Attendance for AGRM’s 99th annual convention is running neck-in-neck with last year’s huge crowd. We received 10 more registrations over the weekend, and some folks have told us they will be registering onsite in Florida. If you’re already planning to join your peers in Orlando, you’ll want to review these essential details so you know what to pack, what to expect, and where to go when you get there. If you still haven’t registered, we can probably squeeze you in. Online registration is closed, so you will have to show up at the Rosen Centre Hotel (9840 International Drive in Orlando) and register on-site.

If you can’t join us in Orlando, we’ll miss you! But be sure to watch for convention highlights in upcoming issues of Street Smart, as well as in the US section of the July/August issue of Rescue magazine.

Of course, it’s never too early to plan ahead. The 2013 AGRM Annual Convention—our Centennial event—will take place June 11–14 at the fabulous Arizona Biltmore Hotel in Phoenix. More information about that will be available in June.

And the winner is…

The annual Media Innovation Awards are always a convention highlight. Mission members submit their general brochures, newsletters, magazines, annual reports, websites, blogs, podcasts, video clips, and photography. Categories are divided and judged based on a mission’s annual budget. And now the results are in! Winners will be announced during the convention’s Monday morning General Session and displayed in the Resource Center in the Exhibit Hall. Look for the complete list of winners in an upcoming issue of Street Smart, or email Nicole Daniels, director of public relations, for details.

Exhibitors offer opportunities to connect

Along with all the amazing fun and educational opportunities the AGRM annual convention offers, the convention Exhibit Hall—this year known as Expo World—provides attendees with the opportunity to meet face-to-face with representatives from more than 55 businesses and organizations that want to serve you. This year’s Exhibit Hall is bigger than ever. In addition, some of these companies and nonprofits help with sponsorships that significantly reduce the cost of attending the convention for registrants. To see a list of exhibitors at this year’s event, as well as descriptions of the services and products they offer, check out our Exhibitor Directory.

A pat on our own backs

Rescue magazine can now be called “the award-winning Rescue magazine.” At the annual Evangelical Press Association (EPA) conference last week, Rescue won several awards, including second place in the publication redesign category. More than 300 Christian periodicals are members of EPA, including Christianity Today, RELEVANT, Charisma, Christian Living, and Guideposts. Rescue also received Awards of Merit in the Most Improved Publication and Organizational categories. In the latter, Rescue competes against some large magazines with substantial editorial and design budgets, including magazines from World Vision, Worldwide Challenge, and a number of Christian colleges. Regarding the magazine's redesign, the judges noted:

Excellent redesign. Not just cosmetic, but real changes that make a significant difference in readability and audience appeal. Great work! Rescue’s redesign has created a more modern, easier-to-read publication with genuine style.

If you’re reading Street Smart, you probably read Rescue, too. Thank you for your words of encouragement that continue to push our publications toward greater excellence.

Looking down the street…

• Faith Mission (Wichita Falls, Tex.) dedicated its new facility for women and children on May 3. According to Steve Sparks, executive director, the facility is approximately 24,000 square feet on 3.54 acres. The capacity is 124, with 36 beds in the dorms (can expand to 72), six rooms for program students that sleep two each, and eight rooms for single women with children.
• Union Gospel Mission Twin Cities (St. Paul, Minn.) is celebrating its 110th anniversary this year. They held a Celebration of Hope on May 7 to mark the milestone. AGRM President John Ashmen commented that their 13-minute historical DVD is one of the best he has seen.
• Central Union Mission (Washington, D.C.) held a groundbreaking ceremony May 7 in preparation for moving the mission to the historic Gales School at 65 Massachusetts Avenue in the heart of D.C. According to David Treadwell, executive director, the mission also held three special services involving local supporters to bombard heaven with petitions for guidance, protection, and provision as they proceed through the renovation and relocation processes.
• Former president of Mexico, Vicente Fox, spoke at a business forum held earlier this month by Hope of the Valley Rescue Mission (Sun Valley, Calif.). Mexico’s head of State joined the mayor of Los Angeles and other local leaders to discuss “Business Opportunities in Mexico and Here at Home.”
• AGRM welcomes another new business member: Palmetto Linen Distributors, Inc., a wholesale linen company that specializes in providing better quality linens to the temporary housing industry.

Passing of a dear friend

Dr. Bob Wenz, who had served as AGRM’s minister-at-large, died on May 10. He finally lost his battle with sarcoidosis, a disease in which inflammation occurs in the lungs or other tissues. AGRM President John Ashmen noted, “Our association has lost a close friend and strong advocate.” Some of the board and district presidents have already commented on the fact that Bob was a theologically astute, brilliant man. He was a pastor for many years and also served as vice president of the National Association of Evangelicals. Bob had recently written the Sermon Notes that are a companion piece to Invisible Neighbors. He was also an author, most recently releasing Navigating Your Perfect Storm (Biblica Publishing, 2010). You can watch video of him being interviewed about his books at the following links: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uoiycFwj7vM; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1cKsNRgZ3Lk . If you would like to write a line or two about what Bob meant to you, email it to John Ashmen. Your words will be passed on to his wife, Suellen, and the family.

Homeless will participate in 2012 Olympics with performance series

While the homeless population in general struggles to find a voice in society, it’s even rarer that this voice is allowed to sing. However, according to a Huffington Post report, organizers of the Cultural Olympiad hope to give 200 artists who have experienced homeless an open mic showcase. These performances will take place at the Royal Opera House and feature groups such as Cardboard Citizens, the Choir with No Name, Open Cinema, and Streetwise Opera. The day will be divided into five- to ten-minute slots which will include song, dance, drama, poetry, and film. The event will also showcase international homeless artists, playing pre-recorded performances from Melbourne and Osaka's homeless choirs.

Group lives in poverty to help serve the poor

Imagine living in one of the most expensive cities in the world and spending almost no money at all. According to a Wall Street Journal article, a group of teachers, nurses, clerks, actors, and others have committed themselves to a life of voluntary poverty in order to run two East Village shelters on informal donations and volunteer labor. Known as the Catholic Worker movement, the group’s aim is to live in solidarity with the “friends” they feed and house. Some of volunteers take a $20 weekly stipend, but many decline. The group members even share a monthly MetroCard pass. And they once pulled newspapers from the trash, but now that the newspaper is online, they share a single electronic subscription to the New York Times. The lifestyle appeals to just a few—there's no waiting list to volunteer. But it offers a certain freedom. “A life that is simple can be full of joy,” notes one volunteer. “There is not a lot to get stressed out about.”

Rhode Island considers bill of rights for the homeless

Lawmakers in Rhode Island are considering legislation that would create a Homeless Bill of Rights, with the intent to protect homeless people from discrimination. According to a Business Week report, the bill would specifically prohibit law enforcement, health care workers, potential landlords, or employers from treating homeless people unfairly because of their housing status. Many kinds of discrimination against the homeless are already illegal under state or federal laws. Homeless people cannot be turned away at the polls, for example, and it's illegal for hospitals to refuse them emergency medical treatment. But while state law already prohibits discrimination based on characteristics such as a person's religion, gender, race, or disability, no formal and specific protection exists for the homeless. Rhode Island would be the first state to pass legislation to protect the homeless in such a comprehensive manner.

A report by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality reveals some surprising statistics about who accounts for healthcare costs in the United States. According to a USA Today report, just 5 percent account for 50 percent of health care costs. What’s more, 1 percent of Americans account for 22 percent of health care costs. This 1 percent tends to be made up of white, non-Hispanic women in poor health; the elderly; and users of publicly funded health care. The study also found that among patients in the top 10 percent of health care spenders: 60 percent were women; 40 percent were 65 or older; only 3 percent were ages 18 to 29; 80 percent were white; and only 2 percent were Asian.

Scientists discover that sleepwalking is more common than thought

More than 8 million adults in the U.S.—3.6 percent of the adult population—have taken at least one sleepwalking jaunt in the past year. According to an msnbc.com report, this figure is calculated based on a survey of nearly 20,000 people, and indicates that more people walk in their sleep than previously expected. The researchers found no significant link between prescription sleeping pills and increased sleepwalking, but did discover that people who take certain anti-depressants (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SSRIs) are three times more likely to also take a stroll while sleeping than the general population. In addition, people who swallow over-the-counter sleeping pills have a higher likelihood of experiencing sleepwalking episodes at least twice a month. Chronic sleepwalking also seems to run within certain families: Nearly one-third of individuals who often walk in their sleep can point to parents, grandparents, uncles, aunts, or siblings who have a history of shuffling while slumbering.

Memory gene might prompt post-traumatic stress

A vivid memory can be an asset if you're studying for an exam or trying to recall the details of a conversation, but the same strong memory can backfire when it comes to forming long-term responses to emotional trauma. According to a CNN report, Swiss researchers have found that a certain gene associated with a good memory—and in particular, the ability to remember emotionally charged images—is also linked to an increased risk of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The study examined a group of about 350 people who had survived the 1994 genocide in Rwanda. Participants agreed to provide DNA samples and undergo interviews to assess whether they had symptoms of PTSD. All of the volunteers had lived through horrific trauma, such as rape and beatings, but only about 40 percent were found to have active PTSD. While the findings suggest that memory and post-traumatic stress share a genetic basis, it's not clear exactly how the gene or the sharpness of a person's memory might increase the risk of PTSD, which is characterized by sudden, painful flashbacks of traumatic events.

Food Drive Teamwork

Last fall/winter, three neighboring rescue missions—including AGRM members Water Street Ministries (Lancaster, Penn.) and York Union Rescue Mission Inc. (York, Penn.)—joined forces for a regional food drive. The combination event provided some staggering numbers, including a goal of collecting 224,000 pounds of food. Did you know that equals the weight of 70 average cars? Check out the food drive’s primary web page, which included tips on how churches and businesses could organize their own food drive and suggested items that fit the holiday season.

Grand Rapids, Michigan: Lead Counselor—Develop/coordinate treatment plans. Maintain file for each resident. Experienced in state licensing (substance abuse); master’s degree in a related field. MA, LLPC or MA, LPC. For more information, email Tom Williams. Added 5/15/2012

Grand Rapids, Michigan: Men’s Program Director—Mission driven. Responsible for development and administration of the recovery program. Strong leadership skills and experience in substance abuse counseling. Master’s preferred in related field. For more information, email Tom Williams. Added 5/15/2012

Omaha, Nebraska: Director of Lydia House for Women and Families—Lydia House provides safe shelter and life-changing programs to more than 300 homeless men, women, and children in a 65,000-square-foot facility. Position involves day-to-day management of staff, programs, and quality guest services. Assist in the development of monthly and annual goals, objectives, and yearly planning with the program director. The right candidate will be relational and organized with proven three-plus years’ leadership and program experience. Must be a mature and grounded Christian with a heart for homeless, addicted, and disenfranchised. For more information or to submit résumé contact Amy Buss, HR Department, Open Door Mission, 2828 North 23rd St East, Omaha, NE 68108; via email; or by phone at (402) 829-1562. Added 5/15/2012

Omaha, Nebraska: Program Development Administrator—Responsible to oversee emergency services, preventive measures, and life-changing programs and their overall management on the Open Door Mission campus. Daily equipping and leading of six program managers to effectively operate their programs and fulfill the mission of Open Door Mission. We offer diverse, life-changing programs and services to meet the needs of our community, including more than 900 safe shelter beds, permanent supportive housing, work readiness, and preventative measures to working poor families. Seeking an individual with a heart for the homeless, a stewardship mindset, exceptional organization and administration skills, ability to set and meet defined goals and outcomes and to develop, shepherd, and lead program management staff. Five-plus years’ leadership and program experience. For more information or to submit résumé, contact Amy Buss, HR Department, Open Door Mission, 2828 North 23rd St East, Omaha, NE 68108; via email; or by phone at (402) 829-1562. Added 5/15/2012

Bridgeport, Connecticut: Men’s Program Director—The Bridgeport Rescue Mission is seeking an experienced men’s program director who will guide, lead, and develop the relationship and life skills of the thirty-two male students enrolled in our New Life Discipleship Program through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. The successful candidate should be a committed Christian; free of drug, alcohol, and tobacco addictions; and be experienced in successfully managing men and programs in a mission environment. Ordination and/or certification in addiction counseling is considered a plus. Responsibilities include direct management of discipleship, work programs, and case management. Background and credit check required. Please email résumés to Michael Moran. Added 5/1/2012

Southeast U.S.: Executive Director—A growing men’s mission in the southeast is seeking an executive director to manage and direct the mission operations with an emphasis on fundraising and development. Rescue mission leadership experience is required—preferably executive director experience, but will consider assistant director experience. Please submit a résumé via email. (Please note that the advertiser previously submitted the incorrect email address; this is the correct address and you are urged to re-submit your résumé to ensure that the advertiser receives it.) Added 5/1/2012

Boynton Beach, Florida: Director of Development—Faith Farm Ministries, a Christian-based organization, seeks an experienced director of development to work at our corporate office. Successful candidates will possess: bachelor’s degree, three to five years’ fundraising experience with responsibility for development programs in a nonprofit arena; annual and planned major gifts and donor database software, preferably eTapestry. Must possess outstanding verbal, public-speaking, and written communication skills; creativity; sound judgment to plan and accomplish goals and lead and direct the work of others; knowledge of a wide variety of the field’s concepts, practices, and procedures; excellent time-management skills; ability to work under deadlines effectively, productively, and independently, as well as part of a team. Full-time Monday through Friday, forty-hour-plus workweek. Hours may vary due to occasional special events and evenings/weekend requirements to work with donors and prospective donors. This position reports directly to the executive director of Faith Farm Ministries and is responsible for developing goals and strategies for all fundraising campaigns, meetings with donors and prospective donors to create and foster relationships, and will create a balanced-funding mix of donor sources and solicitation programs tailored to the needs of the organization. In addition, candidate must have godly values, integrity, and qualities to serve the ministry needs; ability to foster effective teamwork at all levels; ability to ensure that the ministry and student programs and business aspects of the campus contribute to the organization’s mission and reflect priorities assigned by leadership. Must be able to develop an operational plan and aggressive development plan, meeting expectations of strategic planning for overall success of the ministry. EOE/DFWP/M/F. Send résumé and salary requirements via fax: (561) 737-2355 (ATTN: Human Resources), or via mail: ATTN: Human Resources, 9538 US 441, Boynton Beach, FL 33472. Added 5/1/2012

Miami, Florida: Chief Operating Officer—Miami Rescue Mission seeks a Chief Operating Officer to manage operations across three campuses, including plans, programs, budgets, policies, human resources, and success metrics. Email Jim Mueller for more information. Added 4/15/2012

To advertise in future Market Street Classifieds:
            
Members of AGRM can place a 30-word classified ad listing available positions in two consecutive issues of Street Smart at no charge; additional words will be charged at 50 cents per word. Non-members can place an ad for $25 per issue for a 30-word ad; additional words will be charged at 50 cents per word. AGRM members can renew ads after the second placement at $15 per issue for a 30-word ad. Ads are also placed on the AGRM website. Members can also sponsor Street Smart for $350 per issue. Email desired ad placement to Brad Lewis (subject line: Street Smart advertising). Ads are subject to editing to conform to Street Smart style, and AGRM reserves the right to reject any ads or sponsorships it deems inappropriate for members. All ads are due one week before issue date. 

Is something unique and exciting going on at your mission? Share your news with fellow AGRM members by emailing items for "Our Street" to Brad Lewis. 

           
AGRM is a nonprofit organization committed to furthering rescue missions. AGRM provides limited space in "Market Street" for advertising opportunities, services, and products to advance the cause of rescue missions. AGRM is not responsible for the claims made by its advertisers and reserves the right to select or reject any advertising, in the sole discretion of AGRM, for any or no reason.  
           
PRIVACY: Protecting your privacy is very important to us at AGRM. We will not rent, sell, or exchange your e-mail address with a third party for any purpose.
            
All Scripture quotations taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION, unless otherwise noted. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Bible Publishers.
            

Street Smart is sent to you as a member service of AGRM, and is published on the 1st and 15th of each month (unless those dates fall on a weekend or holiday). The content does not necessarily represent the views of or imply endorsement by AGRM. To submit items for publication, e-mail editor@agrm.org. To unsubscribe, email unsubscribe@agrm.org.             

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