Rockford Rescue Mission: 60 years of helping people get back on their feet

ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) — For six decades, the Rockford Rescue Mission has been making an impact on the Forest City. On Friday, they celebrated that milestone at their Thrift Store on 20th Street.

Employees said the celebration was in honor of the people the Rescue Mission has helped along the way.

A few years ago, David Connelly walked through the doors of the Mission looking for help for alcohol addiction. Now, he works there full time in the facilities department.

“I’m so thankful for what the Mission has done for me,” Connelly said. “Going through the program and then doing some like after care programs, I worked in facilities and then there was an opening. So I filled out an application and I knew a few people at the mission by then.  So I, actually, was blessed, honestly.”

The Rockford Rescue Mission was started in 1964, offering Christ-centered care to people struggling with challenges such as homelessness, poverty, abuse, and addiction.

The Mission helps them get back on their feet and start their life over again.

Chief Development Officer Ted Tomita said, “Over 60 years, we’ve touched so many lives. It’s probably countless men, women, and children that have used our resources, whether it’s basic necessities like food and shelter.  But then we have our many other services, such as our long-term life recovery program.  We have our Education and Job Readiness center, which we call our Work Works Center.”

Sales from donations made at the Rockford Rescue Mission Thrift Store go back to the Mission.

For information on an event in September marking the milestone go to the Mission’s Facebook page.

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