New Beginnings

“I really feel like I’m doing God’s work.”

“I’ve had guys call me on Saturday night, 12 o’clock at night, literally crying because they need somebody to talk to,” says Vince King.

After serving 21 years of a life sentence in prison, Vince’s remaining sentence was commuted by President Barack Obama in 2016. Since then, he’s been using the skills and experiences of the life-transforming program he created while incarcerated to help ex-convicts in his hometown of Detroit. Today, Vince is a mentor and the Program Director of the “Getting It Right” program at Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries.

He told us, “Re-entry is something that I was doing on the inside for years, even before I got out. So, when the Mission had this opportunity for the mentoring program… it was kind of a no-brainer.”

“Getting It Right” helps men and women overcome the challenges of re-entry after serving their sentences.Vince knows firsthand what it’s like to make mistakes and take the wrong path. This led him to a drug distribution and firearm conviction. That’s why he’s well-equipped to help those facing similar obstacles.

Describing the Mission’s program, Vince says, “We have an in-reach meeting two weeks before they get out, and I talk to them about our available services.When they get out, I match them with a mentor, and we provide case management and connections to lots and lots of resources.”

From late night phone calls from a disheartened mentee to legal paperwork that helped one of our men obtain a social security ID, mentors are there to help Detroit’s men and women as they face uncertainty. “What we literally try to do is help a person create a second chance at life,” says Vince. It’s just one of the many ways your donations help provide resources and support that give our struggling neighbors a chance at a better life. Thank you for caring!

Help change lives. Give today at DRMM.ORG.

A MESSAGE
FROM THE CEO


Chad Audi, PhD
President and CEO

Dear Friend,

Our community is hurting. It’s in crisis. And we need your help. The next few months will bring new challenges for our unsheltered neighbors, and it’s our goal to help keep them SAFE OVER SUMMER.

That means ensuring they have nutritious food, safe shelter from uncomfortable temperatures, clean water, emergency services, and access to life-transforming resources. As one of our loyal supporters, I want to thank you for standing alongside us to help. I can’t begin to express how much of a difference you are making.

As you may already know, we see a decline in donations during the summer even though our neighbors continue to experience danger and hopelessness on Detroit’s streets. Overwhelming numbers of women, men, and children will also struggle with food insecurity while schools are out. Many of our unhoused families rely on these meals as a lifeline. Our more vulnerable neighbors—especially seniors—will also be hit hard by soaring temperatures.

I hope you will continue to be our partner as we work to rescue as many people as we can from the brutal streets this summer. Please, consider making a life-changing gift today on behalf of our city’s unsheltered neighbors. They need you more than ever.

Thank you again for all that you do on behalf of our Christian brothers and sisters.

Rebuilding Detroit, one life at a time,

Chad Audi, PhD
President and CEO

THE JAMAICAN POT SERVES UP LOVE.

“The love has been overwhelming,” exclaims the owner of the Jamaican Pot—known simply as Ms. Rose. “When we come in, their faces light up.”

Since 2014, the Jamaican Pot Restaurant has been giving back to the Detroit community through delicious, nourishing meals. Today, they partner with our Mission to provide food at over 10 facilities, serving up to 180 hot meals from their restaurant weekly. Their Caribbean cuisine delights residents at our Mission and helps show them that our community cares for them.

Ms. Rose is eager to explain why this cause is so close to her heart. “When you feed people, it’s an act of God…you’re giving them love, you’re expressing love.” She says her goal is to share as much love as she can so that no one feels forgotten.

We’re glad this family-run business has plans to keep nourishing the community and giving back. Ms. Rose told us, “We’re going to eventually expand across the country and hopefully be able to reach people everywhere.” We think that is a wonderful goal, and we can only imagine how many lives this little restaurant will touch… all because one person cared enough to make a difference.

Want to share your love through volunteering? Contact Billie Lionberger at 313.993.4700 ext. 1500 or [email protected]

SAFE SHELTER FOR THOSE WHO SERVED.

As we prepare to celebrate America’s Independence this summer, we cannot forget those who have bravely served to protect our freedom. Often, our city’s returning veterans experience trauma and difficulty as they attempt to reintegrate back into their families and communities. Unemployment, mental health, and substance abuse rates are also higher for most veterans.

At our 211 Glendale location, we prioritize housing for veterans through HUD-VASH SSVF. We have 60 new apartments that serve as sustainable, permanent housing where they can connect with other veterans. Thanks to our partners at Rocket Community Fund, Community Solutions, and the Home Depot Foundation, we can give them a brand new, affordable place to live. Recently, a vet named Joe shared, “The Mission has been a huge blessing. After months of receiving support, I am living in my own apartment. I’ve transitioned to stability. This place was a steppingstone to get me to the next level.”

If you know a veteran in need of housing, contact Benne Baker at [email protected].

CAMP HELPS DETROIT CHILDREN THRIVE!

At Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries’ Wildwood Ranch, our children thrive in a safe environment while experiencing the adventure of the outdoors. Campers receive healthy food and snacks, Christian education, and enjoy countless activities that help them develop social and leadership skills.

Our summer camp makes a tremendous impact for parents like Jaime.

This mom told us, “I have never seen my kids happier, and I think it’s a parent’s dream to have them in a safe, comfortable environment where they thrive, and they’re just so happy to go.”

Generosity like yours helps give a child an adventure they won’t forget! Not only do programs like summer camp help stem learning loss, but they also help children develop important social skills and bond with their peers.

Thanks to donors like you, Detroit’s most vulnerable children can spend a week at camp and build memories and friendships to last a lifetime!

Would you like to sponsor a camper or learn more? Visit DRMM.ORG for more information.

OUR MISSION

Sharing the love of Jesus Christ
and the message of hope in His gospel.

BOARD MEMBERS

Randall Pentiuk
Chairman

Pam Dover

Teola Hunter

Brenda Jones

Elizabeth (Bettye) Misuraca

Eric Mitchell

Nina Simone Caudle
Secretary

Martha Scott

Frank Taylor

Robert (Bob) Vallance