Turlock Gospel Mission

• Address: P.O. Box 1231, Turlock 95381-1231

• Phone number: (209) 668-9846

• Web site: www.turlockgospelmission.org.

• Services provided: A nightly meal, a bit of encouragement from God's word and caring company for homeless men, women and children 365 days per year.

• Seasonal clothing and bedding supplies (as available) for our nightly guests.

• Personal coaching and referrals.

• Overnight housing in local churches for homeless women and children from Nov. 20 through April 1

• Collaboration with other care providers, churches and institutions to help our guests receive assistance that we, ourselves, are not able to provide

• We plan to open a daytime ministry soon to those who are homeless.

• How we help those in need:JoAnn Smith's life the past three years has looked like a time-lapse movie of a flower. At first, it is like nothing happens. Then, all of a sudden, the bud opens and a delicate, beautiful flower emerges. JoAnn came to us three years ago as "Jo," a fast-moving, life-hardened woman few would dare to mess with. Homeless for the better part of eight years, she found it difficult to trust anyone. Slowly, Jo began to grow and blossom, coming to know Jesus Christ through our volunteers and 23 partnering churches, and finding a church she could call home. Early this year, "Jo" became JoAnn (her actual name), embracing her true worth. She found work, remains active in her church and finally got into a place of her own furnished by our volunteers and friends. The flower that has begun to emerge is truly one of beauty!

• Individuals and/or families assisted: 12,340 nightly guest meals the first 10 months of this year.

• How a $10 donation can help:1. Package of men's or women's underwear

2. 10 pairs of warm socks

3. Package of diapers

• A $25 donation:1. One or two warm jackets

2. One warm sleeping bag

3. One pair of work boots

• A $50 donation:

1. Five hooded sweat shirts

2. Five warm blankets

3. 10 personal hygiene kits for guests

• A $100 donation:1. Transportation to and from the shelter sight for one week for up to 50 guests

2. Two caring staff workers for one of two night shifts ($148)

3. Computer program for our upcoming daytime homeless assistance ministry center

• Volunteer update: We are in need of eight to 10 volunteers each evening. We will need additional daytime volunteers as soon as we open our homeless assistance ministry this winter.

To learn more, go to www.turlockgospelmission.org and click on "opportunities" or call volunteer coordinator Cindy Noah at (209) 648-4876.

• New and/or noteworthy: Given the increasing number of homeless people in our community and the need to provide daytime alternatives to city parks and public buildings, we are planning to open a daytime ministry this winter for those who are homeless or hurting in Turlock.

The TGM homeless assistance ministry will be open seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Our goals for this ministry include:

• Helping people restore relationships with self, family, friends and others through a relationship with Jesus Christ

• Offering hope to our guests through dignity, purpose and commitment

• Connecting people to the right resources, agencies and individuals to help put them on the road to recovery

• Providing positive accountability and support to help people take the steps needed to better themselves and their current situation

• Assisting guests in reconnecting with our community in a positive way

• Providing a safe environment during the day

Turlock Gospel Mission