We are excited to announce that Nick Lordi has accepted the position of Director of Men’s Ministry!  Nick will be taking over for Clay Parks, who is now holding the same position at a rescue mission in St. Louis, MO.

Nick formerly held a chaplain position at Sunday Breakfast and looks forward to his new role in the organization. Nick’s brings a wealth of experience from his time here and coupled with a passion for those served at Sunday Breakfast, it is an exciting transition for the organization!

Along with being the Director of Men’s Ministry, Nick also is a seminary student at Eastern University.  We’d like to extend our warmest congratulations to Nick in his new role.
Nick can be reached at nlordi@sundaybreakfast.org or by calling (215) 922-6400, extension 102.

Upon hearing about the exciting opportunity to give to this challenge grant, many supporters had questions about the details of the project.  With integrity and honesty as some of our key values at Sunday Breakfast Rescue Mission, we strive to offer transparency to those interested in the organization.

To help with this Challenge Grant, click here.

The need for repairs at Wayne Hall is pressing.  With the state of the roof and windows in sharp decline and the elements creeping into the safe haven that the women and children living there call ‘home,’ it is necessary to start repairs as soon as possible.

The Wayne Hall facility is two houses that were combined with an addition.  That addition created two sloped roofs and one flat one.  One of the sloped roofs was replaced several years ago and is in good shape.  The ones in need of replacement and repair are the other sloped roof, as well as the flat roof.  The total cost for the roofing portion is $60,000.  At this point, we have received several bids to could compare price and workmanship.  The project also includes repair of flashing (an area where water can leak in under the edges of the roof).  Recently, residents have had to move to different rooms because of additional leaks that are developing.

The windows will cost $30,000 and will replace every window in the house.  Most of the windows are very old and single-paned, which means that their energy efficiency is very poor.  In the past, plastic has been put up each year to give more protection from the elements.  We have been careful to use the right kind of plastic so it didn’t pose any danger to the children but the better solution is to replace the windows.  Additionally, many windows are cracked, and while individual pane replacement was an option, a more sustainable, efficient choice would be total replacement.  Even though last winter was quite mild, the savings on heat and air conditioning with new windows will provide thousands of dollars to be used in other areas of the ministry.  Energy efficiency, child safety, and better conditions (as well as improved appearance) for Wayne Hall are all reasons that the need for new windows is so urgent.

The schedule for the work is subject to contractor availability, however, the sooner that the necessary funds are received for the project, the sooner the repairs can begin.  We are thankful for your interest in the Challenge Grant and the corresponding project set to begin soon at Wayne Hall.  Please consider how you can help provide safety and shelter to women and their children living there through this opportunity.

To help fund the repairs at Wayne Hall and ensure that women and children are kept safe, click here.

For further information, or if you have more questions, please call Ryan Hibbard, Director of Development, at (215) 922-6400 ext. 109.

-We were celebrating the new acquisition of Wayne Hall, a large residence in Germantown that would serve as a shelter for women and children.

-Don Sadler, the Assistant Executive Director, wrote about the transformation of “Rick” through Jesus’ presence in his life.

-The Women’s Auxilliary and Sunday School Ministries were highlighted.

-Services to “Street People” were announced, including:

-Serving 68,000 free meals

-Free lodging given to 19,000 people at our 13^th Street shelter

For questions or to schedule a pickup of furniture, please call our Penndel Thrift Store (215) 741-1010.

Our Current Furniture Bank Needs:

-New or slightly worn furniture (without large stains, rips, or tears)

-Pots and pans

-Lamps

-Sheet sets

-Towels

 The instability in her life fostered an unwilling attitude, something that she says was fueled by pride and straying far from the God that she knew welcomed her with open arms.  Demetria knew the cycle of transition was unhealthy for her and her children.  After being referred to Wayne Hall, she decided it was time to get her life back on track.  “I needed a place to start a life with stability,” she said.

The transition was not simple or easy; however, God was working in Demetria’s life through her time at Wayne Hall.  “I was prideful and trying to get by on my own strength,” Demetria commented.  “Wayne Hall was a place where I could learn how to depend on God for that strength, and not on myself.”  Demetria added that Wayne Hall was a place where she could be fed, both spiritually and physically.  In the process of meeting her physical and emotional needs of strength and stability, Christ was working in a greater way.

“At Wayne Hall, I learned that above all, God loves me and has a plan for me.  He really forgives and cares for me and the things in my life. This new perspective has changed everything.”  Demetria’s realization that God has a plan for her gave her purpose, drive, and a peace that she didn’t dream was possible.

“God showed me the sin and pride in my life, but at the same time I learned that He loves me enough to handle my issues.  The even bigger thing is that His plan is eternal.  His plan is to make us more like Jesus.  The other worries and problems will pass away when you just focus on that.”

Demetria’s newfound perspective allowed a complete transformation to take place, in every area of her life, from parenting and work, to spiritual disciplines like prayer and tithing.

“I learned wisdom from God and from others at Wayne Hall that I took and used in my everyday life,” she said.  “For example, when I discipline my kids, I do it because of things I picked up from my time there.  I know humility is something that is valuable and pleases God, too. ”

These tangible changes are just an outworking of the deep transformation that took place in Demetria through her time at Wayne Hall.  “My life hasn’t changed because I was at Wayne Hall or because I go to church, it’s changed because I’ve learned to depend completely on Jesus,” she continues.  “There are still hard times, but the perspective I’ve gained has allowed me to get through them and to grow closer to God at the same time.  I have hope now that I know His plan is bigger than my circumstances.”

Demetria has maintained full-time employment, moved into a home, and helped create stability for her and her children.  Her life looks completely different than it did prior to her stay at Wayne Hall, both outwardly, and internally.  “I saw love at Wayne Hall that I never did before.  I learned skills for life, but also learned how to have a real relationship with God and to love other people.”

Rita Whitaker, Director of Women’s Ministries at Sunday Breakfast Rescue Mission, knows that the change in Demetria’s life is genuine; “The beautiful thing is that Demetria has realized that Wayne Hall and church haven’t changed her.  Jesus has.”

God is at work in Jany! The chaplains and staff at Sunday Breakfast have noticed a dramatic adjustment in Jany’s attitude since becoming an Overcomer, and he has already exceeded some of his personal goals.  He used to smoke two packs of cigarettes a day.  Now, months have passed since the cravings ceased.  Jany has also committed to improve his reading and writing, spending a few hours every week learning from a one-on-one, volunteer tutor.  Jany often talks about the purpose and satisfaction he’s found in his daily routine.  “I feel good about myself,” he admits.  His life choices and interactions are considerably improved now that he recognizes Christ’s work in this world.

Jany’s favorite scripture is John 14:1.  “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me.”  He encourages that his fellow Overcomers remain in the Word to maintain their heavenly motivation, and his desire for the future is to return to school to equip him for a lifetime of ministry.  “Sunday Breakfast changed my life,” he cries, “and I just want to help where I can.”

Praise God for his work in Jany’s life, and for what he is doing in the hearts of his peers in the Overcomer’s program.  Please pray for those in the program that they would be open to God’s call in their lives and begin a transformation in the same way as Jany.

Men’s Ministry Needs:
-Socks
-Underwear
-Clothing
-Toilet Paper

Women’s Ministry Needs:
-Maternity Clothing
-Plus-size clothing

Please remember that your furniture donations are also accepted at our newly-opened furniture bank!  The furniture bank is located at our Penndel Thrift Store.  For more information on the furniture bank and donating to our thrift store, click here.  Feel free to contact Jenna DeMarco at (215) 741-1010 with additional questions regarding the furniture bank.

Have a question about donating? Want to know what items we accept and what we don’t?
Click here to view our donation guidelines.

You don’t need to travel to another country to have a meaningful service trip this summer!  If you are part of, or know of a group that is looking for an opportunity to serve the needy, look no further than Philadelphia.

We will work together to create a service opportunity that best fits the need of your group.  For many groups with just a few available hours, serving a meal is a great option.  For those with more time, such as a day or two, you can opt to help us with painting, repairs, cleaning, or work outdoors.  Whatever your need, we welcome your group and would love to coordinate a project with you.

Your service trip may not be as relaxing as a day at the beach, but the gratification will be well worth the hard work!

To learn more, contact:

Chris Rose
crose@sundaybreakfast.org
215.922.6400 ext. 105

We are pleased to announce that Ryan Hibbard has been named our Director of Development.  Our former director, Bethany Flood, has moved on to a role that enables her to serve clients in a more face-to-face role.

Ryan comes to us as a recent marketing graduate from Messiah College, located in Grantham, Pennsylvania.  He is a lifelong resident of the Philadelphia area and has a passion for the city and its people.  He looks forward to using the area of development to better serve the underprivileged of the region.

The Director of Development is responsible for communicating the organization’s goals and needs to donors.  He also listens to donors and takes whatever measures are necessary to address any questions or concerns.  If there is something you would like to discuss, Ryan can be reached at rhibbard@sundaybreakfast.org or at 215.922.6400 ext. 109.  He looks forward to connecting with you and partnering to serve together!

Sunday, January 15, 2012 at 3pm

The Presbyterian Church of Chestnut Hill

Featuring special guest Priscilla Smith, baroque and modern, oboes

Guest composers Kile Smith & Mark Hagerty

Give the Gift of Warmth! Bring a new winter hat, scarf, gloves or heavy socks to the concert and your admission will be waived!  Donations benefit Sunday Breakfast Rescue Mission (that’s us!)

For tickets, purchase at the door or at www.melomanie.org or (302) 764-6338 to reserve.