and Dad lost their job /came down with a life-threatening illness or injury /one of them’s in the grave. Fortunately, a host of homebuilders/journeymen tradespersons/interior decorators come to make a new home. Hello there fairy godmother.

But what makes the recipients of that form of charity more deserving than others? It’s a human version of the notices the animal shelter puts in the paper, showing a picture of a cute puppy or kitten to advertise that they have animals for adoption. Often the people contacting the shelter, moved to action by the ad, want to adopt that particular animal — never mind the hundreds of other cats and dogs who are also in the shelter and facing death if they don’t get a new human in their lives.

To be sure, there’s some push-back from churches, social services charities and their supporters. In February 2009, representatives from more than 200 such groups in British Columbia signed an open letter calling for the B.C. government to implement a legislated program for poverty reduction.

“All faith traditions call us to help the poor,” said David Dranchuk, Coordinator for Societal Ministry, Diocese of New Westminster of the Anglican Church, in a press release. “Christians too often have responded to this call with soup kitchens and food banks. This is charity and charity is good.

“But charity alone isn’t enough. We are also called to do justice. And that means challenging the institutions that create and perpetuate poverty.”

We’ll leave it to the scrooges of the world to belittle the efforts of volunteers and charities. But it’s another matter to wonder about whether charities are, or should be, left as the last hope for those who have little hope at all.

With few resources and large (and increasing) responsibilities, it’s no wonder the charitable industry is as large as it’s become in Canada.

Charities were once regarded as a supplement to governments in the health and social service sectors. Right-wing governments are increasingly regarding social service charities as a substitute for social public policy.

Maybe that’s why the charity business is growing.

Book Review: The Back Of The Napkin

noreply@blogger.com (Mission Musings) — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 22:53:00 +0000

The Back Of The Napkin
Solving Problems and
Selling Ideas,
by Dan Roam

I read this book in one sitting; the title itself resonated with me. Ken and I used to go for coffee every day when we first founded Souls Harbour RESCUE Mission, ten years ago, now. We came in with a vision and a dream, and God saw fit to see it to reality. Today, the Mission has 25 staff members, a strong board of directors, hundreds of annual volunteers, and several top notch facilities that run programming in a broad continuum of care.

Much of our early notes are jotted during brief times of rest at the local coffee shop--right on the back of a napkin! And to this day, I carry the tradition of visual thinking by "white-boarding."

I'm a terrible drawer, but mapping my ideas on a huge wall helps flesh them out. As Joe and I set up our new offices, we are excited to create a "war room" where we can sit and dream about a brighter future for the poor of this city.

Things like the brand new Little Souls Daycare beginning for 60 children in January. Or the Youth Centre programming to begin this spring. Small things like our newsletter layouts, to more web-like designs representing our ever-changing organizational chart.

Roam, the author, encouraged doodling as a form of learning, marking up the latest business book you are reading, and making friends with your highlighter.

While I wasn't interested in learning his particular style of pictures and their interpretation, what this book did was validate my learning style, and encourage me to continue the thing that assists my team and I, in turning dreams into reality.

Souls Harbour RESCUE Mission launches annual Operation Christmas Stocking

noreply@blogger.com (Mission Musings) — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 14:22:00 +0000

Souls Harbour RESCUE Mission launches annual Operation Christmas Stocking, by Kerry Benjoe
Regina Leader-Post

REGINA — The Souls Harbour RESCUE Mission (SHRM) is asking Regina residents to help it spread some Christmas cheer to those in need.

Each year, SHRM serves up a holiday dinner with all the trimmings for hundreds of Reginans who otherwise wouldn’t be able to afford to celebrate. In addition to a Christmas meal, SHRM gives everyone a special gift.

SHRM is launching its annual Operation Christmas Stocking and wants the public’s help in making this year’s stocking drive a success.

Anyone can participate by following three simple steps;

* First, purchasing a warm pair of socks;

* Next, stuffing one sock inside the other and finally;

* Stuff the stocking with useful items.

SHRM is hoping to collect 1,000 such stockings for men, women and children.

They can be stuffed with things like toothbrushes and toothpaste, travel-sized items, washcloths, tissues, lip balm, gum, small candies, address book, pens, postage stamps, small crosses, gift certificates to fast-food restaurants or any other small, but useful, items.

The mission is asking people not to include items that contain alcohol (like aftershave, mouthwash, or perfume). Nor should the stockings contain medicine like Tylenol or cold syrup, breakable items, cosmetics, money or gift certificates to places that sell alcohol.

SHRM is reminding people that this might be the only gift some people receive this holiday season. Socks should be unisex, but if they are not, the socks should be labelled “man” or “woman” to indicate who should receive the stocking.

Socks can be dropped off at the mission, located 3535 8th Ave., by Dec. 11. SHRM is open 24-hours a day, seven days a week, throughout the year.

Book Review: The Change Cycle

noreply@blogger.com (Mission Musings) — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 15:28:00 +0000

The Change Cycle

How People Can Survive and Thrive in Organizational Change

A Practical Guide to Navigating the 6 Stages of Change,

by Ann Salerno & Lillie Brock

I was specifically looking for a book on how leaders of organizations can implement change in the best way possible. I stumbled upon this one at the library, and now they are beating down my door to get it back. I like to think I help keep the library in business with my late fees.

This was an excellent book. Rather than the usual psycho-babble, it was written in language that made sense. It was organized logically with relevant examples, and it wasn't overly focussed on emotions, but did acknowledge they play a part.

The 6 stages of change:
1. Loss: fear, cautious, paralyzed
2. Doubt: resentment, sceptical, resistant
3. Discomfort: anxiety, confused, unproductive
4. Discovery: anticipation, resourceful, energized
5. Understanding: confidence, pragmatic, productive
6. Integration: satisfaction, focussed, generous

The book begins by taking a look at how four general personality types might need extra help or caution with certain stages, and how change might specifically trip them up. I wish this concept would have been carried throughout the book a little more, but it was food for thought while reading through the stages.

Thanks to my upbringing and temperament, I am someone who finds change relatively easy, and often invigorating. Unfortunately, I can tend to disregard and run roughshod over the feelings and reactions of others. This book gives clear guidance on how to bring people onside to change, to recognize the stages they are going through and work with them through the cycle.

The Chinese word for change is 'wei ji.'
It means two things.
Crisis and opportunity.
That bears repeating.
Wei ji. Crisis and opportunity.

21st Century Scrooge

noreply@blogger.com (Mission Musings) — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 02:17:00 +0000

Today Derrick was manning a booth at the Southland Mall, when a wealthy looking businessman approached. He was well-dressed and wore an expensive watch. He stared down his nose at our information, and exhaled, “Harrumph!”

“This guy whose picture is on your Adopt-A-Plates. How much does he make on royalties?”

“He doesn’t get royalties", Derrick replied.

Mr. Scrooge said, “Well, I guess that’s why he’s homeless. Because he’s stupid.”

As he walked away, Derrick said, “Have a nice day!”

Scrooge said, “Same to you!” as though nothing was out of the ordinary.

If there is a poor man among your brothers in any of the towns of the land that the Lord your God is giving you, do not be hardhearted or tight-fisted toward your poor brother. Rather be open-handed and freely lend him whatever he needs. ... Give generously to him and do so without a grudging heart; then because of this the Lord your God will bless you in all your work and in everything you put your hand to. There will always be poor people in the land. Therefore I command you to be open-handed toward your brother sand toward the poor and needy in your land.
-Deuteronomy 16:7-11

Mission Musings

If you're looking for me, I'm at an all-expenses paid trip to a conference in Newport Beach, California!

Please Come to our Little Souls Daycare Indoor Picnic Grand Opening Tomorrow Morning!

Media Release: Little Souls Daycare Grand Opening & Indoor Picnic

Snow Day!

Sunday Bonus Blog

The Dream of Little Souls Daycare

The Pool of Bethesda

*Psalm 103:1-5*

A Call to Christians in the City

January Toy Drive

Man's Best Friend

Don't be a victim of your thought life

Turning resolutions into reality

My 3 Words for 2010

Christmas dinner takes on whole new meaning

CTV News: Souls Harbour Christmas Dinner for the needy

CBC News - Saskatchewan - Regina repeals anti-panhandling bylaw

CBC News - Saskatchewan - Regina repeals anti-panhandling bylaw

Souls Harbour Christmas Party

Website grants Christmas wishes for Regina's homeless

In the News: Planet S Saskatoon's City Magazine

Book Review: The Back Of The Napkin

Souls Harbour RESCUE Mission launches annual Operation Christmas Stocking

Book Review: The Change Cycle

21st Century Scrooge

Psalm 103:1-5