Really it's a shelter that's decent. But do not get it wrong and think you will get on your feet or have any stability. They Force you yo go to church 2 times a day so you can't schedule anything else if you don't have a car as it takes all day to walk around. They don't allow you to work. You have a curfew which is normal however again having a job a curfew and 2 church sessions perhaps during times id be at work so it's like they want you to be entirely dependant on them with zero options to reintegrate promising you following their way will lead you to some better life...
No you make us go to church SEPARATE from the actual church itself even tho they have vans right out front. If the church has food and celebration we're not allowed to go and they will rub it in your face by making you watch the main church on TV in their smaller church by the rescue....the attitude of the staff is really bad. Sure they put up with a lot of disrespect especially with drug addicts but still how can you expect better when you greet people with a horrible attitude and claim to be church going Christian...its weird and if you need a place to stay take it but be advised it's all pretty much BS if youre serious and actually trying to get on your feet. They are counter productive and will actually keep you from doing so.
What is the Cookeville rescue mission, well the idea of the place sounds great and all. Till you're in there, they have no respect for any other religion or belief. The staff there make up rules as the go and the guy that runs it backs up his staff knowing they are in the wrong. They're hypocrits liers and thieves there, while I was there I was personally targeted by staff because I practice Shinto. I was forced to go into service ( when I say forced I mean they literally told me if I don't attend services everyday they'll kick me out. They refused to let me work on a job they had and asked others that have jobs if they wanted to make extra money, and they will kick you out if you don't do what you're told when you're told.
I agree with the person that had a very bad experience at the mission. They are everything that he said they were plus more. I have never known anyone to treat people like they do. They will lie, steal, humiliate and force feed religion to you. I was there for 5 weeks and it was the most horrible experiences I have ever had. I left there and lived in my van for a year. I got cold hot and hungry but anything was better than that mission. My first day there I asked for a clean shirt and the staff yelled at me for not asking for it the night before as the day before was the only day that that you could get clothes from the closet. The men's manager got caught stealing money. The men's supervisor got one of the girls from the women's side pregnant. and the couple's manager and his wife got caught growing weed on the property. Yeah buddy Christ centered! NOT!!!!!!
Review from Guidestar
I HIGHLY DO NOT RECOMMEND THIS MISSION!!! GO TO THE 1 IN NASHVILLE. They are thieves and Liars hugely they cover up a lot. And unless you're really religious I would not recommend they force you to go to church twice a day everyday mandatory or you are out! You are forced to drink lukewarm water they will not allow you to bring other containers in or even ice or even Pepsi or iced tea. NOTHING? only their warm water. They will steal your clothes and your personal belongings. I found out the hard way before you can spend night one you have to sign papers giving up your rights. They will even steal your mail I had a credit card coming there they not only stole it they tried using it by attempted the PIN code three different times and my credit card company detected fraud and shut it off and contacted me. They also stole a garbage bag full of my clean clothes. And a knife I was honest about and they held while I was there. I never got it back. I surrendered it to Adam and it was stolen. They have very strict rules you must live by or you're out no questions and they don't hesitate to call the police especially Adam, the snitch. I was kicked out because hours before I was drinking NyQuil and cough drops to kill a bad cough I had the night before I didn't want to disturb the fellow people so after church I went to Walmart and stay there for 7 hours when I got back at 5 minutes to 5 they drug tested me and I failed they said that I was drinking alcohol. I WAS NOT! I had a lot of NyQuil and Halls cough drops for 7 hours before I went back not knowing it highly contained alcohol. I told them and showed them it didn't make a difference I was out for 24 hours. When I went back the next evening they said I was out for 45 days because I did not call them that morning. I'm like seriously I'm not on probation I'm not on parole I'm a grown man I don't have to answer to anyone. As long as I was back before 5 p.m. their deadline. Warning folks they do their very best to control you. I was told by the police department as long as you sign their papers they basically have all right to you and your property while you're on their property. There's nothing you can do. The Cookeville police said they've had numerous complaints over the years of many folks. And they all are NOT nice people especially Adam the short dark haired guy who takes his authority above and beyond. Warning folks he will kick you out in a second and call the cops on you that is no lie he is a cop calling freak I think they all are. The only thing I will say nice about the place was a 57 year old gentleman that was very nice and kind whoever he was I wasn't good at names but I'm sure he knows who I'm talking about. I thank you for your kindness for the short time that I was there sir.........James King, stranded from Granite Falls North Carolina......THE POLICE WILL NOT HELP YOU WHEN THE MISSION STEALS FROM YOU SO DON'T EVEN WAIST UR TIME CALLING THEM! Tennessee law is a joke
This will be more than a review of the Cookeville Rescue Mission. There are too many personal details to cover in this format; so, I'll cover the main points. This is my story; and it's not unlike the hundreds that pass through these doors each month.
On June 5, 2014 I was released from prison; only knowing that going back to Knoxville was not an option. My plan consisted of no more than going to Nashville on a hope and a prayer. Upon my arrival at the Cookeville Greyhound station; I learned there were no buses for Nashville until the next morning. The TDOC driver's supervisor told him to drop me off at the mission. Fate would have it that Kim England just "happened" to be standing at the front door of the mission office. I instantly felt a connection to Mrs. England and we had a lenghty conversation. I decided that night to make Cookeville my new home.
As a resident of the mission you are given everything a person may need: food, clothing, hygiene items and most of all a Bible. There are church services and twice daily devotions; headed by caring and obviously devoted staff and volunteers. If you have the drive and ambition to change your life; the Cookeville Rescue Mission just may be, the manna in the wilderness, for you. The staff may at times be spread thin; however, they do care and will do all they can for those leaning on Christ while helping themselves.
There so much potential for the growth of this ministry; and, the programs/services it offers. With the current leadership and staff support; I see no reason that Cookeville and the entire region can benefit from this ministry. This mission would fail if weren't for the continued prayers, financial support; and, donations of food, clothes, and household items from the community and surrounding area and people like you. Matthew 25:35-40
I'd like to thank God for His many blessings seen and unseen. A special thank you to Kim England and Roger Minard for the opportunity to serve, learn, and grow. Not only in my Christian walk; but, also in my calling to social work.
Thank You,
Ryan Henry