newsletter

July

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leaving Poverty

“It all started as a journey from homelessness when I was

8 years old, but there was an opportunity to walk through

a door because God had a journey planned.” – Jose

When Jose was in the third grade he moved into a room at Water Street Ministries, also known as the Mission. He didn’t want to be called “homeless” and he didn’t want to be called a “shelter kid”. Those were some of the things he remembers. Beyond that,

Jose looks back on that year of eating, sleeping, and growing at the Mission with the feeling that it kept his family together.

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Special Edition

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“We were always in poverty, but we never felt defeated,” recalls Jose. His mom, his two sisters and two brothers, arrived at Water Street in 1989 after his dad was incarcerated. During the day Jose would walk across the street to go to school. It was hard, he says, because he didn’t want his classmates to know where he was living. As an eight-year-old, living at a shelter was really difficult. It was important to Jose and his siblings to protect their dignity and to show others there was more to a person than their address.

In the evenings Jose remembers spending time in the Women’s Shelter with his family. It was the best his mom could do at the time, and Jose knew it. She let them know in simple ways. One time she shared a chocolate bar by breaking off pieces until it was gone, but never taking her own piece. Jose remembers little things like that when he thinks about his mom’s efforts to keep them fed and in safe shelter.

One of his third grade classmates invited Jose to Teen Haven, just a block away from Water Street Ministries. This youth center was different than the others he had visited. It was a place for kids to engage in programs that would equip them to be future leaders in their families and communities, while inviting them into a relationship with God. Jose didn’t realize that invitation would change his life.

Jose looks back on his years growing up in the city and remembers having a safe place to go. “I had a place of refuge, a place to escape with basketball, overnight camps and the option to eat dinners at the home of a

great Teen Haven staff member. There are some godly men at the youth center,” said Jose. Eventually Jose and his family moved out of the Mission and began their new life at another address in Lancaster city—one they called home until Jose moved out after his high school graduation.

Today Jose is a husband, a father and a leader in Lancaster city as the Field Director at Teen Haven. It’s the exact same youth center where he found acceptance and support as a kid and then as a young adult. Now, nearly two decades later, Jose gets to guide Lancaster’s next generation of teens to focus on their potential. Jose looks back on his journey and humbly says it all began at the Mission.

“It all started as a journey from homelessness when I was eight years old, but there was an opportunity to walk through a door because God had a journey planned. His perfect plan was not for me to not have a dad growing up, but because of His mercy, grace and love God takes those moments and uses people as a vessel to share His journey. God is about redeeming. There is nothing special about me; God had everything to do with my life.” •

Picture of Kuhn’s Hall from the late 1970’s. Today this building houses women and children and is also the site for Water Street Health Services.

“We were always in poverty, but we never felt defeated,” recalls Jose. His mom, his two sisters and two brothers, arrived at Water Street in 1989 after his dad was incarcerated.”

Our Mission

Water Street Ministries opened its doors in 1905 as the first Mission to serve the homeless and hungry in Lancaster County. Over the years the organization has grown and changed in many ways, but one thing has remained the same: Water Street Ministries exists to advances the Kingdom of God

through the Gospel of Jesus Christ by providing rescue and renewal services in the city and county of Lancaster.

Here’s a look at a few of the ways we are serving the men, women and children who continue to find rescue and renewal at Water Street. •

A haven for teens to develop their leadership skills and, through discipleship, grow into leaders in their community and church.

Water Street serves an average of 400 meals ever day and can give a bed to 200 people at one time.

Water Street Health Services

provides free health and

dental care to about 8,000

visits each year.

Teen HavenMissionHealth Services

A volunteer serves a meal to

people in need at the Mission.

A Farewell from ChaszBy Charles “Chasz” Parker

President, Water Street Ministries

The work we do in changing lives is truly amazing and would not be possible without the generosity of people like you. Thank you from the bottom on my heart.

In light of all of our accomplishments, it is with a heavy heart I announce my resignation as President of Water Street Ministries to accept the CEO position in Lewisville, Texas. Moving to Lewisville also allows my wife and me to be closer to our family.

I have great confidence that our plan to create a sustainable ministry and financial model will continue, as is evident by its successful implementation by Leadership thus far. I will continue to follow the progress and offer prayers that God continues to provide for all of Water Street’s needs.

While the board considers my replacement, the current Leadership Team will be charged with carrying out the functions of the mission. I hope Water Street can continue to count on your most generous financial support in the years to come.

Blessing,•

We are thrilled to see support what poured into Water Street after Lancaster learned of our goal to improve the way we serve people who are homeless and hungry. It happened earlier than expected, but your generous gifts enable us to fulfill the E.E. Murry Family Foundation’s $100,000 match. Donations are continuing to fund life change here on campus, which is so valuable since 99% of our budget is funded by your donations. Take a look at the newest addition to our campus: new mattresses and beds for our Emergency Shelter made possible by a grant from the Reese Foundation. •thank you for caring about serving the people who need it most!

supporting Neighbors

Because of your continued support, people like Jose experienced rich growth while at Water Street. We will continue to serve hundreds of people who come to our campus for help. This summer we are anticipating extreme heat which will jeopardize the quality of life for those in need. Please consider giving today!

To continue funding life change, make a donation today:

•use the enclosed envelope

•Call sharon at 358-2028

•Visit wsm.org/donate

Planned givingPlanned Giving offers you valuable benefits such as income and tax savings while ensuring your legacy changes the life of a man, woman, or child living in poverty. To learn more about how you can include Water Street Ministries in your will and leave a charitable legacy call tim at 358-2025 or go online to wsmlegacy.org.

Before After

14WSM07

Celebrate Our Heritage

sAve the DAte

Annual Dinnertuesday

October 14th, 2014

Calvary Church

~ Invitations to follow ~