What's Happening NYC
It's hard to believe March 1 we will have been here three full years! Our blogging has dropped off, to say the least; I had hoped to be a bit more consistent that I have. But anyway, things have changed substantially since last fall as far as my (Tim) involvement with the homeless. Here's a brief update.
Upon our return to NYC following our summer trip to Oklahoma, my volunteer hours working with the homeless increased significantly. To keep a longer story short, I was asked to become the director of the Career Center of The Bowery Mission, effective October 1, 2012. Since then I have worked full time. My duties with the men in the Residential Recovery Program include daily counseling, career and job development/training, GED prep program, teaching life skills and basic computer, and managing volunteers.
The Bowery Mission is one of the oldest missions to the homeless of New York City, dating back to 1879. More can be learned about the legacy of The Bowery Mission at www.Bowery.org. The Mission is located on the lower east side of Manhattan, which is one of the oldest areas of the city. Our funding is 100% private, which enables us to maintain a Gospel-centered ministry. The Bowery Mission ministers daily to the city by serving three meals a day to the street homeless of the area. More than 370,000 meals are served per year--and it’s the men of the Residential Recovery Program who do much of the work. Daily, food trucks are loaded with meals which are served to homeless persons at various parks--including Central Park--throughout the city. The homeless may walk in anytime day or night for food, shelter, or clothing. On an average winter night there may be 250-300 people sleeping in the pews of the chapel.
I am thoroughly enjoying working with the men in the residential recovery program at the Mission. To say everyday is an experience would be an understatement! God has truly given me an incredible opportunity to be involved personally with men who are trying to get their lives back in order. At least half the men have criminal records or have been in prison, 75% have substance abuse issues, and all walk in homeless. Every story is heartbreaking, but the Mission gives them a place to call home, an opportunity to hear the Gospel daily, and a place where they work serving the street homeless of the city.
My job is to help these men develop the skills necessary to re-enter the workplace. By giving them the basic skills needed for life, relationships, and work, the program enables them to move back toward meaningful lives. They receive vocational training, certification, spiritual stability, and most of all, hope.
As for the girls, Lindsey and Bethany are singing their hearts out with The Young People’s Chorus of NYC. They have had so many neat opportunities over the past year, including performances at The White House, the 9/11 Memorial Service at Ground Zero, Good Morning America, Stockholm, Jazz at Lincoln Center, and Carnegie Hall. Suzy seems busier than ever. Between homeschooling the girls, working with the Westside Women’s Group, hosting our weekly Bible study, and doing church, her schedule seems downright hectic. Several of you have expressed constant interest in our lives here in the city--we so appreciate that and especially the prayers on our behalf. We wish you all well and look forward to seeing you again.
Until then, may you all be blessed!
Tim, Suzy, Lindsey, and Bethany
