Social enterprises are about more than teaching hard skills. They create a ripple effect of hope and opportunity and are pathways to dignity and independence. They help our guests develop the soft skills—like teamwork, time management, and customer service—essential for success in the workplace and in life.

Jerald’s journey took him from a promising career in psychology to wandering the country, searching for meaning in life. A prayer and a broken-down car led him to Gospel Rescue Mission, where he found his true purpose. Jerald is learning to serve others with warmth and dignity while transforming lives—starting with his own. Read on to see how you can help make stories like Jerald’s possible.

51 of our Recovery guests recently walked down an aisle of chairs, one by one, and accepted a certificate of completion from our staff as a room full of their friends and family members stood, clapping and screaming in celebration of their accomplishments. It was the perfect night. 

It’s a cold, early Monday morning. Outside an unmarked mobile cafe, two GRM employees huddle for warmth while waiting for their morning orders. Dr. Tony Simms, Chief Strategy Officer, has already placed his order—a large latte. Bruce Beikman, Communications Director, is next in line. He glances up at the young woman smiling behind the counter.

No one should go hungry, especially at Thanksgiving. Thanksgiving Blessings to Go is an opportunity to welcome the homeless and those struggling under the weight of poverty. We know that this event will profoundly impact the lives of our homeless neighbors, who have maybe lost not only their homes but also their friends and families. We want them to know that they are not alone for the holidays.

We often use the word wholeness to describe a way of life that is free from addiction—a life where all aspects of a person’s being—mind, body, and spirit—are aligned with a person’s deepest values, purpose, and passions, where a person is complete in Christ, living independently. But living this way does not mean being free of difficulties. The journey to wholeness can be treacherous, littered with obstacles and landmines, as it was for Herlinda. 

Pua bounced between foster homes and residential treatment centers throughout his teenage years. Despite these challenges, he still graduated high school and dreamed of becoming a paramedic or a cook. Pua tried to make a life for himself.

Five years ago this June, we took a leap of faith and opened the new H.S. Lopez Family Foundation Center of Opportunity. Today, we join hands with over 60 organizations and volunteer service groups to provide holistic care for our neighbors experiencing homelessness. As we reflect on these transformative years, we celebrate the stories of all of those who we’ve served and highlight three women whose lives have been changed by their journey with us.