continued on back page
enter the program at Gospel Center Rescue Mission.
It was time for him to address his own addiction
problems and turn his life around. He left the security
of the ranch and was overwhelmed with the grace of
the Mission Staff – the way they welcomed him with
loving, open arms. He speaks highly of how the
Mission Staff builds people up, giving them value and
teaching that we all have choices. In his words, “They
give chances here and do not turn people away.”
Being at the Mission would also allow him to spend
more time with Ashley and little Al.
After completing the two year New Life Program, his
faith in God has been a source of strength. He
especially enjoys the counseling at the Mission and
the Sunday services at First Baptist Church. Now with
the “Shelter in Place” orders, he has been attending
via internet, which has been challenging. He misses
the relationship with the church members, attending
with his fellow Mission friends and is anxious to get
back into the routine of a Sunday Worship service.
Al believes that once he entered the New Life
Program, he became a better person. Now working
as a houseman in the Men's Shelter, the Mission has
become his safe place to grow. He has learned that
relationships – especially with his Lord and Savior –
are so very important and has worked hard to restore
and maintain his relationships with people in his life.
The Gospel Center has become his family and in his
own words, “The best thing that has ever happened
to him.”
“When Al tells his story, I can hardly believe it,” says
Andrea Mountjoy, Director of Donor Relations and
GCRM Graduate. “Since being here he has been a
stellar student and taken his job seriously as a
With the gentle hand of God, it was the birth of Al
Wilson’s grandson that turned around his life. His own
childhood was a cycle of abuse, drunk parents, and
poverty. Born in Calaveras County, Al lived most of his
life in Amador County. A Miwok Indian, he lived on the
reservation as a tribal member and worked on the
reservation for many years, eventually becoming
homeless and working side jobs throughout Amador
County. He nally was offered a job working as a
ranch hand - where he was able to both work and live.
His journey to the Gospel Center Rescue Mission was
not the usual path. His rst introduction was when his
daughter Ashley came to the Mission and entered the
houseman. Those qualities cannot be ignored. But,
most of all, above all else, he is a wonderful father
and an even better grandfather. It is an amazing sight
to watch him with little Al and see his dedication to be
the male role model in his life.”
He now is proud to be an example to his friends in
Jackson, Amador County who are trying to stay clean
and sober. Al, with tears in his eyes said “I thank God
every day for this place. This is my family now, and I
am so very thankful. And my grandson, well, he is
everything to me!”
Not everyone can say they have a wonderful,
supportive, loving father. As we all reect upon the
fathers in our lives this Father’s Day, let’s be reminded
and thankful that the Gospel Center Rescue Mission,
with the help of our Heavenly Father, is creating life
changing results for men in our community. They are
sons, fathers and grandfathers who are breaking
cycles, becoming responsible, drug and alcohol-free
employed men, in relationship with Jesus Christ.
New Life Program. With an impending warrant against
her, she knew that her soon-to-be-born son would be
taken by Child Protective Services (CPS) and moved
into the foster system. She reached out to her dad.
Working with CPS, he was granted custody of the
newborn. While Ashley served her two month
sentence, Al took this sweet little baby back to the
ranch. And there, he fell in love with his grandson,
Al Henry Lee Wilson.
Once his daughter was out of jail and regained
custody of the baby, she encouraged her father to
F
aith
Restored
F
aith
Restored
445 S. San Joaquin Street
Stockton, CA 95203
(209) 320-2310
gcrms.org
Happy Father’s Day!
Continued from cover
Al is one of over 30 children who call GCRM home.
THE VISION
JUNE 2020
445 S. San Joaquin Street • Stockton, CA 95203 • (209) 320-2310 • gcrms.org
This past month, GCRM students and staff members
were tested at the Mission for COVID-19 by San
Joaquin County Public Health. We are deemed a
sample population with regard to the homeless. In
addition, Stockton Shelter and St. Mary’s Dining Hall
staff members were also tested. This was made
possible with funding from United Way of San
Joaquin and San Joaquin County. So far, no positives!
Praise God!
UNITED WAY VIDEO
United Way of San Joaquin County recently
released a video on Homelessness and the work
of the Gospel Center Rescue Mission. We are
blessed to be working with United Way and
thankful for their desire to help promote the
Gospel Center in this way. To view the video, visit
our website’s homepage at gcrm.org.
Congratulations to our May 2020 New Life Program Graduates, and
thank you to David Madura, NCS Developement Founder, GCRM
Boardmember and Keynote speaker for his encouraging words to
our students.
Payee Service Ribbon Cutting
Key Developments
THANK YOU!
A MESSAGE FROM THE CEO
218 East
Sonora
Street
T
oday we spotlight one of our nine active Mission
Campus renovation projects – 218 East Sonora
Street – a former residence that has potential as a
six-bedroom dorm or two three-bedroom
apartments.
This property became available for purchase last
fall and is within our Campus, with a private Sonora
Street access. An easement at the rear of this
property connects our Men’s Recuperative Care
Center to the main Campus. The easement was
“conditional,” surviving only during the current
ownership and would not pass on to the next.
With the potential loss of the easement and our
desire to broaden our campus, we purchased the
property. We took possession of the property on
March 1, 2020.
Enter COVID-19. When the California Stay at Home
Order went into effect March 19, we made a quick
decision to renovate this property into a temporary
COVID-19 positive isolation facility for women and
children. Because of your unrestricted nancial
support and under the project management of our
amazing COO Britton Kimball, the interior was
renovated in about two weeks. Approval to occupy
was obtained by the City’s Fire Marshall. Other
than hospitals, to our knowledge, this is the only
positive COVID-19 isolation resource in San Joaquin
County. With the help of an anonymous donor and
RB Environmental, new windows, roof, siding in the
front and rear, and exterior painting is now being
completed.
Moving forward, we anticipate using this facility
for increased New Life Program Phases 2 & 3 or
on-campus staff housing. This resource could also
serve again for temporary pandemic isolation.
We look forward to you scheduling a campus tour
to see this, and the other 8 projects as potential
stewardship opportunities for your nancial
blessings. Call (209) 320-2310 to schedule your tour.
Wayne G. Richardson
We are actively seeking items to keep our staff and
students healthy during COVID-19 Sheltering.
Cleaning Supplies • Clorox Wipes • Kleenex
Toilet Paper • Paper Towels • Feminine Hygiene Products
Donations Needed
Current GCRM
Renovation Projects
We are thrilled to have received from an anonymous
donor, a wheelchair van with only 58,000 miles on the
odometer. The van will be a huge benet to our
Recuperative Care Staff who pick up and drop off
clients during admissions intake and for appointments
at area hospitals and doctors ofces. A special shout
out and thank you to Board member Rev. Fred Jantz
who cultivated and obtained this important donation!
Playground
*
(Stockton Rotary & RB Environmental funded)
Projected Finish: 7/1/20 (Signage Remaining)
Men’s ELG Bathrooms & Showers
*
(City/HUD funded)
Projected Finish: 10/1/20
Electric Panel Box
*
(City/HUD funded)
Projected Finish: 10/1/20
New Life Women’s (118 Beds) Home
#
(Former Alustiza Hotel $6m project)
Projected Finish: 10/17/20
Kitchen Renovation
*
(County & City/HUD $490K funded)
Projected Finish: 10/17/20
Dining Room Renovation
*
(County & City/HUD $490K funded)
Projected Finish: 10/17/20
Student & Staff Housing
*
(218 E. Sonora)
Projected Finish: 12/31/20
Kid’s Water Park Construction
Projected Finish: 12/31/20
New Life Men’s (178 Beds) Home
(Former Victorians)
Projected Finish: 12/31/23
GCRM HAPPENINGS
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
*Fully Funded or Pledged. #Over 90% Funded or Pledged.
New Life’s Women’s Home active construction site!
COVID TESTING
This past month, GCRM students and staff members
were tested at the Mission for COVID-19 by San
Joaquin County Public Health. We are deemed a
sample population with regard to the homeless. In
addition, Stockton Shelter and St. Mary’s Dining Hall
staff members were also tested. This was made
possible with funding from United Way of San
Joaquin and San Joaquin County. So far, no positives!
Praise God!
UNITED WAY VIDEO
United Way of San Joaquin County recently
released a video on Homelessness and the work
of the Gospel Center Rescue Mission. We are
blessed to be working with United Way and
thankful for their desire to help promote the
Gospel Center in this way. To view the video, visit
our website’s homepage at gcrm.org.
Congratulations to our May 2020 New Life Program Graduates, and
thank you to David Madura, NCS Developement Founder, GCRM
Boardmember and Keynote speaker for his encouraging words to
our students.
Payee Service Ribbon Cutting
Key Developments
THANK YOU!
A MESSAGE FROM THE CEO
218 East
Sonora
Street
T
oday we spotlight one of our nine active Mission
Campus renovation projects – 218 East Sonora
Street – a former residence that has potential as a
six-bedroom dorm or two three-bedroom
apartments.
This property became available for purchase last
fall and is within our Campus, with a private Sonora
Street access. An easement at the rear of this
property connects our Men’s Recuperative Care
Center to the main Campus. The easement was
“conditional,” surviving only during the current
ownership and would not pass on to the next.
With the potential loss of the easement and our
desire to broaden our campus, we purchased the
property. We took possession of the property on
March 1, 2020.
Enter COVID-19. When the California Stay at Home
Order went into effect March 19, we made a quick
decision to renovate this property into a temporary
COVID-19 positive isolation facility for women and
children. Because of your unrestricted nancial
support and under the project management of our
amazing COO Britton Kimball, the interior was
renovated in about two weeks. Approval to occupy
was obtained by the City’s Fire Marshall. Other
than hospitals, to our knowledge, this is the only
positive COVID-19 isolation resource in San Joaquin
County. With the help of an anonymous donor and
RB Environmental, new windows, roof, siding in the
front and rear, and exterior painting is now being
completed.
Moving forward, we anticipate using this facility
for increased New Life Program Phases 2 & 3 or
on-campus staff housing. This resource could also
serve again for temporary pandemic isolation.
We look forward to you scheduling a campus tour
to see this, and the other 8 projects as potential
stewardship opportunities for your nancial
blessings. Call (209) 320-2310 to schedule your tour.
Wayne G. Richardson
We are actively seeking items to keep our staff and
students healthy during COVID-19 Sheltering.
Cleaning Supplies • Clorox Wipes • Kleenex
Toilet Paper • Paper Towels • Feminine Hygiene Products
Donations Needed
Current GCRM
Renovation Projects
We are thrilled to have received from an anonymous
donor, a wheelchair van with only 58,000 miles on the
odometer. The van will be a huge benet to our
Recuperative Care Staff who pick up and drop off
clients during admissions intake and for appointments
at area hospitals and doctors ofces. A special shout
out and thank you to Board member Rev. Fred Jantz
who cultivated and obtained this important donation!
Playground
*
(Stockton Rotary & RB Environmental funded)
Projected Finish: 7/1/20 (Signage Remaining)
Men’s ELG Bathrooms & Showers
*
(City/HUD funded)
Projected Finish: 10/1/20
Electric Panel Box
*
(City/HUD funded)
Projected Finish: 10/1/20
New Life Women’s (118 Beds) Home
#
(Former Alustiza Hotel $6m project)
Projected Finish: 10/17/20
Kitchen Renovation
*
(County & City/HUD $490K funded)
Projected Finish: 10/17/20
Dining Room Renovation
*
(County & City/HUD $490K funded)
Projected Finish: 10/17/20
Student & Staff Housing
*
(218 E. Sonora)
Projected Finish: 12/31/20
Kid’s Water Park Construction
Projected Finish: 12/31/20
New Life Men’s (178 Beds) Home
(Former Victorians)
Projected Finish: 12/31/23
GCRM HAPPENINGS
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
*Fully Funded or Pledged. #Over 90% Funded or Pledged.
New Life’s Women’s Home active construction site!
COVID TESTING
continued on back page
enter the program at Gospel Center Rescue Mission.
It was time for him to address his own addiction
problems and turn his life around. He left the security
of the ranch and was overwhelmed with the grace of
the Mission Staff – the way they welcomed him with
loving, open arms. He speaks highly of how the
Mission Staff builds people up, giving them value and
teaching that we all have choices. In his words, “They
give chances here and do not turn people away.”
Being at the Mission would also allow him to spend
more time with Ashley and little Al.
After completing the two year New Life Program, his
faith in God has been a source of strength. He
especially enjoys the counseling at the Mission and
the Sunday services at First Baptist Church. Now with
the “Shelter in Place” orders, he has been attending
via internet, which has been challenging. He misses
the relationship with the church members, attending
with his fellow Mission friends and is anxious to get
back into the routine of a Sunday Worship service.
Al believes that once he entered the New Life
Program, he became a better person. Now working
as a houseman in the Men's Shelter, the Mission has
become his safe place to grow. He has learned that
relationships – especially with his Lord and Savior –
are so very important and has worked hard to restore
and maintain his relationships with people in his life.
The Gospel Center has become his family and in his
own words, “The best thing that has ever happened
to him.”
“When Al tells his story, I can hardly believe it,” says
Andrea Mountjoy, Director of Donor Relations and
GCRM Graduate. “Since being here he has been a
stellar student and taken his job seriously as a
With the gentle hand of God, it was the birth of Al
Wilson’s grandson that turned around his life. His own
childhood was a cycle of abuse, drunk parents, and
poverty. Born in Calaveras County, Al lived most of his
life in Amador County. A Miwok Indian, he lived on the
reservation as a tribal member and worked on the
reservation for many years, eventually becoming
homeless and working side jobs throughout Amador
County. He nally was offered a job working as a
ranch hand - where he was able to both work and live.
His journey to the Gospel Center Rescue Mission was
not the usual path. His rst introduction was when his
daughter Ashley came to the Mission and entered the
houseman. Those qualities cannot be ignored. But,
most of all, above all else, he is a wonderful father
and an even better grandfather. It is an amazing sight
to watch him with little Al and see his dedication to be
the male role model in his life.”
He now is proud to be an example to his friends in
Jackson, Amador County who are trying to stay clean
and sober. Al, with tears in his eyes said “I thank God
every day for this place. This is my family now, and I
am so very thankful. And my grandson, well, he is
everything to me!”
Not everyone can say they have a wonderful,
supportive, loving father. As we all reect upon the
fathers in our lives this Father’s Day, let’s be reminded
and thankful that the Gospel Center Rescue Mission,
with the help of our Heavenly Father, is creating life
changing results for men in our community. They are
sons, fathers and grandfathers who are breaking
cycles, becoming responsible, drug and alcohol-free
employed men, in relationship with Jesus Christ.
New Life Program. With an impending warrant against
her, she knew that her soon-to-be-born son would be
taken by Child Protective Services (CPS) and moved
into the foster system. She reached out to her dad.
Working with CPS, he was granted custody of the
newborn. While Ashley served her two month
sentence, Al took this sweet little baby back to the
ranch. And there, he fell in love with his grandson,
Al Henry Lee Wilson.
Once his daughter was out of jail and regained
custody of the baby, she encouraged her father to
F
aith
Restored
F
aith
Restored
445 S. San Joaquin Street
Stockton, CA 95203
(209) 320-2310
gcrms.org
Happy Father’s Day!
Continued from cover
Al is one of over 30 children who call GCRM home.
THE VISION
JUNE 2020
445 S. San Joaquin Street • Stockton, CA 95203 • (209) 320-2310 • gcrms.org
