Rescue Mission Of Mahoning Valley

Whenever I volunteer at the Rescue Mission I leave there with a heart full of love! It would be hard-pressed to find a more thankful group of people who really appreciate anyone who comes down to volunteer in any capacity. I leave there a better person for the experience! I know I was truly touched by God.

The Rescue Mission of the Mahoning Valley, established in 1893, has been a local organization of personal interest and was a significant contributor to the resettlement of my family to this area. My grandmother immigrated to Youngstown around 1916 from mainland China with my grandfather to seek a better and unpersecuted life. The young family was assisted by the “Christ Mission” group as they gained a foot hold and became established. As a child, I remember her speaking highly of this group and her desire to return charitable giving in gratitude for earlier grace received.
Before Christmas 11 years ago, my family took a tour of the facility. We were amazed at the work and delivery of services being done with such limited resources and materials, in a dilapidated building in need of great repair. Struggling persons, some families, have been given the opportunity to receive a hand up of encouragement, food, shelter, safety, education and the unconditional love of God demonstrated and offered through their unfortunate circumstances. Though many clients experience financial, physical, emotional and spiritual hardships, I feel dignity, hope and second chances are offered to help transform lives and point lives to Christ.
As a couple, my husband and I decided to contribute financially and also volunteer at this local charity. Because of my interest and passion in the RMMV, I was appointed as our church’s liaison. We found serving meals became an easy access point and direct link to meeting and serving residents, and now serve lunch routinely each month. Our group have been hosts for many monthly “Birthday Bash” and “Pop UP Parties” these past 10 years. We invited our church family to become regular contributors in the provision of material goods (initiating collections for personal care and hygiene items, socks, gloves & hats, coats, laundry detergent, cereal, food items) and through financial resources.
Since the RMMV is a Christian based, non-profit organization and not accepting of government funding, the “MOVE OUR MISSION” building campaign seemed like an impossible project. We read multiple newspaper articles, monthly newsletters, followed on-line releases from the project development team as they faithfully trusted GOD by being industrious, willing vessels to creatively educate and raise funds for the ultimate goal of making a new facility a reality. We utilized our resources by raising over $7,000 towards the campaign by creating an event called “Music With a Mission” the summer of 2017. We called upon 5 local bands to volunteer their time and talents to play in this event as well as gather 100’s of items for a Chinese auction. Through the efforts of many volunteers and God’s provision, the event was a success.
For several decades the surrounding Youngstown area has been experiencing several industries and plants either moving out or closing their doors forever. Job losses are unfortunately common and have placed a heavy burden on the impacted community for needed services. Many individuals and families have been affected, creating homelessness and thus creating emergency situations as personal finances vanish. This trend seems omnipresent, hitting an already beleaguered and aging industrial region.
The need for the RMMV continues. The mission statement has remained the same since its inception in the provision of services. This much needed organization fills the gap, creating an anchor for many in the unexpected turns of life. They have been the needed entity, helping many to move beyond merely surviving. With dignity and respect, they succeed in helping others gain a foothold, finding ways to once again thrive. We as community need to continue taking personal interest, and bolster active support to help others in need any way we can.

My wife, Katie, and I have been blessed to volunteer at the Rescue Mission of the Mahoning Valley for the past thirteen months. We are honored to be a small part of a remarkable organization whose influence on our local community is both incalculable in scope and invaluable in impact. We have seen this impact most vividly in getting to know members of The Academy, a discipleship and career program offered to clients at the Mission. We have built relationships with these women and men through our service in the kitchen area. Every time we interact with them, we are encouraged and uplifted, and we see the tangible effect this ministry has on our community by affirming the inherent dignity of these mighty people and equipping them with training that will help them lead faithful and fruitful lives. The Mission has empowered us to tell these stories to our family, friends, and church community and encourage them to partner in the mission to share the love of Christ to the Youngstown, Ohio-area.

My family volunteers together occasionally serving lunch/dinner to Mission residents. We are so impressed with the quality of food, cleanliness of the facility, and friendliness/gratefulness of the staff and residents. It is a wonderful community service project for my whole family! We love doing it and feel very appreciated!
Additionally, we have attended dinners and events (0.5K) hosted by the Mission. We love that the focus is on finding God first to become who you are meant to be. At these events, it is so nice to hear testimonies of residents who have succeeded in becoming active community participants.
Finally, monetary donations are not the focus at events we have attended. However, I leave these amazing and well organized events (beautiful live Christian music, impactful speakers, delicious food) inspired, wanting to donate money as soon as possible to such a great and important organization. Keep up the great work Rescue Mission of Mahoning Valley!

One week before Christmas in 2011 I found myself with nowhere to turn. I had a week old baby and 3 other children under the age of 6. A friend told me about the Rescue Mission and gave me the number. From the minute I spoke with them on the phone I felt loved and cared about. We went there scared about our future, but they made us feel like we had a new family. They made sure my kids had a great Christmas while making sure I had all the help I needed to get back on my feet. I will never forget the staff, they are wonderful. My kids still talk about them all to this day. We made a lot of new friends and memories that we will cherish forever. Not only were our physical needs met, but they truly care about their clients and their emotional and spiritual needs also. I would recommend this organization to anyone. Someday I hope to go back and volunteer and help to make a difference in others lives as they did mine!