Messenger Summer '11

Summer 2011 1

M A G A Z I N E

SUMMER 2011 | WATER STREET MINISTRIESmessengerGOD'S FAITHFULNESS pg142010 Annual Report

HOPE pg4TURN SURVIVING INTO THRIVING

The other year I had the opportunity to show my four-

year-old niece Cassidy a “day in the life of Uncle Jere”. She spent an hour in my office playing and coloring, and then I took her on a tour of our Prince Street campus. She saw the Mission’s pantry shelves lined with donated food for the 400 meals we provide every day. She saw a Wonder Club Early Learning Center classroom and observed that the children sang the same songs she did in Sunday School. We visited a bedroom in the Mission’s Family Shelter where a family with young children was living. On the way out we passed by some women in exercise class. The next day, while traveling home with her mom, Cassidy summed up her visit by saying, “Uncle Jere feeds people, gives children a place to sleep, makes them exercise and teaches them.”

From a five-year-old’s perspective, she got a glimpse into poverty. By God’s grace she has not experienced poverty in her short life. But many of the children we see every day were born into it. And as often as we may tell ourselves that children in poverty are resilient, living in poverty also turns them into survivalists. In

this issue of the Messenger you will hear from guest columnist Michael Evans. Michael states, “A future hope speaks of what a child can become as he grows up.” Without basic needs, a stable home and a faith in God, the future is hard to imagine while a child focuses on surviving each day. Without hope their hearts can grow sick, and a new generation of impoverished children can rise up.

Fortunately we believe in a God who promises a hope and a future. That same God inspires our vision to bring healing to the many children, and their families, which we encounter daily at Water Street Ministries. Thank you for believing in the work that takes place here in Jesus’ name. Thank you for providing hope to a generation in need.

Thank you for your continued partnership with Cassidy’s Uncle Jere “to feed people and give children a place to sleep.”

By God’s grace,

Jere ShertzerPresident & CEO

STAFF LEADERSHIP TEAM

Jere ShertzerPresident/CEO of Water Street Ministries

Melissa AlcornExecutive Director of Lydia Center

Steve BrubakerChief Vision Officer

Jack CrowleyExecutive Director of Teen HavenExecutive Director of Wonder Club Early Learning Centers

Steve GentinoChief Financial Officer

Scooter HaaseVice President of Operations of Water Street MinistriesExecutive Director of Water Street Mission

Paul PearceVice President of Advancement

Gale ThomasonExecutive Director of Water Street Health Services

WATER STREET MINISTRIESBOARD OF DIRECTORS

David Thompson, Chairperson

Michael S. Burkholder, Vice-chairperson

Frank C. Chesters, Esq., Treasurer

Guy Eshelman, Secretary

Scott BoydReyna BrittonTom DespardCharles R. Mershon, M.D.Michael D. NovakAnne PiersonMike SigmanMarlin H. Thomas

WATER STREET HEALTH SERVICESBOARD OF DIRECTORSCharles R. Mershon, M.D., Chairperson

Len Brown, Esq. Vice-Chairperson

Anne-Marie Derrico, M.D., Secretary

Mike Fitzgerald, Treasurer

Reyna Britton Robert Doe, M.D.Lisa HessBenetta RapierRoger Strause, D.D.S.

A MESSAGE FROM OUR PRESIDENT

Dear Water Street Partners,

ON THE COVERPastor Jose, the Field Director of Teen Haven in Lancaster, spends time with his son, Jessiah. Jessiah will be attending Lancaster's Wonder Club Early Learning Center for the first time this upcoming Fall.

DONATE ONLINEwww.WaterStreetMinistries.org/Donate

LIKE US ON FACEBOOKfacebook.com/WaterStreetMinistries

Summer 2011 3

messengerM A G A Z I N E

SUMMER 2011

volunteer pg12» CELEBRATING THE LIFE OF "AMIGO CONTIGO"» A VERY SPECIAL GIFT» VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

events pg13» FAMILY DAY

We invite you, our Water Street Ministries family, to a day of fun, hands-on activities to learn about poverty and homelessness.

» WATER STREET MINISTRIES ANNUAL DINNER» TEA & TOUR AT THE LYDIA CENTER» TOUR OUR PRINCE STREET CAMPUS

A great way to learn about all five divisions of Water Street Ministries. Held at our Prince Street Campus.

» TEEN HAVEN'S ANNUAL GOLF MARATHONGolf your heart out from dawn till dusk to help impact the lives of urban youth in Teen Haven!

GOD'S FAITHFULNESS pg142010 Annual Report

OUR DIVISIONS

The Impact of Three Words pg11

Plans for Hope and a Future pg7

Let the Children Come! pg10

A Child's Perspectivepg8

Hope: TurnSurviving into Thriving pg4

Education is a Family Affair pg6

Water Street Ministries Messenger4

Teachers from Wonder Club Early Learning Centers, a division of Water Street Ministries, were greatly encouraged by Michael Evans when he spoke at their inservice training. His tips have helped our staff to understand many of the needs of Wonder Club students, most of whose families live in poverty. However, Michael’s insights are valuable even beyond the classroom. To read more about Wonder Club’s impact on students and their families, see page 6.

The prophet Jeremiah was completely overwhelmed by the condition of the city of Jerusalem. He faced a bleak situation

that would surely have left him depressed and hopeless—except for the fact that he was in relationship with the One whose mercies are new every morning, whose faithfulness never ends, and whose love is everlasting. And he was filled with hope (Lamentations 3:22-23).

God Offers Hope

Schools like Wonder Club Early Learning Centers in Lancaster serve as a prime conduit for one generation to speak words of hope to the next generation – words of promise for tomorrow that inspire acts of faith today, even in the worst of circumstances. Students must be connected to a God who offers hope and a vision for a better future.

There are students who, like Jeremiah, are in the midst of chaos and confusion, and who have very little to anticipate. Who will connect the hopelessness of their lives with the hopeful words of Jesus: “Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened [or overwhelmed, lacking resources, uneducated, undereducated, miseducated, thrown away, disregarded, marginalized, hurting, hopeless], and I will give you rest,” (Matthew 11:28, NIV)?

Resources for Success

In A Framework for Understanding Poverty (1996) author Ruby Payne describes resources a child may or may not have. The degree to which a child has these resources directly correlates with that child’s potential for success.

Most are familiar with measuring a child’s financial resources – do they have the money for basic necessities? Nutritious food, medical treatment, adequate clothing, educational resources, and appropriate housing conditions are all a function of having financial resources. When a child comes from an impoverished background, often he or she lacks the wherewithal to care for basic needs, is distracted from learning and is at a disadvantage compared to his or her peers with adequate resources.

By Michael EvansDirector of Urban MinistriesAssociation of Christian Schools International

HOPE TURN SURVIVING INTO THRIVING

WONDER CLUB EARLY LEARNING CENTERS (717) 394-9723 [email protected]

Beyond Financial Resources

However, financial resources are just the beginning of one’s needed resources for success. Does a student have the emotional resources to monitor their responses to situations around them without engaging in harmful or destructive behaviors?

Does that student have the mental resources to handle the work of learning? Do those around the student and in his or her family have strong mental capacities to help that child learn? Does the child come from a mentally stimulating or mentally anemic environment?

Does the student have access to spiritual resources like the Word of God, a personal relationship with Jesus, a strong community of believers, a set of values that govern behavior, and a set of beliefs that provide meaning and purpose to all of life?

What about physical resources like books or other learning tools? Does the child have positive role models or a support system to help him or her through the process of learning? Does the child know the “hidden rules” of society, those understandings of cultural cues needed to adapt to a variety of settings with ease?

From this list, educators can determine what resources a child has and how each resource can offer hope. For example, a child who is from a low-income urban family may not have financial resources and may also be behind academically. However, she may have a strong relationship with Jesus, a very supportive church community, and a caring extended family – relatives who will encourage her learning and even invest in her education. A teacher can help her to see how those relationships provide the hope to move beyond her situation and learn. The teacher can help her understand how she can draw strength from her support system and from the Lord.

A Future Hope

A future hope speaks of what a child can become as he grows up. Children from low income families often have difficulty imagining the future as they simply focus on surviving each day. Educators and school leaders must help children by assessing what they do and do not have, and yet inviting them to dream and imagine a creative future. Educators must help students recognize their own gifts and abilities. They must communicate the value God places on them, and caring adults must help them to understand that they can achieve great things.

Students must know that God has a plan for them, has a future in mind for them, and wants them to participate in His kingdom activity on the earth. Indeed schools must inspire children to hope for the future, whether they have much or little.

Our children need hope. When hope is deferred, the heart grows sick (Proverbs 13:12). There are too many sick children. Who will offer them the hope only God can provide?

Payne, R. (1996). A Framework for Understanding Poverty, 4th ed., Highland, TX: aha! Process.

Education is a Family AffairBy Lorraine BrandtAdministratorWonder Club Early Learning Centers

Relationships are highly valued in poverty cultures, often at the expense of other aspects of living. Parents’ thinking is often consumed with simple survival, like saving enough money for groceries, rent and utilities. Often these parents don’t understand how to help their children learn basic skills.

Building relationships with our students’ parents is the first step to helping our students. One example is Micah, whose mother was a single mom. Besides caring for Micah, she had a younger child at home and was going to school as well.

Letter of the Week

At parent conferences, Micah’s teacher stressed the importance of reviewing the letters that her child was learning in school. Micah’s mother explained that she really couldn’t spend time sitting down with flashcards to drill and review. As they talked more, Micah’s mom mentioned that the family was in the car about 15 minutes each way to school; most of that time she said the children were fighting with each other.

Thinking of how she walked around Wonder Club’s building with her students to look for the letter of the week, the teacher suggested that Micah’s mom could use the same technique as they were driving. They could look for and count objects that made the sound of the class's letter of the week.

A few weeks later Micah’s mom told his teacher that not only was Micah excited about finding the letters, but he was also helping his younger brother look for them as well.

Mental Resources

As Michael Evens, Director of Urban Ministries for the Association of Christian Schools International, shared in Hope: Turn Surviving into Thriving (page 4), financial resources are just the beginning of the resources needed for success for a family living in poverty. Helping families to increase their mental resources is also key.

In addition to recommending educational games to families, Wonder Club also makes sure students have books in their homes to read. With a First Book Grant from Millersville University and generous gifts from donors, we are able to send home several books with each student for them to keep. It’s just another way Wonder Club helps to create foundations for a lifelong love of God and a lifelong love of learning.

WONDER CLUB EARLY LEARNING CENTERS (717) 394-9723 [email protected]

Water Street Ministries Messenger6Foundations for Learning: Students show off

new books they received at Wonder Club.

Growing up in poverty can impact children in many different ways. It can lead to issues related to education,

nutrition, cognitive development, etc. One profound impact we’ve observed at Teen Haven through the years is how growing up in a community marked by poverty can lead to an inability to think about and plan for the future.

When a family is facing survival level challenges on a daily basis – will we have enough food for dinner? Can we pay the rent? Will the power be cut off this week? – it is difficult for parents and children to think beyond the next day or two. The idea of a teen planning for next month, next year or their post-high school life is a luxury rather than the norm. We see this at Teen Haven in the pattern of registrations for our weeks of camp and weekend retreats. Although schedules and forms are sent out months ahead of time, the majority of our campers sign up just days before they leave for camp.

The inability to think and plan realistically for the future can become a major hindrance to the lives of urban youth, and eventually it can become a self-perpetuating cycle. Several years ago I was leading a discussion about goals and plans with a group of high school boys. Out of the 20 boys in the group, 12 of them planned to become a professional athlete, six of them expected to drop out of high school and find a job (either retail or service), and only two had thoughts of college or trade school. I was saddened by the lack of realistic hopes and goals. Their thoughts about the future had been reduced to either million-to-one dreams of riches or bare survival.

We know that God has a plan for each of His children, and at Teen Haven we walk with hundreds of urban teens to disciple them to

Plans for Hope and a FutureBy Jack Crowley

Executive Director, Teen Haven

maturity and equip them to be leaders in their community. It’s about helping them to recognize and fulfill their potential. Over time, as teens become grounded in their identity in Christ, they begin to look to Him for what their future holds rather than allowing the circumstances around them to dictate their future.

And now, Teen Haven has the opportunity to impact the future of our youth in another powerful way. Recently we have been blessed by an anonymous donor and the estate of a friend of the ministry to establish scholarship funds to help our teens pursue their dreams. In 2010, we awarded four scholarships (for a total of over $12,000) to Teen Haven youth who are attending college. In 2011 we expect to provide at least $20,000 to several Teen Haven youth through the Thomas E. Wolfe and Michael Skinner Memorial scholarships.

To learn more about these scholarships, who they are impacting and how you can help, visit www.TeenHaven.org.

TEEN HAVEN (717) 393-2716 [email protected]

Summer 2011 7

Jack Crowley, Executive Director of Teen Haven, presents two 2010 scholarship awards to students Rachel Scarborough and Jazmin Lugo.

It’s night time at the Water Street Mission. As the adult clients are going to chapel, the children have an opportunity for a chapel time of their own. As the kids trickle in, a man with a cowboy hat, multicolored tunic and jeans breaks out his guitar and leads the group in singing, “Who built the ark? Noah, Noah. Who built the ark? Brother Noah built the ark.”

Worship ends and the group settles into their seats. The man in the cowboy hat, the faithful volunteer warmly known as ‘Mr. Greg’, begins to talk about Ephesians 6. As he describes the armor of God, a child begins to dress in a suit of armor. First she puts on the belt of truth, then the breastplate of righteousness and so on. Lastly, she puts on the helmet of salvation. She looks like a knight! Over the next weeks Mr. Greg will be teaching the children more about what it means to put on the armor of God and what it looks like to live for Him.

How You Can Help

At the Water Street Mission, practical resources like our emergency shelters and transitional programs are crucial for helping families move out of homelessness. But it’s our Christian counseling and classes that provide spiritual resources to help someone establish or maintain a set of beliefs that provide meaning and purpose to life (see Hope: Turn Surviving into Thriving, page 4). Will you partner with us to serve individuals in poverty and homelessness?

•About $64 could provide a night of shelter for a family of four. Simply send a donation using the envelope provided in this publication, or donate online at WaterStreetMission.org/Donate.

•Drop off donations of diapers, formula and school uniforms for the 10+ families living at the Mission. See page 15 for Collection Center hours and location.

•Volunteer to provide childcare or to lead a children’s chapel. For more details, call (717) 358-2040 or email [email protected].

A Child's PerspectiveBy Emily TowersResidential Administrative AssistantWater Street Mission

Wonder Club children had fun playing with the armor Mr. Greg used during his weekly

chapel service for the children at the Mission.Water Street Ministries Messenger8

WATER STREET MISSION (717) 393-7709 [email protected]

Summer 2011 9

In Their Own Words

At the end of chapel time with Mr. Greg, the children have a chance to share their thoughts on the lesson. They also share hopes, feelings and their experiences of living at the Mission. Here’s what they had to say in their own words.

What I learned about God was that...“God saves people and takes away our sins.”“He saves people’s lives, and He changes people.”“The armor of God protects the front of us so we can meet the enemy face to face.”

What I like about the Mission is...“That they are friendly people and that they help people.” “The [worship] music that Mr. Greg plays on his guitar.”“I get to meet other people.”

What is hard about being at the Mission...

“I feel awkward here because I have never been in a place like this before.”

When I go to my new house...“I’m going to go to the park to play soccer and basketball.”

“I can’t wait to get my new home to sleep.”“I will hang out more with my friends and go to sports at school.”

“I will be relaxing in my room or just go out with my friends.”

The first thing I'll do when I go to my new house is...

“Pick my bedroom and sleep in it.”“Play the radio really loud.”

Children at the Mission draw and write about their hopes, feelings and experiences of living at the Mission or transitioning into a new home.


Let the Children Come!By Gale ThomasonExecutive DirectorWater Street Health Services

“What do you mean I have to have a paper from the school?” stated the already frazzled mother of three trying to get her children enrolled in school. “You have to help me. I don’t want them missing any more school.”

Did you know that Water Street Health Services provides immunizations for hundreds of uninsured children living in poverty? Without these shots, students wouldn’t be able to enter school. Water Street Health Services has been part of the “Vaccines for Children” program through the PA Department of Health for over 10 years and each year gives an average of 300 immunizations valued at over $20,000.

The value of the immunizations goes way beyond the dollar value, since receiving the vaccines allows a student access to education. The children we serve, those living in poverty, have many disadvantages, and we do our part to help eliminate a barrier to getting an education.

“Education is one of the ways we can help to insure that the next generation can be productive and self-supporting members of our society,” states the National Center for Children in Poverty.

In the 2011/2012 school year there have been new vaccine requirements added to the immunizations for school entry: an additional dose of chickenpox (Varicella) for all students, meningococcal vaccine (for meningitis prevention) for students in 7th grade or higher, and a dose of tetanus, diphtheria and accellular pertussis (Tdap) for students over age five.

What can you do?

WSHS provides vaccines at no charge to the child’s family, but the cost to the organization per patient visit averages $57. If WSHS provides 300 vaccines a year, you can see we invest over $17,000 each year to make possible this program alone. Send your donation using the envelope provided in this publication, or donate online at WaterStreetMinistries.org/Donate.

Join us!

WSHS provides access to healthcare and immunizations, at no charge to the patient, because we are serving as the hands and feet of Christ. Jesus said, “Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these,” (Matt 19:14, NIV).

May the Lord richly bless you as you help children whose families live in poverty!

WATER STREET HEALTH SERVICES Medical (717) 358-2017 Dental (717) 358-2011 [email protected]

Summer 2011 11

LYDIA CENTER (717) 252-5986 [email protected]

The Impact of Three WordsBy Lisa GoodCounselorLydia Center

When you hear the word poverty, what do you think of? Most people jump to a lack of material things, but in this article we will focus on poverty in relationships and how it affects our lives. God designed us to have relationship with Him and with others. When we do not grow up with nurturing relationships, we experience a loss of support in our lives.

As a young child, Abbie did not hear the words “I love you” or receive physical affection from her parents who separated when she was three years old. Often, Abbie felt caught between her mother and father in their conflicts with each other. As the oldest child, Abbie was expected to take on responsibility for her siblings, which took her from her childhood into an adult role before she was mature.

Our Deepest Need

As Abbie grew into her teen and young adult years she was looking for love and acceptance. In her search, Abbie turned to relationships with men to try and fill that need. Abbie ran from man to man looking to them to fill her God-given need for love and acceptance that only He can fill. Since the men she was with could not fill that need, she would move on to the next relationship, hoping to find the “perfect one” for her.

In that search for love and acceptance, Abbie gave birth to her son Adam who is now 11. As a mother, Abbie wanted Adam to know that he was loved and accepted, so she spoke the words “I love you” and showered him with hugs and kisses. She also made an effort to keep Adam out of her conflicts with his father. And the search for love continued.

Desperate to Change

Abbie came to the Lydia Center broken, open and desperate to change. She realized that she needed support to change her old way of life. Throughout her time at the Lydia Center, Abbie has learned that she is loved unconditionally by God. As she has accepted His forgiveness, Abbie has been strengthening her relationships with her family by recognizing where she went wrong and asking for their forgiveness. She stated, “I have learned to take responsibility for my actions and to not live as a victim.”

Investing in her son’s life has been a priority for Abbie in the past year. “As I have allowed God to fill my need of love and acceptance, I have been able to meet Adam’s needs in more appropriate ways. I do not look to Adam to fill my needs now; I am here to meet his needs. Adam is learning to trust me and is beginning to be open with me about his feelings.”

Please join us in praying for Abbie as she learns that God can fulfill her deepest need to be loved unconditionally and accepted.

For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.Romans 8:38-39, NASB

Women's Conference: Come Into His PresenceSaturday, October 8th 9am – 5pm at the Lydia Center

Enjoy a time of worship and teaching. More details coming soon at LydiaCenter.org. Note: This is not a fundraising event.

Cost$15 (includes breakfast and lunch)

FeaturingAnne Pierson, Director of Ministry Services, Loving & Caring, Inc.Melissa Alcorn, Executive Director, Lydia Center

Save the Date!


volunteerFIND MORE INFORMATION ON OUR WEBSITE www.WaterStreetMinistries.org/Volunteer

Celebrating the Life of "Amigo Contigo"By Pearl ParksVolunteer CoordinatorWater Street Ministries

If you spend much time around Water Street Ministries, you’ll hear, “It’s all about the relationships.” We deeply believe that true transformation only happens in our lives when we learn to give and receive love, with God and with each other.

One neighbor of Teen Haven’s Lancaster City Center invested hours upon hours doing what he did best: loving people by serving with his hands. Jesus "Luis" Ruiz repaired lawnmowers, fixed cars, kept the Teen Haven grounds maintained, and so much more. He was lovingly known by the students as “Amigo Contigo,” or “Friend with Me,” because he was the kind of guy who was friends with everyone. Sadly, he recently passed away, and we mourn the loss of this wonderful man.

The teens shared that Amigo Contigo taught them what it meant to serve. The story doesn’t stop with what they learned from him though; the teens are now making plans for how they can provide encouragement to his family regularly and take care of his lawn.

This is just one illustration of the many ways that urban youth in Teen Haven are being the hands and feet of Jesus Christ in their community. “We are not just teenagers. We can help too,” they assured me!

As we consider how difficult issues affect teens, may we never forget that we have as much to learn from them as they do from us!

Volunteer OpportunitiesFor more information on the positions below or other possibilities, please call (717) 358-2040 or email [email protected].

Girls’ Program LeadersTeen Haven, York City CenterIndividuals with a heart for urban youth ministry can help to start a Bible Study for girls.

Child Care AssistantWater Street MissionProvide childcare while parents are participating in program requirements. Great opportunity to love kids living in a difficult situation and to build relationships with parents in the shelter!

Lunchroom AssistantOffice Assistant and/or Teacher for Extracurricular SubjectWonder Club Early Learning Centers

A Very Special GiftRecently the Water Street Mission received a surprise call from a woman they had helped to move out of homelessness about two years ago. She said she had received some inheritance money and wanted to send a donation. We were amazed when just a few days later, the woman sent a $1,000 donation for Wonder Club Early Learning Centers with this kind note:

"Thank you to all of you again for all the time and attention you've showered, not on just myself, but on so very many others. I hope this will help with the children's ministries. The little ones kept me going through some very bumpy times

- definitely one of our Heavenly Father's greatest blessings. God bless you all."

As we remember "Amigo Contigo," we think of his dedication to serving at Teen Haven and beyond.

Summer 2011 13

events

Family DaySaturday, October 8th 10am - 3pmWater Street Ministries Prince Street Campus, 210 South Prince Street, Lancaster, PA 17603

We invite you, our Water Street Ministries family, to a day of fun, hands-on activities to learn about poverty and homelessness. Best for ages 4 to adult. Free event. Visit WaterStreetMinistries.org/Events for more details later this summer.

Water Street Ministries Annual DinnerSunday, October 30th 6pmDouble Tree Resort, 2416 Willow Street Pike, Lancaster, PA 17602

Tea & Tour at the Lydia CenterWednesday, July 20th 1pm – 2pm•Wednesday, August 17th 1pm – 2pm•Wednesday September 21st 1pm – 2pm

For individuals specifically interested in volunteer opportunities or program details concerning the Lydia Center.To register and receive directions, please call (717) 252-5986.

Tour our Prince Street CampusFriday, July 15th 4pm – 5pm•Thursday, August 8th 4pm – 5pm•Friday September 9th 4pm – 5pmWater Street Ministries Prince Street Campus, 210 South Prince Street, Lancaster, PA 17603

A great way to learn about all five divisions of Water Street Ministries. Held at our Prince Street Campus.To register or receive directions, please call (717) 358-2040 or email [email protected].

Teen Haven's Annual Golf MarathonMonday, September 26thPar Line Golf Course, 4545 East Harrisburg Pike, Elizabethtown, PA 17022

Golf your heart out from dusk till dawn to help impact the lives of urban youth in Teen Haven! To participate, sign up a team, sponsor the event, or just learn more, call (717) 393-2716 or email [email protected].

FIND MORE INFORMATION ON OUR WEBSITE www.WaterStreetMinistries.org/Events

Looking Ahead

Giving Thanks

Lancaster's Premier Culinary ExperienceThank you to the six Lancaster County restaurants that helped make this April event a delicious success: Bent Creek Country Club, Checker’s Bistro, Ciro’s Italian Bistro, the Hamilton Club of Lancaster, General Sutter’s Inn, and Tortina. Because of our generous guests and sponsors, the event provided over 250 visits for patients at Water Street Health Services!

Mother's Day EventThank you to all those who donated personal items at our Mother's Day Event to benefit women in recovery at the Lydia Center.

Drive Away Hunger! Golf TournamentWhat a fun day with our 165+ golfers! Thank you to The Crest at Elm Tree Luxury Apartments, Ward Chiropractic, Clark Food Service Equipment and DH Funk & Sons LLC for sponsoring the Water Street Mission's golf tournament at Tanglewood Manor Golf Club in June. Congratulations to the tournament winners (picture right)!


GOD'S FAITHFULNESS 2010 Annual Report

Thank you for another year of faithful support. One of our core values is Dependence Upon God. That means that despite the hard financial times we’ve been experiencing at Water Street Ministries, we trust God to fulfill His promise to meet our needs. We’re not sure what His provision will look like, but we are trusting Him.

We are a member in good standing with the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability (www.ecfa.org).

Please feel free to contact us with any questions or requests for additional information at (717) 393-7709 [email protected]. A copy of our completed 2010 audit is available on our website at WaterStreetMinistries.org.

HOW WE SERVE THE COMMUNITY

• 55% SERVING THE HOMELESS | WATER STREET MISSION

• 18% ACCESS TO HEALTH CARE | WATER STREET HEALTH SERVICES

• 14% EQUIPPING URBAN YOUTH | TEEN HAVEN

• 08% HEALING WOMEN | LYDIA CENTER

• 05% EDUCATING YOUNG CHILDREN IN POVERTY | WONDER CLUB EARLY LEARNING CENTERS

TOTAL REVENUE $8,701,600

• 47% CONTRIBUTIONS: CASH $4,040,723

• 31% CONTRIBUTIONS: NON-CASH $2,713,879

• 11% BEQUESTS & TRUSTS $971,510

• 02% GRANTS $159,763

• 10% OTHER $815,725

TOTAL EXPENSES $9,223,478

• 78% PROGRAM $7,203,786

• 12% FUNDRAISING $1,145,924

• 09% ADMINISTRATIVE $873,768

WHO SUPPORTS WATER STREET MINISTRIES

• 48% INDIVIDUALS

• 45% BUSINESSES

• 04% CHURCHES

• 03% OTHER (SCHOOLS, RETIREMENT COMMUNITIES, UNITED WAY BALLOT WRITE-INS, FOUNDATIONS, ETC.)

Summer 2011 15

HEALING WOMEN THROUGH THE LYDIA CENTER (PENNSYLVANIA & BEYOND)

40 WOMEN ENROLLED IN THE PROGRAM3 WOMEN COMMITTED THEIR LIVES TO CHRIST5 REDEDICATED THEIR LIVES TO CHRIST91% OF CLIENTS EXPERIENCED FAMILY RECONCILIATION, A STRONG INDICATOR OF GROWTH AND HEALING

MAIN REASON FOR ADMISSION

• 54% SUBSTANCE ABUSE

• 12% UNHEALTHY RELATIONSHIPS

• 09% SELF-INJURIOUS BEHAVIOR

• 09% HOMELESSNESS

• 06% PREGNANCY

• 04% GAMBLING ADDICTION

• 03% EATING DISORDER

• 02% GENDER IDENTITY

AGE OF CLIENTS

• 03% LESS THAN 20

• 33% 20 TO 29

• 18% 30 TO 39

• 25% 40 TO 49

• 23% 50 TO 59

REFERRAL SOURCE

• 18% HOSPITALS

• 18% CHURCH REFERRALS

• 15% PRISONS

• 10% WATER STREET MISSION

• 08% REHABILITATION CENTERS

• 30% OTHER

EQUIPPING URBAN YOUTH THROUGH TEEN HAVEN (LANCASTER, YORK & PHILADELPHIA)

175 URBAN TEENS COMMITTED THEIR LIVES TO CHRIST140 REDEDICATED THEIR LIVES TO CHRIST1274 URBAN TEENS WERE REACHED AT TEEN HAVEN CAMP290 URBAN TEENS WERE REACHED AT TEEN HAVEN CITY CENTERS (CITIES OF LANCASTER, YORK AND PHILADELPHIA)42 URBAN TEENS TRAINED TO IMPACT THEIR COMMUNITY THROUGH A LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM

Reaching More Urban Teens through Church PartnershipsAt Teen Haven, we recognize the value of partnering with urban churches to increase the impact of our ministry among urban youth. For the last several years, we have been partnering with many churches in both our city centers and at our camp.

One of our goals is to increase the percentage of teens attending our camp through these partnerships. Although that number decreased slightly this year, the percentage of overall partner events increased. We’re excited about the opportunity to continue growing this aspect of our ministry.

Event trending from 2006 – 2010

2006 21% OF RETREATS WERE PARTNER EVENTS (20% OF CAMPERS)2007 30% OF RETREATS WERE PARTNER EVENTS (27% OF CAMPERS)2008 34% OF RETREATS WERE PARTNER EVENTS (32% OF CAMPERS)2009 29% OF RETREATS WERE PARTNER EVENTS (33% OF CAMPERS)2010 30% OF RETREATS WERE PARTNER EVENTS (26% OF CAMPERS)


SERVING THE HOMELESS THROUGH THE WATER STREET MISSION

The Only Year-Round Emergency Shelter in Lancaster CountyProvided shelter for over 1,874* individuals!* Unduplicated adults only; data for children is unavailable.

Top 10 Factors Contributing to HomelessnessBased on self-reported data

01 JOB LOSS02 FAMILY DISRUPTION03 NON-PAYMENT OF RENT/MORTGAGE04 EVICTION05 PRISON RELEASE06 INADEQUATE INCOME07 SUBSTANCE ABUSE08 RECENT RELOCATION09 HOSPITAL/REHAB DISCHARGE10 PHYSICAL ILLNESS

Success for Clients with Mental and Physical DisabilitiesSince its strategic inception in 2008, the Mission’s Supportive Services Program (SSP) – assisting those for whom finding permanent housing is extremely difficult -- has flourished! The number of men being helped by the program is quickly increasing while the time it takes for them to find permanent housing is decreasing. This population makes up the new face of homelessness; we are projecting to see a marked increase here in coming months.

2008 2009 2010

156

119 115

23

6077

number of SSP clients who find permanent housing

days until SSP clients find permanent housing

Together as a Community, We Can Make a Significant Difference.With God’s help, the Water Street Mission has been working toward solutions in permanent housing, transitional housing, employment and homelessness prevention for over 100 years.

We believe that there will always be individuals moving in and out of homelessness who will need assistance. At the Mission, our goal is to care for individuals in homelessness in a way that best meets their needs while preparing them for a sustainable lifestyle. We believe that a Housing First approach is a solution for some individuals, but not all. Permanent housing is very important, but it isn’t the complete solution. The Water Street Mission’s 106 years of experience has shown us that to successfully stay out of homelessness for the long term, individuals need life change through a restored relationship with their Creator in order to learn to live a sustainable lifestyle.

Through the Lord’s strength and together as a community under Him, we can make a significant difference. That’s why we help provide leadership with the Lancaster County Coalition to End Homelessness (LCCEH). We believe the Coalition adds value to the effort to care for individuals in homelessness. By working together, the Lord is allowing Water Street Mission and the LCCEH to make a significant difference in community-wide systemic barriers in an individual’s move out of homelessness.

Summer 2011 17

Educational Success among Individuals in Homelessness

66 CLIENTS WERE EQUIPPED THROUGH CLASSES FOR GENERAL EQUIVALENCY DIPLOMAS, COMPUTER LITERACY OR MONEY MANAGEMENT55 CLIENTS WERE EQUIPPED THROUGH EMPLOYMENT READINESS CLASSES17 INDIVIDUAL SUBJECT TESTS WERE PASSED TOWARDS CLIENTS EARNING THEIR GENERAL EQUIVALENCY DIPLOMA (GED)4 CLIENTS EARNED THEIR GED

Number of Graduates DoublesAt the Water Street Mission, we offer renewal for individuals whose homelessness resulted in part from addiction or other serious issues. Our 12-month LifeRecovery Program is an intensive mixture of Christian counseling, life skills and education to help individuals start a new life. Since refocusing this residential program and celebrating the first commencement ceremony in 2007, the number of graduates per year has doubled!

2007 2008 2009 2010

1916

13

Clients who graduated from the 12-month LifeRecovery Program

26

Strategic Shift Avoids Duplication of ServicesOver the years, many churches and organizations have felt a call to help the hungry and have started serving meals or providing holiday grocery assistance. To avoid duplication of services and encourage these organizations’ hard work, the Water Street Mission made several strategic shifts in our dining hall and our Christmas Food Box giveaway. Decreases below reflect these strategic decisions.

MEALS SERVEDAT THE MISSION2007 165,916 MEALS2008 172,054 MEALS2009 175,115 MEALS2010 141,069 MEALS

FAMILIES RECEIVING HOLIDAY FOOD BOXES(INCLUDES EASTER, THANKSGIVING AND CHRISTMAS)2007 2,300 FAMILIES2008 2,918 FAMILIES2009 2,829 FAMILIES2010 2,597 FAMILIES

NUMBER OF FULFILLED REQUESTS FOR GROCERY ASSISTANCE2009 26,118 REQUESTS*2010 27,362 REQUESTS* data is unavailable previous to 2009

Partnering with Other MinistriesIn 2010 the Water Street Mission partnered with 13 other ministries by providing them with 22,825 pounds of food.The Mission also received 705,576 pounds of donated food to prepare meals in our dining hall.

IMPACT INCREASES FROM DONATED ITEMS

CLOTHING DISTRIBUTED 2008 24,384 PIECES 2009 34,653 PIECES2010 38,564 PIECES

SHOES DISTRIBUTED2008 3,288 PAIRS2009 4,157 PAIRS2010 4,239 PAIRS

FURNITURE DISTRIBUTED2008 1,404 PIECES2009 1,465 PIECES2010 1,176 PIECES*

* Decrease resulted from fewer furniture donations available to give away.


PROVIDING CHRISTIAN HEALTH CARE THROUGH WATER STREET HEALTH SERVICES

(LANCASTER & LEBANON COUNTIES)

MOST PATIENTS EARN LESS THAN $10,000/YEAR

• 89% $0 - $9,999

• 06% $10,000 - $14,999

• 03% $15,000 - $19,999

• 01% $20,000 - $29,999

• 01% $30,000 & ABOVE

EDUCATING YOUNG CHILDREN THROUGH WONDER CLUB EARLY LEARNING CENTERS

(LANCASTER CITY & THE BOROUGH OF COLUMBIA)

Providing Foundations for a Life-long Love of GodOf the 68 enrolled students, 26 committed their lives to Jesus Christ. 92% of students demonstrated the ability to pray.

Providing Foundations for a Life-long Love of Learning69% of pre-Kindergarteners and 90% of Kindergarteners were at or above the age appropriate levels for language and literacy.67% of pre-kindergarteners and 100% of Kindergarteners were at or above the age appropriate levels for mathematical concepts.

Scholarships Made These Foundations Possible96% of students received 85–95% of their tuition in scholarships from the Water Street Ministries Scholarship Fund.$15,000 in scholarships were awarded to 14 alumni of Wonder Club to continue their education at Christian schools.

PAYMENTS TO MUNICIPALITIES AND PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICTS

As a non-profit organization, Water Street Ministries is exempt from paying property taxes on the properties we occupy that are involved in ministry. However we are certainly grateful for the services provided by our municipalities and school districts. Last year we again were able to make generous contributions to them. These numbers reflect contributions and taxes.

PAYMENTS TO MUNICIPALITIES PAYMENTS TO SCHOOL DISTRICTS$11,864 LANCASTER CITY $15,749 SCHOOL DISTRICT OF LANCASTER$529 LANCASTER COUNTY $8,020 RED LION SCHOOL DISTRICT$3,434 YORK COUNTY $1,143 CITY OF YORK SCHOOL DISTRICT$109 CHANCEFORD TOWNSHIP $8,011 EASTERN YORK SCHOOL DISTRICT$605 YORK CITY $32,923 TOTAL$425 LOWER WINDSOR TOWNSHIP$16,966 TOTAL

PATIENT VISITS ARE INCREASING(NUMBERS INCLUDE THE LANCASTER OFFICE & THE LEBANON FREE CLINIC WE MANAGE)

2006 5,817 PATIENT VISITS2007 5,887 PATIENT VISITS2008 7,125 PATIENT VISITS2009 7,821 PATIENT VISITS2010 10,804 PATIENT VISITS

Summer 2011 19

VOLUNTEER LEADERSHIP OF WATER STREET MINISTRIES

The following individuals voluntarily devoted their time in 2010 to provide insight and leadership to Water Street Ministries.

Water Street Ministries Board of DirectorsDavid Thompson, ChairpersonMichael S. Burkholder, Vice ChairpersonFrank C. Chesters, Esq., TreasurerGuy Eshelman, SecretaryReyna BrittonTom DespardPastor Phil HernandezCharles R. Mershon, M.D.Michael D. NovakAnne PiersonMarlin H. Thomas

Water Street Health Services Board of DirectorsCharles R. Mershon, M.D., ChairpersonLen Brown, Esq., Vice-ChairpersonAnne-Marie Derrico, M.D., SecretaryRoger Strause, D.D.S., TreasurerRobert Doe, M.DMichael FitzgeraldLisa HessVictor McGlaughlin, M.D.Jim Rapier

Audit CommitteeVirginia Badger, CPAEric Bender, CPATodd Harrington, CPA (Chair)Doug Haverstick, CPARobert Hostetter, CPA

Finance CommitteeRep. Scott BoydMike Burkholder*, CPAFrank Chesters*, Esq. (Chair)Todd Harrington, CPAPhil Smith

Development CommitteeKeith LeckyMike Novak* (Chair)

Property CommitteeDoug DesmondTom Despard* (Chair)Guy Eshelman*Bill Horst

*Board member for Water Street Ministries

AND MY GOD WILL MEET ALL YOUR NEEDS ACCORDING TO HISGLORIOUS RICHES IN CHRIST JESUS. PHILIPPIANS 4:19

THROUGHOUT THIS ANNUAL REPORT, PERCENTAGES MAY NOT EQUAL 100 DUE TO ROUNDING.

P.O. Box 7267Lancaster, PA 17604-7267

WE WELCOME YOUR LETTERS AND COMMENTS!

Editor, Messenger MagazineWater Street Ministries210 South Prince St.P.O. Box 7267Lancaster, PA 17604

Email: [email protected]

See and read more at our website:www.WaterStreetMinistries.org

PRESIDENT/CEOJere Shertzer

EDITORMaria Schaszberger

DESIGNJosh Smith

Annual Giving CampaignGOAL $4,942,422 Contributions budget for 2011CURRENT $1,420,265 Contributions as of June 17th, 2011

The official registration and financial information of Water Street Ministries and Water Street Health Services may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling toll-free, within Pennsylvania, 1-800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR GENEROSITY“I was glad to have met you this morning,” one friend of the ministry wrote in a note to a Water Street Ministries staff person who had visited her just the day before. “I feel you are involved in a wonderful ministry. It’s important that we help those in need who are among us, and minister to their spiritual needs as well, that they may hear God’s plan of salvation and come to know Jesus.” Enclosed with the note was a $500 donation.

It was kindness like this from many of you this Spring that made for an exciting Revive Campaign, an invitation for individuals to revive their financial partnership with Water Street Ministries. Many churches revived their partnership with us as well, saying they wanted to make more of an impact locally.

Plus as part of Revive, three anonymous friends of the ministry provided generous donations to launch a special May Challenge. Many of you responded, and we were so thankful for the results.

All together, we received $611,793 in donations between April 1 and May 31 toward our $875,000 Revive Cam-paign goal. Thank you to everyone who gave. Your generosity helped us take a step forward in tackling our deficit while allowing us to impact over 2,000 individuals this Spring in spiritual and practical ways. Together, we’re changing one life at a time.

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Messenger Summer '11