Winston-Salem Rescue Mission

Overview

The Winston-Salem Rescue Mission is a non-profit, non-denominational, Christ-centered ministry based in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Established in 1967, it was founded to address the needs of homeless men in the area. The organization is dedicated to meeting the physical, emotional, spiritual, and social needs of its community.

History

The mission was initiated by several pastors and businessmen who recognized the plight of hundreds of homeless men in Winston-Salem. Rev. Neal Wilcox was appointed as the first director, and the Mission officially opened its doors on July 22, 1967[3]. Over the years, it has expanded its services, including receiving certification from the Association of Gospel Rescue Missions in 2000, further solidifying its quality of service[3].

Programs and Services

• Addiction Recovery Programs: The Mission offers residential addiction recovery programs for men, including the 90-Day Life Builders and the 1-Year Transformers programs. These programs aim to guide residents through personal transformation, emphasizing physical, social, mental, emotional, and spiritual growth[1].
• Community Outreach: Services include a client-choice food pantry, where individuals can select the groceries they need. The Mission also operates a clothing ministry to provide clothing for families in crisis and a thrift store that sells donated items to support its ministry[1][4].
• Health Services: Free medical and dental clinics are available for those unable to afford care[5].
• Education and Career Advancement: Programs include GED classes, literacy tutoring, and job readiness training[4].
• Spiritual Support: Chapel services, discipleship classes, and biblical counseling are offered to nurture spiritual growth[4].

Impact and Community Involvement

The Winston-Salem Rescue Mission relies on volunteerism to support its operations. Local groups and individuals contribute significantly to its programs, including assistance with food pantries, thrift stores, and educational services. The organization has also partnered with local churches to extend its outreach to diverse communities[3].

In recent years, the Mission has experienced significant milestones, including the renovation of its facilities and the launch of community-focused events. It commemorated its 55th anniversary in 2022, celebrating decades of commitment to the community[3].

[1] https://wsrescue.org/rescue-mission/ [2] https://leadiq.com/c/winston-salem-rescue-mission/5a1da9112300005c009d29c3 [3] https://wsrescue.org/history/ [4] https://www.citygatenetwork.org/assnfe/CompanyDirectory.asp?MODE=VIEW&SEARCH_TYPE=13&ID=100243 [5] https://bestofwinston.com/location/winston-salem-rescue-mission/