Stanley’s Story
“Walking in the Light” Stanley grew up in a close-knit Christian family. In addition to church activities, he spent his boyhood fishing, hunting, camping and farming on the land surrounding his peaceful rural home. “It was a beautiful childhood,” he says. “I wouldn’t trade it for anything.” But sadly, something was missing. As the sixth of 11 children, Stanley often felt invisible and overlooked, especially by his mother. The unresolved wound quietly shaped how he saw himself. He excelled at sports […]
Vera’s Story
“Now I’m walking in the light.” Adopted at a young age, Vera was raised in a family of nine children. She loved school, sang in the church choir and developed her passion for cooking while working her first job at a fast-food restaurant. Though her childhood seemed happy, she carried a quiet sadness. “I didn’t understand why my birth mother gave […]
James’ Story
God Brought Me Out of the Darkness. For years, James lived on the edge – run-ins with the law and running from the Lord. He hated himself and believed he would die in that dark and broken state. But at City Rescue Mission, surrounded by prayer, compassion and the truth of the Gospel, James discovered […]
80th Anniversary Dinner
Join us for City Rescue Mission’s 80th Anniversary Dinner, an evening celebrating lives transformed and the impact of faith and community in Jacksonville
Tiki’s Story
““Here, I found love, confidence and people who truly care.” Tiki came to City Rescue Mission after decades of substance abuse, broken relationships and deep loneliness. She had sought our help before – but this time was different. With God’s help and the support of people who truly listened, she began a new chapter filled with hope, purpose and […]
Margaret’s Story
“The Mission didn’t just give me shelter. It gave me hope, healing and a reason to live.” Margaret’s childhood was defined by both love and loss. Moments with her father were happy, but her mother’s substance abuse drew Margaret into drugs by age 12. Years of broken trust, poor choices and dangerous living followed – […]
La’Derwine “JAY’s” Story
“But they didn’t give up on me. The Mission gave me a chance to sit down, detox and get my mind right.” Raised by his grandmother in a tight-knit neighborhood, Jay had plenty of love and attention. But without the presence of a father figure, he strayed into dangerous territory. As he reached his midtwenties, […]
Tanya’s Story
“This place gave me something I hadn’t had in a long time: hope.” Tanya’s life unraveled when her husband went to prison. Left to raise her six children all alone, she struggled to stay afloat – financially and emotionally. Finally, the weight of it all became too much to bear. Desperate to ease her stress, […]
Robert’s Story
“Knowing that I am a child of God now – it’s a beautiful thing. I already had that identity. I just didn’t know it.” Robert grew up surrounded by the beauty of the St. Mary’s River, fishing and camping with his family. His stepfather was a steady influence, but when his parents separated, Robert’s life […]
Vanessa’s Story
“The Mission is giving me the tools I need so when I get out into the real world, I’ll know exactly what to do when I face a big giant in my life.” Imagine waking up frightened, cold and hungry – fleeing an abusive relationship and not knowing where your next meal will come from. […]