Women’s Conference Generates High Hopes and High Praise

Nov. 18, 2011 - PRLog -- Passion for women who are lost, hurting, broken or homeless is the igniting force behind Cynthia Montello, Founder of Cynthia Montello Ministries.  Montello hosted a women’s conference recently named High Hopes and High Praises.  The conference was held at Church of the Redeemer in Jacksonville, FL and showcased a high-energy cast of speakers, personal testimonies, music, beauty, self-esteem tips, an art project and of course, food.  

The conference, which was exclusive to women, played host to their guests of honor, the women from City Rescue Mission.  “What an amazing opportunity we had to reach out to women who are homeless, battered, addicted and searching for a new life,” said Cynthia Montello.  “We were able to honor 26 women who are residents of City Rescue Mission.  We had so many laughs, so many tears and the chance to show them how loved they are, how bright their futures are and how valuable and worthwhile they are.”  There were also women in attendance who were not from shelters but enjoyed the opportunity to reach out and be a part of a conference that strengthens women in their faith, and gives them hope for the future.

Homelessness is a growing issue in our city with over 3,000 homeless men, women and children and only 800 available beds. City Rescue Mission is one of the largest shelters and provides nearly 9,000 nights of safe shelter and serves over 300,000 meals annually.

In addition to City Rescue Mission’s emergency shelter services that provide people with a safe place to sleep, they are also fed a nutritious meal and provided with clothing and other basic necessities. While at the shelter, people receive information about CRM’s LifeBuilders Recovery Program, which can help them to get off the streets permanently.   The LifeBuilders 18-month program helps people receive counseling, skills training, life lessons, addiction counseling, job placement and transitional housing and a real chance of getting back on their feet to live a better life and be reunited with their families.  

Cynthia Montello Ministries has been presenting conferences for women for eight years.  The conference team is made up of volunteers and is offered at no charge to the homeless and battered women they invite.  “I had an amazing team working with me on this conference, including my husband, Howard Montello, and am blessed to know that people are ready to step up and serve others in this way,” said Montello.

Cynthia Montello is also the President/CEO of The Montello Agency, a full service advertising, marketing and PR firm.  They have been providing marketing services to the southeast region of the U.S. since 1985, including, web design, graphic design, printing, campaign development, branding and more.  Cynthia was named the 2011 Entrepreneur of the Year and has been the recipient of many awards including a Rosie Award from the Mayor’s Commission on Women and the John P. Hall Award for outstanding lifetime achievements in marketing and humanitarian efforts.

“There is no greater joy than service to others and I have always felt that in my business, I had a responsibility to serve our community in any way I can,” said Montello.  “Blending my business with community service projects and ministry is as good as it gets and I pray that I can continue to do more and more.”

For more information, visit www.cynthiamontello.com or www.montelloagency.com or call 904-737-0012.

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Cynthia Montello Ministries is a non-profit organization committed to serving the needs of the lost, hurting, broken and needy in Jacksonville, FL.