Exchange Club of Fresno - Book of Golden Deeds

This exclusive Exchange Club program honors the quiet, good deeds of America's unsung heroes. The woman who regularly donates her time to care for disadvantaged children - the man who voluntarily instructs disabled persons in some skill or craft - these are the kinds of exceptional individuals that the Book of Golden Deeds Award aims to recognize. These uncommon men and women exist in every city and town and, if not for this project, might never receive the acclaim that they deserve.

2008 Recipient

Gerre Brenneman

The Book of Golden Deeds program, which began in 1919 is designed to recognize people in the community who “do for others” without fanfare or official recognition. Gerry Brenneman is the executive director of the Evangel Home whose Mission Statement is...

The Evangel Home is committed to serving homeless women and children. Our desire is to meet their physical needs, promote personal development and encourage spiritual growth, all in the name of Jesus Christ.

As Executive Director Gerre wears may hats. She and her staff reach out to needy and homeless women and their children to care for them and provide them shelter. She is in charge of and trains the staff of 19, half of whom are graduates of the program. Because its support is entirely funded from the private sector, she is actively involved in public speaking in and around the community to make the community aware of the purpose of the Evangel Home, its successes and its needs. She oversees the Five Programs which are 1) Crisis Home - 28 day emergency shelter; 2) Cross Roads - 9 month basic living skills and discipleship program; 3) Garden - 9 month residential recovery program; 4) Community Connection - CrossRoads and Garden graduates who are employed or attending school full time; and 5) Child Care Enrichment - emphasis on allowing children to be children and teaching mothers to be mothers.

She has been described as "...a very, very people oriented good Christian woman who has a vision for helping others in any way she can..." Gerre has dedicated her life to giving to needy woman and their children the opportunity to change their lives and to become career minded, useful citizens who can obtain an education and become self- supporting, all of which is provided for them in the program at the Evangel Home.