Joanna, a Connect resident, smiles during Dress for Success’s Christmas visit.
For the men and women in our Connect program, one of their primary goals is to transition off the streets and into housing and permanent employment. Connect is a three-to-four month program that provides the stability needed for men and women to re-focus, catch their breath, and pursue their goals.
While they are with us, they also get to be loved on by amazing volunteers and organizations in our community.
Recently, the Professional Women’s Group of Dress For Success surprised the Connect women with a visit.
Taking time out of their busy Christmas schedules, Cheryl Cruz and several other women stopped by the Burnside Shelter on a cold, rainy night to not only deliver gifts, but also to let the women know there is always a second chance to re-discover hope and dignity. The night was a blessing for everyone involved.
“The Professional Women’s Group (PWG) ladies and I had a wonderful time,” Cruz said. “It was so enjoyable for us to meet Deanne [Gillock, Women’s Connect Manager] and the Connect women. We had a great experience!”
On top of offering a vision for a much brighter, much more economically stable future for women, in general, Dress for Success also provides each of the women with the professional attire to help them secure employment. They also have programs in place to help women gain knowledge and find the confidence to realize their full potential. (Read more about what Dress for Success does on their website: Oregon.DressForSuccess.org)
Patti, a Connect resident, smiles for the camera during Dress for Success’s Christmas visit.
“I would encourage others to think about working with and giving to Portland Rescue Mission in any way possible. Their support is vital to the women [in Connect] as they prepare to move forward on their journey,” said Cheryl.
One of the best ways you can do that this holiday season at Portland Rescue Mission is through Project Christmas Care. With your $40 gift, you can buy a meaningful gift for a man, woman or child in our programs at Shepherd’s Door, The Harbor, and the Connect program. That’s 160 gifts in total. But we only have until Friday to meet our goal! Will you help us close the gap? We have 29 gifts to go! (UPDATE: We have now completed our goal! Thank you!)
Your support can change someone’s narrative of Christmas forever, starting with the gift you generously give today. Thank you for helping Portland Rescue Mission give hope and restore life to men, women, and children suffering from homelessness and addiction.
Homelessness hurts. Because of their painful past, most of the people we serve haven’t had a joyful Christmas in a long, long time. The holidays only deepen their sense of loss and isolation. “There were lots of years where I didn’t really have Christmas at all,” says Doug, one of the men who sought help in our New Life Ministry for men.
You can give friendship and joy to a child, woman or man this Christmas. Your gift of $40 provides meaningful gifts they’ll open on Christmas morning, helping them feel loved and remembered. Help us reach our goal of providing presents for 160 people in all of our recovery programs.
Give joy this Christmas: PortlandRescueMission.org/ChristmasCare