As 2017 opens, I reflect gladly on the previous year and look with joy and hope towards the upcoming year. God continues to provide for this ministry and do amazing, transformative work in the lives of formerly homeless, addicted, and abused individuals. It is a blessing to be a part of this ministry and it is my continual prayer, as well as that of the staff here, that we steward well the resources, gifts, and opportunities God has provided for this ministry.
Our philosophy at Orange County Rescue Mission is to operate in a dynamic, entrepreneurial manner, expecting to grow and expand numerically, programmatically, and geographically. We seek to be constantly challenged with fresh vision and well-prepared strategies, and I would like to share some of those with you as we begin the year.
Our well-prepared strategies and hopes for this year include:

1)  Relocating the Double R Ranch site closer to Orange County to make better use of the program and facilities.
The Ranch will continue to serve the same purpose of getting people into the outdoors, handling livestock and horses, and doing hard work. By moving the location closer to or within Orange County, more people will be able to benefit from the Ranch opportunities. This will require selling the Warner Springs property. This unique program is a vital and thriving part of the Orange County Rescue Mission and I am eager to see the impact it can have in the coming year as it moves closer or into Orange County.

2)  Planning for the development of additional Hope Family Housing complexes, to meet the need of affordable housing.
Our Hope Family Housing program is comprised of several low-income housing complexes throughout Orange and Riverside counties. This program is designed to provide a final phase of transition for men, women and children in large families, with the primary focus of the program to provide affordable housing in an environment with supportive services over a six-month to two-year period. These families come from motel environments or OCRM facilities where they have progressed through various life-changing instruction, and an on-site OCRM staff person will provide accountability, safety oversight, and coordination of OCRM resources to help facilitate a successful transition to housing without assistance.

3)  Planning for the development of a second Veterans Outpost with transitional housing.
In 2016, we opened our first Veterans housing campus thanks to the help and support of many community partners and donors. In this short time since its opening, the Tustin Veterans Outpost has assisted many veterans and their families transition back into a self-sufficient civilian life. We are eager to put our efforts towards the opening of a second Veterans Outpost to continue this restoration for even more homeless veterans.

4)  Opening a third Hurtt Family Health Clinic.
The Hurtt Family Health Clinic is a low-cost, family primary care clinic that provides highly accessible, preventative, primary and specialized healthcare to homeless and underserved families through a full service medical, dental, and eye care clinic. Services include well-baby and well-child checkups, well woman exams and clinical breast exams, physical examinations, management and treatment of diabetes and chronic illness, provision of medication when applicable, low cost referrals for specialized needs, and patient education classes including chronic illness management, personal hygiene, and nutrition. Our goal is to add to our current campuses in Tustin and Santa Ana by opening a third campus in Orange County to provide health care for more families in need.
These are the Rescue Mission’s (and my) hopes and goals for 2017 as we strive to serve the Least, the Last, and the Lost .
But we cannot do it alone. The Orange County Rescue Mission relies on community support and partnership to help us provide and care for our hurting neighbors. I ask you to please consider supporting the Rescue Mission’s 2017 initiatives. With your help, we can expand with strategic and proven services, to end homelessness one life at a time.

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