GRACE IN THE GRIT
KEITH OVERHOLT, MBA President/CEO
HONORING A LEGACY OF SERVICE: CELEBRATING 50 YEARS AND OUR FOUNDERS
It all started with a broken leg and became a lifelong mission of hope.
we are reaching thousands of lives each year.
“TRULY I TELL YOU, WHATEVER YOU DID FOR ONE OF THE LEAST OF THESE BROTHERS AND SISTERS OF MINE, YOU DID FOR ME.”
Matthew 25:40
Bernard “Bernie” Thompson found himself sitting beside the hospital bed of his youngest son, Kirk, who had severely broken his leg. During Kirk’s recovery, Bernie and his wife, Mary Ann, along with their pastor friend Bobby LeCroy, witnessed homeless individuals coming to the emergency room not only seeking medical attention but also food, shelter and warmth. Those moments opened their eyes and hearts to a deep need in our community.
Within the following year, Bernie, Bobby and Pastor Curtis Eason founded the Downtown Rescue Mission on Clinton Avenue in downtown Huntsville, thus the name “Downtown”. It marked the beginning of what would become Bernie and his family’s lifelong passion to help what the Bible calls in Matthew 25, “the least of these my brothers.”
Throughout the years, Bernie, Mary Ann and their family served in nearly every role at the Mission, from board member to cook, teacher and even chapel song leader (though Bernie himself often joked, “I am no singer!”). Their commitment helped the Mission grow from serving sandwiches out of the back of a car to the large ministry and community outreach center it is today, where
As the Downtown Rescue Mission celebrates its 50th anniversary, we proudly honor the vision, compassion and dedication of its founders. Bernie and Mary Ann’s legacy is more than a story of service; it is the foundation upon which five decades of ministry and outreach have been built.
With fond memories, I remember my friends and mentors, Bernie and Mary Ann, who have both passed away during the last few years. Bernie was not just my friend–he was also a friend to the friendless, a servant leader and a true man of faith. His impact will echo through generations, and his family continues to live out his mission of serving the community through the Downtown Rescue Mission with the love of Jesus Christ.
Thank you, Bernie and Mary Ann. Because of your unwavering faith and commitment to the homeless, hurting and addicted, they now have a place where they can find hope. When you entered Heaven’s gate, I am certain you heard those precious words: “Well done, my good and faithful servant.”
GRACE IN THE GRIT
I’vebeen employed with Downtown Rescue Mission (DRM) for five years. The journey to my current position on staff wasn’t easy, but it’s been very rewarding and is one of the greatest accomplishments in my life. My path began as a resident and graduate of the Life Recovery Program. While in the program, I was able to attend trade school and earn my HVAC license. After graduating, God opened a door for me to join the DRM staff in the maintenance/ operations department. Over time, other outside opportunities came my way that I considered. But every time, God tugged at my heart and reminded me how special DRM is and how much it has done and is still doing in my life. Today, I serve as the senior director of facilities. My team and I service and maintain both the men’s and women’s campuses, six retail stores, four apartments, two houses and a warehouse. I’ve been fortunate to work hands-on every day with many of the guys and it’s cool to see the work and transformation happening in their lives. They are some of the hardest-working men you’ll ever meet. They know I can relate to them, and I always remind them that I’ve been there. Sometimes we get busy with work, but God always reminds me that the most important part is lives being transformed. It’s my greatest hope that God uses my story to show men that there’s opportunity, purpose and a better life for them as well.
I enjoy being part of a place that truly helps people, and getting the opportunity to see them succeed.
James
Ienjoy seeing people grow and heal from a place I’ve been in myself. I also enjoy having an active role where I get to learn new skills and discover more about myself along the way.
Jonathan
Ryan Drenner, Senior Director of Facilities
My favorite part of working at the Mission is being able to stay active, moving around, working outside, and handling all kinds of different tasks. Most days bring something new! Nathan
SERVING WITH PURPOSE:
A MISSION TO SERVE THROUGH CHRIST
Myname is Athan O’Neill, and I am a member of Trail Life–a Christ-centered, boy-focused outdoor organization focused on adventure, character and leadership. Like Scouts, Trail Life ends with an Eagle Scout-type project called the Freedom Servant Leadership Project.
“JESUS COMMISSIONED US TO PREACH THE GOSPEL AND MAKE DISCIPLES OF ALL NATIONS. PART OF THAT IS CARING FOR THE POOR AND SHOWING LOVE TO THE UNLOVED.”
My project involved making improvements to the Downtown Rescue Mission’s clinic led by Huntsville Hospital’s Mobile Medical Unit. The clinic serves 60 patients a month and offers general and dermatological care for residents at the Mission and within the community. For some, this is the only medical care they receive. For others, it prevents them from going to the hospital.
My project involved several aspects. Storage units were assembled to organize patient charts, the pharmacy was upgraded to include a proper table and organization units, and a collapsible screen was installed for patient privacy. Lastly, chart holders were mounted to support improved patient throughput. The result was a more welcoming clinic that functions more efficiently.
I chose to serve the Mission through my project for two reasons. First, my siblings and I have volunteered at the Downtown Rescue Mission for the past few years. I have seen the good being done for the people
firsthand and decided to do an improvement project for the clinic at the Mission. Further, I think the purpose of the Mission is good because it helps meet the physical, spiritual and mental needs of the homeless in our community. Jesus commissioned us to preach the gospel and make disciples of all nations. Part of that is caring for the poor and showing love to the unloved.
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