Archive for September, 2009
by ehennings on Wednesday, September 30th, 2009, Filed Under General, Rev Andy's Blog | 1 Comment
Several years ago, I received a phone call from a writer at Sports Illustrated, asking me if I could connect him with a man who was homeless on the streets of Pasadena, CA, Eugene Jones. The writer said that he would love to connect with Eugene, who he described as possibly the best linebacker prospect the Nation had ever seen in the late 1970’s. I told him that I would ask Eugene if he was interested the next time that I saw him.
I saw Eugene a short time later and asked him about the interview. “Yes, I played with James McAlister and Kermit Johnson for Blair High School. We were undefeated, 13-0, and then I played at UCLA. I am not ready to be interviewed at this time of my life and in the current shape I am in.”
I Google-searched Eugene’s football background and this is what I found from the Sports Illustrated Vault and other news reports from that era:
“When McAlister graduated from high school, the recruiters lined up three deep. He had three close friends at Blair: Kermit Johnson, another running back; Eugene Jones, a 6′3″, 230-pound tight end; and Billy Williams, a 6′1″, 190-pound defensive back.
To the surprise of no one, James McAlister was a runaway pick as Player of the Year in “AAAA” division football for 1969 as Southern California sports journalists met at Helms Hall to make their annual all-star football team selections. Since 1937, members of the southland press have gathered to select the top high-school grid stars and in turn honor them for their collective gridiron exploits. The 1969 season was a banner year, as records were toppled right and left.
McAlister and running mate Kermit Johnson rolled up over 4,000 yards between them in rushing offense for the season… a remarkable and unmatched feat in the southland. McAlister’s total of 2,168 yards is third best in local history, with his career mark (4,367 yards) second only to Mickey Cureton’s 4,920 yards.
The 6-foot-one, 200-pound fullback scored 31 touchdowns over the season and a total of 228 points, third best 1n CIF history. Glenn Davis set the record of 236 in 1942 and then Centennial’s Mickey Cureton set the current mark of 240 in 1966.
The Foothill League champions charged through their divisional playoff chores, whipping Bishop Amat in the finale 28-27…and more impressively than the score indicated. In the three earlier playoff encounters the Vikings murdered Hueneme 62-0 …ran away from Santa Monica 44-19 and sneaked past Lakewood 24-19, before doing in the Angelus League co-champion Lancers. It is interesting to note that Coach Pete Yoder, who directed the title-winning Vikings, also quarterbacked Downey High to the CIF title back 1n 1957. Coach Pete was an All-ClF first-team pick that year.
ALL-SOUTHERN SECTION “AAAA” TEAM — 1969
FIRST TEA M
POSITION PLAYER
End………..JOHN MoKAY
End………..EUGENE JONES
Tackle…….RANDY IVEY
Taok1e……SAM THAD
Guard……..MIKE HANNA
Guard……..LEE GARCIA
Center…… NICK BUCKIVIEYER
Backer…….FORRIE MARTIN
Backer…….PAUL MORO
Back……..*JAMES McALISTER
Back………KERMIT JOHNSON
Back………PAT HADEN
Back………GEORGE FRASER
Back………PAT McPARTLAND
Gradually I got to know Eugene better, and I was always impressed with his strong handshake and gentle manners. He is a big man, and I sensed in several challenging situations that he always had my back. He was struggling with some kind of addition, probably crack cocaine, for decades, and didn’t talk much, but he was always polite and kind to me. I tried to encourage him to enter into programs and get help. He sometimes rode his bike by my house and we’d talk briefly. The last time I saw him living on the streets, he came into a Von’s grocery store and with all the money that he had was trying to buy a little something at the counter. “Are you hungry?” I asked. Eugene said, “Yes!” I told him to get what he needed and I would treat him. He came back with a loaf of bread, stack of sandwich meat, jar of mayonnaise, and a gallon of lemonade. I told him, “Eugene, I am now the head of Union Rescue Mission in downtown Los Angeles, and if you will come in and get clean, I will find a job for you.”
I didn’t see Eugene for several months, possibly over a year. Then he showed up looking clean, with some of his weight back on, and beaming with pride. “Andy, I just completed a program, I am in a halfway house, and I am here to apply for a job!” There is no way I would not keep my word. Our Human Resources director interviewed Eugene, twice, and hired him as an usher/attendant for our guests at Union Rescue Mission. He is doing a spectacular job, and he is letting me tell his story, of a life transformed.
by ehennings on Wednesday, September 30th, 2009, Filed Under General, In The News, The Latest | 5 Comments
Last Saturday, September 26th, the Biddy Mason Foundation brought together people from all across the city to celebrate Rev. Dr. Cecil “Chip” Murray’s 80th birthday and assist many people living on Skid Row.
Volunteers gathered in the morning for service projects at Union Rescue Mission and the surrounding area. At 1:00pm, festivities began in the San Julian Park. The afternoon was kicked off with a party for local children complete with face-painting, cotton candy, and snow cones! Over 500 people were able to enjoy hotdogs and hamburgers, meet with a job recruiter, and watch amazing performances by J’n’J Soulful Steps and The Spiritual Hi-Tones. The party was complete with cake and the singing of “Happy Birthday” led by Mayor Villaraigosa. Volunteers also handed out water to Skid Row residents, which was much-appreciated on a hot summer afternoon!
Union Rescue Mission was delighted to be able to be a part of the celebration. Rev. Andy Bales commented, “What an honor it was to be invited to celebrate the One who sent legendary Rev. Dr. Chip Murray to Los Angeles. We were proud to assist Rev. Murray and 1st AME Church as they brought love and hope to the people on Skid Row for his 80th Birthday Celebration.”
Rev. Murray joined the faculty of USC’s School of Religion after retiring from pastor of First African Methodist Episcopal Church (FAME). Throughout his 27-years as FAME’s pastor, Rev. Murray transformed a small congregation of 300 into an 18,000 person church, with multi-million dollar community and economic development programs that have brought jobs, housing, and corporate investment to many neighborhoods in South Los Angeles. He is known throughout the community for his passion to have African American Church leaders of the Civil Rights generation pass on their years of experience, spiritual authority, and political pragmatism to the next generation. In 2005, he was appointed by Mayor Villaraigosa to the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority Commission (LAHSA) which coordinates and manages over $70 million annually in Federal, State, County and City funds for programs which provide shelter, housing and services to those experiencing homelessness in Los Angeles.
Union Rescue Mission would like to send a warm thank-you to everyone who participated in the celebration; it is always a blessing to join with others to bring hope to those who need it the most.
by alex on Friday, September 25th, 2009, Filed Under General, In The News | 1 Comment
It takes a lot of behind the scenes work to accomplish the goals of Union Rescue Mission. Here is a glimpse into a few lesser-known departments that we couldn’t do without!
Dave, an Executive Attendant of Parking, has the opportunity to meet all sorts of people each day. Whether a first-time guest or a regular visitor, he does whatever he can to make things easier for everyone he meets!
Dave (Executive Attendant) [1:00m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (2)
At the phone bank, our operators stay extremely busy juggling calls, filling out call logs, and directing incoming guests. They are the first voices you will hear when contacting the Union Rescue Mission!
Anthony (Phone Attendant) [1:07m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (2)
Many people may not realize that the Union Rescue Mission even has an IT department, much less a 5-person dream-team! They support staff and guests with all of their technological needs, which can be challenging since there are nearly 200 computers to keep running.
Chris (Information Technology) [1:51m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (8)
Dave - Executive Attendant [1:00m]:
Play Now |
Play in Popup |
Download (83)
Anthony- Phone Attendant [1:07m]:
Play Now |
Play in Popup |
Download (60)
Chris- Information Technology [1:51m]:
Play Now |
Play in Popup |
Download (77)
by ehennings on Thursday, September 24th, 2009, Filed Under General, In The News, The Latest | Leave a Comment
Every Friday during the summer months, the men of Union Rescue Mission’s Christian Life Discipleship Program have the opportunity to get a break from the streets of Skid Row and enjoy a fun-filled day out. The five different groups of the CLDP take turns going on various outings. On Friday, September 11th, the Overcomers Group took their turn and headed for the sunny, sandy shores of Redondo Beach. Armed with a grill, plenty of hamburgers, hotdogs, and ribs, the men enjoyed a day of fun, food, and relaxation!
“This is an opportunity for the men in the program to experience a day out and understand that it is definitely possible to have fun while sober,” says Chaplain Marvin Enriquez.
Some of the Overcomers braved the chilly waters of the Pacific Ocean, while others opted for other activities. Whether it was playing football, taking a beachside walk, or sitting and watching the waves roll in, all men could agree it was a great experience.
Overcomer Aaron Carlos says the best part for him was “just getting away and having free time.” For John Haynes, the tasty meal was the highlight of his day; “I enjoyed the wonderful barbeque, especially the ribs!” But Scott Bonovich simply wanted to soak up the sun. He says, “For me, the best part is just sitting, relaxing and working on my tan”.
Here, the Overcomers pose for a quick photo-op while enjoying the sights, and sounds (and tastes!) at Redondo Beach!
by ehennings on Thursday, September 24th, 2009, Filed Under Immediate Needs | 4 Comments
Here are a few suggested items for Christmas gifts for Moms:
- Make-up Kits
- Fashion Jewelry
- Sweaters/Blouses
- Holiday Socks
- Scarves
- Robes/Pajamas
- Hand-Bags
- Perfumes, Body Care Sets (lotions, bath products, etc)
- Bed Sheets
- Towels
- Cookware, Kitchen Mittens, Cloths
- Towels
- Hair Accessories
- Nail Polish
If you can donate any type of gift for children to give to their struggling Moms this Christmas, please contact our Director of Gifts in Kind, Joe Callahan, at 213-347-6300 ext 1023!
by ehennings on Thursday, September 24th, 2009, Filed Under Immediate Needs | 2 Comments
Here are a few suggested items for Teen Christmas gifts:
- Electronics!!
- Remote Control Toys
- Portable DVD, CD, Cassette Players
- Radios
- Cameras
- Watches/Fashion Jewelry
- Body and Bath Products (sprays, lotions)
- Dress up/Make-up kits
- Sports equipment
- Skateboarding equipment
- Bicycles
- T-shirts, Sweatshirts, Jackets, Sports Jerseys
If you can donate any type of gift for Teenagers, please contact our Director of Gifts in Kind, Joe Callahan, at 213-347-6300 ext 1023!
by ehennings on Thursday, September 24th, 2009, Filed Under Immediate Needs | 2 Comments
Here are a few suggested items for Elementary-Aged Christmas gifts:
- Electronics!
- Cars/Car Sets
- MP3 Players
- Compact Mirrors
- Bicycles
- Sports Equipment
- Electronic & board games
If you can donate any type of Elementary-Aged gift, please contact our Director of Gifts in Kind, Joe Callahan, at 213-347-6300 ext 1023!
by ehennings on Thursday, September 24th, 2009, Filed Under Immediate Needs | 2 Comments
Here are a few suggested items for Infant/Toddler Christmas gifts:
- Dolls
- Walkers
- Musical and colorful toys
- Clothing: jackets, sleepers, blankets
- Tricycles
If you can donate any type of infant or toddler gift, please contact our Director of Gifts in Kind, Joe Callahan, at 213-347-6300 ext 1023!
by Rev. Andy on Thursday, September 24th, 2009, Filed Under General, Rev Andy's Blog | Leave a Comment
It has been an interesting and enlightening week as we’ve gone out with a group called Common Ground and community volunteers, taking surveys of people who are homeless on the streets of Skid Row in order to make a registry of people. This registry or database will be utilized to hopefully connect the most vulnerable people on the streets with permanent supportive housing, and they will be surrounded by care, counseling and services.
This is really the answer for those we would describe as the most challenging, chronic 10% of the population of homeless people. These are folks devastated by years of homelessness, addiction, sickness, attacks, and mental health issues who literally are knocking on death’s door if someone or some plan does not intervene. LA County Sheriff Lee Baca describes our streets not as Skid Row, but as death row. For an estimated 500 to 750 on these streets, intervention with permanent supportive housing needs to happen now rather than later, or the numbers of people will not be decreased by anything positive, but will truly happen through death.
This is why Union Rescue jumped in with Common Ground and other caring folks, including the Deputy Mayor of Housing and Economic Development Policy for the City of Los Angeles, Helmi Hisserich, to survey the folks on the streets. URM had nearly 15 volunteers, including myself and Senior Staff, out on the streets at 4:00 A.M. 3 mornings this week. I believe in this intervention so much, that I offered for URM to sponsor the count for $10,000. The leaders of Common Ground had a better idea. They are taking our $10,000, and asking others to throw what they can into the pot, and then we are going to take the combined pot, so to speak, and find the 2 or 3 most vulnerable people out of the hundreds we surveyed, and we are going to place those 2 or 3 immediately into permanent-supportive housing.
This means that the two octogenarian ladies Helmi and I met this morning might have an opportunity to move from the streets filled with rats where they slept, into an apartment of their own, and as one of the little ladies said, “with Security?”
Or the 50 year old woman I met who has been on the streets 30 years of her life, and is in and out of the hospital regularly with epileptic seizures may have a chance to experience some quality of life.
What broke my heart as we finished up this morning were the hundreds who we will have no immediate answers for; a young woman, barely in her 20’s talking to herself angrily as she walked by, a young woman moaning after she just shot up heroin in the self cleaning toilet out on San Pedro Street, a young man selling himself and stationing himself on Skid Row because “that is where I have access to more drugs”.
I am encouraged by what I learned in our time on the streets — steps that Union Rescue Mission can take to be a more welcoming, caring place, and ways we can partner with others to work towards the day when it will be a rarity to find someone living on the streets of this City of Angels. Pray for us.
Bless you,
Andy B.
by ehennings on Wednesday, September 23rd, 2009, Filed Under General, Press Releases, The Latest | Leave a Comment
(Los Angeles) – State Senator Gilbert Cedillo, Shelter Partnership, and Los Angeles City Attorney Carmen Trutanich gathered atop the Union Rescue Mission in the early morning sun to announce the new city attorney’s support for SB 324 and urged the Governor to sign the bill.
SB 324 would enable confiscated counterfeit goods to be donated to non-profits serving families and individuals experiencing homelessness or economic hardship. Shelter Partnership approached Cedillo, who has authored several bills on homelessness issues, with an opportunity to repurpose the goods. Under current law upon conviction or close of the case all counterfeit items are destroyed by incineration or dumped into landfills. Ruth Schwartz, Executive Director of Shelter Partnership which runs a 108,000 sq. foot clearinghouse of donated goods that are distributed to local service provides, and the attorney responsible for the Identity Theft and Fraud Unit in the Office of the City Attorney worked with Cedillo to draft the language of the bill. Provisions were made in the bill to protect intellectual property rights and electronics so items such as DVDs and televisions would not be included. SB 324 does enable the prosecuting attorney to ask the judge to permit a trademark owner to donate the goods rather than destroying items at the close of a case.
“Each year, law enforcement agencies seize millions of dollars in counterfeit merchandise. And make no mistake – we are fully committed to aggressively prosecuting those who illegally profit from prated trademarks. Yet in almost all of those cases, the merchandise seized is destroyed by court order. I am proud to stand here with my friend Gil Cedillo and Downtown LA’s hard-working service providers in support of good common-sense legislation,” remarked Trutanich.
The numbers of families and individuals encountering homelessness is equally concerning. At the press conference Rev. Andy Bales, the CEO of Union Rescue Mission, shared stories from the past year on the “tsunami” of people seeking assistance at the facility. Of the 223 families seeking shelter at URM from January through August of this year, 52.4% were experiencing homelessness for first time; 84.1% reported receiving benefits of some sort. The primary causes leading to homelessness were financial hardship, eviction, or job loss.
“The numbers and increases are incredible, but the picture of the many families living in tent like structures, called EDARS, in our chapel, community rooms, and conference rooms is an even more amazing sight to behold. The volume of people who get in line for one of our nine meals per day is also staggering,” shared the Reverend. “We need to recommit ourselves to the issue of homelessness and continuously push for creative options to help families and individuals stay in their homes or quickly recover; SB 324 is one of those options. I urge the Governor to sign this bill.”
“I am honored to have the support of the city’s new City Attorney Carmen Trutanich and appreciate the significant contributions the office has made to SB 324 over the past year. I am also grateful to partner with Shelter Partnership, URM, and the other service providers to bring about the basic, and more impertinently the systemic changes, needed to end homelessness. I hope the Governor will sign the bill and put good intentions to work.”
