Our mission to change lives now and for eternity is fueled by hope, which means that we approach each day with the confident expectation that God is going to act in the lives of those we serve. Each program and each service is driven by the desire to introduce people to Jesus Christ. Our method to this end is to meet basic human needs and equip others to do the same.
Read on to discover how hope influences the lives of the people we are privileged to serve.
Hope for Recovery (Donald Kauffman)
The Changed Life Recovery Program is a Christ-centered recovery program dedicated to men who are experiencing homelessness due to co-occurring substance use disorders. These men come to the Mission seeking to be restored to wholeness of mind, soul, and spirit.
Donald Kauffman entered the CLRP in August of 2021 upon the recommendation of his future son-in-law, who graduated from the program a couple years ago. “I am happy to be in such a wonderful place,” he says. “I’m very hopeful for my future now and I’m continuing to grow in my relationship with Jesus Christ.”
While he is a CLRP resident, his days are filled with classes, study time, and working in the Food Distribution Center. He is also developing strong friendships with other men in the program. “I have hope for all my brothers here,” he says with a smile. “With God’s help, we all hope to complete the program and graduate next year.”
Hope for Shelter (Kelsie)
Faith House opened in December 2016 to help women and children experiencing homelessness overcome obstacles and get back on their feet. The 90-Day Shelter combines targeted services with support from a case manager and a program specialist. The Transitional Living Program facilitates slow but steady transition to independence while continuing to offer a support system and a strong sense of community.
“Before I came to Faith House, my life was falling apart. I didn’t know where I was going to go. I was depressed. I was struggling,” explains Kelsie. “I’m not a Christian but I’m learning more about Christ. This makes me feel like I really want to move forward. I’m on my way!”
“Through their trials, I can show these women Christ,” says Program Specialist Marilyn Jones. “I can show Him being my Comforter, being my Counselor, being my Strength.”
“This has encouraged me a lot,” Kelsie says. “I have a really beautiful life right now and I like that this place is called Faith House. I want to be faithful, too.”
Hope for clothing (RT Interior)
Rescued Treasures exists to provide free clothing, coats, shoes, backpacks, sleeping bags and linens for those in need, in the name of Jesus Christ. Our guests have peace of mind knowing that the Mission doesn’t charge, so they can save their money for other living expenses. We serve students, veterans, the elderly, those struggling financially, with disabilities, or experiencing homelessness. We also provide the opportunity for job seekers to shop for clothing for interviews or new careers.
Jason is a resident at The Ranch, a residential treatment facility for recovering addicts. “When we come into a [treatment] program, we are often broken and have nothing left in us,” he explains. ‘But when you have a place like Rescued Treasures that steps in, it really helps people out. A nice outfit can change a man’s whole attitude and outlook on life and recovery.”
Rescued Treasures serves guests through a personal appointment or through the submission of an emergency item request, both of which can be accessed via our website.
Hope for Meals (Lunch Guest Suzanne)
The George L. Shields Bread of Life Kitchen serves breakfast and lunch daily, 365 days per year. So far through October of this year, we’ve served 72,897 meals! Whether experiencing a brief season of difficulty or in need of sustained help to maintain an adequate daily diet, our guests know they can find fresh and nutritious meals here each day.
Recently, dining hall guest Suzanne came to the Mission for lunch. Her refrigerator was broken and while she waited for repairs to be made, she came to the Mission for lunch each day. She was so thankful for the fresh, delicious meals – and she especially enjoyed the cucumber salad!
On Wednesday, December 5th, 2018, we celebrated the grand opening ceremony of the fully renovated George L. Shields Bread of Life Kitchen. Our hearts are full of gratitude to God and our many faithful supporters who made the new kitchen possible.
Hope for Connections (Oliver) 
The Mission’s outreach programs encourage and support those we serve by building relationships, offering engaging activities, and ministering Christ’s love. These programs include our Summer Enrichment Camp, Bible studies, support groups, haircuts, hot showers, backpacks with school supplies, holiday events, emergency toiletries, and so much more.
Oliver is a familiar face here at the Mission. During intermittent periods of homelessness, he knows he can always find help and encouragement at the Mission. He has made it out of homelessness before and has high hopes that he will make it out again. One thing remains constant in his life: he knows that he can always come to the Mission for warm meals and to find connections with friends and local services.
“Faith is a tool to keep one’s hope alive,” he observes. “You need to keep hope up close and personal to encourage you to move forward.”
Hope for Groceries (mac-n-cheese boxes) 
The Food Distribution Center offers families and individuals free donated perishable goods, which they can take home with them to help provide food for themselves and their families.
Food items are received each week from the Maryland Food Bank, local grocery stores, restaurants, farmers, individuals, organizations and more. So far through October of this year, we have served over 50,000 individuals in need of groceries. Thanks to our community partners, we can offer thousands of pounds of fresh and non-perishable food each year.
Guy Mutchler, Director of Food Services and Facilities, recently met a woman in the parking lot as he was leaving for the day. She hurried up to him carrying a small bag containing two boxes of ready-to-prepare macaroni and cheese. “Sir, I’d like to make a food donation,” she said. “I know this isn’t much, but it’s all I have, and I just feel like I should give back to the place that provided for me when I was in need.”
As they chatted there in the parking lot, Guy learned that she had received groceries throughout the year at the Food Distribution Center. “This woman gave everything she had without regard to the cost,” says Guy. “Thank you!”
Hope for Others (Shelly Campbell, volunteer)
“Volunteers are the connectors that make the services we provide personal and heartfelt,” say Volunteer Coordinator Carolyn Chandler. “Volunteers here at the Mission show incredible resilience and always find ways to help others in difficult situations.”
Shelly Campbell is a volunteer in the Rescued Treasures Clothing Ministry. We asked her to share her thoughts on hope. “To me, hope means that it’s not over,” she says. “Even though it might seem like there’s no way that anyone can help you, remember there is still hope. This is because our hope comes from God. Jesus loves us and gives us a command to look after one another. Because we obey Him, we can always have hope!”
“Volunteers come from all walks of life,” says Carolyn. “But everyone that comes here to volunteer has a story that now includes a chapter that has in some way impacted their life and – for some – changed its trajectory. Volunteers don’t just change other people’s lives. Many times, it is their life that is changed for the better!”
Through God’s help and these Christ-centered ministries, we hope to continue changing lives now and for eternity!
