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Spring 202060 Years andCounting.Pg. 3A Party Just For MePg. 6Friends MemorialPg. 7Holidays atCrossroads MissionPgs. 8 & 92019 Employees ofthe YearPg. 9InspiringGenerousityPgs. 10 & 11StephenCrossroads - Showing Compassionto All in NeedPg. 4
From the Director.A Sample of What We See.Dear Partners: Thank you for receiving our News for Our Partners this quarter. Wewanted to start the New Year by giving you A Look Inside of Crossroads Mission as webegin the New Year with our theme of Continuing to Make a Difference.Myra E. GarlitM.Ed., LISAC, BHPChief ExecutiveOfficerCrossroads makes a difference every day and that difference is accomplished by theservices and programs that are offered here. Our programs: emergency shelter, the NewWay Program, the New Life Program, the Education Program, vocational services, casemanagement services, the 2nd Chance Thrift Store, and meals help make a differenceeach day. The end result is our community is a better place to live. People becomeemployed. People become engaged, taxpaying citizens. Children have a place to live.People become better educated. People who were hungry have food to eat.In this edition, News for Our Partners, A Look Inside of Crossroads, we offer you thestories of the staff and people whom we serve. Because you are a partner, you help withbeing the hands of feet of Jesus. We are able to show compassion and to offer glimmersof hope to people who are destitute and who cannot see any hope in their currentsituations. Thank you from the Board of Directors, the management team, the staff,the volunteers, and everyone at the Mission. Thank you for your support. The greatestsupport of all is to remember the Mission in prayer. God bless you!Helping to Make a Difference:Thank You Camarena Law!Once again, Attorney Candy Camarena has shownhis dedication to helping his community bymaking a generous 5,000 donation just beforethe year-end. This time, Candy has chosen to invest2in the future of Crossroads and of the entire YumaCommunity. He has designated his gift to be used asseed money for the building of a new Men’s Shelter.After hearing from Myra Garlit, Chief Executive Officerof Crossroads Mission about the disrepair andinadequacy of the current shelter, Candy decided tojump on board and to challenge his fellow attorneysand business owners to also pledge their support forthe project in 2020. This is not the first challengeto help out Crossroads that Candy has launched. Infact, he has supported the Mission for 20 years!Through his donations, Candy hopes to help transformlives and to inspire others to give. “God bless Candyfor helping with his continued, generous support.”says Myra.Left - Myra Garlit, CEO of Crossroads, accepting Candy’sdonation of 5,000.NEWS for our Partners
In the Community.Sixty Years and Counting.This year we had the privilege of celebratingthe Mission’s 60th anniversary! In 1959,four men with a vision and 50 founded theLower Lights Rescue Mission. Their intent was toprovide shelter and food to the homeless in Yuma.They followed a simple motto: “Soup, Soap andSalvation.” In 1992 the name was changed toCrossroads Mission. The name may have changed,but we still follow the core tenants of providingsoup, soap and salvation to all of those who askfor help.To celebrate this milestone, Crossroads hosteda Jubilee at the place where everything started.There was great food, great music by Gwynn,and wonderful fellowship. The highlight of theevent came when Leticia and Reyes sharedtheir testimony. A while back, they both foundthemselves at Crossroads during their lowestpoints. They found the help they needed at theMission and were able to get their lives back ontrack. Leticia regained custody of her children andReyes was able to see his children again. Theyeven ended up getting married!All the proceeds from this event were set asidetoward the construction of the new men’s center.With the current men’s shelter at, or over capacityeach night, the need for a larger facility has neverbeen greater. Please continue to help and to praythat the goal of a new men’s center can come tofruition.We thank the entire Yuma community, volunteers,and supporters over the years. Your continuedpartnership is what has made everything possibleat Crossroads Mission and we look forward tocontinuing to serve as the ‘hands and feet ofJesus’ for many years to come. God Bless You All!The building where it all started on Madison Avenue indowntown Yuma.Guests socializing during the event.The Gwynn sisters as they perform during dinner service.Crossroads kitchen staff preparing the meal for the evening’smeal.NEWS for our Partners3
Around the Mission.Crossroads - Showing ComomWhen someone mentionsCrossroads Mission, whatis the first thing that comes tomind? Some peoplemay say that the Mission isa homeless shelter, whileothers might talk about itsrecovery program. Peoplemight mention thatCrossroads has mealsthree times a day or aplace for people to gethelp with clothing andfurniture.In truth, CrossroadsMission does allof this and muchmore! The Missionprovides meals 3times a day,365 days4a year, to anyone who wants to come and eat.The First Step Center helps those suffering fromaddiction to get clean. After going through FirstStep, they can enter the New Life Recovery Programto learn tools to help them stay clean and sober. Ifsomeone is in need of clothing, they can come andreceive a voucher to the 2nd Chance Thrift Store.Above all, the Mission offers a safe place to staywhile people try to get back on their feet andrecover from whatever hardship they are facingin life. No matter what that hardship may be,Crossroads’ staff is there to help a person to getback on track.A good example of this is the journey of Stephen.Stephen came to Crossroads in 2019 seeking helpto get back on his feet. Stephen, a plumber for 25years, had lost his job and this eventually led to hislosing his apartment, as well. He had heard of theMission through some of his friends, despite livingnear Phoenix at the time. Stephen decided that heneeded to focus on getting some help, so he packedwhat few items he had and came to Yuma.He came straight to Crossroads to get the helphe needed with his drinking. He learned thetools needed to help him abstain from alcoholand continued to make progress towards his goalof returning home to take care of his girlfriend.Unfortunately, Stephen suffered a severe setbackwhen he fell and ended up breaking his hip. Whenhe was examined at the hospital, thedoctors let him know how fortunate hehad really been. Though broken, it wasa ‘clean’ break and wouldn’t leave himbedridden.Stephen’s stay at the Mission continues,though now he gets around with theassistance of a walker while he heals from hissurgery. He had feared at first that he wouldn’tbe allowed to stay because of his injury, but hefound that staff at the Men’s Shelter were thereto support him. He spoke to them and had hismind put at ease when he was told he would havethe time he needed to recover.Left - Stephen with his walker after his surgery to repairhis broken hip.NEWS for our Partners
Around the Missionmmpassion to All in NeedStephen is continuing to work towards returninghome and finding employment once again. He isgoing to his physical therapy appointments andcontinuing to regain his strength since his surgery.Stephen reported that he even was in contact witha couple people who were willing to offer him workonce he returns. He has a positive outlook onthings and is determined to reach his goal so he canbe with his family and loved ones once again.nother example of how the Crossroads helpspeople can be found in Nathan. He admittedright from the beginning that he didn’t want to be atCrossroads Mission. Nathan said he was resistantto the idea that he needed any help and didn’t likethe idea of having to stay at a homeless shelter.From a young age, Nathan had a problem withdrugs and alcohol and as he got older this problemonly got worse. He would use drugs every day andoften ended up feeling depressed because of it. Asan adult, Nathan’s continued drug use ended upcosting him his job.Without a steady income, Nathan eventually losthis apartment and was forced to stay with friendsand family members. Even without a job, Nathanstill continued his drug habit, finding the drugwherever he could. This eventually led to hisbeing kicked out of his family’s home and endingup on the streets. Not only did he lose his placeto stay, Nathan also lost his mother to illness,causing him to become even more depressedand hopeless.Nathan said that even though he was resistantat the start, he found himself accepting thehelp that was offered at Crossroads in the NewLife Program. Nathan discovered support fromfriends and a renewed relationship with hisfamily while learning to live a better lifestyle.When asked, Nathan said that things at theMission were pretty simple and you just had tofollow the rules.Nathan’s ultimate goal once graduating from theNew Life Program is to go into either the Army orNavy. Nathan said he had learned to no longer runAaway from his problems and he wants to give backin whatever way he can.Stephen and Nathan are just two examples ofthe hundreds of people that come to CrossroadsMission each year seeking help. Though they camehere for different reasons, each was able to findthe support to work toward their goals. None ofthis is possible without the support of donors andvolunteers like you. We ask that you continue tosupport Crossroads. Your donations and time aredirectly responsible for the helping those staying atthe Mission find hope. May God bless you all!Right - Nathan during his stay at Crossroads Mission inthe New Life Program.NEWS for our Partners5
Around the Mission.A Party “Just For Me”How would you feel if you found out there wasa special event that was held just for you?Excited, right? Maybe, a little baffled - wonderingwhat you did to deserve such an event.At Crossroads Mission, we have a special eventjust for the homeless guests called “Just for You.”It was started last fall by the Mission’s CEO, MyraGarlit, to better help the homeless who stay atCrossroads but aren’t signed-up in any program.People who are not staying at Crossroads, but areseeking help, are welcome.Each month, guests are treated to food, games,and gifts. There are even raffles for prizes foreveryone who attends the meaningful event. Noone leaves empty handed.These events are more than just a meeting,though. Case Managers are on-hand to answerquestions guests may have. Finding affordablehousing, getting medical treatment, and helpwith getting veteran benefits, are just some of thequestions often asked during these events.The messages that are repeated each time arethat there is a better way than living on the street,and that everyone is worthy of respect. Guestsand non-guests are given clothes, blankets, andessentials to help them and remind them thatCrossroads is there for them. These helpful eventsare possible through the love of Jesus Christ andyour donations. Please continue to donate and toshow people the compassion of God!Crossroads Mission case managers are always on hand to helpthose seeking information and assistance.It would not be a party without activities and games!Free clothing is available for homeless guests to take with them.6NEWS for our PartnersA homeless guest receiving a meal during the party.
Around the MissionRemembering FriendsDecember 21st is the start of winter of each year.This day is also the same day that CrossroadsMission has its “Friends of the Mission Memorial.”During this memorial, we remember those whohave come through the Mission and passed awaythroughout the years. Many of them died due todrug overdoses and exposure to the elements whilebeing homeless. Others were staff and volunteersat Crossroads at one point.This year’s memorial started off with Crossroads’Spiritual Coordinator, Fabian Valenzuela, readingfrom the Bible and providing some insight intohis own life and how he came to the Mission. Hecontinued by reassuring those in the audience thatthere is hope and help at Crossroads. Towards theend of his time, Fabian found himself interruptedby “Cousin Minny” (performed by Myra Garlit, CEOof the Mission) pushing her cart of belongings ontothe stage.During this skit, “Cousin Minny” went throughher cart, asking for people to identify each itemand what they might be used for. She had manyexamples of basic items that the homeless finddifferent uses for.Afterwards, Myra spoke of how the homelessare often called the “Invisible People.” Many willwalk by them without really even registering thata person is there: turning their heads or tryingto avoid the homeless. She proved this point byasking one of the people in the audience, a staffmember dressed up as a homeless person (playedDuring her skit, Myra as “Cousin Minny” talks to FabianValenzuela about her cart of items.Crosses are placed with the name each person is on the list.by Angel Wise) if she had been greeted or spokento. She said that no she hadn’t and mentionedsome people had moved from sitting next to her.Even at the Mission, a person can become invisibleif we don’t take the time to talk to them and heartheir story.At the end, Fabian and his wife Lisa read the list ofnames of those who have passed away. Each namewas accompanied by the ringing of a bell, a candlebeing lit, and a cross being put up on a wall withtheir name on it. By the end of the evening, we hadremembered and honored well over 230 people.At Crossroads we continue to offer hope that thereis a better way of life. We encourage those who arestruggling with any sort of addiction to come to theMission and get help. There is a better way andthere is always hope for a better future!Candles are lit as each name is read, honoring those that weremembered this year.NEWS for our Partners7
Special Events.Holidays at CrossroadsdsEYoung volunteers set out desserts to be served toguests during Thanksgiving.Crossroads’ younger volunteers get the chance tointeract with visitors during the holidays.Barbers from the community provide free haircutsto anyone who wants one.very day is an opportunity to start fresh and to get better.This is especially true during the Thanksgiving andChristmas events at Crossroads Mission. The crowds offercertain anonymity and it’s easier for some people to comelooking for help without feeling exposed and on-the-spot.We had the opportunity to fellowship with friends whocome to the Mission often. We get to encourage them andguide them towards a better life. We also got to meet somenew people who had never been to the mission.We were privileged to see families that had been previouslyseparated by addiction share their first meal together inmonths. We could see the start of family reunification. Wesaw veterans as they received well-earned military gearfrom the Disabled American Veterans. Many had not seena veteran’s services representative before and they gotstarted right here at Crossroads.We had clothes hanging and on tables for the homeless tocome and choose. We had gift boxes and produce to give, aswell. It was good to see guests walking away with their handsfull! Our hearts broke when we saw just how many familieswere in need during the holiday season, though. We did ourbest to give each child presents and good memories throughgames, crafts, and delicious desserts. We got to see happyparents and happy children.Many volunteers kindly offered their support: servingmeals, delivering meals to the homebound, providingrefreshments, and helping with cleaning up, and more.Serving that many people would simply be impossible withjust our staff. We are ever thankful for your support andlook forward to seeing you at the mission again next year.God Bless You!The 3-Days of Thanksgiving2020Day 1Day 2Day 33 otals1,5861,7931,7275,106The 3-Days of ChristmasVolunteers serve meals and desserts to guestsduring each of 3 days.8NEWS for our Partners2020Day 1Day 2Day 33 als1,4311,5311,5974,559
Around the Missions MissionLeft - A young girlshows off the giftsshe recieved duringChristmas.Employeesof the Year!Heather Schwind, Family Shelter Case Managerand Donovan “Greg” Culver, Men’s ShelterDirector, as they receive their awards.Below Children eatinglunch duringThanksgiving.Each year the directors at CrossroadsMission are faced with the task ofchoosing an employee of the year. Wtihso many wonderfuland caring staffat Crossroads,this is quite anundertaking.This year,two membersof the Missionwere awardedthe “Employeeof the Year” award.Donovan “Greg”Culver, the Men’sShelter Director,and Heather Schwind,Case Manager, at the Family Shelter.Throughout 2019, both showed anextreme level of committment andcompassion in their work with the peopleat Crossroads. Thank you for all of yourhard work and congratulations!NEWS for our Partners9
Community Support.Inspiring GenerosityJohn and Pam Osterman presenting the check for 8,000 towards the building of the new men’s shelter.Crossroads Mission thanks John and PamOsterman for their generous 8,000donation towards the new men’s center!John and Pam Osterman have been membersof the Yuma community for almost 50 years.They have been on many local boards and havecontributed their time and resources to variousorganizations, including Crossroads Mission.The Mission has always been important tothem, and over the years they have donatedpersonally and through the John T. and PamelaS. Osterman Charitable Foundation withinthe Yuma Community Foundation. When theirdaughter, Erin Ballos, was Director of DrugCourt, they attended many graduations, andheard from people who were able, with the helpof Crossroads Mission, to change their lives.They restored their relationships with family,regained their good health, trained for andfound employment in the community.10NEWS for our PartnersThe Osterman’s recently saw the thank younotice in this newsletter, with a photo of Philand Debbie Townsend, who contributed tothe building of the men’s center at the capitalfundraiser dinner. Phil and Debbie have beentheir friends for many years. It was their examplethat inspired the Osterman’s recent donation.Both John and Pam feel strongly that it isimportant to give back to the community. Themission has a number of important projectsunderway, including the building of a men’sshelter. The new men’s shelter will allowCrossroads to increase the number of men thatcan be helped. It will also include a geriatricwing to assist the aging homeless menThe Osterman’s hope that their donation willinspire others to help Crossroads Mission. Wehope that you will follow their example andcontinue donating to Crossroads! God bless youJohn and Pam!
Memorial Gifts:What Your Gifts Made BED 127129131168136CHILDREN573347546551BED 165152154138132KitchenMEALS14,702 15,910 19,468 18,083Family ShelterMen's ShelterDrug & Alcohol Stabilization 11820111218794843363834163135125New Life Recovery Program18ENTERED13GRADUATESNew Way Homeless & Transition ProgramPARTICIPATING42Career & Academic CenterSTUDENTS104156171HOURS STUDIED809825.5915GEDs01210,5337,4494255929.25 713.25 99 11,8753243A Gift In Memory Of:Kindly Given By:Tommy White (Whitey)Ron AdamsJohn Paul ChavezDebbie Gunsch RNJohn Robert MinoreJon C TylerAnn BusterKeith NelsonLarry HieberGregory MalouffJames DeibertSusan DowlingRobert “Mike” ShantekJohn MinoreJeff MoerkeJanet MoenkJohn PeachDarlene AbdelnourWilliam AdamsJoyce AlcantarAllen ApplehansAnthony ArtaleBlake BryantJim BusterLinda CardozaCharles CraigCharles CraigJon C TylerRay & Carole McCoyKimberly GerardoJohn LichtyBrenda MoerkeLloyd MurrayKathryn Stocking TateOur deepest sympathies are with those who have lost lovedones. A memorial gift to Crossroads Mission is a special wayto offer hope to the needy in the name of a friend or familymember.Honorary Gifts:A Gift In Honor Of:Kindly Given By:Grace Helen FerrisSun Vista Resort Choral GroupRay & Carole McCoyBobby & Glenda BrooksPeggy MungerMichael YoungMs. Elsie CavanaughMr. & Mrs. James ShusterMr. & Mrs. Rick ShusterAaron FerrisFrank JohnstonLaurie McCoyThomas McIntirePamela TangonanJohn & Anita YoungShirley CramerShirley CramerShirley CramerEvery effort is made to assure that all names are correct. Weapologize for any errors that may have occurred.Thank You Mr. and Mrs. FisherCRob Keppeler, General Manager of Fisher Chrysler Dodge JeepRam, hands over the keys of the new van to Barbara Rochester,Public Relations Director of Crossroads Mission.rossroads Mission thanks Joe and AnnFisher for their wonderful donation of a 14passenger van to the Mission. Their donationcame at just the right time, when we were indesperate need of a van to replace our oldestvan. This new vehicle will help Crossroadsto continue serving those in need and aidingthem in getting to vital appointments aroundtown. It’s because of donors like you that theMission is able to help so many people.God Bless You!NEWS for our Partners11
2nd ChanceTHRIFT STORENUMBERS TO KNOWMAIN PHONE NUMBER: (928) 783-9362*Operator on duty 24/7Chief Executive OfficerMyra Garlit (928) 783-9362, Ext. 101Major Gifts & DevelopmentFinancial Stock & Property Contributions,Planned Gifts & Charitable TrustsAzucena Solorzano (928) 261-9836The Best Prices in Yuma!OPEN MONDAY - SATURDAY8:00 AM - 4:00 PM550 W. 8th StreetFinance & Cash Donations(928) 259-5608Kitchen & Food Donations(928) 328-86042nd Chance Thrift StoreDonations Pick-Up Line (928) 726-0491Cashier’s Station (928) 328-8626Credit Cards Accepted!To Schedule a FREE pickup of your donations call:(928)726-0491Board of Directors:Volunteer InvolvementIndividual, Church & Corporate VolunteerGroups, Service Clubs & Community ServiceBarbara Rochester (928) 580-4482Ministry OpportunitiesChapel and Devotion Speakers, SpecialPresentations, Church Events & Worship TeamsFabian Valenzuela (928) 328-8610Public Relations & Special EventsFundraising Events, Group Presentations, Gifts ofGoods, Food, Services and Vehicles.Barbara Rochester (928) 580-4482*Family Shelter(928) 328-8611*Men’s Shelter(928) 783-9362, Ext. 100*First Step Center - OPEN 24 HRS.(928) 328-8082Career & Academic Center(928) 328-8236Newsletters & WebsiteMark Tawzer (928) 246-7956www.crossroadsmission.orgDid you know?For every dollar you donate toCrossroads Mission, only 3 centsare used for administration costsAccredited by theEvangelical Councilof FinancialAccountability. Yourdonations are ingood hands withCrossroads Mission!Crossroads Mission iscommitted to glorifyingGod by serving those attheir crossroads of lifeCrossroads Mission is a 501(c)3, Private Nonprofit Organization serving the homeless, needy and poor of Yuma County without regardto race, color, national origin, religious background, age, sex or handicap. (Alternative format and reasonable accommodationsavailable upon request.) We depend on the contributions of concerned individuals and organizations. All contributions are taxdeductible. We are a member in good standing of the Citygate Network and are accredited by the Evangelical Council of FinancialAccountability. We partner with the State of Arizona, Yuma Community Food Bank, FEMA & Arizona Complete Health. We do notsolicit door to door. Please report any impostors to us immediately. News for Our Partners is a quarterly publication for the friendsand supporters of Crossroads Mission. We welcome comments about the content of the newsletter. If there are issues you want tohear about, please let us know.Member of the Citygate Network.www.citygatenetwork.orgRETURN SERVICE REQUESTEDP.O. Box 1161 . Yuma, AZ 85366-1161Alex MontoyaChris HoppstetterDoug Mellon, TreasurerBill HudsonDaniel BombardKen Keslar, ChairmanMark Reynolds, Vice Chairman, Past ChairmanMary CorderySeth MillerSummer MellonBeverly M. BryantBarbara McaleeseNON-PROFIT ORG.U.S. POSTAGEPAIDYuma, AZPermit No. 110
To celebrate this milestone, Crossroads hosted a Jubilee at the place where everything started. There was great food, great music by Gwynn, and wonderful fellowship. The highlight of the event came when Leticia and Reyes shared their testimony. A while back, they both found themselves at Crossroads during their lowest 3 points.
