Speaker for October 13 - John Saltee

Today’s meeting was an “offsite” in Oxnard at the Ventura County Rescue Mission.  We began with a very nice lunch for us in a separate room, cooked by their culinary school students.

After lunch, Director John Saltee gave us an overview of their free programs.  There are separate programs for men and women.  The women’s shelter, The Lighthouse, is a block away and has room for 30 women and children.  The men have two different sleeping quarters.  The temporary quarters, which provides emergency shelter and meals has 40 beds.  The longer-term quarters with 75 beds are for the residents who have enrolled in the 10 month drug and alcohol recovery program. Those accepted into the residential program will receive vocational training and every man is assigned a job.  The mission operates an award winning culinary school, and some of the graduates have been hired to work on the kitchens of the offshore oil rigs.  Every resident is taught reading skills in order to raise their reading level at least two grade levels.  Psychological help is available, including anger management.  So they could hold down a job later, workers are taught how to be a good employee, including basics such as being on time, following instructions, etc. One of the assignments is the laundry room, which runs 18 hours a day!

Every day, the mission serves approximately 300 free lunches and dinners to walk-ins from the community who are hungry or food insecure. No questions asked and at no cost to the guest.

Their Learning Center has 12 computers.  Job coaches come in to help train residents in money management, basic math and reading skills. Legal support is also provided, helping to clear up minor infractions and working with residents on back child support issues.  Graduates of the program are eligible to rent one of the private apartments owned by the Rescue Mission for $400 per month (single) or $250 per month (shared). This is designed to be transitional housing to help men get back on their feet and self supporting.

Thank you, Tim, John and staff of the Rescue Mission Alliance for your hospitality and your work in assisting people in reestablishing a foundation. For more information about the mission the website is www.erescuemission.org.

Thank you, Tim, John and staff of the Oxnard Rescue Mission Alliance for your hospitality and your work in assisting people in reestablishing a foundation.

Rocky Ludes