Don't Believe the Stereotypes About Rescue Missions
By Teresa Ambord
Are you familiar with the work that rescue missions do? If you guess that rescue missions exist to ladle soup and preach fire and brimstone, you'd be wrong. While most people in mainstream society will never see the inside of a rescue mission, the work they do should not be underestimated.
Like it or not, there are people whose lives have been devastated by the use of alcohol and other chemicals. Some are second and third generation addicts and/or abusers. Though many in society would like to ignore these people, addiction is not a problem that will go away. But thanks to the existence of faith-based charities such as rescue missions (most of which operate totally without public funding) there is help and hope for society's castoffs.
You'd be wrong again if you think that only "holy roller" types get involved in the work of rescue missions. The 6th annual Great Thanksgiving Banquet, sponsored by the Association of Gospel Rescue Missions (AGRM) was chaired in 2004 by beloved actor, Stephen Baldwin. The event, held in New York City, includes a traditional Thanksgiving dinner served to the homeless on the Tuesday before Thanksgiving. Baldwin is proud to not only be the chairman, but also a food server. In 2004, the AGRM fed hot turkey dinners to more than half a million poor and homeless people.
Another mistaken notion about rescue missions is that they serve mostly old skid-row bums and transients. But the fact is, more than 80 percent of those served are under age 45 and in need of a new start. Seventy-one percent are local. And 49 percent are women and children. Rescue missions provide safety, cleanliness, and warmth for these people while they get their feet under them.
The Beginning
Founded in 1913, the AGRM now includes nearly 300 missions in the United States and Canada. Annually they provide 35 million meals and 12 million safe nights of lodging. But rescue missions provide more than a temporary fix. They offer long-term drug and alcohol rehabilitation programs and spiritual guidance. Most missions also provide education and job training, including work habits such as being on time. These programs are designed to take people off the streets and return them to productive life.
The NYC Rescue Mission on 9/11
The NYC Rescue Mission is always busy, but when terrorists took down the World Trade Towers, people poured through the Mission doors, eight blocks away. Many who would never cross the threshold of a mission found solace and safety there that day. They also found hot meals, hot showers, and clean clothes, in addition to spiritual and emotional comfort. Whatever their religious beliefs, many New Yorkers were grateful that day that the mission's door swere open to all.
Though 9/11 was anything but a typical day in history, the response of the NYC Rescue Mission was typical. Emergency is status quo in a mission. Individuals around the country are in states of emergency every day, like the mother of young children who loses her apartment.Whatever the reason for the eviction, her children should not have to spend winter nights on the streets. And thanks to rescue missions, they don't have to. But don't assume that this is a free ride for irresponsible people. Most missions put people to work with various chores.
Missions take the people that society deems worthless, and restores in them the light of hope.
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