Exigent Season, Extraordinary Seniors

Posted in: From Dr. Chad Audi

November
14

It’s cold season again, and cities like Detroit, Highland Park and Port Huron where we have residential programs for people in dire need usually get colder than many cities in the United States.

With the number of homeless, hungry, mentally ill and substance abusing persons on the increase, the need for emergency shelter and other services has also been on the increase.

This cold season, our shelters and transitional housing programs will be filled to the brim.

We will go beyond the 4500 meals we serve our hungry brothers and sisters on daily basis. Yes, our case managers, counsellors, chefs and treatment professionals will have more work on their hands.

Of course, our heating bills will go way up, just as the cost of operating buses that pick up women, children, senior citizens and veterans that are reported to be hard-hit by cold on the streets or in their heater-devoid residences.

And our emergency cots will readily serve the overflow of people who have nowhere else to turn to for help in the bitter cold.

But guess what … That’s why we exist as a nonprofit organization. That’s how we have made a difference since our founding in Detroit in 1909.

From our humble beginning in 1909 till now, one group that has been consistent in supporting us with prayers, volunteer hours, and donation of money and in-kind items is people over 65 years of age. Everyone calls them senior citizens but we know and call them our TRUSTED FRIENDS.

Though bodily weak at times, they still volunteer to serve meals, repaint walls, clean our kitchens, tutor our kids, give words of encouragement, and make quilts and hats for those we serve.

Though having their own financial challenges, they still consistently donate money and materials that help us a great deal.

Though in need of fervent prayers, they always pray that God continues to guide and sustain us in our labor of love.

Though with family members and friends who may not approve of their exceptional generosity, they gladly and boldly put us in their will or living trust.

In fact, I doubt if we are able to keep giving meaningful help and hope to the needy around us without the inestimable moral and financial support of these TRUSTED FRIENDS.

That’s why I always enjoy the opportunity to visit them, send them letters of solidarity and appreciation, address their groups, pray for them, and take them on a tour of our facilities.

This past Monday, three extraordinary seniors from Bethany Baptist Church in Clinton Township visited our head offices in Detroit with infectious joy, unforgettable words of encouragement and over 100 beautiful quilts handmade with love.

If you think this is their first time of doing so, then you don’t know the stuff they are made of. Aged between 88 and 69, they have been supporting us without fail for over two decades.

So, I have a heart-felt request. If you know any senior near you, please visit or send them a bouquet of flowers or an I APPRECIATE YOU note this Thanksgiving.

Some of them are understandably lonely. Some feel abandoned. Some minister so much to others but receive little or no attention and affection. Some pray so much for our community and our nation, and hope people like you are praying for them.

Can you help make this year’s THANKSGIVING a memorable one for our TRUSTED FRIENDS?

Thank you so plenty, and enjoy a compassionate Thanksgiving.

Finding yourself with nowhere to go . . .

Posted in: Newsletters, Stories

November
10

Our nation’s veterans give so much to preserve our way of life. Here at Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries (DRMM), we are always humbled and honored to serve them.

When Randy came through the Mission doors, this proud veteran was confined to a wheelchair. Maybe for the rest of his life.

Over a hot meal, we learned that hip surgery had left him in constant pain. Which led to more surgeries. And multiple, serious infections.

Worse still, during his time in the hospital, Randy’s mother—whom he’d been lovingly caring for—had to move into a nursing home. As her full-time caregiver, Randy’s rent had been heavily subsidized. Just like that, the rent was unaffordable and Randy was homeless.

That day, Randy was moved to tears to learn that caring friends donated to the Mission specifically to provide meals, safe shelter, and a fresh start in life to someone during a difficult time. “It’s a blessing because I didn’t have anywhere to go,” he says.

“I’ve never been in a place like this,” Randy says. “It’s such a blessing that this Mission is here to help people like me.”

Randy will be giving thanks for people like you this Thanksgiving . . .

It was caring friends and donors to DRMM who gave generously so this proud veteran could start again, regain independence, and reclaim hope in his heart—

First, there was good nutritious food; just what he needed to heal physically.
Second, safe shelter; a foundation to rebuild his broken life.
Lastly, the gift of hope showered upon him with genuine compassion.

Randy received the life-changing care he desperately needed and will soon have an apartment of his own—all because caring neighbors like you support the lifesaving, life-changing work of DRMM.

In the days leading up to Thanksgiving, many more people in need will turn to the Mission. We expect to serve over 135,000 meals at a cost of $263,250! We need prayers and support now to make sure everyone who turns to us receives a meal and other crucial help!

Please make a gift of meals now, because every new beginning starts with a meal!

On behalf of people like Randy and so many others who are lost and broken, battling homelessness, joblessness, or addiction, thank you for making this a Thanksgiving filled with help, hope, and new beginnings. It all starts with your gift of meals!

Give Thanksgiving Meals

 

Spread some JOY to your neighbors in need this Christmas—Join DRMM’s team of volunteers!

Posted in: Newsletters, November 2018 Newsletter

November
7

Volunteers can choose from many areas of service, including kitchen help, child care, tutoring/mentoring youth, and spiritual outreach.

Sign up now to join DRMM’s dedicated volunteers who will serve at many locations throughout Detroit this holiday season by contacting our Volunteer Coordinator now! All are welcome—and needed—including students, individuals, groups, churches, and businesses.

Please contact our Volunteer Coordinator, Kisha Woods, at kwoods@drmm.org

Donate Now

“I don’t ever want to go back into that darkness.”

Posted in: Newsletters, November 2018 Newsletter, Stories

November
7

For Deanna, heartbreak and fear had made every day a struggle to survive. Tending to her dying mother day after day for three long years had proven too much. So Deanna turned to alcohol as a way to cope.

But by the time her mother’s pain and suffering were over, Deanna’s next drink was the only thing that mattered to her.

She remembers the day she found herself standing in front of Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries (DRMM) with nothing but the clothes on her back. She was in a fog, but still understood that this was her last chance to beat her addiction to alcohol or lose everything—her ability to work or ever live independently again, the love of her children, and perhaps even her life.

Help and hope when all seemed lost

“When I first came here, I was a mess. I was at rock bottom, not functional any longer,” Deanna says. “My son who is in college was looking at me like, ‘Who are you? What happened to the lady that used to help other people?’”

“When I first came to treatment, I was suicidal,” she says. “I didn’t want to be here, I just wanted the pain to stop.” But through therapy and the treatment program offered at DRMM, Deanna came to understand that she desperately needed God’s help.

“I should be dead. I shouldn’t even be sitting here talking to you, but the program, it worked. It eased the pain,” Deanna says. “The people in this ministry are helping me.”

A second chance in life

Deanna knows now that God has a plan for her and clings to his Word to guide her. “My favorite verse is Philippians 4:13, ‘I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.’ It took a long time to understand what it meant.

“God made no mistake on me because when I look in the mirror now, I love myself. I can smile and it’s not painful,” she says. The process has also brought healing to Deanna’s family. “My children forgive me, my sister and other siblings, too, and I forgave myself.”

With support from caring friends and donors, Deanna has completed a nursing program and works each day to help others find the courage and support to break their addictions. “I’ve lost friends . . . they’ve died because of their addiction. I’ve been clean for two years and I don’t ever want to go back in that darkness.”

Deanna is living proof of how your support is truly saving and changing lives. She is deeply thankful for getting a second chance in life . . . and a chance to help others. She encourages everyone to continue to support DRMM because the need is so great. “Whatever you give, you’re going to help save somebody’s life. Your gifts provide clothes, food, and other resources to help with school and work. You help someone like me not be discouraged.”

This Christmas, Deanna will be counting her many blessings and YOU are among them! Thank you for partnering with DRMM to save and change lives in Detroit!

Help more people like Deanna today!

Donate Now

“DRMM—they’re really helping people . . .”

Posted in: Newsletters, November 2018 Newsletter, Stories

November
7

From his earliest memory, Anthony’s home life was tough. Still, the young man wasn’t prepared for the day his mother simply dropped him at the roadside and drove away.

For a time, Anthony slept in a tent and learned what it feels like to be hungry, homeless, and alone. He told a story of the day he used his last dollars to buy some ramen noodles. While waiting at a gas station for the microwave to heat them up, he turned to his Bible for comfort. A stranger saw him and insisted on helping him with some money to buy food. “I took that as God saying, ‘I’ll take care of you.’”

God led Anthony to DRMM

Soon after, Anthony says God led him to DRMM where he found food, shelter, and a team of caring people who prayed with and for him. He was especially moved to share a seat at our Thanksgiving table last year and was overwhelmed by the generosity of the volunteers and caring friends who provide meals to people who are hungry and in need. “So many people were here handing out food and clothes. They brought 20 turkeys!”

Today Anthony is working hard and will soon have a place of his own. This life transformation is only possible thanks to the compassion and generosity of people like you. And as you can see, you’re providing lost souls like Anthony with so much more than just a meal . . .

“This is a really great place, Christian-oriented. It has really helped me out,” Anthony says. “There’s a lot of compassion here and I like that.”

On behalf of people like Anthony who come through our doors hungry, homeless, and hurting, thank you for your ongoing support that provides the tools for a fresh start in life.

Help more individuals like Anthony today!

Donate Now

“You helped me out in a time of need . . .”

Posted in: Newsletters, November 2018 Newsletter, Stories

October
28

Adam arrived in Detroit with his marriage and life in disarray. In just a few short months he had lost his family, and his home, leaving him at rock-bottom and in need of help. When his pastor made a call, your gifts allowed Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries (DRMM) to offer Adam the help and hope he urgently needed.

“DRMM helped me out in a time of need,” Adam says.

“Being here at DRMM has been a success. Within four months, I’ve transitioned into stability. I’m working and am establishing my own business. I’m in the process of getting my own apartment now. So it was a good stepping stone to get me to the next level.”

In a critical time of need, people like Adam come to DRMM to find more than just a meal. They come to find guidance, hope, and a way to avoid or escape the pain of homelessness. It’s your gifts that made Adam’s transformation possible . . .

Adam now looks forward to sharing the blessings he’s received with others. “Giving to DRMM is a good cause. It’s good to help those who are in need and it’s always good to give back.”

The kind support of caring friends ensures that DRMM can help people like Adam in their darkest hour with safe shelter, food, and the tools to begin again. Please keep Adam in your prayers this Christmas as he seeks to honor God and to seize the opportunity to rebuild what is broken in his life.

Help more people like Adam today!

Donate Now