Stories to Inspire...

"Resurrection Stories: From Misery to Ministry"
(August, 2000)

P. F. BRESEE FOUNDATION (Los Angeles, CA)

January 2001 is the target "grand opening" for a colossal new home for Bresee. The Bresee Community Center is fast approaching completion. Call Jeff Carr if you want to hear the exciting news firsthand. However, even more important are the reports of the success of their programs for youth.

Bresee is offering a five week SAT preparation in conjunction with UCLA for approximately 30 local students who otherwise would not have an opportunity for SAT preparation.

Sergio, a former gang member and school dropout, found a new life through the Youth Center. After much help and personal effort, Sergio made the most of his second chance and graduated with straight "A"s as class valedictorian. Out of 500 students from 66 alternative schools, Sergio was selected to speak at the graduation ceremony. In his speech he stated "We, like the Wright Brothers, have defied gravity. The gravity of no expectations, no goals, no support, no visible future." Way to go, Sergio!

Anna, one of the graduating seniors from Bresee, will be attending UC-Riverside this fall for a degree in education. Her experience at Bresee working as a tutor at the youth center helped her determine the direction she wants to pursue for a future of working with youth. Congratulations Anna!

One of the outstanding Golden Gate programs is Ashbury Images. AI is a high-quality custom screen-printing and embroidery shop that provides employment, job training, and hope to individuals recovering from substance abuse and homelessness. Listen to some of the "Resurrection Stories" as a result of this ministry:

• Adrienne- a 19-year old from Bakersfield was rescued from the streets, now supports herself with a job, a place to live and is able to "learn at my own pace in a safe and supportive environment".
• Sancho, a 25-year old who traveled the drug and alcohol circuit, found his way into a recovery program and eventually to Asbury Images. Sancho reported, "Working at Asbury Images is helping me become a productive member of society. I have learned to become responsible and learned skills that can aid me in pursuing my goals."
• Catherine is 28 years old and a 6th grade dropout who came from an abusive background to become proficient in office skills with IA’s help. She now holds the office manager position and wants to pursue a career in computer graphics.
• Mary, age 17, after 3 years in drug addiction has been clean and sober for nearly a year and has found a job and life skills at AI. Her dream is to pursue a college education in graphic arts.

We salute all of you for the effort and to Golden Gate for the opportunity to make it happen. Congratulations to Jeff Sheinbein, director of sales & marketing of this innovative and life changing ministry!

For more information or a catalog, contact Ashbury Images, a ministry of Golden Gate, at e-mail: sales@ashburyimages or their website: www.ashburyimages.org (Note: Website is currently under construction).

Asbury Images Motto: "Rebuilding lives…one shirt at a time."