SPOTLIGHT ON THE ATLANTIC CITY RESCUE MISSION:

A Letter from Our Foundation President, William J. Chatlos

February 8, 2006

Did you know that families with children are among the fastest growing segment (an estimated 40 percent) of the homeless population? According to the National Center on Family Homelessness, almost half of the 1.3 million homeless children are under the age of 6. Homeless children get sick twice as often as other children, and go hungry twice as often, too.

Directly across the street from the bustling Convention Center, the four-story Atlantic City Rescue Mission serves over 600 meals and shelters more than 200 men, women, and children each day. Opening in 1964 as a storefront shelter that could accommodate a dozen homeless men, this nonprofit, Christian social service ministry has built a strong network with area businesses and more than 60 social service agencies to provide comprehensive services to the growing population of homeless and working poor.

William R. Southrey, President and CEO of the Atlantic City Rescue Mission, explains the homeless population in this way. "At one time these people had aspirations, hopes and dreams like everyone else. Now they are people carving out homes in the sand under the boardwalk. But homelessness can strike anyone, and is a condition that can be brought upon a person because of situations and circumstances far beyond their control.” When a mother with children suddenly finds herself on the street, her problems and fears can become overwhelming.

The Atlantic City Rescue Mission’s programs include addiction recovery, work readiness training for men and women, and medical assistance, including a clinic, a visiting nurse program, and other services. The City has recognized the value of the Mission's programs by donating land for a park and installing a fence to beautify the area. The various casinos provide food on an ongoing basis and some job opportunities.

Witnessing the devastating effects of homelessness on an increasing number of children, the Mission opened a Family Life Center within the facility that can shelter up to 13 families at a time. Women take part in parenting and nutrition classes, job training, and counseling.

The need is greater than ever. “This year,” says President Southrey, “it will take $3.1 million, or $8,493 per day, to provide meals, shelter, counseling, medical care, and life-changing programs for thousands of needy people at the Mission.”

Some of that money goes to provide food and housing for the many children who come to the Mission. These are children who won’t have to go hungry again. These are children who don’t have to suffer the higher rate of ear infections, asthma attacks, and stomach problems that plague homeless children. These are children who don’t have to move again and again, separated from parents, brothers, and sisters and losing their few precious belongings. With your help, these are children who will experience safety, stability, and spiritual guidance. They’ll have a better chance to succeed in school, to dream of a future.

You have an opportunity to invest in our country’s future. You can help give a homeless family safety and hope, as they work toward a better tomorrow.

If you're interested in learning more about the Atlantic City Rescue Mission, visit them online at http://www.acrescuemission.org, or call them at (609) 345-5517, or write to them at 2009 Bacharach Blvd., Atlantic City, NJ 08404.

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