Joseph Colgan Graduation Picture

Meeting You Where You Are

When an individual comes to The Rescue Mission, we do our best to meet them where they are. From exhaustion of sleeping on the streets to starving for a hot meal, people come seeking physical shelter, mental health support, or simply refuge from the struggles of life they are facing day in and day out. This means taking an individualized approach to helping every person that walks through our doors.

One story of this is Joseph, a recent graduate of The Rescue Mission’s long-term programming.

Joseph was able to support himself through funding from government assistance services for a period, but faced uncertainty when those funds were discontinued. He was able to find a temporary job to get by and even tried living with family. However, when the season ended, so did his employment. During this time, Joseph found himself at odds with family member he was staying with and needed a new living situation. Someone he knew suggested seeking help, and even though he’d never heard of The Rescue Mission, he had enough trust to reach out and give it a try.

Joseph was able to quickly get into programming at The Rescue Mission and get on his way to a stable life! He was connected with a Case Manager – sort of like a personal mentor – and focused on his personal areas of struggle: finances and stability.

“It was really a kind of intense two-week training program,” recalled Joseph. “It really had been very helpful and much more serious than I would have expected.”

He was able to get started quickly with mock interviews, appropriate interview attire and graduated from the program. His Case Manager helped him get connected to Blue Jacket where he was able to gain employment on the cleaning crew— which now is keeping him employed and busy!

Not only was Joseph able to build and improve financial stability, but he was also exposed to the gospel. His time at The Rescue Mission allowed him to open up to the idea of faith. He started watching The Chosen, a biblical television series.

“It helped bring a lot of things together,” shared Joseph about the reenactment series. He also appreciated the chapel services offered to the men at The Mission.

Joseph’s story is just one of many when it comes to men walking through our doors seeking help for a unique situation. Whether it be mental health challenges, an addiction, or any other form of struggle, we work to meet the individual where they are and walk alongside them as they grow and discover God’s unending love for them.