Resident Stories | Our Resident's Many Success Stories

Our Residents' Journeys

Our mission is to serve our residents. We continue to be amazed by their strength and courage, and we love to see God working in their lives! Read some of their stories and learn about their journey to the Mission and on to independent living.

"Don't Ever Give Up"

Derek working in the Samaritan Care Center

August 7, 2019

Derek came to City Mission on a cold, rainy day last September. He was walking out in the rain, with nowhere to go and no plan for the future. His health was deteriorating rapidly, and the outlook was bleak. Suddenly, a minivan pulled up out of nowhere, and the driver offered him a ride.

A Year of Hope

July 5, 2019

In the army, Will had a very stressful job, working with explosives. He battled depression and even tried to kill himself, though he does not remember doing it. He was diagnosed with Post-traumatic Stress Disorder and honorably discharged from the Army thinking that his training would gain him a good civilian job. “But I made and detonated bombs in the Army. There’s no steady, civilian job around here like that. I couldn’t get a job, couldn’t provide for my family. All I had to give them was time and energy.”

Finding Hope Again

Richard being interviewed at 101.5 WORD-FM

June 14, 2019

Richard, a former Marine and Vietnam Veteran was living under a bridge in an empty refrigerator box less than a year ago. "I couldn't find work. I have a disability, high blood pressure and diabetes. I was sick and disheartened, I had lost my faith." A friend introduced him to the Crabtree-Kovacicek Veterans House and since coming to the 22-bed shelter for homeless vets his life has been transformed! You can hear Richard tell his story to Biz'Burgh host John Hall on 101.5 WORD-FM.

Kevin - A Veteran - Is Our New Shift Supervisor

Kevin all dressed up i n a suit and tie at a gala event

May 27, 2019

Dr. Michael Crabtree met Kevin only recently, but he’s made a huge difference in Kevin’s life for nearly a year. Kevin, a veteran of the US Navy and the Navy Reserve, was among the very first residents who moved into the Crabtree Kovacicek Veterans House when it opened last July.

Love Thy Neighbor

the sign in the Samaritan Care Center reads - 'give us this day our daily bread'

May 14, 2019

The Samaritan Care Center is a place where our neighbors in need can come and get food items and clothing vouchers to help them get by, but it’s also so much more than that. Here’s what happened there during a week as told by our Samaritan Care Coordinator, Paul Smith:“A young lady named Cathy came and asked if she could stay here today since she needs somewhere to wait for a friend to come and give her a ride. She told me her story and how she is nearly homeless herself. I was able to give her some advice about who to talk to for housing once she starts working.

Childcare at City Mission’s Women with Children Shelter

resident female with her child in the 'Women with Children' Shelter at the city mission

March 19, 2019

Thanks to generous donations, thoughtful planning, and a lot of hard work, City Mission is now equipped to help women with children overcome these barriers and break the cycle of hopelessness and despair.

YOU are Helping Nikki Make a New Start

Nikki at the Women and Children's Shelter

February 28, 2019

Nikki joined our three-week Customer Service and Sales Fundamentals training course and graduated with a certificate from the National Retail Federation. As part of the course, she toured local retail businesses. On the tour at Shop & Save she noticed their bakery, put in an application and was offered a job. She is using her years of experience to decorate specialty cakes and icing donuts and cookies.

From Baseball Star to Prodigal Son

dave reviewing paperwork at his City Mission job

February 1, 2019

“I had the chance to play with some of the best baseball players in the world,” said Dave,a current City Mission resident. As a teenager, Dave played in the Pony League World Series. In high school, he traveled with an all-star team to compete internationally. “It was an experience I’ll never forget,” he said. “Little kids were actually asking for my autograph.” He even earned a full scholarship to play baseball in college. “I always had a mind for the game,” he explained. “I used to listen to every game on the radio with my Grandpa.”

City Mission Resident Returns Home for the Holidays

December 28, 2018

City Mission started a new initiative this holiday season to reach out to the community by serving hot, home-cooked meals to people, outside their walls, who might not otherwise get a good meal for the holidays. This year, they served Thanksgiving dinners to the community at two, off-site locations: Arc Human Services and Thomas Campbell

Your Support Meets Needs & Transforms Lives

Your generous gifts provide life-changing carethat offers men, woman and children the chance for personal and spiritual wellness. Please help today!

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