“I grew up thinking I couldn’t amount to anything,” says Samuel, one of the many people who’ve been helped by the Milwaukee Rescue Mission (MRM). “My father was abusive and my mother was a prostitute. It left a negative impact on my life.” Without parental guidance and love, it wasn’t long before Samuel dropped out of school and joined a gang. “Instead of working, I chose the cowardly way out – selling drugs. Ultimately, I was arrested and sent to prison.”
After being released, Samuel returned to his old neighborhood, old friends and old habits. “I was doing things I knew were wrong, and I hit my lowest point – homeless and desperate. I had nowhere to turn and didn’t value myself anymore. That’s what led me to the Milwaukee Rescue Mission.”
MRM is a local nonprofit that provides food, shelter, clothing and rehabilitation services annually to thousands of people in Milwaukee who are facing hardship. That includes those who are homeless, as well as people struggling with addiction, job loss, domestic violence and more. MRM operates two facilities in the city – a shelter on 19th and Wells and its K4-12 school, Cross Trainers Academy, at 15th and Center – where they provide basic necessities and long-term resources for those in need.
Samuel was given a place to stay, food to eat and time to think. He joined MRM’s long-term recovery program, where he received the resources he needed to turn his life around.
“It’s a program for people that want to make a change in their life,” he says. “They offer counseling, hold you accountable and teach you structure, which I needed. They help with furthering your education, taking care of past debts. They get you ready for the workforce by giving you job training. It gives me pride.”
Samuel also took bible classes and received spiritual counseling from MRM. “I’ve seen God work in others, and that inspired me to change my life,” he says. “Because of God, I’m free from alcohol, free from marijuana and other controlled substances. I’m free from guilt and self-hatred.”
Today, Samuel is sober, employed, clear-minded and looking forward to the future. “This year I actually have something to be thankful for. … It’s about being thankful for another year, for positive accomplishments, for sobriety and for the time others put into helping me.”
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What We Do
- The Milwaukee Rescue Mission provides emergency aid such as food, shelter and clothing, as well as long-term rehabilitation programs to men, women and children in our community who are struggling. While receiving a nutritious meal and safe shelter can be the first step toward recovery, MRM also addresses the root causes of poverty. The long-term transformational programs include education, job training, counseling, addiction recovery, biblical instruction and life-skills classes.
- MRM also operates a K4-12 Christian school, Cross Trainers Academy, which equips students with academic, social, emotional and spiritual tools for life.
Where Your Money Goes
- MRM receives no government funding for its shelter programs and depends on support from the community. Donations provide food, shelter and life-changing care to men, women and children in need.
Milwaukee Rescue Mission
830 N. 19th St. | 414-344-2211
