Andy Bales' End of Month Update - June 2023
I wanted to give you an end-of-June update and assure you that we need you to be thinking of us as we end this fiscal year on June 30th.
It's an important time, and we recently put out a plea on all social media platforms, emphasizing that there is still time for the 2X matching grant and the need to finish strong so we can start the new fiscal year on a positive note.
We had a beautiful tea event at Hope Gardens, and I was amazed to see how much the ladies enjoyed themselves, dressed up and having a great time. Additionally, we organized a Father's Day event on a rooftop, where I had the privilege of sharing my perspective as both a father and a grandfather. It was a wonderful occasion with delicious food, held at the Union Rescue Mission rooftop. We celebrated fathers, and I gave them some advice.
During my speech, I talked about the joys of being a grandpa and how I wished I had embraced that role earlier when I was still a father. I encouraged them to be kinder, more patient, and take on the characteristics of a loving grandfather. I also shared a personal story about my dad, who, despite experiencing homelessness during his childhood, built a great life for me. His resilience, patience, and love continue to inspire me.
Amidst the joyous occasions, we also faced heartache. Losing a graduate, Daniel Skinner, was one of the toughest moments. We held a memorial service in our chapel, where we spent time with his daughter and family, grieving together. We shared stories from Skid Row about Daniel, which brought comfort and reconnection to his memory for those who knew him.
On a brighter note, our Union Rescue Mission 5k Run/Walk at the Rose Bowl was a great success, and we're grateful for CBS's excellent coverage of the event. It was a fantastic opportunity to showcase the work we do at Union Rescue Mission.
I also want to highlight our remarkable mayor, Karen Bass. She recently declared her commitment to ending street homelessness and focusing on long-term addiction recovery. I've been a fan of hers for a while, but now I am her biggest supporter as she takes on this challenging task. We've had a chance to discuss how we can address these issues together, and I'm confident in her ability to make a difference. Let's keep her in our prayers as she faces opposition from various activists.
We were at Hope Gardens celebrating the graduation of 17 incredible women. This was one of our largest classes in a long time, and it fills my heart with joy to see their achievements. Some of them have already secured jobs and are preparing to move into new homes with their families. Witnessing transformations like these is what motivates us to continue our work tirelessly.
In my graduation talk, I discussed the concept of coming to Jesus with childlike faith. I believe that if we approach Him with innocence, hope, and dependency, our lives can be transformed. This applies not only to our children but also to the mothers here at Hope Gardens. They can bring their children before Christ and teach them to rely on Him completely.
On a personal note, I'm getting ready for a big day on July 7th at Dodger Stadium. I'll have the honor of throwing out the first pitch, and it will be a special URM Dodger night. I hope you'll tune in and join us in celebrating Union Rescue Mission.
As we approach the end of June, I want to stress the importance of your support. We're praying for a miracle to finish this month and the fiscal year strong, so we can continue saying "yes" to families in need. Last night, we welcomed our last two families into our shelter spaces and moving forward, we'll need you more than ever as we are now at capacity and having to book hotels to continue to keep families safe.
We could not do this life-changing, life-transforming work without you!