NET Reach: Another Way TRM is Reaching Out to the Community
For a number of years, the Topeka Rescue Mission has been examining why hunger, homelessness and poverty has been increasing in Topeka/Shawnee County. In doing so, we have discovered that there are significant areas of the community faced with these concerns. In an attempt to address the causes of hunger, homelessness, poverty and community safety,…read the rest
Please FORWARD
Have you been praying for a family member, co-worker or friend and wondering how to share the Good News of Jesus with him? Have you been praying with or working with a new believer or someone who knows God that you want to keep feeding encouraging resources? Is there someone you know that could use…read the rest
Leaving a Legacy: Leonard Johnson (1925-2013)
It hasn’t been long since the Topeka Rescue Mission said goodbye to a longtime servant, friend and Board member of 54 years. Leonard Johnson passed from this world into eternity on February 14th, a day that was filled with much sorrow for those left behind but also much rejoicing in the knowledge of a life…read the rest
A Personal Encounter with a Hungry Child
Studies show that over half (52%) of Shawnee County students qualify to receive free and reduced lunches. For some, the meals served at their school are the only ones they receive… One morning, while preparing to leave for work, a Mission staff member spotted a young boy in obvious distress. Mark walked down the driveway…read the rest
“In Darkness, A Light Still Shines” – Generates Reader Feedback
“I received your book as a Christmas gift. It has blessed and encouraged me in so many ways. I so appreciate your honest account of your own struggles and what God has taught you through them. It gives me hope and encouragement in my own struggles.” “I simply don’t know how to put in words…read the rest
How You Helped in 2012
In spite of challenges faced, 2012 was a year of great service at the Topeka Rescue Mission. The following are some of the many ways you helped make a difference. Thank you for your continued compassion towards those who are homeless or in need. Guest Tracking 2,157 unduplicated individuals received shelter 1129 men 609…read the rest
Book Release & Sales
We are excited to announce that “In Darkness, a Light Still Shines” is now available! It is no secret that hopelessness and despair have emerged in our world to a staggering degree. Broken relationships, financial uncertainties, and seemingly impossible situations are plaguing multitudes tempting them to give up on life. This book is an attempt…read the rest
Expansion Update
The needs for shelter are climbing and we anticipate they will continue through the new year. To address the increased number of individuals coming to the Mission for shelter, and the increased number of persons who are homeless and unsheltered, we are moving forward with our expansion endeavors. Part of this plan includes the development…read the rest
The Face of Homelessness
Childhood Poverty Increasing in Shawnee County Childhood poverty is at an all-time high, both nationally and in the state of Kansas. Out of the 105 counties in our state, Topeka/Shawnee County is ranked at 96, with 1 being the least severe and lowest rate of childhood poverty. Sadly, leading experts from around the country are…read the rest
From our Family to Yours
Each year, hundreds of individuals call the Topeka Rescue Mission “home” during the Christmas season. As a staff, we do everything we can to try and make the season special. While we cannot solve everyone’s problems, we hope to always give each one the gift of love, joy, peace, and the recognition of the reason…read the rest
Expansion Fund
Final approval on rezoning the former Bailey Moving and Storage property at 608 Quincy (directly behind the main Shelter at 600 N. Kansas Avenue) has come from the city council. The $3 million capital campaign to convert this building into shelter space for 170 beds, 20 offices, laundry, education facilities and more is underway. Nearly…read the rest
Breaking the Mold: Working Together
Five years ago, I received a special invitation to meet with some well-intentioned leaders of our city. When I arrived, they were quick to the point. New developments for potential redevelopment of the North Topeka area were being explored. Sadly, a homeless shelter centered in the middle was not part of the blueprint. To them,…read the rest
Expansion Fund
We are continuing to address the needs that are before us by moving forward with expansion endeavors. We will be having a detailed press release this month as soon as we hear from the City Council. If you are interested in donating to the Mission’s Expansion Fund, please submit your donation marked “Expansion Fund” to:…read the rest
What NOTO Is Really All About
The NOTO Arts Center, which was to become the art headquarters for the district, had just opened. Everything inside was brand-new and the ribbon had just been cut. While everything was perfect on the inside, the weather outside had become dark and dismal. For two days straight the rains fell heavily causing the Kansas River…read the rest
Back to School Fair
We have helped almost 400 children with brand new clothes including shoes, school supplies and backpacks for back to school. We were short on backpacks at the start, then a church called and donated 175 backpacks with school supplies in them. Every time we started to run out of a particular item, volunteers would go…read the rest
The Need Continues
The story has not changed. There are hundreds daily who continue to come through the Topeka Rescue Mission in search of shelter, food and hope. In addition, over sixty remain unsheltered outdoors who have not yet come to the Mission for support. The reasons are multiple. Over the years, funding across social service delivery systems…read the rest
A Unique Way to Give
During the June board meeting of 1998, two decisions were made. One was that we would move forward in the development of a new shelter for women, families and children and the second was that we would not make the announcement public until the end of July. We knew that the estimated costs were $2.2…read the rest
Operation NET Reach Update
The first component in our strategic plan for addressing homelessness is to expand Operation Street Reach (OSR). Since January of 2011, OSR has been on the streets, in the woods, along riverbanks and under bridges reaching out to individuals who are unsheltered and homeless. OSR Director, Justyn Hosman, and his team of volunteers have gone…read the rest
Operation NET-Reach Update
Hundreds gathered at the Great Overland Station on February 1st as Barry Feaker presented on some of the short-term and long-term strategies for addressing homelessness in our community. Currently, the Mission is continuing to work with the City of Topeka for final approval for the development of a new shelter, which will be known as…read the rest
How You Helped in 2011
This past year was filled with many challenges as individuals and families poured into the Topeka Rescue Mission in search of help. Without the generosity so freely given by our community and the faithfulness of God to provide, the accomplishments listed in this report would not have been possible. Thank you for your continued compassion…read the rest
Christmas Thank You
Thanks to the generosity of our community, the Mission was able to once again assist record numbers of individuals and families in need this past Christmas season. The hundreds of volunteers who assisted with Christmas endeavors, coupled with the generous amount of gifts and contributions that were received, enabled us to help thousands of individuals…read the rest
Change on the Horizon
As we begin a new year full of opportunity to help people and spread hope, we are excited about what the Lord is doing in our midst. In the midst of economic uncertainty, we know that we serve a God who is more than able to supply for all of the needs within both the…read the rest