"Here's the Deal" with Visalia Rescue Mission

Dirk joins us to discuss how Habitat here in Tulare and Kings counties transforms families and communities with a safe and affordable place to live. With three decades of experience, Dirk is no stranger to the benefit a home can be for a family. Enjoy.

A Visalia native, Caity returned from San Diego with a graduate degree and work experience that landed her the Executive Director position at Family Services of Tulare County. Caity quickly provides an overview of their organization, and their mission of: safe homes, safe relationships, and safe children. With fourteen properties, Caity and Family Services are busy as ever and making a definite impact.

Native Visalian, Liz Wynn, is the Executive Director of Visalia Emergency Aid Council -- an 87 year-old non-profit here in Visalia. After four years, Liz is most passionate when serving Visalia's future: "The thing that keeps me going is the kids."

From Wisconsin to Visalia, Dorinne shares her story, as well as the in's and out's of Love INC -- AKA Love In the Name of Christ.

Kings/Tulare Homeless Alliance Executive Director, Machael Smith, joins Ryan to talk shop (briefly) but then shares her own story of growing up in homes filled with drug use, drug sales, and violence. Her life and career experience made her the perfect candidate to help the mothers, fathers, and brothers just like hers.

Corrin Mallory celebrates her one-year anniversary here at the Mission and shares her story of pain and loss (including the death of her father), and her addiction/recovery journey. Her best quote: "Isn't it so fabulous that all of the sudden...because you've seen the darkness, the LIGHT is so apparent...and you can't ignore it."

In 2014, Ryan met Frank at Oval Park during a concert VRM was hosting with musical guest, John Mark McMillan. Frank has been sporadically homeless over the past few years and joins Ryan here to discuss the homeless culture, life on Visalia streets, and the insight and wisdom that lifestyle brings.

D'Ann left her position as Store Manager at our Tulare store to launch a new volunteer program here at VRM. Hear all about the "short-term" and "high-impact" opportunities where you can serve others in a way that fits your personality, skill-set, and passion!

Bob is a Christian community developer who brings together communities of resource with communities of need. He is the author of several books which draw on his many decades of experience to improve the quality of the life of the poor and disenfranchised. Tickets can be purchased online (vrmhope.org/banquet) or at our Simply Chic Boutique on Main Street in Visalia.

Pastor Mike Zurek returns for his Part #2 from Episode 4 to discuss how pastoring paved the way to going back to school to become a Marriage and Family Therapist. In the second half, Mike's wife Gail joins us to discuss the business community's perspective on homelessness, as well as how California' minimum wage increases will impact VRM and similar non-profit organizations. Gail is the President and CEO of the Visalia Chamber of Commerce.

VRM Development Director, Ryan, is joined by Kathy Looper (MFTi) to discuss the newest resource in Visalia -- a shelter for runaway and homeless youth.

Pastor Mike discusses the difference between ministry and programs and the need to be flexible within both. We also touch on the somewhat silent expectation the general population has on the church community when it comes to offering basic services to the homeless community.

SirJo graduated our Life Change Academy in June 2016. To celebrate his one year anniversary, we got together to talk about the difficult hunt for a job (with nine felonies), for housing (with no credit or rental history), and how he is trying to be a physically and emotionally present father to his four kids.

We are joined by Phil Cox and Adam Peck -- candidates for Visalia's District 1 council seat. They'll discuss their time in public service, homelessness, and more. Tune in for some great perspective, experience, and some general, jolly merriment as we wrap this year's election season.

In this inaugural episode, VRM Director of Development, Ryan Stillwater, and VRM graduate and employee, Mr. Name Withheld for Safety, discuss the personal toll of living the gang lifestyle and the feeling of freedom and thankfulness. Also, in an attempt to relate, Ryan shares about that one time he was arrested.