Pitman United Methodist Church

Outreach......

Since 1964 the Atlantic City Rescue Mission has helped the homeless and working poor in a five county area of southern New Jersey.  Their programs touch many lives and in a typical year, more than 3000 men, women, and mothers with children are assisted.  Most of these people have difficulty being self-sufficient due to drug or alcohol abuse, domestic violence, loss of employment, lack of job skills, or mental health issues.  The Mission provides their immediate physical needs through meals, safe shelter, and clothing.  The goal of the Mission, however, is to guide these people to a productive life through practical programs and eternal life through Jesus Christ.  The problems of the people the Mission serves would be described as complex and the answer the Mission gives is hope.  Whether they provide one person one meal or one year of comprehensive services.  Many comprehensive services are provided for the homeless and working poor.

Case Management: Upon entering the Mission, each individual is interviewed by a trained case worker to determine the circumstances of his/her homelessness.  Case worker and clients work together to form a plan leading to self-sufficiency.

Emergency Food, Clothing, & Shelter: The Transient Ministry provides meals, shelter. clothing, counseling, case management, and advocacy for more than 300 men, women, and families every day.

Family Life Center: This shelter is specifically designed for mothers with children.  Basic needs are provided while structure and discipline are introduced into their daily routine.  Young children attend the Missions in-house preschool while older children attend local schools.  Family Life Center counselors educate low-income families in ways to prevent homelessness.  Families are referred to the appropriate agencies that can assist them.

Medical Respite:  A dedicated area of the Mission houses indigent people who have been released from a hospital; but have nowhere to go.  Depending on their medical situation, patients have access to other Mission programs.

Work Readiness Program: This 120 day program serves up to 50 men and women at one time.  Each person takes part in job skills training, life skills classes, work therapy, and Bible study.

Treating Addiction: The Overcomers Program is a residential 18 month addiction recovery program.  It provides in-depth counseling, discussion groups, Bible studies, work therapy and recreational activities.  A practical 12 step program teaches self-esteem and assistance in getting a job.

Transitional Housing: Barnabas House is for men who have completed the residential addiction program.  Each resident is required to be employed, attend group counseling, and adhere to a treatment plan.

Street Outreach: Mission workers search the boardwalk, alleys, and blighted area of the city to offer assistance to the homeless.

The Atlantic City Rescue Mission staff feels privileged to serve God in this way and to present His message of hope through faith in our Lord.  The thank you for your support and your belief in their mission to care for the poor.  There are many opportunities for you to help.  You can pray - become a prayer partner.  You can volunteer. You can give.  The Atlantic City Rescue Mission depends on our support.  We can help feed the hungry, and save the lives of homeless men, women and children caught in a cycle of poverty and homelessness.

Pitman United Methodist Church

758 N. Broadway

Pitman, NJ  08071

(856) 589 - 8313