MEDIA ALERT
Local News

For Immediate Release

January 6, 2012

Contact: David Sena

Phone:  (701) 722-6600, ext. 200

Northlands Rescue Mission Receives Grant for Equipment

to Provide Computer Training for Residents Through Kick Start Lab

“We’re excited about what we believe our Kick Start Lab can do to help our residents achieve gainful employment and use technology to strengthen relationships with family members and others who can help them be successful in life.”

                                                                                                                        —David M. Sena

GRAND FORKS, N.D.—A grant from the Hal and Kathleen Gershman Family Foundation will help once-homeless guests at Northlands Rescue Mission re-enter the workforce and reconnect with family members through the use of today’s technology.  This “New Years gift” of $4,000 will be used to purchase four personal computers, a printer, digital cameras, mobile devices and desks for the Mission’s new Kick Start Lab.

“Many of the men and women in our care have limited ability to connect with potential employers and support networks including their families because they don’t know how to use tools like e-mail, online job sites and appropriate social media services.” explained Northlands Rescue Mission Executive Director David M. Sena.  “Those that do have the necessary skills have limited access to agencies that provide them.  While many of these services are offered at libraries or outside learning centers, our guests may not yet be comfortable in these kinds of social environments.  Through the Mission’s Kick Start Lab, they can learn at their own pace from people who care about them and are familiar with their strengths and challenges.”

The Mission’s Kick Start Lab, which opens in March, will be staffed by Mission volunteers who will train and supervise residents in skills including how to use a computer; navigate the internet; send and receive e-mail; complete online job applications; produce and send resumes and cover letters; upload photos and interact with social media.  Students will have access to equipment and personal assistance in the lab up to three one-hour time slots per day.

“Due to years of homelessness, unemployment, substance abuse and many other factors, these individuals haven’t had the opportunity to keep up with changing technology,” Sena said.  “Now they’re limited in their ability to compete for jobs, restore important relationships, build social contacts and simply have access to the daily information they need to live stable and independent lives.  We’re excited about what we believe our Kick Start Lab can do to help our residents achieve gainful employment and use technology to strengthen relationships with family members and others who can help them be successful in life.  We’re grateful to the Hal and Kathleen Gershman Family Foundation for their gift that has made the Lab possible.”

For more information on the Mission’s Kick Start Lab and volunteer opportunities, call David Sena at (701) 772-6600, ext. 200.

Northlands Rescue Mission is a Christian-based nonprofit ministry providing homeless men and women in 21 counties in North Dakota and Minnesota with shelter, meals, clothing, spiritual guidance and case management, all delivered in a safe environment, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Press Release

Local News for Immediate Release

November 14, 2011

Northlands Rescue Mission Invites Community Partnership during

National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week, November 12-20

“ . . . people living in poverty have to make tough decisions regarding their limited resources.

They’re often forced to choose between paying for food or covering the cost of utilities,

gas for the car or medical care.”        —Executive Director, David Sena

Grand Forks, ND.— Every year, the week before Thanksgiving, the National Coalition for the Homeless and the National Student Campaign Against Hunger and Homelessness co-sponsor National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week to foster a greater understanding of issues relating to hunger and homelessness across the United States.  In conjunction with this national initiative, November 12 through 20, Northlands Rescue Mission is asking the community to join forces with its ongoing endeavors to alleviate hunger and homelessness right here in our area.

“Eroding employment opportunities, declining wages, the shortage of affordable housing and the tragedy of addiction continue to force people into our shelters,” said Executive Director, David Sena.  Many others are only an illness, an accident or a missed paycheck away from losing their homes,” he continued.  “And when it comes to hunger, people living in poverty have to make tough decisions regarding their limited resources.  They’re often forced to choose between paying for food or covering the cost of utilities, gas for the car or medical care.”

To meet the pressing challenges of the homeless, near-homeless and hungry, Northlands Rescue Mission invites individuals, businesses and churches to make a financial contribution at www.northlandsrescuemission.org during National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week.

“This is a tremendous opportunity to support our efforts to provide food, shelter, recovery programs and vital resources that empower individuals to build stable lives for themselves and their families.  You’ll be helping men, women and children here in region while compassionate people all across the country are assisting neighbors in their own communities,” Sena said.  “A gift of any size will make a difference.”

Donations to the Mission can be made online at www.northlandsrescuemission.org or mailed to 420 Division Avenue, Grand Forks, ND 58201.  For more information about how you can help Northlands Rescue Mission bring hope to the hurting in region throughout the year—including urgent needs and volunteer opportunities—visit www.northlandsrescuemission.org.