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Viewing 1 - 24 out of 24 Blogs.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |  Lincoln Joins Safe Place Program Forty percent of students in the Lincoln Public School District were living in poverty last year. Roughly 1.5 percent of the district's student body, or more than 500 students, were homeless. Often these children, many of them teens, have been thrown out of their homes, or have left to escape abuse, drugs or alcohol. Now, thanks to a collaboration between the People's City Mission, LPS and Lincoln Berean and Two Pillars churches, these kids will have somewhere to go for help. Starting in September, Lincoln will become part of project Safe Place, a national program that provides children with a safe haven when they need it most. In Lincoln, it will be run entirely through volunteers. Local businesses such as Hyvee stores, the Lincoln Journal Star, Scooters coffee houses, LPS schools and Lincoln Fire and Rescue stations will become the "safe places" for youth, displaying yellow signs in their windows to communicate that status. Trained employee volunteers will put kids who seek help in touch with Mission volunteers at the Mission itself or the new Homeless Prevention Center (2101 N Street), formerly called the Distribution Center. Trained volunteers will then help connect these children with available resources to help them out of their situation. Through the Safe Places program, Lincoln's troubled youth will have somewhere they can go for help. Read more at the Lincoln Journal Star 
Youth will be able to go to the Homeless Prevention Center Monday through Friday from six to ten in the evening, where they will be able to eat a meal, play games, take a nap or call family and friends. | | CORA'S 5TH ANNUAL 4 X FEST TO "STUFF THE TRUCK" WITH FOOD FOR PEOPLE'S CITY MISSION 
The People's City Mission was selected for the fifth year to receive the food donated at the 5th Annual Christian Off Roaders Association's 4 X FEST this Saturday, August 20th at Southview Baptist Church at 13th and Arapahoe (just north of 14th and HWY 2) in Lincoln, NE. The event will feature a truck and Jeep show, an obstacle course for local off roaders and live music by local artists. Kids are encouraged to participate in the "Kids Crawl" sponsored by C.O.R.A. USA and you can enter in a drawing to win an RC Crawler from HobbyTown ( most be present to win, Ages 8 - 16). People can attend the event for free by bringing a canned or non perishable food item to participate in the "Stuff the Trucks" food drive. All donated food items will go to the People's City Mission, and those who donate will be entered into drawings for door prizes throughout the day. Don't miss CORA's 4 X Fest, this Saturday, August 20th at Southview Baptist Church. | | Moving Toward Recovery A year ago, People's City Mission medical clinic staff sent 62 year old Joe Wilson to a hospital emergency room, where he was diagnosed with cancer on his face and neck.
"When I came here to the Mission," Joe said, "I hadn't been diagnosed. I didn't know I was sick." After six months as a guest at the Mission, Joe was rapidly losing weight and strength. He also had a large lump on his neck. He visited the Mission clinic, and within fifteen minutes was en route to the hospital.
"They (PCM clinic staff) knew right away," he said, "but I had to go to the hospital and have the biopsies and cat scans." Joe immediately applied for and received Social Security and Medicaid, which have helped to cover his extensive hospital bills. Today, Joe is making progress toward recovery and, eventually, a move to Denver, Colorado to be with his son and only granddaughter.
Joe came to Lincoln to be with his son, who was working for Burlington Northern Railroad. Things went well for a while, but Joe fell heavily into alcohol and ended up at the Mission. His son was transferred to Denver, but Joe remained behind after his diagnosis to receive medical treatment. Dealing with his living arrangements and medical situation alone takes strength and stamina on Joe's part. After two years at the People's City Mission, he is ready to be on his own again, but appreciates that the Mission took the
time to help him when he needed it most.
"People are caring here," Joe said. "I'm kind of a hard guy... a lot of times I won't ask for help, but there've always been people here that will help me. They're pretty perceptive; they knew I needed help."
Joe plans to leave the Curtis Center at the end of October, and hopes to return to Colorado this spring. | | Saving More Than Lives 
This year the People's City Mission will assist almost 20,000 people living near the poverty line. More than 8,000 of those will be children. Read how one young girl was given the opportunity to go back to school with renewed confidence, thanks to the Mission and your help.
| | | | | Contact Information |
Jessica Kuhl : 402.475.1303 ext 114
jkuhl@peoplescitymission.org
McKenzie Swanson : 712.898.0915 mckenziej.swanson@gmail.com
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Tags: City Mission Peoples Lincoln
| |  | GROW Vine Newsletter
July/August 2011
Proudly Serving 368 Members
2011 GROW Nebraska State Fair Store  | | The 2010 State Fair Buy Local Store in Grand Island was the most successful yet. | "I pledge my head to clearer thinking, my heart to greater loyalty, my hands to larger service, my health to better living, for my club, my community, my country and my world" (4-H Pledge).
GROW Nebraska takes a very similar oath – an oath to better every part of ourselves, our community, state and country. One way we are fulfilling this pledge is to provide Nebraska entrepreneurs the opportunity to promote and sell products at the 2011 Nebraska State Fair.
The State Fair is always one of GROW's favorite events of the year and this year is no different. From August 26 to September 5 the GROW Nebraska store will be located in the Exhibition Building on the fair grounds in Grand Island. We invite you to stop by to taste the flavors of Nebraska, meet your local entrepreneurs and browse our selection of high-quality products.
Click here to see GROW entrepreneurs attending the State Fair >>
For general information on the 2011 State Fair, see the State Fair Web site.
Helping Students GROW  | | Christian Pavelka makes and sells marshmallow guns. He recently sold several of these at the GROW Nebraska store in Kearney's Hilltop Mall. | GROW Nebraska has teamed up with the University of Nebraska Extension EntrepreneurShip Investigation (ESI) project to help the future entrepreneurs of Nebraska GROW. This year 12 to 14 students involved in the ESI program will be featuring their products at the 2011 GROW Nebraska State Fair Store.
Nancy Eberle, Special Projects Coordinator for the University of Nebraska - Lincoln Extension, recognizes the impact that working with GROW Nebraska at the State Fair has for these young entrepreneurs. She states, "This collaboration gives our ESI youth the opportunity to learn how to set up a retail booth, sell along with experts and learn from other entrepreneurs while being supported by GROW."
GROW and ESI encourage you to stop by the 2011 State Fair Store at the Nebraska State Fair August 26 – September 5 to meet the future entrepreneurs of our state and show them your encouragement and support.
Read Entire Article >>
The GROW Getter
 | | One of the recent GROW Getters was a Rustic Writing HOPE Sign for $31 - normally $45. | Get great GROW Nebraska products at discount prices every Wednesday online and at all GROW Nebraska retail locations. GROW is marking down amazing products made right here in Nebraska. Each Wednesday morning GROW Nebraska will post the day's hottest deal on our Facebook page. Find out more on how to be a GROW Getter and start saving on GROW Nebraska products!
Read a Blog on how to become a GROW Getter >>
GROW will also have members in the stores the first Saturday of every month. Stop by one of our retail locations to sample the flavors of Nebraska and meet the incredible entrepreneurs in the state. Be sure to see who will be at the store by checking GROW Nebraska's calendar regularly.
Sign up to receive our weekly GROW Getter e-mails on our home page at http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=ihfxmucab&et=1106837975345&s=2774&e=001RamVqs9XsxVWOHO0 TJhlpgKszpYFYO9WJ6bGQrYdgMi9dED7_mYOe1KuFSMfaXMjJRe-uyGUCSbR6qoEDBmjlFr7YS5 uKGf_QPT-5HDIFhPwXPhHLxruQg==.
CoElaborations – GROWing Better Together  | | Linda Fettig has been a friend of GROW Nebraska since 1998. | Even with a small staff and a smaller budget, GROW Nebraska seems to get quite a bit done, but we can't even begin to take full credit for our success. Without the help from collaborating partners and funders our "elaborations" would merely be lamentations. We'd like to take a moment to thank our featured collaborator, the Nebraska Department of Economic Development (NEDED), and show you the large role they play in the success of GROW Nebraska.
NEDED has been working with GROW Nebraska since its inception. Linda Fettig, DED employee serving as the Director of the Nebraska Rural Development Commission, played a major role while forming the original ideas for GROW Nebraska.
The NEDED has funded GROW through several funding mechanisms for start-up projects throughout GROW's 13 years of existence and the DED staff have assisted with various educational efforts in GROW's workshops.
"I truly believe that GROW would not even be in existence if it was not for the guidance of Linda Fettig and the financial support of the Nebraska DED," states GROW Nebraska CEO, Janell Anderson Ehrke.
Read Entire Article >>
New GROW Nebraska Members GROW In the NewsIs your Business GROWing in Northeast Nebraska?
Entrepreneurs in Eastern Nebraska are invited to learn how GROW Nebraska works and what GROW can do for them. For interested parties, GROW is hosting an informational meeting in Norfolk on August 4 to show why Nebraska businesses already take advantage of these services.
Read Entire Article >>
Online Sites Showcase Local Items
The Omaha World-Herald highlights GROW Nebraska as a major part of rural entrepreneur's success with online marketing.
Read Entire Article >>
GROW Nebraska Collaborates with Heritage Nebraska Main Street
GROW Nebraska and Heritage Nebraska Main Street recently collaborated on the promotion and awareness of Nebraska Main Street communities. GROW Nebraska, an affiliate of the Central Plains Foundation, added an icon to each member's catalog page that lives in a Main Street Community.
Read Entire Article >> Where Are They GROWing Now?  | | Erica Heiden was a GROW Nebraska intern from 2006 to 2007. | This new section of the GROW Newsletter features GROW's beloved interns and where their journey post-internship has taken them. This issue highlights Erica Heiden.
Erica Heiden worked as a GROW Nebraska intern from 2006 to 2007 and primarily managed the Web Site Critique each year. Upon ending her internship with GROW Nebraska, Heiden completed two internships with Disney. She attributes her time and success there to her internship with GROW.
Heiden is currently interning at Bailey Lauerman, a marketing communications firm whose client list includes brands such as Disney, Office Max, and Pepsi. Heiden is currently working towards an M.A. in Marketing, Communication Studies, and Advertising, which she will finish in December. "I hadn't even thought about working in marketing until I interned for GROW, and that is what launched my marketing career," stated Heiden.
Read Full Story >> | |
GROW Nebraska is committed to sustainable business practices. Please print only when necessary, and recycle.
GROW Nebraska's Mission is to create sustainable economic development by supporting entrepreneurs and small businesses through promotion, market access and education.
GROW Members: Please feel free to share the GROW E-News with colleagues, peers, and others who may not be familiar with GROW and its services. | | | | | P.O. Box 7 | Holbrook, NE 68948 | Phone: 888.476.9632 | ©2011 |
Tags: Nebraska Products Grow
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |  Pastor Tom's Blog "We are never prepared for what we expect." ~James A. Michener, Caravans
"Zareb came to my office today to ask for a favor. He is a refugee from the Sudan. Zareb is one of 50 or so Sudanese we house at any given time in our two shelters. We have been sheltering Sudanese refugees for several years now..." Read more from PT's latest entry: Meals for Malcontents | |
Employee Bio - Jessica Kuhl 
Hi, Jess Kuhl here. I have the joy of being the Communications Specialist for People's City Mission, which means I am one of the voices you've been hearing through our bi-weekly e-newsletter!
I was born in Galesburg, IL, but lived most of my life in Sioux Falls, SD. My parents were devoted Christians so I knew of the Lord from an early age. Combine that with their love of Civil War battlefield sites, and you get a lot of cross-country car time to share family stories of faith and love.
Growing up I had a passion for art (school assignments were rarely turned in doodle-free). So when it came time to decide on a college major, the choice was pretty obvious. I attended Concordia in Seward, NE, where I received my BFA in Graphic Design. When I wasn't in the studio, I was traveling the country as part of the speech and debate team, honing my persuasion skills, which has definitely come in handy!
After graduating, I worked various design jobs, moving to Minneapolis for a while, eventually returning to Lincoln to accept a job at a local software/touchscreen design company. Like a lot of businesses, the economy forced them to make cutbacks and I found myself out of work for the first time in 5 years. Unemployment is incredibly difficult. The uncertainty and fear of not being unable to pay next month's bills. And like most blessings, I wasn't expecting to find a job with People's City Mission. I had heard of them, but didn't quite grasp the extent of the work they were doing for the community. After my first tour, I knew where I wanted to be. The Mission is so much more than a shelter! It's a place to give hope, a place to learn valuable skills for getting back on your feet in tough times and a place to find peace in our Lord. I learn something new everyday. And I know working here, with people that care so much about the cause, is going to change my life. | | How Far We Have Come Francis had been in an abusive marriage in Pennsylvania for some time when she finally packed up her things and brought herself and her two daughters to Lincoln, Nebraska in February of 1984. The girls were just seven and eight years old at the time. Francis chose Lincoln because she had family here, but circumstances meant that she and her children couldn't stay with them. Instead, they turned to the People's City Mission for help. "The City Mission took us in with open arms," said Francis, "and gave us a safe and warm place to stay." While they weren't in a home, she and her children were, finally, protected from abuse. The mission put Francis in touch with state and local agencies that helped her get an apartment, enroll her daughters in school, earn her GED and go to college. She received an Associate's degree in Administration with a major in Accounting, and got a job with a credit union. As of this July, she's been a state employee for 21 years. Fifteen years ago, Francis remarried. Her daughters grew into adults with children of their own, and Francis and her husband have a total of five grandchildren. Francis occasionally gets together with her sister and the grandkids to bake cupcakes and other treats for guests at the Mission. "I somehow want to give back to the City Mission," she says, "and instill in the grandchildren the need to help others." Because of Francis' bravery and the Mission's help, she and her daughters escaped abuse and found love and safety hundreds of miles away. "I want to thank the City Mission for their help during our family crisis," she said. Francis is now happily married with a good job and a loving family, and taking the time to appreciate how far God has brought her in the past 27 years. | |
Tags: City Mission Lincoln Peoples City Mission Newsletter
Thursday, July 28, 2011 3:31 PM PRESS RELEASE For Immediate Release 
July 28, 2011 Contact: Christin Kamm - (402) 471-6856 www.agr.ne.gov * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * DIRECTOR IBACH ENCOURAGES NEBRASKANS TO CELEBRATE NATIONAL FARMERS' MARKET WEEK LINCOLN – Summer presents the perfect opportunity for Nebraskans to enjoy the taste of farm grown sweet corn, the juiciness of a vine-ripened tomato, or the freshness of green beans plucked straight from the garden. Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA) Director Greg Ibach encourages all Nebraskans to enjoy their local Farmers' Market this season and especially during National Farmers' Market Week from August 7-13. “Nebraska is privileged to have over 80 farmers' markets across the state,” said Ibach. “I challenge all Nebraskans to visit their local farmers' market during National Farmers' Market Week, and for the rest of the season, to purchase fresh, locally grown produce. Not only are you purchasing some of the freshest produce available, but every dollar you spend helps support your local economy.” The Nebraska Department of Agriculture will celebrate National Farmers' Market Week at the Centennial Mall Garden Market, located on Centennial Mall between L and M streets in downtown Lincoln, beginning at 12:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 10th. Vendors will be selling locally grown produce, and several guest educators will be available to answer questions, including a master gardener, a registered dietitian and a representative from the Nebraska Sustainable Ag Society. There also will be live music, free ice cream and a cooking demonstration.
In addition, recipes, coasters, luggage tags, market listings, and business card magnets promoting the “Nebraska, Our Best to You” logo will be distributed to consumers patronizing the market. NDA offers “Your Guide to Nebraska Fresh Produce” as a way for people to access information about farmers' markets, roadside stands, and U-pick operations. The guide identifies locations, hours of operation, and contact information for numerous operations across the state. To obtain a copy of the guide, please call 800-422-6692, or visit www.agr.ne.gov. Other farmers' markets that are participating in the National Farmers' Market Week celebration can be found by visiting www.ourbesttoyou.nebraska.gov. Visitors will be able to view an interactive map of Nebraska, featuring farmers' markets across the state, and highlighted (in yellow), are farmers' markets that are planning special activities for National Farmers' Market Week. Nebraskans may notice the “Nebraska, Our Best to You” logos in more locations across the state this year, including advertising in local newspapers and on signs advertising farmers' markets locations, said Ibach. The logo is used to signify Nebraska produce. “The ‘Nebraska, Our Best to You' campaign began five years ago, and has gained momentum, due in large part, to a USDA specialty crop block grant that was awarded to the Nebraska Department of Agriculture,” said Casey Foster, with NDA Ag Promotion and Development. “Promotional materials, with the logo, have been distributed to produce growers throughout Nebraska.” # # # Members of the media: To receive the “Nebraska Our Best to You” logo, please e-mail christin.kamm@nebraska.gov ------ Christin Kamm
Nebraska Department of Agriculture
Public Information Officer
P.O. Box 94947
Lincoln, NE 68509
(402) 471-6856 (Office)
(402) 440-7251 (Cell)
(402) 471-6876 (Fax)     
Tags: Farmer's Market Department Of Agriculture Nebraska Lincoln Grapevine
FROM: Monday, July 18, 2011 3:57 PM Message body PRESS RELEASE For Immediate Release 
July 18, 2011 Contact: Christin Kamm - (402) 471-6856 http://www.agr.ne.gov/ * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * JILL BROWN RECEIVES NAYI'S HIGHEST AWARD LINCOLN – During the 40th Annual Nebraska Agricultural Youth Institute (NAYI) held last week, the Nebraska Agricultural Youth Council (NAYC) presented its highest honor, the NAYI Award of Merit, to Jill Brown. “The NAYI Award of Merit is presented each year to an individual with a strong commitment to youth and a dedication to the betterment of the agricultural industry,” said NAYC Advisor Christin Kamm. “Jill exemplifies this commitment and dedication and has personally assisted with several of the Nebraska Agricultural Youth Council members in pursuing career opportunities during their time at the University of Nebraska.” Mrs. Brown has served as both a Career Specialist and Career Placement and Development Coordinator at the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources (CASNR) at the University of Nebraska – Lincoln (UNL) since 2005. She recently began serving as the Director of External Relations at the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources (IANR) at UNL. Those nominating Brown said, “Her interest in youth is sincere and heartfelt. Her commitment to youth can easily be measured by her enormous capacity and energy to engage, encourage and empower youth in the many facets of the agricultural profession.
The breadth of her capabilities is only limited by the hours in a day . . . She continually pushes the boundaries of her passion for agriculture with her dedication to people. To commit to serve students of all ages and then to define the boundaries of that commitment with a 24/7 service mentality is truly exemplary.” Brown is a native of Arlington, Nebraska, and currently resides in Lincoln with her husband and daughter. # # # ------ Christin Kamm
Nebraska Department of Agriculture
Public Information Officer
P.O. Box 94947
Lincoln, NE 68509
(402) 471-6856 (Office)
(402) 440-7251 (Cell)
(402) 471-6876 (Fax)     
Reply to: Reply to Kamm, Christin Reply to Kamm, Christin Send
Tags: Nebraska Youth Agriculture Award Grapevine
National Emergency Grant - On the Job Training Talking Points · Grant program through the NDOL Lincoln Career Center to create On the Job training opportunities. · Employers must be ~ o Private sector or Private non-profit sector. o Must be for full time employment. o Employer evaluates skill gap of referred candidate(s) and makes the hiring decision. o Wage reimbursement of training period (maximum 6 months) based on employer size (size of employer based on ONE geographical site location – site could be one store of a national chain, or site could include 60 acres of plant structures counting all employees). § 1 – 50 employees = up to 90% wage reimbursement § 51 – 250 employees = up to 75% wage reimbursement § 251 or more employees = up to 50% wage reimbursement o Length of training determined by the skill gap of trainee. o Hiring/firing decisions remain with the employer and based on criteria used for all employees. o Wage reimbursement cannot exceed state's average wage of $17.94 per hour. · Candidates must be ~ o Dislocated worker unemployed for at least 16 weeks. o Veterans meeting the initial requirements are priority participants. o Must possess the basic skills needed to be successful in the position – skill gap to be addressed in training determined by the employer. Employers are very welcome to call the Business Services Representatives - Amelia Scott at 471-4454 or Troy Larsen at 471-2438, or Business Services Supervisor Ruth Liedle at 471-4481 or Karen Mosier at 471-2278. The grant is available until June 30, 2012, but considering training times, etc. we need to have the OJT's in place by the end of this year.
Tags: Labor Training Unemployed Reimbursement Lincoln Grapevine
MISSION SEES ANOTHER HOT STRETCH OF WEATHER AND SETS NEW RECORD FOR PEOPLE SHELTERED LINCOLN, NE, July 26, 2011 – The effects of the severe summer weather conditions over the last few weeks continue to wreak havoc on the population of the People's City Mission. In the last week, the Mission has had new records for number of people housed set and then broken multiple times. The heat hasn't let up and neither has the demand for shelter that it produces. This demand has left the People's City Mission in a state of overcrowding. Last night, July 25th, the Mission set a new record by sheltering 378 guests. The previous high was 373 was set only a week earlier on July 18th, 2011. With temperatures outside in the upper 90's and a heat index well over 110 degrees, Lincoln's less fortunate have turned to the People's City Mission in record numbers to escape overexposure to the sweltering heat. Instead of turning people away, the overflow of guests have been sheltered in common areas like the chapel or guest lounges. Last night the men's emergency shelter served 146 men. That is nearly 150% of capacity which meant 45 men slept on cots. The family shelter saw 172 guests which left 41 women and children on cots. In addition, 60 men were housed in transitional housing. And with weather reports calling for temperatures to stay unbearably hot for the next few days, it is likely there will continue to be overcrowding. But despite of this overcrowding, Pastor Tom Barber, the Mission's Executive Director, is urging for the communities support in encouraging and supporting all remaining homeless people to seek shelter at the Mission at 110 Q Street. "OVERCROWDED MISSION SHELTERS RECORD NUMBER; CALLS FOR SUPPORT" Page 2 The Mission has seen its cost of operation skyrocket this month with the swelling numbers of guests and the utilities and food costs that grow as their number grows. Couple this with the current economic downturn and the situation has put a considerable financial strain on the Mission. Pastor Tom Barber stated, "We have seen long stretches of overcrowding before but not like this. Not even in the coldest parts of winter. We could use the community support more than ever. Whether it is a case of water to make sure our guests are hydrating or a financial contribution to defray some of the added costs we are seeing, we could really use the help." People's City Mission houses over ninety percent of Lincoln's homeless and has served the Lincoln community since 1907. For more information or to speak to someone about supporting the People's City Mission please call (402) 475-1303 or mail your donation to: 110 Q Street, Lincoln, NE 68508.
Tags: City Mission Homeless Lincoln Grapevine Heat
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Meet Lester This Memorial Day season we like to take the time to remember the veterans that have served our country. The Curtis Center houses 30 homeless veterans. Lester is one of those vets. When Lester was 17 years old he enlisted in the National Guard and only a year after leaving the guard he was drafted into the Army. Lester drove a ration truck while serving in Vietnam. After returning from the war he married his sweetheart and enrolled in Chadron State as a business major. Until one year and ten days later when he was suddenly widowed, his wife was killed in a tragic car accident.  Lester found himself running. Running and drugging to escape the pain in his heart. For decades Lester ran, he "rode trains" finding work as he went but he was careful to remain unattached so he couldn't get hurt. Once, he met a girl and settled down for a while and they had a couple children together. But things started to get tough and once again Lester started to run. This time he "rubber-tramped" meaning he lived out of his van.
Lester battled for years to get clean and sober and stay that way, but it never seemed to stick, the pain of his past was too great to bear. Then in 2009 Lester was riding trains again but this time when he jumped, he landed wrong and ended up breaking his back and neck in 5 places. After a long stay in the hospital he was discharged with nowhere to go, so he came here to the People's City Mission. Eventually he moved into our transitional housing unit, the Curtis Center.
Since coming to PCM, Lester has received the medical care he needed to heal. He has learned to take responsibility for his choices and to choose to seek the help he needs to do right. He has started to make amends and reconnect with his children. He's achieved sobriety and even established financial stability. Lester said "something was leading me here, apparently it was God." He has learned to turn things over to God through prayer and meditation. Lester said he always felt unworthy of a relationship with God, but now he sees God as being loving and accepting. Lester is no longer running. His life, good or bad, has led him to be right here today, being the man he once only wished he could be. | | Meet John John has only been staying with us for awhile in the Curtis Center, but already his life has been changed.  John is a vet and a former rodeo cowboy who travels around the country doing construction and handyman jobs. He ended up here in Lincoln for a while and had recently been diagnosed with skin cancer on his back. Again.
His general practitioner referred him to a specialist who would look at the cancer on his back and schedule a time for surgery. John had 4 surgeries previously to remove skin cancer on his back; twice in '04 and once in '07 and '09.
This time the doctor said the procedure would be worse because the wound on his back would need a skin graft from another part of his body. Due to the previous surgeries, there was very little left in that area on his back to stitch back together. Needless to say this pain was not something he wanted to go through again and was looking for any way out.
John was scheduled to see the specialist last Monday the 16th. Before he went John asked two of the Curtis Center staff Rich Gervais and David Lewis to pray for him. As they prayed John said his "back felt warm." The specialist took one look at the spot on his back and told him nothing's there. There was no reason to do surgery and the specialist sent him home. The only indication that there had been something there was an indentation in his back where the cancer would have been. John has been healed and his telling his story to "let people know miracles do happen." Amen! | | Run 4 the Homeless Run so they don't have to. The third annual Run 4 the Homeless, one of only two Mission fundraisers this year, is being held on June 11th at Haymarket Park. This 5k Run and Walk-1-Mile in Their Shoes is intended to be a family fun event for everyone. Check out the full website at www.run4thehomeless.org to register online or print off registration and pledge pages. We're using a website called First Giving to register and raise funds online. This website will give you the ability to create a fundraising page and send a link to family and friends. Those who raise $25 or more will receive a Run 4 the Homeless t-shirt. For more information contact the Community Relations Director, Lisa McClung at 402.475.1303 ext. 130 or at lmcclung@peoplescitymission.org "Like" us on Facebook to learn more as the event approaches. | | Giving in Unexpected Ways Our community blesses us in so many unexpected ways, and we love the opportunity to give back in equally unexpected ways.  When the free clinic opened 2 years ago, the Lincoln community donated so generously that we were given multiple doctor examination tables, dentist chairs, crutches and other medical supplies that the Clinic would not be able to use. We saved them for a day when we could. An unexpected story came up for the extra medical equipment to find a home. Pastor Tim Springer and members of the Milford Mennonite church come to the the Mission and serve meals on Wednesdays. The church is also very involved with a ministry called Water for Haiti that works to get clean water to the Haitian people as well as helping them to rebuild their lives. Pastor Tim went Haiti in February of 2011 and is working on returning this next February. The church was so inspired by Water for Haiti that they purchased a cube truck and they're in the process of filling it with donations to send to Haiti. Jerry Owen, the assistant director of the Mission found out about what the church was doing and offered some of our extra equipment. We gave a child's sized wheel chair to the church that Pastor Tim says would really bless one of the orphanages in Haiti. The church hopes to have the truck filled and sent to Haiti in July. Pastor Tim says this, "shows the spirit of the Mission as you give to the poorest in the Western Hemisphere." Pray for the church that they would be able to fill the truck and bless the people of Haiti. | | Some Wars are Never Truly Over  As we celebrate our veteran's this Memorial Day, read how the mental struggles of war can leave some vets homeless when they return home. Read the story of one veteran's experience with homeless here at the Mission.
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Tags: City Mission Peoples Lincoln Nebraska
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Mission is Going Social  Pastor Tom is going to begin blogging about his experiences here at the Mission. He hopes this will be an opportunity for you to see poverty and homelessness in Lincoln, NE in a new light.
He'd like your help though! Blogging is a new venture for him and he'd like your feedback. His first post can be found here. Head over and write in the comments section at the end of the post about what you thought and what other types of things you'd like to hear about. | | Prayer Praise Palooza If you're running or know someone that is running in the Lincoln Marathon  on May 1, be sure to stop by the Prayer & Praise Palooza booth at the Runner's Exp on April 30th. They will have pieces of paper for you to write a prayer request down on a piece of paper and pin it to the wall to have others pray for you while you run. At 6:30 on Saturday night there with be a Spaghetti Feed at the Champions Club. The Horizons Community Praise & Worship Band will be playing and praying for the prayer requests. Check out prayerpraisepalooza.com for more information. | | Run 4 the Homeless Run so they don't have to. The third annual Run 4 the Homeless, one of our biggest fundraisers of the year, is being held on June 11th at Haymarket Park. This 5k Run and Walk-1-Mile in Their Shoes is intended to be a family fun event for everyone.
Check out the full website at www.run4thehomeless.org to register online or print off registration and pledge pages. We're using a website called First Giving to register and raise funds online. This website will give you the ability to create a fundraising page and send a link to family and friends. Those who raise $25 or more will receive a Run 4 the Homeless t-shirt. For more information contact the Community Relations Director, Lisa McClung at 402.475.1303 ext. 130 or at lmcclung@peoplescitymission.org "Like" us on Facebook to learn more as the event approaches. | | Cornhusker Bank Day Without Shoes Recap 
Our thanks to Cornhusker Bank and everyone that donated shoes or money for the Day without Shoes event. A total of 4,350 pairs of shoes were donated, as well as $8,200! These shoes will bless hundreds of homeless and near homeless in our city. Check our Facebook page and Cornhusker Bank's Facebook page for more information and pictures. | | A Gift's True Value 
Pastor Tom tells the story of a young man's struggle with learning the true value of the gift he was given. Read the story here. | | | | | Contact Information | | Sarah Landretti: 402.475.1303 Ext. 119 or slandretti@peoplescitymission.org | | | | People's City Mission | P.O. Box 80636 | 110 Q Street | Lincoln | NE | 68501 | 
Tags: People's City Mission Charity Newsletter Pastor Tom
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Meet Becky Painter  Becky came to join our Family Shelter Staff about a year ago. She has been married for 34 years and has a son, daughter-in-law and a granddaughter that she adores. Becky has been an Interior Designer for many years and loves it but was starting to feel like she wanted to try something new as well.
Becky has spent her adult life mentoring young people. She calls it "Treasure Hunting", when you get to know people, learn about them and listen to the clues God gives you to find the treasure deep within them. Then she has the honor of encouraging and building them up to be able to see that treasure within themselves, but even more so to step out and walk in the full potential of that treasure. Becky also has a passion for helping to walk others through "the hard times" in life. She's been honored to be part of nine different births and two deaths and feels that those have been some of the greatest privileges in her life. Becky told me, "I love the mission because it's hard here, and I like the hard places." She says she "loves to love like Jesus loves, but you have to be in a place to do that." "Here you learn who you are and who you aren't and who you want to be. It's like a training ground" Becky has been a wonderful blessing not only to our guests but also to our staff. Her joy and faith is a source of constant encouragement amidst the day to day. Thank you Becky for everything that you do, but most of all, for who you are! Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from Him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; He is my fortress, I will not be shaken. My salvation and my honor depend on God; He is my mighty rock, my refuge. Trust in Him at all times, O people; Pour out your hearts to Him, for God is our refuge. - Psalms 62:5-8 | | Amazing Grace Recap We had a great time on Sunday at the final day of Amazing Grace. College students across Lincoln competed to collect the most food and clothing for us at the Mission. The Concordia volleyball team was the first group there on Sunday. They unloaded bag after bag of clothing from the 15 passenger van that they traveled in from Seward. Impact World Hunger was one of the last teams to show up, but they used their time well by competed in the photo scavenger hunt. They followed clues on Twitter to find PT and get their pictures taken with him to earn extra pounds to go towards their total.  Concordia's Volleyball team was victorious winning tickets to Country Stampede courtesy of Froggy 98 as well as gift certificates to daVinici's.
Thanks to everyone who participated in the scavenger hunt and the collecting clothes and food for us. The food will go to feed those who are hungry and the clothes that we can use will go to clothing those who need it. The clothing that we can't use because of the large quantity will be recycled and sold. The money will go back into the Mission operations to continue supporting people. Our thanks also to our business sponsors including Froggy 98, Subway, Coca-Cola Bottling Company of Mid-America, daVinci's, Black Market, Raising Canes, NuVibe, Cookie Company, Sun Valley Lanes, Godfather's Pizza, Lamar's Donuts & Amigos. Check out Facebook for more pictures from the event. | | Thank You Max Tan!  Michelle Grubs from Max Tan came in recently to take a tour of the Mission and bring us a $2,871 check!
Thursdays during the month of February, proceeds from the tans were donated to us. Our thanks to Max Tan and their customers! In the picture, Pastor Tom, Michelle & the Mission's Marketing Director, Will Hays. | | Run 4 the Homeless Run so they don't have to. The third annual Run 4 the Homeless, one of our biggest fundraisers of the year, is being held on June 11th at Haymarket Park. This 5k Run and Walk-1-Mile in Their Shoes is intended to be a family fun event for everyone.
Check out the full website at www.run4thehomeless.org to register online or print off registration and pledge pages. We're using a website called First Giving to register and raise funds online. With First Giving, you have the ability to create a fundraising page and send a link to the page to family and friends. Those who raise $25 or more will receive a Run 4 the Homeless t-shirt. For more information contact the Community Relations Director, Lisa McClung at 402.475.1303 ext. 130 or at lmcclung@peoplescitymission.org "Like" us on Facebook to learn more as the event approaches. | | A Gift's True Value Pastor Tom tells the story of a young man's struggle with learning the true value of the gift he was given. Read the story here. | | | | | Contact Information | | Sarah Landretti: 402.475.1303 Ext. 119 or slandretti@peoplescitymission.org | | |
Tags: City Mission Lincoln Lancaster Nebraska
PRESS RELEASE For Immediate Release 
March 31, 2011 Contact: Christin Kamm - (402) 471-6856 www.agr.ne.gov * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * URBAN YOUTH TO EXPERIENCE LIFE ON THE FARM LINCOLN – Youth, even those from Nebraska, can be three to four generations removed from the family farm. That is exactly the reason why the members of the Nebraska Agricultural Youth Council (NAYC) have invited urban youth to visit area farms for a day. The annual NAYC Urban Youth Farm Tour will take place on Monday, April 4. The NAYC will be joined by approximately 60 elementary students and their teachers from Seward's St. Vincent de Paul elementary school, as they visit operating beef, dairy, swine, sheep, and grain farms near Wahoo. “The Urban Youth Farm Tour is a great way for the younger students to discover agriculture and learn where their food comes from, and who is producing it. For the Council members, it provides yet another opportunity for us to share our passion for the agriculture industry with a younger generation,” said Robert “Skip” Hecox, NAYC Head Counselor and Ag Youth Coordinator for the Nebraska Department of Agriculture. The NAYC consists of 17 college-age men and women who have been selected by the Nebraska Department of Agriculture to promote agriculture to Nebraska youth. Council members are chosen based on their enthusiasm, interest, and leadership in agriculture. For the past 40 years, the NAYC has promoted agriculture to Nebraska youth, from preschoolers to high school students. # # # NOTE TO MEDIA: All members of the media are invited and encouraged to join the tour. Please call Christin Kamm at (402) 471-6856 for more information. On the day of the tour, Christin will be available by calling (402) 440-7251.
Tags: Youth Urban Farm Nebraska Agriculture
| | | Picture of the Week 
A few of the students from Goodrich at Dawes who brought blankets to the Mission last week.
See more pictures at Facebook.
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Community Partners
Barnes & Noble Book Drive
The Barnes & Noble at 5150 O Street is collecting books for the People's City Mission.
Please consider purchasing a book to help us feed our guests minds as well as their stomachs this Christmas season.
Wilderness Ridge
Stop by Wilderness Ridge and purchase your favorite ornament from their beautifully decorated Christmas tree.
Each of the ceramic ornaments have been hand painted by a child at the Mission. All of the proceeds from the ornaments sale will go to support the Mission.
| | | People's City Mission's Bi-weekly E-Newsletter
| December 6, 2010
(19 days until Christmas!)
| | | | | | | | | | | Most of us have our own holiday traditions and know what to expect this holiday season, but what happens when life changes and suddenly your circumstances are out of your hands. What is Christmas like at the People's City Mission?  Hear what Barb Marion, one of our Family Shelter Supervisors has to say.
"I feel that Christmas is phenomenal at PCM! So many of the families get adopted by people in the community and are able to get just what they want. Santa comes and the kids just love that! When we help the kids wrap the presents that they pick for their parents, they are so funny and they use way too much paper but they are so proud of themselves. And when they get their presents they are just so excited, it doesn't matter if it's just a hairbrush they are so so excited! I just love Christmas at the mission." Barb is truly an amazing person who goes the extra mile to make things like the gift wrapping, a really special memory for our kids.
Homelessness is difficult, particularly during the holidays, but here at the mission we work hard to make it special for each one of our guests.
 So much of what we are able to do is thanks to the hard work of our Volunteer Coordinator Amy Cink. Amy works tirelessly to coordinate each of our guests with donors and create a gift room for those who don't get adopted to choose gifts from. She also coordinates to bring in our special visitors such as Santa, who make the season just a little extra special. Without her hard work, Christmas wouldn't be the same for our guest here at PCM.
We truly are blessed with just the right incredible staff to make this season one to remember!
| Homeless Memorial Service
December 21st is the longest night of the year and the day set aside to remember the homeless men and women who have passed away during the year.
Please join us from 7-7:30pm outside the Mission Medical Clinicfor a service to celebrate the lives of those men & women.
For more information email Lisa McClung at lmcclung@peoplescitymission.org
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Lincoln Journal Star's Today's Deal
Partners with People's City Mission
The Journal Star works with businesses in the Lincoln area to come up with a deal that is 50% off or better for shoppers. Throughout the month of December, part of the proceeds from the deals that you buy will be given to the Mission. This is a great chance to get deals on Christmas presents like 2 tickets for $15 to the Lincoln Star's Hockey game or $10 for $25 worth of merchandise to Blu Velvet. Save some money and bless The Mission at the same time!
Click here to learn more and start shopping!
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Thanksgiving Recap
Thanksgiving is a time when we all Americans look forward to a great meal with family and friends. But what happens when you cannot afford to prepare a meal worthy of thanks? Where would you turn?
The People City Mission has been serving at Thanksgiving Dinner to those less fortunate individuals that find themselves in this predicament for over a century. Recently more and more people are finding themselves in this situation.
This year's dinner, described by many of our over 500 dinner guests as delicious and amazing, was served individually by over 60 volunteers, including the Governor and First Lady.
Check out pictures from the event here!
Channel 8 Coverage of the Meal
Channel 10/11 Coverage of the Meal
Article in the Lincoln Journal Star
CHRISTMAS TURKEYS!
We are also trying to give away another 1000 turkeys at Christmas time. Please help us reach our goal!
You can bring turkeys to the shelter at 110 Q St or the Distribution Center at 2101 N Street. You can also go to the donate page online here to donate money to purchase turkeys.
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Tags: Mission PCM Lincoln Charity
Date: November 24, 2010 For More Information Contact:Gene Hanlon, Recycling Coordinator, 402-441-7043Linda Stevenson, AmeriCorps Volunteer, 402-441-8004
Tips Offered On Reducing Holiday Waste City Recycling Coordinator Gene Hanlon has some helpful tips for households dealing with increased waste during the holiday season. - For party hosts:
- Calculate and buy only the amount of food needed for the party or dinner.
- Buy food that is packed in packages made of recycled content that can be recycled again.
- Plan foods that are easily frozen and package leftovers for guests to take home.
- Use dishes, glassware, silverware and cloth napkins rather than plastic and paper.
- Decorate with natural items — squashes, gourds and colorful leaves for a fall festival; pine cones and natural wreaths for winter holidays).
- Buy a live tree that can be planted outside after the holidays.
- Cards:
- Electronic cards or cards made from previously used cards and/or materials that you have at home save on costs as well as waste.
- Cards that you have received (all holidays) can be sent to St. Jude's Ranch for Children. For more information, visit http://stjudesranch.org/.
- A phone call is more personal and more appreciated by those you do not see often or visit with only via the internet.
- Gifts:
- To help eliminate waste, buy less, buy local and buy "green."
- Give a gift of experience — tickets to a play, concert or sports event, lessons or classes, or a year-long pass to the State parks or a favorite museum.
- Give the gift of time — babysitting, a monthly ride for the person who does not drive or does not have a car, offering to routinely take a neighbor's recyclable items to the drop-off sites.
- Give a gift that gives twice such as a donation to the person's favorite charity.
- Encourage others in their recycling habits by giving a reusable lunch bag filled with their favorite food, recycle bins for their garage, or a battery charger and rechargeable batteries.
- Plan gift exchanges that incorporate previously loved or homemade products — books, a refurnished piece of furniture or a rebuilt bike can be cherished by more than one person.
- Wrapping Gifts:
- Use funny papers, comic books, coloring book pages or decorated paper bags.
- New kitchen towels, gloves or a reusable shopping bag can be the wrapping and a gift.
- Use cloth ribbon or a thin scarf that can be reused. Make cloth ribbons by tearing that stained holiday tablecloth or other material into strips.
- For gifts that need boxes, start saving food boxes that you usually recycle. Cracker and cereal boxes (including those round oatmeal boxes), tubes from paper towels and toilet paper hold many gifts and make appealing shapes.
- Make the package a part of the gift — put seeds or bulbs in a flower pot. Put ingredients for cookies on a cookie sheet, or a "themed" food basket in a picnic basket.
- Use popcorn (not buttered and unsalted) as packing protection then put it out for the birds to eat. Unsalted, in the shell peanuts work as well.
Pack away what can be used again — wrapping paper, bows, etc. Recycle cardboard packaging, gift wrap, cards and the tree. Give usable products that you no longer need to a local thrift store or shelter. For more information on reducing holiday waste, visit lincoln.ne.gov (keyword: recycle).
Tags: Waste Garbage Recycle Mayor Beutler
A Few monthes ago I wanted to start donating blood and the first time I tried they told me I couldnt because my blood pressure was over their limit. SO, I went home and looked up to see what I could do. Well in the next few monthes I lowered it. This is the article from WEB MD that I found and followed the guidelines and suggestions. Now I should use a standard disclaimer and say that this is only MY experience and anyone that is going to try new procedures should consult a physician. I AM NOT A DR. 
Tags: Health Blood Pressure MD
 | | Curtis Center | Curtis Center Serves our
Nation's Veterans A little over two years ago PCM opened the Curtis Center, a two year, transitional living program for men. At that time we were among only 2-3 other places in the nation that had a Veteran's Program and we were able to take in 12 homeless vets from our area. This year we are proud to say that we are able to expand our Vet's Program to create 18 new openings. Many vets come home with significant obstacles such as PTSD, injuries and other war related issues that can make it difficult, if not nearly impossible to resume life as it was before. Our staff works with each Vet individually to determine what obstacles they are facing and then to address each one of these issues, so that they can recover their lives again. This task involves collaborating with other area agencies to meet each mans need in the best way possible. Often the first step is to begin to learn effective coping mechanisms. Then we help them improve their own self-image so that they can develop the confidence to re-enter the workforce and prevent the most dangerous pitfall of isolation. While in our program we work on developing four key areas in each man's life: mental/emotional skills, financial responsibility, vocational training, and housing. Each man is mentored by our staff as we are there to help them and share the love of Christ with them as they progress through their journey. Even after they complete the program, our staff provides six months of aftercare to go out and check on how they're progressing. We consider it an honor to serve those who have offered their lives to serve us and provide freedom for others.
Tags: CHarity Homeless Lincoln City Mission
Rick Ragsdale Rick has been with PCM for over five years now, let me tell you his story. Rick grew up in Iowa and saw his older brother fall into alcoholism and addiction. This was as difficult for him as it would be for any young boy, but then one day he saw his brothers life dramatically changed. You see his brother had come to know the Lord as his savior and was immediately set free from his addictions. Rick could see the peace in his brothers life and wanted it for himself as well, so at the age of 17 he gave his heart to the Lord and has been actively serving in the ministry since then. A little over 5 years ago Rick and his family moved to Lincoln from Iowa and Rick started working here at PCM, he is now the Director of Men's Programs. Rick says "it is an honor to advocate for the homeless" and that this has been an awesome experience, it's the most rewarding ministry he's ever been involved in. Rick says he enjoys seeing people experience God move in their life, hurting people be healed and set free and seeing lives changed. The work we do here at People's City Mission is so much more then just work. We get to see people open their hearts and lives to the power of Jesus Christ and then see the change that He brings. Rick is right, it truly is an honor.
Tags: City Mission Lincoln Nebraska Lancaster County
| PCM Distribution Center Located at 2101 "N" st. Many people don't know about the People's City Mission's Distribution Center, so we would like to share a little bit about what we do there. Our Distribution Center is where we receive the majority of the donations that come to PCM. It not only supplies our shelter, but many families in the community as well. In fact, through our Distribution Center we provide food, clothing and household items to over 900 families in the community each week. Any family that is within 150% of the poverty level can come to the DC and receive assistance. As Mike Hood (the Director of our DC) puts it, "We try to help relieve some of their expenses so that they can afford to pay their rent or mortgage." The Distribution Center is just one of the services we provide to help prevent homelessness. Everything that is donated to the PCM is given away to people in need completely free of charge. This year alone, we are on track to provide One Million pounds of food the community of Lincoln, by the end of this year, and all of it given out completely free. How are we able to do this? By the generosity of our donors and the faithful service of our dedicated volunteers, without you none of this would be possible. Thank you Lincoln, for caring for those in need and reaching out a hand to help those less fortunate! | | | | | Contact Information | | Sarah Landretti: 402 475-1303 Ext. 119 or slandretti@peoplescitymission.org | |
Tags: Distribution City Mission People's Lincoln Furniture Goods
| Meet the Staff of PCM: Jackie Miley Jackie Miley joined the staff of the People's City Mission Distribution Center approximately 5 years ago. When asked what brought her to PCM she said that she believes that the Lord brought her here. Jackie receives a great deal of joy from serving others. She sees her job as an opportunity to serve the Lord by showing His love to others, not only by praying with people that come her way, but also by showing His love to others through her actions. She says the hardest part of her job is to see impoverished children who have no control over their circumstances, but she does whatever she can to help them. Jackie said, "I can honestly say that I love my job!" And we love her, thank you for all that you do! See below for more information about some of the services that Jackie and the Distribution Center provide for our community. | | 
Meet the Staff of PCM: Jackie Miley Jackie Miley joined the staff of the People's City Mission Distribution Center approximately 5 years ago. When asked what brought her to PCM she said that she believes that the Lord brought her here. Jackie receives a great deal of joy from serving others. She sees her job as an opportunity to serve the Lord by showing His love to others, not only by praying with people that come her way, but also by showing His love to others through her actions. She says the hardest part of her job is to see impoverished children who have no control over their circumstances, but she does whatever she can to help them. Jackie said, "I can honestly say that I love my job!" And we love her, thank you for all that you do! See below for more information about some of the services that Jackie and the Distribution Center provide for our community. | Meet the Staff of PCM: Jackie Miley Jackie Miley joined the staff of the People's City Mission Distribution Center approximately 5 years ago. When asked what brought her to PCM she said that she believes that the Lord brought her here. Jackie receives a great deal of joy from serving others. She sees her job as an opportunity to serve the Lord by showing His love to others, not only by praying with people that come her way, but also by showing His love to others through her actions. She says the hardest part of her job is to see impoverished children who have no control over their circumstances, but she does whatever she can to help them. Jackie said, "I can honestly say that I love my job!" And we love her, thank you for all that you do! See below for more information about some of the services that Jackie and the Distribution Center provide for our community.
Tags: Employees Mission PCM Staff Workers Lincoln
Meet the Staff of PCM: Brett Anderson Brett came to PCM in October of 2008 after graduating from Wesleyan. He had graduated with a degree in Physics but had a heart for helping the homeless. You see, Brett had experienced homelessness first hand while in college. He'd had to choose between college and a place to live and chose to tough-out the semester, living in his van. Brett said the experience was much harder, and colder, than he had expected it to be. After graduation Brett went on a mission's trip to Tucson, AZ where he lived among the homeless for two months, ministering the love of Christ, although he admits it's much warmer to be homeless in AZ than in NE. Brett came back to NE and took a position here as a Supervisor in our shelter. Brett says his favorite thing about his job is the opportunity to work with people who are broken, have hit bottom and are ready for a change. He says it's an "amazing opportunity" to pour into souls and to have so many chances to demonstrate God's love. Brett considers it an honor to be able to impact lives for Christ here at PCM, but even more so, to be considered worthy of doing it. Likewise, the People's City Mission feels honored to have amazing staff such as Brett on our team. Thanks for all you do!
Tags: Staff Employees Mission
Thank you to our Donors: Back-To-School Shoes for our kids!!! Thanks to the kindness and generosity of our donors we were able to take our kids out to the Payless Shoe Source at Westfield Mall and purchase a brand new pair of shoes for each child! Wow what a blessing, the squeals of joy truly warmed our hearts! Pictured above is just one of the groups of families that we took, and the appreciation is quite evident! Thank you so much for your support of these children this fall!
Tags: Mission Donors SHoes Kids School
Congratulations to Angela Washington on receiving the Point of Light Award!
In 2009 Angela Washington came to the People's City Mission as a volunteer intern. During her time in that position Angela helped with our Halloween Food Drive and Co-Founded our Amazing Grace Food Drive, coordinating over 100 volunteers and raising over a ton of food to feed the homeless. On Wednesday, August 11th Angela was awarded the Governor's Point of Light Award by Lieutenant Governor Rick Sheehy and First Lady Sally Ganem. We are honored to have Angela be a part of PCM and we appreciate all that she has done. She really is a remarkable individual!
Tags: Volunteer Award City Mission Nebraska People's City
1. Decide to be happy. After all, happiness is not a thing, an address, title, or bank balance. Happiness isn't even a stage of life ... whether that be single or married, young or old, working or retired, or even parenting versus empty nesting. As author Tim Connor puts it, "It is not something you can grasp, earn, keep, buy, learn, give away or know. It will come after you relentlessly if you have that inner state of consciousness that says, 'I am happy no matter what is in my life.'" He's right. Happiness is NOT the consequence of something HAPPENING in your life. It's a decision you make ... no matter what is going on in your life. You decide to be happy. I'll never forget the time when that lesson was first drummed into my mind. As a kid, I used to love Bob Barker do his show called "Truth Or Consequences." And on occasion he would have unusual guests on his show. On one show, his team found this old man who lived way back in the boonies of the Great Smokey Mountains. He had never been exposed to electricity, running water, the radio, television, or any other modern convenience. He not only lived without those things, he never even heard of those things. He was indeed living in another time period. As Barker interviewed him, the audience laughed at his simple, naive answers, but they weren't laughing at him but with him. He was so charming the audience couldn't help but love him. Finally, Barker said, "You seem so happy. You must have some wonderful secret of happiness. Please tell us what it is." The old man replied, "No, ain't got no secret of happiness. I jest gets up every morning and figures I got a decision to make ... to be happy or unhappy. And what do you think I do? I decides to be happy." The audience smiled and giggled. They may even have thought, "That's easy for him to say. He doesn't have all the pressures we have in our lives. But then I'm reminded of another person that no one would ever accuse of being naive or simple-minded. No one would ever say his life was stress-free, and yet this man said the same thing as the old man on Bob Barker's show. I'm talking about Abraham Lincoln, of course. He said, "People are about as happy as they make up their minds to be." So I challenge you with this first point. DECIDE to be happy. And then ... 2. Fuel your passion. Keep your passion alive ... whatever you do. It's the great equalizer in life. It often makes up for a lack of experience and knowledge. Of course, I am NOT saying that you can forget about increasing your knowledge or expanding your experience. That's always necessary. But I am saying that your passion will be interpreted by others as a strong belief in yourself, your mission, and your purpose ... while your knowledge and experience is catching up with you. Of course, you may be saying, "I don't feel an awful lot of passion in my life right now. Life is tough, and I'm just barely hanging on." Hey, we've all been there, but you don't have to stay there. You can pump up your passion. Try these ideas: *Count your blessings. We often overlook or dismiss them when times are tough ... but they're still there. *Affirm yourself. Talk to yourself. Tell yourself such things as, "I am here to stay. I am here to make a difference. I am not giving up." Or as St. Augustine implied, "I am moving forward. I'm going to keep on walking. I am not turning back." *Let the past pass. Don't waste your time on what you did or should have done. Learn from it and then let it go. *Practice an attitude of gratitude. The more thanks you give, the more passion you'll get. *Accept yourself ... warts and all. You know the old adage ... that "God don't make no junk." It's true. You have great value. It's time you accept that fact. With passion in your life, then you have to ... 3. Learn resiliency. Sooner or later everyone experiences failure, disappointments, and setbacks in life. So the ability to bounce back from those challenging times has got to be one of the keys to greater happiness and more joy ... on and off the job. I'll talk about resiliency in a lot more detail in my tele-seminar on August 12th at 2:00 CST. It's called "Tough Times Never Last But Tough People Do." You can read more about it or register for it by going to: http://srv.ezinedirector.net/?n=3940963&s=94955119 In simple terms, resilience is the ability to keep on coming back, time after time. No matter how many times life brings you to your knees, you try again and again. You try something new, or you try something different. In fact, it's one of the most critical survival skills in today's tumultuous world. Learn it. Get resilient. And finally, for greater success and happiness, you've got to... 4. Learn when to hold 'em and when to fold 'em. As you move through life, you are faced with a variety of challenges that test your patience, resolve, and commitment. Just remember ... in every one of those challenges, you always have 3 choices ... to live, lobby, or leave. You could decide to LIVE with it. Sometimes that's the best option. Your work may be uninspiring or your boss may be disrespectful. But with the economy in shambles, you may decide to live with it ... for the time being. After all, there may not be very many other attractive alternatives in the workplace. Your second choice is to LOBBY for change. You may be having a difficult time with your spouse's behavior, your customer's attitude, or your company's policies. So you could attempt to change your situation or your relationship. You could use all your very best communication skills to bring about positive, productive change in your situation. In fact, that's what the second day of my "Journey to the Extraordinary" program teaches you to do. You can check it out by going to: http://srv.ezinedirector.net/?n=3940964&s=94955119 If neither of those choices appeal to you, you can choose to LEAVE. It can be a valid option. Sometimes you're in a situation where someone else is destroying your self-esteem, damaging your attitudes, or blocking your success in life and work. Leaving might be a wise and healthy option. But let me offer one caution. Many people leave too quickly. Faced with a difficult person or challenging situation, they split. Their patience runs thin or their tolerance level runs dry. They leave marriages too quickly, quit jobs too rapidly, and change locations too often ... thinking they'll leave those problems behind ... as they search for greener pastures somewhere else. It may be possible to find greener pastures. If they're out there, go for 'em. Just make sure you've worked through all of your own problems before you move on to a new relationship or a new job. If you don't, they're sure to show up in your new situation. In summary, the happiest people are the happiest for a reason ... well, actually four reasons. They have decided to be happy. They have learned how to keep their passion alive and well. They have learned how to be resilient. And they know when to hold 'em and when to fold 'em. Action: Do three things this week that will fuel your passion.
Tags: LincolnGrapevine Happiness Blog
One bad pun deserves another... 1. Two antennas met on a roof, fell in love and got married. The ceremony wasn't much, but the reception was excellent. 2. A jumper cable walks into a bar. The bartender says, "I'll serve you, but don't start anything." 3. Two peanuts walk into a bar, and one was a salted. 4. A dyslexic man walks into a bra. 5. A man walks into a bar with a slab of asphalt under his arm and says: "A beer please, and one for the road." 6. Two cannibals are eating a clown. One says to the other: "Does this taste funny to you?" 7. "Doc, I can't stop singing 'The Green, Green Grass of Home.'" "That sounds like Tom Jones Syndrome." "Is it common?" Well, "It's Not Unusual." 8. Two cows are standing next to each other in a field.. Daisy says to Dolly, "I was artificially inseminated this morning." "I don't believe you, "says Dolly. "It's true, no bull!" exclaims Daisy. 9. An invisible man marries an invisible woman. The kids were nothing to look at either. 10. Déjà Moo: The feeling that you've heard this bull before. 11. I went to buy some camouflage trousers the other day but I couldn't find any. 12. A man woke up in a hospital after a serious accident. He shouted, "Doctor, doctor, I can't feel my legs!" The doctor replied, "I know you can't - I've cut off your arms!" 13. I went to a seafood disco last week...and pulled a mussel. 14. What do you call a fish with no eyes? A fsh. 15. Two fish swim into a concrete wall. The one turns to the other and says "Dam!" 16. Two Eskimos sitting in a kayak were chilly, so they lit a fire in the craft. Unsurprisingly it sank, proving once again that you can't have your kayak and heat it too. 17. A group of chess enthusiasts checked into a hotel and were standing in the lobby discussing their recent tournament victories. After about an hour, the manager came out of the office and asked them to disperse. "But why," they asked, as they moved off. "Because", he said, "I can't stand chess-nuts boasting in an open foyer." 18. A woman has twins and gives them up for adoption. One of them goes to a family in Egypt and is named "Ahmal." The other goes to a family in Spain; they name him "Juan" Years later, Juan sends a picture of himself to his birth mother. Upon receiving the picture, she tells her husband that she wishes she also had a picture of Ahmal. Her husband responds, "They're twins! If you've seen Juan, you've seen Ahmal." 19. Mahatma Gandhi, as you know, walked barefoot most of the time, which produced an impressive set of calluses on his feet. He also ate very little, which made him rather frail and with his odd diet, he suffered from bad breath. This made him .(Oh, man, this is so bad, it's good)..... A super calloused fragile mystic hexed by halitosis. 20. And finally, there was the person who sent twenty different puns to his friends, with the hope that at least ten of the puns would make them laugh. No pun in ten did.
Tags: Jokes Comedy Oneliners Puns
I want to tell you about pizza..... It is really good.... That's It...
Tags: Pizza
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