Lexington Rescue Mission Inc

Just a great place! Caring staff and volunteers. They really try their best for anyone.

We donate to the Lexington Rescue Mission because we strongly believe in its mission. It helps our community tremendously and at the same time spreads the Christian message.

I am an ordained minister in the Presbyterian Church (USA) and I volunteer weekly in the "prayer room" at the LRM. (Members of the church I serve volunteer here as well.) What I can say without reservation is that JESUS IS VERY PRESENT AT THE LEXINGTON RESCUE MISSION! An atmosphere of His kindness and His warmth permeates the place, kindled by staff, volunteers, and by members of the Lexington community at-large who drop in to have some of their needs met. In short, the LRM is more than a dispenser of bus passes, clothing, and food; it's an epicenter of incarnational ministry at it's best.

My husband & I have been serving this great Rescue Mission for 13 years now. This is truly a place where God’s love & compassion are shown. Relationships are built with clients, staff & volunteers. Our clients know this is a safe place , where they are truly cared for without judgement. They are fed here physically, mentally & spiritually. The Lexington Rescue Mission is an awesome non-profit serving the surrounding community & beyond.

We donate to the Lexington Rescue Mission because we believe in their mission. We need more places like this throughout the state to help those who are in need.

They serve both men and woman. They give them a hot meal, a change of clothes, and a place to hang out during the day to escape the heat and the cold. Excellent communication with donors and volunteers!

My story.... Well its a long one, I am a 41 year old male. I was a 20 plus year career criminal and the very best addict an addict could be. I spent most of my youth in and out of jails and prisons. Never did I ever say "when I grow up I'm gonna be a dope fiend"... Not one time did I say "I'm gonna rob and steal to get what I wanted. Not one time did I dream of having the pain I put myself and my family through, but it happened. I grew up in a loving middle class family. My parents worked hard to provide for my brother and I. I was a star athlete in every sport I played. Living the dream. I cant explain the hunger I had for more. I was never satisfied. My family didnt speak much of God, except for the acknowledgement that there was one. Didn't teach the bible. Never went to church, I say this because I beleive deep in my soul that was the food I so desperately need to satisfy the hunger of never being satisfied. I idolized the dope game. My mother got into a bad car wreck and became dependent on pills. After the realization or thougjt that I had messed my life up I turned to Drug dealing. I loved it. The ripping and running. The money. The women. All of it. I started out at 16 smoking weed. At 18 I had my 1st child. A beautiful daughter who I swore I was gonna give the world to. By 19 I was snorting cocaine. 21 smoking crack. At 22 I myself was in a car wreck and hurt my back. I used that to my full advantage. I then became dependent on opiates. They got me. I jad never done a drug that I physically had to have til then. Thats when the prison time came in. I had already been in and out of jail for possession and theft. Now I was robbing. Fueled by the drugs and lack of drugs gave me purpose of the wrong type. I went until the law stopped me. Went to prison got out and right back to the same family and people I had always ran with. I'd stay out for a couple years then right back. Then get out and right back to the life. Everytime I swore it'd be different. Insanity to the last word of the definition. So I think you get the point I how it started and where it took me. Now to the change. My last prison stint started 4/27/14. I had lost everything I'd ever had for the 4th time. I was tired. I was thirsty for change. Then began a sequence of events in that 35 month period that would stop me in my tracks. Made me think when I would let down in my rack at night. There where plenty of times where I should've got repramanded for behavior that I seemed to slide by with. For instance, I was trafficing tobacco, like a lot of tobacco and was under investagation for it and when the law would come to search there would be a coincidence of why I didnt have any to find. Dumb luck or was a plan in place? A plan I could've never put together with the best computers and smartest people in the world. I had signed up for Sap, for the sole reason of looking good for the parole board. Because of my tobacco trafficing and not being caught the institution I was at wanted me gone with no-where to send me. So they took my work privaledges. I demanded a transfer. The only place to go was the Sap program who had a 9 month waiting list. I was on the next thing smoking. The higher ups had pulled strings to get me gone. So now I am totally removed from my comfort zone. Removed from the trafficing and all my connections came with a little relief surprisingly. So now I'm in a STRUCTURED PROGRAM!😬 My plan of faking it til I make it all changed when I met Joseph Chambers. Joe is a godly man. Joe spent all his free time helping people. Joe had me very suspicious of his motives. I watched Joe for a month or so. Then I talked to Joe. Then got invited to church by Joe. Joe was an inmate just like me who was incarcerated for robbing 6 banks. So I kinda looked like this🤔 as I watched Joe do his thing. Joe talked Jesus with me. Then they move Joe into my wing right next to me. Now I really get to keep an eye on Joe. I came to the conclusion Joe was sincere. So I decide to give this Jesus thing a shot. I wanted this freedom. I wanted the blessings this book speaks of. So in a way it was a selfish reason why I started this walk with Jesus. Going to church regularly. Reading the bible daily. Hitting my knees at night and in the a.m.. I started watchig my words. I started listening and singing christian music. Then it hit me. The journey I have taken to get to this point. The path. It is still unbelievable to this day. I was up for parole soon and as a part of it your case worker ask you where you would like to go if you make parole. Its called a home placement. I knew I had no shot if I went back home. So I looked for a Christian based sober living facility. I found the Potters house and the Lexington Rescue Mission. I went through the application process and got accepted. Still, I knew I would never make parole. I'm a 3rd time felon!!! But, I did.. Paroled out on 3/3/17. The Potters house was amazing. They helped me ease into society. They talked Christ with me. The book, not their opinions, but the word. I honestly have no idea where I'd be if it wasn't for this facility, these people and their mission. I went from a 3 time looser who had list everything including custody of my daughter to a man who has SOLE custody of his 14 year old daughter and owner operator of a small buisness that has had me busy for 2 years straight. I am currently booked 2.5 months in advance. God bless the people behind the scenes who help with this mission. My life is forever changed. I will be sober 5 years on 8/28/19. Life is good. God is good.

The following is a letter that I sent to the Lexington Rescue Mission after serving as a volunteer with them for over 2 years. I believe that this is the best review that I could possibly offer:

Dec. 28, 2017
Dear Lexington Rescue Mission,

This letter comes to you with a heart full of gratitude. As we continue on our journey as empty-nesters, I could not leave without saying thank you and putting into words the impact that you have had on my life.
We moved to Lexington almost 3 years ago, following our daughter as she completed her college education. God brought me to you and to the Jobs for Life program almost immediately, not as a student but as a mentor. As I sat through the first class in the basement of the New Life Day Center, I spent many hours arguing with God as to why he brought me to this place to do something I felt completely unqualified to do. Yet, I could not turn away from it; I felt drawn to the students in a way that I cannot explain. They seemed to need what it was that I had to offer, and I needed to give it.
As time progressed, I grew in close friendship with Lisa and, eventually, had the pleasure of meeting Julius. I cannot write about these God connections without tears in my eyes. It did not take long to see that God had a plan brewing with these newfound relationships, one that included creating a JFL team for the women in FCDC. I am still amazed that He allowed me to serve these women, sitting alongside Lisa and, miraculously, beside my own daughter!
Because of the faithful path that LRM and Julius were following to love all, serve all, I was given this incredible life changing gift that I got to share with my daughter and my new friend and sister in Christ, Lisa! Our lives became forever changed on Friday afternoons at FCDC! We may have set out to serve the women there, but they gave us way more than we could ever return! I continued to grow in purpose and in spirit as Julius provided another opportunity for another group of us to enter Woodford County with the Genesis Program. These teams and women behind bars everywhere will forever be in my prayers!
You would think that this letter should end here, as this would be more than enough reason for my gratitude to LRM, but there is more, so much more…
As JFL moved from the Day Center to LRM, God introduced me to a young man who would not only change my life, but my entire family’s life. Brian walked into our class with potentially more enthusiasm for life than any human I had ever met. After almost 9 years of being incarcerated, Brian was ready to start living the abundant life that Christ had imagined for him, and I just happened to have the energy to help him make that happen. I, now, have no doubt why God brought me to LRM and to the JFL course…to walk in Christ with women who are incarcerated, to grow in Christ with Lisa and my daughter, and…. BRIAN!
By the end of our class, Brian and I had developed a trusting relationship, and he had handed me over a 90 day plan that he needed help accomplishing. Brian completed that plan in about 45 days. I cannot explain to you the joy that I experienced seeing him accomplish his goals, from getting his first driver’s license to starting college, abundant living was being experienced by the both of us, and the joy was so BIG that it overflowed to my family! It did not take long before Brian made his way into the hearts of my husband and daughters, and even our extended family!
Today, almost 2 years later, Brian works long hours at two great jobs, is an awesome dad and an excellent student working on his Associates in Business Administration, has a wonderful girlfriend, and has truly become part of our family. This past month, Brian joined our church connect group to cook at Ronald McDonald House, and both of our families had the opportunity to celebrate over the Christmas season together. This I know, without a doubt, was the way God meant it to be!
Brian never stops saying thank you to us, but I am pretty certain that we have received way more than he has. I feel unbelievably blessed that God allowed me and my family to be a part of Brian’s life transformation! Brian was going to make it with or without us, and once we move on, he will continue to spread his optimistic, Christ like energy to others. It was our gift from God to get to be a part of it all. I am excited to continue to support and encourage him from afar and celebrate this life with him and his family!
Lexington Rescue Mission, this is what you are doing! You did not feed me my stomach like you have so many thousands of other people, you fed my soul! You did not provide me with a paying job like you have so many others, you gave me a Christ driven purpose! I am leaving this season of my life richer… richer in purpose, richer in spirit, richer in love! And, though I have mentioned only three names in this letter, there were so many others along my path at LRM that have poured into that richness… they know who they are.
My family and I believe in the work that LRM is doing, and we will not forget you in our prayers and support as we move on, and I ask that you pray for Brian and our family, that we may rise to the level of love, service, and abundant joy that God has already set before us!

Abundant love, blessings, and gratitude,
Melinda Sellars

My name is Maxine Franklin, I want to share my experience with the Lexington Rescue Mission. I was first introduced to the mission through my husband. He’s been a faithful donor of the programs and outreach mission for many years I frequently read the mission’s newsletter he was receiving. I was moved with compassion for the people and the mission. I became a volunteer. I serve on Tuesdays as a prayer counselor for those who come looking for help and for hope. I’ve witness changed lives and their testimonies resulting from the work and programs of the LRM. I’m a facilitator of the re-entry program of the Mission that serves the female inmates at the Fayette County Detention Center. This program in called the Genesis Process. It’s a book that’s biblically based teaching on permanent change, growth, and accountability. Getting to the root of the coping behaviors. I have witnessed the transformation that occurs in these inmates lives, and commitment to lead lives with a new determination on their release.

I also serve on the LRM Board of Directors. I give of my time, my resources, and my talents because I believe in the work, programs and outreach mission of the LRM.

The Lexington Rescue Mission is an awesome organization. About 7 years ago my wife and I volunteered for the Thanksgiving meal. We were very moved. We then started volunteering for the Christmas meal and have done both since. We also became regular donors as well to support the mission in their work. The lives that they touch, the compassion that they show, and their continual work towards expanding their reach is nothing short of amazing.
We are proud to work with and support the Lexington Rescue Mission.

The Lexington Rescue Mission is a wonderful place to work and volunteer. From the moment you walk into the door, you're greeted with a smile and love no matter what you may be needing assistance with. A family of faith, hope, love,compassion, giving and nurturing. I've been in a place in my life of homelessness and not knowing where my children / grandchild would eat. The Lexington Rescue Mission ensures the meals are hearty and everyone's fed that comes through the door. The Lexington Rescue Mission is like having a second family. Come in have coffee and danishes in the morning. Meet new people and make new friends. Christian mission with Gods hand leading the way.

Lexington Rescue Mission is an amazing organization that helps people in so many different ways. They help people with anything, starting with basic needs and working up to full life change. The staff and volunteers truly care about what they do and make clients feel respected. Lexington Rescue Mission rebuilds lives and I am proud to be associated with their organization.

The Lexington Rescue Mission helps people who are down on their luck or who have decided to make changes in their lives. They treat people with kindness and respect.

Lexington Rescue Mission is a place whose love knows no bounds. Week in and week out they passionately help those in need across many walks of life. As volunteer, I see people walk into the mission every week with their heads down not knowing where to turn or who to ask for help. They walk in feeling defeated and hopeless. But after prayer and meeting with a resource coordinator, I see these same people leave the mission with their head held high and renewed hope. The Rescue Mission is a beacon of hope where time and time again people experience transformation as they move from one life season to the next.

I started volunteering serving lunch at LRM a little over a year ago in March of 2017. I really didn’t know what to expect, but after serving lunch a couple of times, I felt so blessed by the sweet people who I served. I have enjoyed conversations & getting to know several of the regular attendees and many of us have shared life experiences which has helped to make my visits even more rewarding. In some instances we have had the opportunity to pray together. In more cases than not, they have made it a point to tell me that they would keep me in their prayers! All I can say is, this has been an invaluable experience of becoming a better person, listener, and feeling that I could be an extension of God’s love. I am humbled and exalted all at once by simply serving lunch.

It's a joy to volunteer at the LRM. The staff there have become my friends and they care so much about their volunteers and the people they serve. It's an amazing, loving environment and it makes you want to come back time and time again. They offer such a range of services for people in our community and I'm proud to say I'm a part of their organization.

LRM is a total blessing to so many people, clients, volunteers, staff and all that enter their doors. I have seen many lives transformed from hopeless to hopeful, joyful and able to dream again. LRM ministers to the full person, believing that prayer works and thereby meeting needs that seem impossible to most people.
I talked to a couple yesterday, that went through a hopeless situation and they are now married, have a place to live and both work at Walmart. Their lives have truly been transformed by the aid and assistance that they received through the mission.

I started volunteering at the Lexington Rescue Mission a little over a year ago. The staff is full of love and dedicated to being the hands and feet of Christ in the community, while transforming lives. I'm often amazed at the programs, services, and resources that the organization freely offers to those who are in need. This is an amazing organization that has and continues to impact the lives of so many.

My wife and I took a tour of the Lexington Rescue Mission about 13 years ago. During that tour we learned of the lives that were being positively impacted through service, ministry and prayer. We were led to become involved in serving lunch and helping a bit at the Potter's house and volunteering as needed.

We have both served on the board of directors and highly recommend LRM as a wonderful place to volunteer and serve.

Great place to work and always trying to do everything to help clients!

I have worked with the Lexington Rescue Mission for over 10 years now. I can tell you hands down these people walk the walk! They are compassionate, hardworking people making a difference in our city! I will always support their efforts with my time and resources.

Lexington Rescue Mission is a Christ centered organization that has a burden for the lost. In that burden they provide many physical needs by helping so many people find jobs, provide a meal, pay their bills, find shelter and clothing and return to a stable lifestyle.

I took a tour of the mission a year or so ago, did the walk for warmth and I am truly amazed and inspired about all the good they do for those less fortunate in Lexington. The Lexington Women of the Moose is proud and honored to be able to donate to such an amazing organization.

How many workplaces do you know of where the staff arrives early to pray together? The Lexington Rescue Mission does this, and it is completely voluntary. I had the opportunity to get to know the leadership in this ministry over the course of a few years through volunteering and working alongside them on a downtown project. I'm pleased to share that it is full of street saints who practice in their personal lives what they say and do in their ministry. Full of Psalm 78:72 leadership. Strong ministries are the result of strong leaders. The Rescue Mission is led with humility.

I've had the privilege of partnering with the Lexington Rescue Mission for the past several years for various events, and the love and care they show for each person who walks through the Mission doors is evident in all aspects of their ministry.

During my time at the LRM, I discovered a dedicated group of servant minded folks. The staff go above and beyond a 9-5 and provide a leaning work enviorment which makes it possible to get the real work done.

Wonderful organization occupied by amazing people. If you ever get a chance to volunteer (or even better, work with) LRM, do yourself a favor and do it! You won't regret the change you make in people's lives. It was an honor to work there!

The LRM helped change my life around. They were there to point the direction for me at a time in my life when I felt my life wasn't my own. They pointed me to numerous resources and organizations that help not only put the pieces of my life back together again but helped me make life long friendships and taught me how to reach out to others in need. Love this organization and all it's wonderful employees and volunteers.

If I had not worked at the Rescue Mission and had I not witnessed first hand the greatness that goes on behind its doors and walls, perhaps I would never know. They truly do good for goodness sake and not for fame or fortune. Every cent and every moment and every effort is mission focused and driven. I'm proud to be a donor and supporter of this wonderful organization where people are passionate about ending homelessness and spreading God's love.

What an awesome place. I have been working in ministry for over 21 years and I have never seen more loving and decicated people than the staff of the Rescue Mission. Full time and volunteers work tirelessly to provide and care for their cleints and the community of Lexington. If you have not visited them, then you must. If you are not supporting them, then you should. If you are not praying for them, you should start! Bottom line, Lexington Rescue Mission is doing, sharing, and showing the love of God on a day to day basis.
Gregory Wilhite,
Military Ministry, KY

We do a lot of ministry with the Rescue Mission . They are a big help with the less fortunate in Lexington. I thank God for their heart to serve.

Michael Miller
Bread of Life ministries

I found my calling as a prisoner re-entry counselor through Americorps at the Lexington Rescue Mission. From there I was fortunate to attend law school, become a public defender, and now serve in the legislature. I continue fighting for prisoner's rights... And I would have never known that was possible before I stepped into the Lexington Rescue Mission.