The Turlock Gospel Mission (TGM) is a local group that has been rapidly expanding since its beginning in 2008. The director of the TGM, Tom Guerino, recently came to Pitman High to speak about his work with the homeless. About fifty students and staff members gathered in the school’s library to listen to the presentation.
Mr. Guerino showed a slideshow put together by Tommy Moreno, a senior here at Pitman, and afterwards delivered a moving speech. In addition, a guest speaker spoke about his experience being homeless and how he found new meaning and purpose at the mission. The room was completely silent as the man recounted his nights spent in gutters or local dumps and his amazing transformation that he attributes to God’s mercy. “I literally wanted to die… I said, God if you are there- do something.” Thankfully, he survived this immense hardship and is here today because of the mission.
The Turlock Gospel Mission in a non-profit organization, meaning it is not government funded and receives private donations from various parties. The TGM is currently working on building a year round building for women and children. In 2012, thirteen thousand meals were served to the homeless community of Turlock and two thousand three hundred women and children were housed in the TGM shelters. Local churches often organize a complete dinner once a month and a meal is served every single night with no exceptions. Men and women are provided with opportunities to take classes and even learn how to read or write. Mental and spiritual renewing is also encouraged and enforced. However, the mission “is not a church – [they] are a faith-based organization.”
Over one hundred children are in homeless shelters – over one hundred. Some homeless people do not make it, they are broken and lost and the TGM is there to help, but more volunteers are required to maintain the quality of care.
Every day the need for volunteers increases as the economy hits more and more families. If you or your friends wish to be a part of the Turlock Gospel Mission’s staff, contact Ms. Frank in the counseling office for an application. Every person in this world has a purpose, every person has value. The Turlock Gospel Mission is saving one life at a time and you can help!
