Joseph Rene, producer @ (626) 243-3123 or

Kitty Davis-Walker, publicity @ (213)673-4585

HANDS FOR HOPE: A MAKEOVER FOR HOMELESS WOMEN & CHILDREN

WHO:  Salon Passione – A full service Salon in Pasadena, California will provide a day of makeovers for 8 of the residents of Hope Gardens Family Center, a transitional housing facility and a ministry of Union Rescue Mission. This event will kick off a fund raising reception on Saturday, November 8, 2008 at 7:00 p.m. Tickets are a $20 donation.

WHAT:  A fundraising reception produced by Salon Passione & celebrity stylist Joseph Rene featuring an evening of art, fashion, live entertainment, a guest DJ and more. All proceeds will benefit the Hope Gardens Family Center for homeless women and children.

WHEN: Makeovers —Monday, November 3, 2008 from 10 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.  Fundraising Art Reception scheduled on Saturday, November 8, 2008 at 7:00 p.m.

WHERE: Salon Passione, 233 North Lake/Walnut Ave., Pasadena, CA, 91102

WHY: To enhance and enrich the lives of the homeless women and children who reside at Hope Gardens, giving them inspiration and hope for a brighter future.

For more information: Joseph Rene @ (626)243-3123, email: jrin2groove@aol.com

About Union Rescue Mission

Union Rescue Mission is a non-profit organization dedicated to serving the poor and the homeless. Established in 1891, URM is one of the largest rescue missions of its kind in the United States and is the oldest in Los Angeles. It provides a comprehensive array of emergency and long-term services, including food, shelter, clothing; medical and dental care; Christian recovery programs, transitional housing, legal assistance, education, counseling, and job training to needy men, women, children, and families. For more information, please visit http://www.unionrescuemission.org 

About Salon Passione:

Salon Passione serves the community, entertainment industries and personal clients. Owners Chad and Grazia B., along with the Salon Passione team, are committed to giving back through their charitable efforts and look forward to this amazing event.

For More Information Contact:

Kitty Davis-Walker, Union Rescue Mission

(213) 673-4585

Email: kwalker@urm.org

LOPEZ CANYON FIRE CAUSES HOPE GARDENS FAMILY CENTER TO EVACUATE FAMILIES

LOS ANGELES, CALIF. (October 14, 2008) — Hope Garden’s Family Center, a transitional housing facility which is (a ministry of Union Rescue Mission) was quickly evacuated early Sunday morning in the wake of a brush fire looming over Lopez Canyon Road in Sylmar. The residents, 27 moms, 75 children and 23 seniors were taken to the Union Rescue Mission in downtown Los Angeles where they have can return home.

Union Rescue Mision, Chief Operations Officer, Scott Johnson was allowed to visit the site today and reported no fire damage to any of the facilities buildings. He also reported there was no electricity and that has caused the loss of approximately $68 thousand dollars worth of food that was stored to feed Hope Gardens residents. In the meantime, the families are safe and are being cared for at the Union Rescue Mission in downtown Los Angeles.

For more information contact: Kitty Davis-Walker @ (213) 673-4585 or (213)507-5562

Media visuals: Visit www.urm.org for pictures and how you can help

About Union Rescue Mission

Union Rescue Mission is a non-profit organization dedicated to serving the poor and the homeless. Established in 1891, URM is one of the largest rescue missions of its kind in the United States and is the oldest in Los Angeles. It provides a comprehensive array of emergency and long-term services, including food, shelter, clothing; medical and dental care; Christian recovery programs, transitional housing, legal assistance, education, counseling, and job training to needy men, women, children, and families. For more information, please visit http://www.unionrescuemission.org  

Contact: Brett Lewis @ (310)842-3990 or

Kitty Davis-Walker (213)673-4585

THE FRIENDS OF HOPE GARDENS PLANT SEEDS OF HOPE FOR HOMELESS WOMEN WITH CHILDREN

WHO:   The Friends of Hope Gardens invites you to join them for an evening of fun and entertainment as they “plant seeds of hope” for the women and children of Hope Gardens, a ministry of Union Rescue Mission.

WHAT:   A fundraising reception featuring a silent auction, hors d’oeuvres, tasty desserts and more. All proceeds will help renovate the main kitchen at Hope Gardens Family Center.

WHEN:  Saturday, September 20, 2008 from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm

WHERE:  The home of Dana and Thomas Riccard

WHY:  The Friends of Hope Gardens, a group of women from diverse backgrounds, believe they found a common thread of compassion to help homeless women and their children regain hope for a brighter future.

For additional information, call Brett Lewis @ (310) 842-3990

About Union Rescue Mission

Union Rescue Mission is a non-profit organization dedicated to serving the poor and the homeless. Established in 1891, URM is one of the largest rescue missions of its kind in the United States and is the oldest in Los Angeles. It provides a comprehensive array of emergency and long-term services, including food, shelter, clothing; medical and dental care; Christian recovery programs, transitional housing, legal assistance, education, counseling, and job training to needy men, women, children, and families. For more information, please visit http://www.unionrescuemission.org  

About The Friends of Hope Gardens

A group of women from diverse backgrounds whose motto is “Not looking to your own interests, but each of you to the interest of others. (Philippians 2:4)”

For More Information Contact:

Kitty Davis-Walker, Union Rescue Mission

 (213) 673-4585

Email: kwalker@urm.org

HOPE GARDENS FAMILY CENTER RECEIVES GRANT FROM THE LINCY FOUNDATION

 A MINISTRY OF UNION RESCUE MISSION

LOS ANGELES, CALIF. (August 29, 2008)—The Union Rescue Mission received a (250,000) dollar Grant from The Lincy Foundation. This contribution comes just after Union Rescue Mission’s one year anniversary of moving women and children from the mean streets of Skid Row to transitional housing facility, Hope Gardens. Currently 31 mothers and 59 children, as well as 22 senior adults reside at Hope Gardens Family Center.

Union Rescue Mission’s CEO, Andy Bales, said “The generous support from The Lincy Foundation last year was critical to the successful launch of Hope Gardens Family Center.  This year’s gift enables us to carry on the important life changing work of moving moms and children from living on the streets to finding their way home.  Thank you!”

 ”Everything that I hoped for in my life has happened since I came to Hope Gardens Family Center, said transitional housing resident Chaneka.  I graduated from school, found employment, and received the keys to my own apartment. My boys finally have smiles on their faces.  Thank you!”

 In just under a year 16 families have successfully transitioned from Hope Gardens Family Center into permanent housing.

For more information contact: Kitty Davis-Walker @ (213) 673-4585 or (213) 507-5562

About Union Rescue Mission

Union Rescue Mission is a non-profit organization dedicated to serving the poor and homeless. Established in 1891, URM is one of the largest rescue missions of its kind in the United States and is the oldest in Los Angeles.  It provides a comprehensive array of emergency and long-term services, including food, shelter, clothing; medical and dental care; Christian recovery programs, transitional housing, legal assistance, education, counseling, and job training to needy men, women, children and families.  For more information, please visit http://www.unionrescuemission.org.

For More Information Contact:

Kitty Davis-Walker, email: kwalker@urm.org

Office: (213)673-4585 

Cell: (213)507-5562

REAL HELP & HOPE FOR HOMELESS WOMEN & CHILDREN

LOS ANGELES, CALIF. (July 7, 2008) — Union Rescue Mission will celebrate its one-year anniversary of moving women and children to their transitional housing facility, Hope Gardens. On June 27, 2007, four families joined the senior women as residents of Hope Gardens Family Center. Since that time, 44 families and 89 children have been served.

Currently, 31 mothers and 59 children, as well as 22 senior adults reside at Hope Gardens Family Center. In just under a year, 16 families have successfully transitioned from Hope Gardens into permanent housing, a 55% success rate.

On Monday, July 21, 2008, Union Rescue Mission will celebrate its first year anniversary of Hope Gardens Family Center.

Union Rescue Mission’s CEO, Andy Bales, said, “What we dreamed of and hoped for our moms, children and senior ladies has happened. Today, they are living a life of hope, surrounded by lush gardens, Coast Redwoods, huge Oak trees, a multitude of services and caring staff, preparing them on the journey to find their way home. Thanks to all who made this 1st year milestone possible!”

For more information contact: Kitty Davis-Walker @ (213)673-4585 or (213)507-5562

MEDIA OPPORTUNITY

Economic Story: Even in these challenging economic times, Union Rescue Mission is still able to transition families into their own homes.

About Union Rescue Mission

Union Rescue Mission is a non-profit organization dedicated to serving the poor and the homeless. Established in 1891, URM is one of the largest rescue missions of its kind in the United States and is the oldest in Los Angeles. It provides a comprehensive array of emergency and long-term services, including food, shelter, clothing; medical and dental care; Christian recovery programs, transitional housing, legal assistance, education, counseling, and job training to needy men, women, children, and families. For more information, please visit http://www.unionrescuemission.org  

Property Solutions Worldwide

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                    Contact:  Sharon Abar – Grubb & Ellis

                                                                        Sharon.abar@grubb-ellis.com, 714.939.6034

UNION RESCUE MISSION PURCHASES 70-ACRE CAMPUS IN NORTHEAST CORNER OF THE SAN FERNANDO VALLEY 

Los Angeles County (October 31, 2005) – Grubb & Ellis Company (OTC:GBEL), one of the leading providers of integrated real estate services is proud to announce that Union Rescue Mission, one of the most respected providers of services to the homeless and poor in downtown Los Angeles since 1891 has purchased 70-acres of property in unincorporated Los Angeles County for $7.3 million.  It is located at the base of the Angeles National Forest, just above the northeast corner of the San Fernando Valley.

The property, on North Lopez Canyon Rd., was sold by the Independent Order of Foresters of Toronto, Canada.  Known as “Forester Haven” under the previous ownership, the property housed a 168-bed continuous care retirement community. 

The new facility will be called Hope Gardens Family Center and designed around the 12 existing buildings to provide a campus style setting for transitional housing, education, job training and programs for children.

Residents accepted at the Hope Gardens Family Center would be women and children who may have been homeless in the past and already successfully worked through Union Rescue Mission’s emergency programs at the Los Angeles Shelter.  Some women and families will be recommended by organizations in Los Angeles City and County that assist families in distress.  All of the women/families will go through a screening process to ensure that they are ready to build life skills for themselves and their children that will help them to a fuller more productive life.

Union Rescue Mission is in a unique position to establish this new type of Educational and Living Campus for women/families because of its long experience in helping men in recovery and transitional programs.  With the increase of destitute women and children in Los Angeles and surrounding counties, it is only natural for the Union Rescue Mission to expand its programs to help women and families reach the same success levels that the men in their programs are reaching daily.

The Mission will continue services to the homeless population of men, women and children at its 225,000 sq. ft. facility on San Pedro Street in downtown Los Angeles. 

Grubb & Ellis Company

With access to collective resources of more than 9,000 in over 200 offices in more than 30 countries, Grubb & Ellis is one of the world’s leading providers of integrated real estate services.  The Company provides a full range of real estate services, including transaction, management and consulting services, to users and investors worldwide through its domestic offices and affiliates throughout North America s well as with a global strategic alliance with Knight Frank, one of the leading property consulting firms in Europe, Africa and Asia Pacific.  For more information, visit the Company’s Web site at www.grubb-ellis.com.