LOS ANGELES MISSION HONORS ITS 1,000TH GRADUATE

Formerly Homeless Men and Women Receive Certificates from the Urban Training Institute

(Los Angeles California) ---

Men and women who once lived on the streets – often with drug or alcohol abuse problems – celebrated an emotional and educational milestone on Friday, May 9, 2003 as they received their certificates of completion from the Los Angeles Mission’s Urban Training Institute.

But that was not the only milestone accomplished on this day. The 54 year-old Los Angeles Mission honored the 1,000th person to successfully graduate from the rehabilitation program since it was reconstituted in 1990.

Over the past 12 years, the 1,000 graduates have overcome some extreme hardships to walk across the stage and receive their certificates from the Mission’s Urban Training Institute – including drug and alcohol abuse and living on the street.

Seventeen men and one woman graduated during this Friday’s 49th quarterly commencement ceremonies, with all the pomp and ceremony one might expect. There were caps and gowns, music and an inspirational speech by the Reverend Mark Holsinger, who was instrumental in the expansion of Mission services from the late 1970’s until his retirement in 1995 and oversaw the design and construction of the present Mission building in the early 1990’s.

“When the new Mission was designed, we determined that education would play an increasing role in rehabilitation,” said Reverend Holsinger. “I am so pleased to see how successful the program has become. I wouldn’t have missed tonight’s graduation, and the chance to see old friends for anything.”

One of the many acquaintances renewed at Friday’s ceremony was between Reverend Holsinger and Jose Calvo. Calvo was one of the first graduates of the Los Angeles Mission’s rehabilitation program, and came to work at the Mission shortly after his graduation. Calvo, originally from Cuba, says his life is so changed by the Christian faith he found at the Mission. “I also met my Godly wife, and married her at the Mission,” Calvo said. Their marriage ceremony was held nearly a decade ago in the same chapel where Friday’s graduation was held.

The post-graduation celebration with family was just as exciting as the commencement ceremonies. Some family members had literally given up ever seeing their husbands, fathers or children living a normal, productive life.

Lance Walker was the Mission’s official 1,000th graduate. Walker struggled with a crack cocaine addiction for over 10 years, until he finally found help at the Los Angeles Mission. During his time as a student of the Mission’s Urban Training Institute, Lance has maintained being sober and drug-free and has found an opportunity to pursue his dreams. He is now enrolled in college courses with the hope of starting a new career and is actively involved with his church. He looks forward to the future and to reconciliation with his wife and five children.

“Lance is an example of what we do here at the Los Angeles Mission – it’s about restoring lives,” says Marshall McNott, president and CEO of the Los Angeles Mission. “UTI is based on the idea that every man that comes into the Los Angeles Mission, or woman into the Anne Douglas Center is in need of respect and education. The goal of UTI is to develop a passion in formerly homeless men and women for freedom and life-long learning. The Institute provides opportunities for relational rehabilitation and restoration, academic studies and vocational training. With these tools, we see lives turned around and rebuilt.”

The Urban Training Institute, under its Dean James Lewis, currently has 250 students enrolled. Enrollment requires that all outside personnel revenue, including public assistance, be renounced by the applicant. Throughout the two-year program the students must comply with the policy of zero tolerance for drugs, alcohol, tobacco, violence or threat of violence. UTI courses are offered through the Belmont Adult Education Center of the Los Angeles Independent School System.

For over 50 years, the Los Angeles Mission has served the people of Hope Central (known as Skid Row), providing emergency services such as shelter, food, clothing, as well as professional medical and dental services. In addition, the Los Angeles Mission also offers long-term residential rehabilitation programs including education, job training/placement, transitional housing and counseling.