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"Reaching Out...Changing Lives" is a 100-page softcover history which paints a picture of the economic and religious times in Utica that led to the mission's founding in 1891 by the First Presbyterian Church of Utica.

Siegenthaler traces the mission's early work with the canal workers and lumberjacks who ran out of money or drank too much alcohol, to new challenges in the latter part of the 20th century -- when the mission moved to its present location and expanded the scope of its outreach to better help those suffering from addictions, homelessness, poverty, and mental illness and were left wandering the streets.

Dedicated to David and Jenette Sanders, who headed the mission from 1974 to 2004, the book includes some photos from earlier days, profiles some of the people helped in recent decades, and ends with an overview of the current ministry.

"Reaching Out...Changing Lives" is available from the Rescue Mission for a donation of $20 (including shipping). To order a copy, call the Mission at 315-735-1645.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

David A. Siegenthaler was born in Utica, New York. He graduated from Utica Free Academy and Albany Business College. After four years in the United States Air Force and two years of college, he worked for a period of time at Saratoga Harness Racing Association in Saratoga Springs, New York. Mr. Siegenthaler's employment at the track was in the public relations department and part of his work included writing human interest articles for a trade magazine. He later married Marjorie Johnson of Saratoga and returned to Utica. In 1962 he began a 34 year career with The Savings Bank of Utica. In late 1993, following the death of his wife, David made a decision to bring serious writing nack into his life.

"Reaching Out...Changing Lives" is the fifth book published by Mr. Siegenthaler.

The Rescue Misison wishes to thank David for his countless hours of research and writing to tell the Rescue Mission of Utica story.

To order your copy of "Reaching Out...Changing Lives". click here to send an email to the Rescue Mission. Cost per book is $20, which includes shipping and handling. Thank you.