PRM is a fantastic organization in every way. Their passion to help the homeless, hurting, and addicted is clearly observed throughout the organization. Not only does PRM treat those they serve well, but they also treat volunteers and employees in an outstanding way. They are continually looking to improve their services, as well as make them more efficient.
working here is a grand experience. there is never a dull moment, and you're always being challenged to better yourself!
I've been working for Portland Rescue Mission's New life Ministry program for roughly a year. This is the third non-profit that I've been employed with in the last 12 years. Few people realize the degree to which non-profit's impact their city. The Portland Rescue Mission has been doing some heavy lifting including providing shelter, and two residential programs for men and women struggling with addiction. The Portland Rescue Mission is an iconic institution that has served the city of Portland for decades and has a reputation for delivering volumes of grace to the untouchable elements of our city. There are few organizations that have so closely aligned themselves with the teaching of Christ, and the ethic (or Spirit) that has brought "Goodwill to all mankind" not merely in word but in deed.
My name is Angelique Hall, I'm a Community Life Specialist at Shepherd's Door. When I began working for The Portland Mission over a year ago I met a beautiful woman who came to Shepherd's Door in deep depression for help. She recently suffered the suicide of her father and was fighting thoughts of suicide herself. I'd never met a woman so broken and hopeless, truthfully I feared there was no hope for her. Today she has graduated from the program and is a completely transformed person from the woman I first met! She went from a hopeless and depressed woman to a woman full of the life! After she left the program we kept in contact, she is a constant reminder of the power God has to transform even the darkest of situations. It's a tremendous blessing to work for a program that helps women receive the tools they need to recover and live a hopeful and successful life!
I have seen people's lives radically transformed through the programs and the caring staff at Portland Rescue Mission. I have worked here for 5 years and believe in the heart of this Mission to give hope and restore life. The staff are people of compassion and integrity. They have great wisdom and are willing to challenge men and women to take the next step forward.
This is an incredible place to volunteer at or work for. Portland Rescue Mission recently was named one of the "Best Christian Workplaces 2016"! If you don't know much about what Portland Rescue Mission does at their may locations, watch the video Relentless Compassion: A Day in the Life of Portland Rescue Mission.
Portland Rescue Mission has fallen. They are controlling and manipulative. Yes they have helped a lot of people. But they have also traumatized people and ruined their experience of trying to better their lives. There's dozens of unheard stories that ended badly due to the organization's misuse of power. One day the true stories will come out. And I can only hope they will ignite a positive change. Those who know the truth choose to remain silent for reasons unknown to me. Shepherds Door staff is constantly over turning, people are being kicked out without legitimate explanations, and mothers are forced to pay 50% off all income because, and I quote "donors pay for the women only, not the children's expenses" says Christine Ourada the director of Shepherds Door. When Eric Bauer was confronted on unethical conduct toward a resident his response was, this is a free program what do you expect?. They are refunded money from the USDA program for the trays of breakfast lunch and dinner that they serve to the kids who live there, but they continue to serve food that's well past it's expectation date that they get from a food bank. However for a staff meeting held weekly they buy fresh food that the residents are not allowed to have.
Their legal advocacy department is invasive and forceful. If you do not sign what they want, such as ROI for bank accounts they kick you out and give you 5 minutes to get your things and leave. HIPPA laws have allegedly been violated, and human rights have been blatantly disregarded. Unfortunately being a non-profit they can make their own rules, and by calling themselves a Church they are exempt from so many legal guidelines. They preach the word of God, but they do not show it. I'm sure it hasn't always been this way, but the people running Shepherds Door now have turned it into a joke, and no one is doing anything about it. Plenty of staff members quit because they see the wrong that's being done by Kathleen Bradley, Christine Ourada, and Lisa Zisa. The staff turnover in that place is enormous to say the least, and there's a huge reason why. I just wish the people who did leave would speak up, and help the women who Portland Rescue Mission are mistreating at Shepherds Door. It's not right, it's not ethical, and it's not Christian.
This is Grumpy. Not Grumpy any more. I would like everyone to know that I am retracting my earlier rating. I was very upset at the time and spoke before I thought. I should of spoken with someone at the Portland Rescue Mission before I spouted off. I was contacted by a very nice gentleman from the Mission, who wanted to make things right. Which they have done. We came to an agreement that has solved the problem. I would like to say that the people that I have spoken to have acted in a very Christian way. I do believe that this is a good charity. They are out there to help people that need it the most. I also beleive that this incident was not a typical problem that they or the consumer run into very often or at all. A special Thank You to Dick Osborne.
My husband and I bought a car for our Granddaughter through Portland Rescue Mission. I has only been 2 month and the car is no longer driveable. All of the pisstons are shot. We are told the the whole motor will need to be replaced. We spent $1200.00 on a lemon. Thiere asking price was $1500.00. We were under the impression that this car had been completely gone through. Twice the brake light switch was stuck to the on position and the last time the part had to be replced. I know this was a used car, but a person would think that buying a car from a place that says the car was gone through would have it last more then 2 months. I just I had more faith in a place that says they are a Christian organization and want to help people.
Portland Rescue Mission has been one of my most productive and rewarding volunteer experiences. I sense deeply the love and skill that go into caring for children and families and others who are in distress. Those who provide the services are highly motivated by a deep sense of Christian duty and service that helps them overcome any barriers that would normally separate them from those they serve. I have seldom seen the kind of sacrificial service provided by staff and volunteers at Portland Rescue Mission.
We've been donating to Portland Rescue Mission for the last 11 years. This is an amazing ministry. They have helped so many men, women and children. We absolutely love hearing and reading the stories of the lives that have been changed because of what this mission is doing. We have a family member who is looking at being homeless in the next few weeks and Portland Rescue Mission is the number one place that we and many others have recommended. We could not imagine not giving to this organization. Thank You Portland Rescue Mission!
The Rease Family.
I have volunteered with Shepherd's Door, the women and children's recovery program at Portland Rescue Mission for many years. Over the years, I have seen many women graduate from the program, which addresses all aspects of recovery - from physical to emotional to spiritual. The program isn't rules based. Instead the staff and volunteers help teach the women and their children, through a grace and love filled approach, how to make the best choices to heal their families and build their futures. This approach seems to make the difference since so many of the women are successful at maintaining their sobriety and using their newfound life and job skills after graduation. It has been a privilege to be a small part of this work.
Portland Resue Mission Save My Lfe. Four years ago I came to Portland Rescue Mission from S. California where I was homeless for weeks. I never dreamed after 17 years of marriage,3 beautiful children and a life,for years,where I was active in my community and highly involved with my children and every aspect of their lives through volunteer work,which I simple loved,at the public schools and involved in my church,that anyone,not just me,could ever find themselves where I was.
There I was,defeated by the lies,that my life had spun so far out of control that there just was no other way to go except down,and down I went,to a point where I hated everything about me and I was just done.I gave up,I shut down emotionally and eventually stopped talking all together.I would duck out in allys or just keep walking,I was barefoot with a pair of jeans and a t-shirt on.I was scorched by the elements and I just did not care.Drugs and alcohol had robbed me of me,ruined my reputation,I just was so lost and humiliated I ccouldn't stand myself.However God had different plans.It was through random acts of kindness and love from perfect strangers that sustained me even once protected me from physical harm.Not that I cared,I thank God someone elce did.I finally was taken to the County Mental Institution,it was there the healing began. I still was not talking therefore I went by the name Jane Doe.I laid in bed day in and day out.There was a young lady who would come in my room and say out loud "I LOVE YOU JANE DOE!"She would even at times jump on me and hug me tight.In time I finally spoke,I got up,I was mad as heck at myself still but I said to the nurse stationed outside my door,'I have a phone call I need to make.'Well with that,she jumps up and says,'Jane Doe speaks." The whole place got happy and here I am.
As I reflect,as I so often do,I see Gods hand everywher in my life,at every turn and how he sicked the hounds of heaven on me even though I gave up on Him,He never gave up on me.
Through a chain of events,on October 30,2007,I had my interview with Shepheards Door and my tour.Afterwards I was told I could move in anytime,with that I JUMPED FOR JOY!! Two days later I moved in.For 7 months that in Helen' Perfect World,all of you and the rest of the world,could experience for yourselves.This IS 'LIFE TRANSFORMATION." What i left there with are tools that no-one or nothing can take away from me.
Right now,I am going through some difficult times,that's ok today.I have been blessed to mentor young people and reach out to the homeless in ways that only I know how to do.Yes,I have been there.Yes,I have done that,and Yes I do have the t-shirt.Nothing shocks me anymore.If there's one thing I ahve learned,it is that I have alot to learn. I freely give what was so freely givin to me and that is non-contitional love.I love to share my story of victory,and I love to hears others stories,and I do and it is hard.It's hard to walk away knowing what I know,I feel a bond between each and every person I have encountered and that is alot.It humbles me,inspires me,drives me and at time,it breaks me.I share the hope of Portland Rescue Mission all the time,planting seeds of hope is the least I can do.Portland Rescue Mission is leaps and bounds above the rest as far as I can see anyways,and I look.This is my life,and I dream of the day when homlessness comes to an end,you CAN help that happen.How/ Just get the 'Good Word" out about Portland Rescue Mission.The reality is this.Homelessness today is 'epidemic' my friends.It simply would not be such a "problem' if people would just "embrace" that fact and 'STOP" argueing about it.I find myself defending homelessness more and more at the most im-proptue moments.God has equiped me for whatever He has palnned for me and Portland Rescue Mission was definately my 'Training Ground.' Now,you may think your nobody special,I know the feeling,I want to remind you,as I often have to remind myself and that is this...There is no sin to great and it is never to late,you have not gone to far,You are beautifully and wonderfully made.God has a plan,this is part of it.God goes with me and you where-ever we may go.
God loves you and me the same way in spite of ourselves.Today I greet the day with ,'Thank you God for this day and for bringing me with it,I thank you in advance that you have prepared the way for me today that no matter what happens I don't have to drink or drug over it.PRAISE GOD!!" Last,but surely not least,in the interest of time,I could go on,I'm 52 years young and so much has happened.There's alot that hasn't happened to me to that has happened to countless other's.It is vital for people to be able to tell thier story without being ashamed.I know I can't save the world,there has to be a bigger picture.I just meet folks where they are at,I listen,I hug,smile,I really am glad to see them,my heart hurts for them,the lost and the forgotten.There's alot of hope out there however we need more.Share the Hope.There is hope and there is a place that will help and that is Portaland Rescue Mission.They saved this ship wrecked life and I am so very gateful.Thank You for taking the time to read this.I pray you would take it to heart and share the love.I,like other's, I am always available to speak and to be of encouragement.It's nothing short of a miracle that I am alive,just goes to show God is in the miracle buisness,I'm living proof.
Blessings and Much Love,
Helen J. Harris
In reponse to Carrie's review, what's most unfortunate is that the local media and the event organizer took this story to the market with only one side to the story. Portland Rescue Mission's decision to not partner with the Dec. 2010 "Queer Quistmas" was a sponsorship decision, not a decision to decline the much-needed and useful contribution of blankets and winter outerwear. We were willing to accept the donations, but the organizer chose to direct the gifts elsewhere (after taking his story to both TV and web). Fortunately, the donated coats still benefited the homeless people of the community who we serve everyday at Portland Rescue Mission. Our decision to decline the sponsorship was primarily based on the urgency of a decision (it was less than 3 weeks away) and our inability to provide all the benefits that the organizer/event would require. We regret the confusion that this issue has created in our local community and the greater community of LGBT concerns.
Review from Guidestar
It's unfortunate the Portland Rescue Mission would turn down a hefty donation because it came from the LGBT community. Read this article before donating to this organization: http://chn.ge/gMCKeQ
Review from Guidestar
This the best organization I know of! The PRM truly returns to the God given human life "what the locust have eaten". I only pray that I could live closer so I could volunteer. The monies I donate I could not give to better organization. Many, many continued blessings and successes to your organization.
I learned about this organization back in 2000 when we went to an event at the Portland Expo center around Christmas. I loved that they were a Christian Organization and have been making donations every year since. We give as much as we can, when we can. They really help a lot of people out in all aspects of their lives and I pray that they will continue to gain more donations and support so that they can reach out to even more people in need. God bless all who give to The Portland Rescue Mission.
I love what this organization stands for, and believe in the work they are doing in the lives of men and women. What I love even more, is the way my life changes, after every interaction with this organization and the people they serve. When you volunteer, you expect to help someone else. What ends up happening, is you experience change in your own life, and come away feeling blessed. I am humbled to be able to serve these people who live a life that is so different than mine. I look forward all month to helping serve dinner on the last Friday of the month. I have been enough times that I am starting to recognize people, and get to know them. I feel like serving them is a small thing, compared to the difficulties they experience on a daily basis. I am so grateful for the opportunity to serve, and I really enjoy the staff and other volunteers at the Mission as well. Definitely a worthy place to donate your time and money!