Christmas Recap

Lynn Wyant, our Director of Development, put together this "highlight" reel of Christmas festivities at the Mission. Thanks, Lynn.

Christmas at the Mission

Yes, Virginia, there is Christmas at the Rescue Mission. We try to make the holidays as festive as possible for the people who, for now, are calling the Mission “home.” Homelessness should not mean that Christmas joy is beyond reach.

Each year, we hold what we have called “Winter Wonderland.” This is an opportunity for our guests to give gifts, not to get. Most of the residents at the Mission have no source of income, yet they desire to experience the blessing of giving that the holiday brings. Winter Wonderland allows our residents to “shop” from a warehouse supplied with donated gifts. In this way, they can give Christmas gifts to their families while realizing the truth of the words of Jesus who said “It is more blessed to give than to receive (Acts 20:35).

Winter Wonderland is made possible by the generous donations of caring people who have already experienced the blessedness of giving.

Hometown Hero

Doug Gough, the Supervisor of Men’s Services at the Mission was featured last week on WYTV’s Hometown Heroes.  Doug shares his testimony and how he met Joanna Struharick. Thanks, Stan Boney and the WYTV team for producing this amazing video. See it here 

Cold Weather Facts

December begins the Cold Weather Emergency Program, a partnership of the Rescue Mission of the Mahoning Valley, Help Hotline, and many agencies in located in Mahoning County and the city of Youngstown. The goal of this collaborative effort – now in its 25^th year – is to see that no one becomes a casualty of the cold weather.

The Rescue Mission is the designated shelter for the program. As such, we are presented with additional challenges. The common perception is that the colder weather leads to more people seeking shelter at the Mission. In fact, we have been at or near capacity for the entire year. Plans are in place to address this issue and to provide shelter for all who come to us during this cold season. This means that:

·         We must be creative and flexible in finding new ways to increase capacity. One of these involves using our warehouse facility on Glenwood Ave. as an overflow overnight shelter.

·         There will be an increased workload placed upon our staff. Our guests must be housed, sheltered, and cared for – and this requires people.

·         Regardless the challenge, we are committed to serving the homeless of our community.

We are completely dependent upon the resources and efforts of our community to meet this need. Addressing homelessness and poverty is a team effort. Follow this link to learn of ways you can help.