About Us

Letter From the Director

August 2007 Newsletter

We are busier than ever right now! We currently have a record number of families and children staying here and each day we get closer to having a record number of total guests. I thank God for the additional space in the new facility to provide for those in need!

In addition to the increased number of guests, we are also nearing the end of our fiscal year. September 30th marks the end of a nine month fiscal year for us. This will be the first year of changing from a calendar year, to a fiscal year of October through September. Trying to accomplish in nine months what normally requires twelve months has obviously created a hardship.

In order to end the fiscal year on a good note, we have set a goal to raise $60,000 by September 30th 2007. We are off to a good start and have already raised $19,250. Please take a moment and prayerfully consider how you might help.

God bless!

History

In 1983, the Crossroads Center was established and operated by the First Baptist Church as an emergency homeless shelter. Their vision was to help the homeless and needy as they sought assistance. The shelter began as one sleeping room, with hot meals prepared by church members. Over the next several years, the demands on the shelter steadily increased and the building was renovated to accommodate more people.

In 1986, the Crossroads Center became a separate organization and began expanding the program to meet the needs of more people.

Today, the Crossroads Center has a 75-bed capacity. The Crossroads Center has expanded from a shelter to a mission that offers a wide range of programs and services.

Shelter needs for the homeless are provided through two programs: a transitional shelter for persons in resettlement situations, and an emergency shelter for persons temporarily in the area. The Crossroads Center is one of a handful of shelters between Denver and Lincoln to provide these two distinct programs to men, women, and families.

Also, to support and help establish self-sufficiency, a variety of services and referrals are provided to the guests. A referral base is comprised by networking and collaborating with several local employers, job-placement agencies, landlords, and other social service agencies. The only criteria for aid is a statement of need.

The Crossroads Center is currently operated by a 15 member board of directors, 8 full-time staff members, including an Executive Director, Operations Manager, Development Officer, Office Administrator, Men's Program Director, Women's Program Director, Client Care Advocate Manager, and Maintenance/Grounds Director. We also employ 7 part-time Client Care Advocates, and Volunteers.

All staff are educated and/or experienced in the Human Services field, and are provided with on-going training.

The Crossroads Center is more than a warm bed and hot meals, it is a helping hand.

The Road Ahead

I look at the progress we have made over the past few years, but only for a moment. Then I turn and look toward the future and where we need to go. Progress is the result of good planning and implementing vision. Progress must be constant and never ceasing. I know that we will never arrive at our destination, because we continue to raise the goal. We have to. The people we serve deserve our very best, and we intend to give it to them.