Since 1981, the Visalia Rescue Mission has provided various services and ministries to those encountering homelessness and substance abuse addiction. For 35 years, VRM has served hundreds of thousands of meals, provided shelter for men, women and children every night of the year, and graduated hundreds of men and women through the Life Change Academy — a residential recovery program.
The VRM is celebrating 35 years of hope and restoration at its annual banquet on Thursday, October 13 with two times to attend, at 12:00pm or 6:00pm. This year’s banquet will be at Visalia Convention Center in the Charter Oak Ballroom.
Banquet attendees will join VRM staff and volunteers, as well as local historian, Terry Ommen, on a journey down memory lane. They will also be inspired by stories from VRM graduates now employed by the Mission. Executive Director Al Oliver, will wrap up the evening by painting a picture of what the future holds for the VRM and how the community can best help the homeless and hurting in Visalia.
Any man or woman, of any race or religion, straight or gay, may get a meal at VRM’s kitchen, 365 days of the year.
The same is true of a dry, warm place to sleep at night. And women may also bring their children up to the age of 12. Through the Life Change Academy, a 12-month process, students without a high school diploma study can work toward their GED exam, and take advantage of some of the practical skills training offered.
Tickets for either the afternoon or evening banquet event are $35 or $250/table of 8.
For tickets, more information or to become a sponsor, email hope@vrmhope.org, or call Jessica Rondon, (559) 740-4178, ext. 210.
This year’s banquet is sponsored by ServiceMaster by Benevento and KSEE24.