I began volunteering at the Fresno Rescue Mission as an assignment for one of my college courses. I worked with a group of 4, and I know that all of us, can equally say that the Fresno Rescue Mission has changed our perspectives of the homeless here in Fresno. The Fresno Rescue Mission provides so many different resources from feeding the homeless, providing emergent care for the homeless, providing overnight shelter for when the weather is under 35 degrees, and they assist the community in so many other ways! As I previously mentioned, I began volunteering here for an assignment, but now as I have completed that, I continue volunteering here and I am continually being blessed. I enjoy coming down to the mission, and reaching out to the homeless community that many people aren't quite aware of. There are so many homeless people living on the streets that it is very impacting to see that one organization can make such a huge difference in our community! I can say that the Fresno Rescue Mission blesses and positively impacts hundreds of lives on a daily basis, and it has been amazing to see this and become a part of this firsthand! As a volunteer, most of the volunteering activities are serving dinner for the homeless which is prepared by some of the FRM staff and some of the disciples of the academy. Working firsthand with the staff and disciples has also been a blessing to me; everyone there is incredibly kind and they always share a little bit of their day with me. I have gotten to hear many of their stories as to how they ended up at the FRM and how it has made such a positive difference in their own lives! One of the most impacting moments I have spent at the FRM was during the Thanksgiving Luncheon, when the volunteers and staff of the FRM put together a beautifully set lunch for the homeless. The luncheon was beautifully decorated, and they had a full course meal set for them. That day over 400 meals were served, and it was amazing to see the graciousness that these people have for the volunteers and staff. It has been an incredible experience volunteering at the FRM with everyone, being able to hear about so many people's stories and lives, and being able to make a positive difference in the community. I look forward to continuing to be apart of volunteering with the Fresno Rescue Mission, and hopefully making a positive impact on our community.
I came into the Mission’s Academy program in January 2015, fresh out of a two-year prison sentence, with nowhere to go. My family was hesitant and fearful of supporting me, and I did not want to go back to the streets; back to old habits and old friends. I worked hard on my program for over six months, deepening my relationship with Jesus during that time. I chose to exit the program early when an opportunity to work presented itself. Though an early exit is never encouraged, I made the commitment to myself to stay on track. I began working immediately upon leaving. I just celebrated my one-year working anniversary with Granville Homes in land acquisitions.
To maintain sobriety, I have remained in daily contact with my mentor, Daryl, and have plugged into my home church and commitment meetings. I also remained in contact with Marcelo Lopez, my counselor assigned to me while I was enrolled in the Academy. Over time, I expressed my desire to stay connected to the Mission in some capacity. Marcello agreed. So, I asked my mentor if he would partner with me in starting a Bible study for the disciples in the program. I told him there was a need and that I missed seeing my Academy brothers. He said yes. Together, we lead the study every Monday evening.
I have battled addiction, successfully maintaining continuous sobriety, thanks to the Rescue Mission, my 12 step recovery meetings, and my faith in Jesus Christ. I volunteer my time so I can share my faith and my testimony; that in Christ alone, there is power to be healed. I stay in service and participate in many ministries and recovery meetings (Celebrate Recovery and/or AA) to build on the tools available to me. I want to be used by God and stay accountable to other men who are working a similar program. For the men in the Academy, it is important for them to see that other men are doing what they, too, hope to do. I want to be that example. I am honored to be invited me into this role.
Sincerely,
Thomas Williams
Land Acquisitions
Granville Homes