2007 Annual Report

Changing lives for good is our only business

Partners in Rescue,

Thank you for taking the time to look over this Annual Report to learn more about the work we do to

help our community’s neediest people. Our programs and services are designed to meet the physical,

emotional, educational, and spiritual needs of those who turn to us for help. This review of 2007 should

give you some sense of the breadth of our ministry, but it cannot begin to describe the depth of the work

that God is doing in the lives of those we serve. How can you put into words what it means to leave

behind a life that was enslaved to drugs or alcohol and has now been set free to live a new life in Christ,

walking in obedience to God? To understand that, you really need to make a personal visit to witness

firsthand the changed lives of the men, women, and children that are being rescued from hunger, home-

lessness, and addiction.

Thank you for your ongoing support and partnership that enables us to reach out to the needy and

hurting in our community. I hope you are encouraged by the pictures, stories, and statistics you find in

this report. We count it a privilege to be part of God’s work to provide refuge, recovery, and restoration

to help the thousands of people that receive our services. If you have any questions, we encourage you to

give us a call or pay us a visit to see for yourself how lives are being impacted for His glory.

Thank you for caring,

Gary Gray

President/CEO1

Rescue Mission Alliance

An Overview of the Organization

Rescue Mission Alliance is a charitable, non-profit organization that

has served the hungry and homeless for more than 36 years. The

organization began as the Oxnard Rescue Mission, a small emergency

shelter for homeless men. In September 1989, the name changed to the

Ventura County Rescue Mission to better align with the growth in

services provided countywide. Expanding services with establishment

of the San Fernando Valley Rescue Mission and the Valley Food Bank

in adjacent Los Angeles County initiated another name change to the

Rescue Mission Alliance in 1997. The organization has since grown with

the establishment of the Lighthouse Women and Children’s Mission in

1998 and expanded to Santa Barbara County in 2003 with the acquisition

of the Central Coast Rescue Mission in Santa Maria. The combined

services of the Rescue Mission Alliance offer emergency shelter,

supportive services, drug and alcohol recovery, food distribution,

vocational training, life skills development, computer learning center

services, relapse prevention, community outreach programs, and

transitional housing.

Our Mission

With the support of our community we offer:

Refuge - Food, shelter, and clothing for those in need.

Recovery - Biblically based programs to minister to the whole person: body, mind, and spirit.

Restoration - Equipping people to lead productive and independent lives.

Our Vision

• Clients seek us out.

• Employees are proud to work for us.

• Volunteers are eager to serve with us.

• Donors prefer to give to us.

• Customers enjoy shopping with us.

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Ventura County Rescue MissionIn 2007, only 25% of Ventura County’s homeless population was sheltered. The majority of our homeless are still living on the streets. Drugs, alcohol, unemployment, and mental illness are the major contributors to the growing problem.

Since 1972, the Ventura County Rescue Mission has served the poor and homeless, offering hope to literally thousands of hurting people. It is the longest standing year-round shelter for the homeless in Ventura County.

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In 2007 your support provided…

208,497 meals39,459 nights of safe shelter 39,461 hot showers and shaves25,911 articles of clothing

Our Biblically based recovery program helps men conquer their addictions and learn a new way of life.

59 men graduated our drug and alcohol recovery program.

Mike (center) came to the Mission a broken and addicted man. He completed the 9-month Life Recovery Program and Culinary School.

“I was told I’d never amount to anything in life and believed that lie. Now that I have God in my life and a future, I know that’s not true. I’ll always be grateful that God and the mission saved my life and restored my relationship with my family.”

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Our work therapy and vocational training programs prepare our graduates to succeed in the workplace, sustain their independence, and become contributing members of our community.

In 2007 your support provided…

23,388 meals

12,056 nights of safe shelter 11,808 hot showers1,838 articles of clothing

Ten years ago, 86% of shelter occupants were men. Women and children now make up more than half the number of homeless people seeking shelter in Ventura County. The number of home-less women and children continues to grow at an alarming rate. Drugs, alcohol, domestic violence, abandonment, unemployment, and mental illness are all contributing factors to this startling statistic.

The Lighthouse Women and Children’s Mission has increased the number of beds from 48 to 82 in 2007 to meet the growing needs of homeless women and children in Ventura County.

In addition to food, shelter, and clothing, our long-term life recovery program enables women to conquer addictions and instills confidence through

biblically-based discipleship and mentoring to help women and children overcome the devastation of homelessness.

Our work therapy and vocational training programs prepare women to succeed in the workplace to provide for themselves and their children.

27 women found employment in 2007.

Lighthouse Women and Children’s Mission

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“Before I came to the Lighthouse, I was homeless, pregnant, and addicted to drugs. I knew that I needed to get help fast, not just for myself, but for the baby that I was carrying. I am very thankful for what the Lord and the rescue mission has done for me. I learned a lot of skills while doing vocational training at the mission, and now I am currently working part-time for the rescue mission in the call center. I am so happy, and now when I wake up every morning, I have so many things to be thankful for.”

Shelly – Recovery Program Graduate6

“I thought I had it all, apartment, car, good income, lots of friends, etc… I started using drugs and needless to say, I soon lost everything that I had thought was so important. I ended up living in a gopher field underneath

a few trees, sleeping on an old discarded mattress. When I came to the Lighthouse, the staff was wonderful to me and led me back to the Lord. I’ve dedicated my life to serving the Lord and I have a desire to go to Bible College. With the help of the Lighthouse, God turned a nobody into a somebody!”

Debra – Recovery Program Graduate

Valley Food Bank

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According to the Los Angeles County Urban Research Unit, approximately 33% of the families living in the San Fernando Valley are considered “Food Insecure.” 28% are children and more than 15% are seniors.

Over the past seven years, the Valley Food Bank has grown in size, service, and scope. Our pantry network of 12 organizations is diverse – Emergency Shelter, Soup Kitchen, and Community Pantries.

In 2007, our volunteers, financial supporters, product donors, and other organizations made it possible for us to distribute 241 tons (281,863 lbs) of fresh fruits, vegetables, and diary products; 244,730 canned foods, and 138,326 packages of dry goods to the hungry and needy individuals and struggling families in our fight against hunger.

On any given night, 73,000 people are homeless in Los Angeles County. Only 17% of them are sheltered. The number of homeless families is rising. Currently, one in four people who are homeless in LA County are homeless as a family. The San Fernando Valley Rescue Mission is meeting this challenge by providing the only emergency family shelter located in the San Fernando Valley.

Guests at the mission receive shelter, hot meals, showers, clean clothes, case management, job training, life skills training, and a renewed sense of hope to overcome their circumstances. The

family shelter is open 365 days per year. In 2007, 50% of the mission’s guests were children age 12 and younger.

San Fernando Valley Rescue Mission

When the basic needs are met, we’re there to help solve the underlying problems that lead to homelessness. We assess the spiritual, emotional, and physical needs of our guests and help them set goals and establish a plan to rebuild their lives.

In 2007, we helped 60 families find transitional or permanent housing, rescuing them from a life on the streets.

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In 2007 your support provided…

33,417 meals

10,869 nights of safe shelter

3,075 hot showers

824 articles of clothing

The San Fernando Valley Rescue Mission’s Survival Outreach Services go out to where the chronically homeless congregate every day and serve meals. Along with a hot meal we offer a hot shower, clean clothes, personal hygiene items, and an opportunity to leave life on the streets by enrolling in one of the many rehabilitation programs in the Valley.

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Central Coast Rescue MissionThere are more than 3,000 homeless people in the Santa Maria area. The Central Coast Rescue Mission is strategically located in Santa Maria to serve this growing

population of poor and needy people.

In 2007, our meals outreach served 28,341 hot meals. Our Thanksgiving and Christmas banquets served over 2,000 people.

In addition to the hot, nutritious meals served, your generosity has provided 1,225 food baskets and 5,288 articles of clothing to our needy neighbors.

Our 12-month Life Recovery Program has rescued many from a life of prison, poverty, and homelessness.

In 2007, 1,042 hours of counseling and discipleship classes were provided.

10 men graduated our Life Recovery Program and are now living sober and positively contributing to their families and community.

“Before I came to the Central Coast Rescue Mission my life felt pointless and to me had no meaning. At age 14, I got stuck in the juvenile system and in a cycle of being in and out. I was accepted to the mission’s Residential Sub-

stance Abuse Recovery Program and my life changed dramatically. I made a choice to put God first in my life and I now look forward to my future. I have a job for the first time in my life and I am finishing my high school diploma. I expect to start college in the fall. I am so thankful for the opportunity to get my life straight at the mission.”

Alonzo – Recovery Program Graduate

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Retail MinistriesThe Rescue Mission Alliance operates four thrift stores that sell quality, low cost, previously owned merchandise. The revenue generated by the thrift sales helps support the ongoing work of the ministries of the Rescue Mission Alliance. 100% of the profit is put to use feeding the hungry, sheltering the homeless, and helping people become productive citizens again.

Our thrift stores provide wonderful job training and employment opportunities in our community. In 2007, there were 104 people employed in our retail ministries.

“My wife and family of six children have shopped at the Mission Bargain Center and the Super Thrift for over 14 years and love the atmosphere and the thrill of the hunt for great deals. I refuse to shop in the busy malls and shopping centers when I can find one of a kind deals and treasures here. Besides, now all of my kids are thriftsters. Plus all the money and proceeds go to a very worthy cause and I get to donate what I can no longer use.”

Ross – Thrift Store Customer

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Helping Hands In The CommunityAll the people that were helped through the Rescue Mission Alliance in 2007 would not have been reached if it weren’t for the support of our faithful donors and volunteers.

Volunteers bring essential services to every Rescue Mission Alliance outreach ministry. Each year, thousands of people offer their time, talent, and treasure to ministry projects to help make a difference in the lives of the poor and homeless.

“In recent times, methamphetamine has taken over as the scourge of the Central Coast. In the middle of this dark spot are the faith- based rehabilitation programs. God is able to change people when self-determination cannot. I am grateful for the Central Coast Rescue Mission, a program designed to help people overcome their habits from the inside out.”

David - Central Coast Rescue Mission Donor

In 2007–

32,569 donors supported us financially

94,179 people donated clothing and household items

13,454 volunteers donated 229,244 hours of service

“My parents taught me to give to others and it became a way of life. I enjoy donating to the mission because I know they help so many needy people, and they are good stewards of the resources God provides through us.”

Neva – Ventura County Rescue Mission Donor

“There is nothing more rewarding than donating time at the mission. After spending time with the homeless families staying at the mission I have a renewed appreciation for all the blessings I have in my life. I am so grateful to be able to give back to those in need.”

Robert – San Fernando Valley Rescue Mission Volunteer

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Jim Owens, ChairmanContractor

Andy Stay, Vice-ChairmanSmall Business Owner

Brian Elster, Secretary/TreasurerPastor

Rich AntlesRetired

Tim HughesRealtor

Oliver MahannahRetired - Sales

Janet NickelHuman Resources

MaryEllen RasnickMarketing

Board Members

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Vehicles of ChangeThe auto industry is the largest employer in America. One of every three ads on T.V. is auto related. We provide tremendous opportunities for those who come to the mission looking for a fresh start in life.

Our Auto Vocational Training Center provides career opportunities for the men in our recovery program and affordable vehicles for low income families in our community.

Through the generosity of our community, we received 484 vehicle donations in 2007 and Life Recovery program participants received 4,500 hours of valuable training in auto repair and sales.

“The mission took me in when I felt I had no place to go. The Auto Program gave me the chance to do something I like to do and have been told I’m good at. It has allowed me to show some of the leadership skills that I have and how to improve upon them. I love the rescue mission with all my heart and I thank them for everything they have done for me.”

Jerry – Vocational Training Participant

Financial InformationThe Rescue Mission Alliance is firmly committed to the highest standards of financial and institutional integrity. We are a member in good standing with the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability (ECFA) and are “Certified Excellent” by the Association of Gospel Rescue Missions (AGRM). You can trust your donations are used wisely to assist the poor and needy.

RevenuesContributions $3,365,568 Thrift & Auto Sales $6,585,801 In-Kind Gifts $1,779,835 Other Income $138,963

Total Support $11,870,167

ExpensesProgram Services $9,465,352 Administration $832,788 Fundraising $1,560,612

Total Expenses $11,858,752

*Fiscal Year, July 1, 2006 through June 30, 2007CERTIFIEDEXCELLENT

A higher standard.A higher purpose.

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Contributions Thrift & Auto Sales In Kind Gifts Other Income

80%

7%

13%

Program Services Administration Fundraising

55%

15%

1%

28%

LocationsHeadquartersRescue Mission Alliance 315 North A StreetOxnard, CA 93030(805) 487-1234

Outreach MinistriesVentura County Rescue Mission234 E. 6th StreetOxnard, CA 93030(805) 487-1234

Central Coast Rescue Mission1207 N. McClelland StreetSanta Maria, CA 93454 (805) 614-0220

San Fernando Valley Rescue Mission 13422 Saticoy StreetNorth Hollywood, CA 91605(818) 785-4476

Lighthouse Women & Children’s Mission 150 N. Hayes Avenue Oxnard, CA 93030(805) 240-1644

Valley Food Bank13422 Saticoy StreetNorth Hollywood, CA 91605(818) 510-4140

Retail MinistriesMission Bargain Center/ Auto Sales125 South Harrison AvenueOxnard, CA 93030(805) 201-4341

Super Thrift Store815 North Oxnard Blvd.Oxnard, CA 93030(805) 201-3750

North Hollywood Super Thrift Store 13422 Saticoy StreetNorth Hollywood, CA 91605(818) 474-1291

Reseda Super Thrift 18344 Sherman WayReseda, CA 91335 (818) 654-4806

www.erescuemission.org