If pictures can tell a story, then look at the faces of these children who found safe haven this past year at the Mission for food, warm clothes, gifts, kindness and grace.

While the Mission supports adults in unfortunate circumstances, it also has special activities and blessings for children at events, such as Christmas in July, Street Treats, Thanksgiving and Christmas.

“He said to them, Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.” Mark 10:14

“I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” Mark 10:15

“And he took the children in his arms, put his hands on them and blessed them.” Mark 10:16

Trust and hope. . .

. . .hope for a future.

Photos by Dwight Grover

From left: Joan Grover, Mission director of communications and Cindy Cook, Sierra Vista Elementary administrative secretary

“Our little ones will love this,” Cindy Cook said. “They don’t get a lot, so these cases will be like Christmas for them.”

Initially expecting Art Savers only for first and second graders, Cook was amazed as box after box of the portfolio cases were brought into the entry hallway of Sierra Vista Elementary School. With the total of 480 Art Savers donated to the school by the Reno-Sparks Gospel Mission, she said all the younger student population would receive a portfolio box for storage and to decorate as an art project.

The Art Savers were a generous donation to the Mission, who in turn decided to share them with local schools and organizations that could benefit from the multi-purpose cases.

One such use was especially poignant. For some of the residents of Arbors Memory Care Community, the Art Savers became their personalized memory boxes.

Other recipients of the Art Savers in the Reno-Sparks area were Glenn Duncan Elementary, Bernice Mathews Elementary, Roger Corbett Elementary, Alice Smith Elementary, Rita Cannan Elementary, Holy Child Early Learning Center, Greenbrae Elementary and The Bridge Church.

Thanks for this generous donation to us that has gone on to touch many other lives!

Chill winds were blowing and snowflakes were falling, but it was a perfect setting for a walk on a brisk day in late February. For the approximately 460 people gathered in Wingfield Park Saturday morning for the 4th annual “Walk A Mile In My Shoes” event, the weather only added to the experience.

Walkers gather early in the morning at Wingfield Park

Walkers had the opportunity to not only support the homeless and hungry, but to also have a sense of what it is like to be out on the cold streets this time of the year.

Annette Miller and her family

“We are Christians, and it is important to be here, so that my daughter understands what really goes on,” Annette Miller said. “Not everybody has a house to go home to.”

Walkers came from all age groups. Families with children in strollers, couples wrapped in blankets, individuals and organizations banded together to bring attention to those less fortunate and hurting in the community.

Best Buy employees with Luis Santoni

“Through our partnership with Luis Santoni and the Mission, our eyes have been opened to what this organization does,” Best Buy general manager Dylan Kelly said. “We definitely want to be part of this.”

The energy was high as people wound their way through the downtown streets to the final destination at the Mission on Record Street. Some of the walkers passed out hygiene kits to people in need along the way.

Walmart’s Rick Burns and Sanjay Kumar with Golden Sneaker award

Although the walk was for a serious cause in the community, there was a bit of fun added to encourage groups to attend. For the first time this year, awards were given for the largest groups entries for the walk. The Golden Sneaker award went to Walmart  for its group of 99 associates and their families. Best Buy received the Silver Sneaker for the second largest group, and Automotion took the Bronze Sneaker, complete with blinking sole lights.

Walmart gives shoes and boots to those in need

The Walmart employees did not stop at the end of the walk. At tables set up in front of the Mission, they gave away Walmart donated shoes and boots to the homeless and those in need. Many grateful people walked off Record Street with new shoes on their feet.

New shoes for walking

“We see what a difference the Reno-Sparks Gospel Mission makes in the community, and we want to help out in whatever way we can,” Walmart store director Scott Yoder said.

Willing feet, warm hearts, God’s hand. People helping people in our community.

All Photos by Dwight Grover

RSGM article

While the Mission has many ministries, one of the most transforming is the Christian Addiction Recovery and Education (C.A.R.E.) program, which brings men and women into a 13-month safe residential environment to battle and overcome their addictions. Some stumble through the Mission doors begging for help, some are court ordered and others are driven into the program by friends and family.

“A neighbor drove me to the Mission,” Marie says. “I am not court ordered to be here, but family ordered.”

What people find is love, acceptance and time to heal. But make no mistake! This is not a place to be coddled . . . the clients must work, and work hard.

“This is not for the weak of heart,” Lanette says. “The first 60 days are the hardest.”

Each phase is a steppingstone to a higher level of change until they stand on the stage of graduation. The smiles, tears and gratitude say it all – lives are still being transformed 50 years later. Some of their stories will be highlighted in coming Posts.

To celebrate our 50th anniversary and how the Mission has changed lives, we would love to share your stories if you have had a life changing experience through any of the Mission programs. Please submit them to rick@rsgm.org, or Reno-Sparks Gospel Mission, Attn: Joan, P.O. Box 5956, Reno, NV 89513-5956.  God Bless and Mission Forward!

From the homeless to the addicted, from hurting marriages to needy children, the Reno-Sparks Gospel Mission’s work touches many in the community. Looking to volunteer? You can find more information on the Volunteer with Us page. Looking for our services and programs? Check out the Services & Programs page. But whatever you are looking for, whether you are in need or just looking to help, please feel free to contact us. God bless!

Last year, about 500 families, individuals, church groups and co-workers supported the event, which is designed to bring awareness to the plight of our area’s homeless by walking the same streets they call home.

During the mile-long walk from the park to the Mission, marchers will have the opportunity to pass out needed hygiene supplies and information to those they encounter. At the Mission, participants will get a first-hand look at operations before heading back to the park for refreshments and entertainment.

Registration is $30 per person or $25 per person for groups of four or more. All proceeds directly help the homeless and needy in Northern Nevada.

Register by Feb. 15 to be eligible for one of several dinners for two we’ll give away!

To register, call 775-323-0386 ext. 16.