The Coachella Valley Rescue Mission will be celebrating its 49th year of service to the valley in 2020. The Mission has grown so very much in just the last few years, and they are serving more people than ever before. With a new campus built in 2011, a shelter expansion in 2015, and taking on three cooling center projects in summer 2019, CVRM has extended its service area to the entire Coachella Valley.
Darla Burkett, Executive Director of CVRM says, “We are so very grateful to the Coachella Valley community for all their strong support as we expand our services valley-wide. We are now serving hundreds of people on a daily basis, assisting them in transitioning into independent living.”
CVRM currently operates an Emergency Shelter and two long-term 6-month long residential programs on its main campus in Indio. They also accommodate mothers with children in their Family Shelter. These programs are made available to individuals desiring to have a better life. Over the course of the programs, clients are given the opportunity to obtain their high school diploma or GED, if not already acquired, and are enrolled in classes that will allow clients to gain educational, financial and life skills. Such classes would include, but are not limited to, math, English, financial management, grief recovery, computer literacy, work search, as well as, processing and parenting classes. Throughout the programs, clients participate in on-site job skills training in order to build practical work experience and references to include on their resumes.
CVRM’s Food Service Program is a major part of daily operations. The Mission currently serves over 1,200 meals a day to its clients, as well as public meal service to those who do shelter with them. These meals are all prepared from food generously donated from the community, both from private donations as well as from local grocery stores and restaurants. In addition, the Mission also runs a food distribution program, which provides local families with much needed food. Emergency food boxes are also available. For more information on this program, please contact CVRM directly at 760-347-3512.
Mission Catering is an integral part of the Mission’s food program as well. A legitimate company designed to teach valuable job skills to its clients, Mission catering can fulfill all of your event needs at a competitive price. This program develops skills in the food service industry, in addition to providing income directly back to fund client programs. If you would like more information on how to reserve Mission Catering for your next event, log onto www.cvrm.org/mission-catering/
The New Life Resale Boutique, located in Coachella, is also a major part of CVRM’s reach into its community. Located at 1398 6th Street in Coachella, it is the perfect place to find gently used clothing and household items for a very reasonable price. The Boutique also provides much needed job skills training for their clients looking to re-enter the work force with marketable job skills. Please call 760-347-3512 ext. 301 for more information.
CVRM will host its 49th Anniversary Gala on February 27, 2020. This wonderful event will be held at the Hyatt Regency Resort and Spa in Indian Wells. There will be a silent and live auction, live entertainment with Frank DiSalvo and his live band, inspiring stories of success from clients, and of course, a wonderful seated dinner, with all proceeds benefitting CVRM. For more information, or to make reservations please call 760-347-3512 Ext. 239.
The Mission could not do what it does for the community without support from its community. The Mission is always in need of volunteers, clothing, food, toiletries and all other gently used items. If you would like to donate your time talent or treasures, please call the Mission directly for more information on how to give back, or visit www.cvrm.org.
CVRM is more than just a safe haven; it is a place where individuals who are broken or lost can seek a better life and leave with renewed hope. The mission readily attempts to provide all the necessary tools and resources needed in order to obtain its goal of returning clients back into the community who are ready to lead successful, independent, happy and healthy lives.
If you wish to learn more about the organization, feel free to visit their website www.cvrm.org or give them a call at 760-347-3512. CVRM could always use a helping hand, be a part of the solution and support an organization that is more than just a shelter.
