AND FOUND
KEITH OVERHOLT, MBA President/CEO
MOTHER’S DAY OF HOPE
Aswe approach Mother’s Day, we take time to celebrate the incredible women who have shaped our lives through their love, strength, and sacrifice. At Downtown Rescue Mission, we recognize the unique role that mothers play in our families and communities. This special day is an opportunity to honor and uplift the mothers in our care, reminding them of their God-given worth and the hope found in Jesus Christ.
the assurance that they are never truly alone.
This Mother’s Day, DRM will be sharing Christ’s love by providing hot nutritious meals, shelter, and spiritual encouragement to the men, women and children in our care. Through the support of our community and the grace of God, many mothers are finding the strength to rebuild their lives and create a better future for their kids.
“FEAR NOT, FOR I AM WITH YOU; BE NOT DISMAYED, FOR I AM YOUR GOD; I WILL STRENGTHEN YOU, I WILL HELP YOU, I WILL UPHOLD YOU WITH MY RIGHTEOUS RIGHT HAND.”
Isaiah 41:10
Motherhood is a journey filled with both joys and challenges. Many of the women who come to the Downtown Rescue Mission have faced hardships that left them feeling lost and broken. Yet, through the transformative power of faith in Jesus, they find renewal and restoration.
In Isaiah 41:10, God reminds us, “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” This promise is especially powerful for mothers who have struggled through difficult circumstances in life, offering them
We invite you to be a part of this special day by praying for the women at the Mission, volunteering your time, or donating to support our programs and community services. Together, we can ensure that every mother who walks through our doors knows she is loved, valued, and supported by the body of Christ.
Thank you for your continued prayers and support. May this Mother’s Day be a reminder of the incredible gift of a mother’s love and the unshakable hope we have in Jesus.
LOST AND FOUND
“FOR I KNOW THE PLANS I HAVE FOR YOU, DECLARES THE LORD, PLANS TO PROSPER YOU AND NOT TO HARM YOU, PLANS TO GIVE YOU HOPE AND A FUTURE.”
Jeremiah 29:11
Ididn’t have a good childhood. I was always in trouble. I did anything to get negative attention. Switched schools a bunch. Didn’t fit in, but found fellowship with people in the drug community. I was suspended from school. I came to Alabama to finish high school. I had a tough road of trying to stay clean. The longest I stayed clean was three months. I went to a couple of rehabs, about one or two times. I would then go do substances while in rehabs. It was the only thing I knew. It got to a point where a whole county was tired of me. I lost my sister in one year, well about three or four in that year. Then I didn’t want to go to sleep or do anything but my addiction. It grabbed a hold of me and didn’t want to let
go. I struggled with mental illness since about 10 years old. I tried to commit suicide by drinking. I was arrested for PI and got out. I OD’d on something when I got out and ended up going to the hospital. I had one friend who still talked with me and sent me here. I didn’t think anything of it. When I got here, I heard that there was a good program. The friend got me here and then I talked with a chaplain about it. I had my first interview with Aaron and the second one with Adam. About a week later, I came in. When I came over, I was nervous. I didn’t know it was a Christian program, nor did I really read my Bible. I struggled through visual impairment all of my life and I tried to not let it affect me. I got really close with Morgan and all the classes and relationships here helped me gain confidence. I learned about all the program had to offer and jumped into everything here. I was still nervous about reading the Bible and praying, but I’m understanding more. The Mission helped me get glasses and now I want to encourage others.
50 YEARS OF HOPE
Aswe celebrate the Downtown Rescue Mission’s 50th anniversary, I am reminded of what this place truly represents. Growing up in Huntsville, I’ve had the privilege of volunteering here, witnessing firsthand the transformative power of faith, community, and love. Over the last few years, I’ve had the honor and privilege of serving on the board and my appreciation of what the Mission does for the community and the Kingdom of God has only strengthened.
“THIS MISSION HAS BEEN MORE THAN JUST A SHELTER; IT’S BEEN A BEACON OF HOPE FOR THOSE WHO’VE LOST THEIR WAY.”
For five decades, this Mission has been more than just a shelter; it’s been a beacon of hope for those who’ve lost their way. The programs here are designed not just to provide temporary refuge but to empower men, women, and children to reclaim their lives. From addiction recovery to job training, from providing a warm meal to a safe bed, every service is imbued with the power of Jesus Christ and the values of Christian faith.
I’ll never forget the afternoon I drove into the Mission’s parking lot. A Huntsville City school bus had just pulled up, dropping off children who, thanks to the Mission, could stay with their mothers instead of facing the uncertainties of foster care or worse. Seeing this, I couldn’t help but think of my own little ones, understanding deeply how vital it is for these kids to
have a safe, comforting place to call home, even in tough times. I’m not one to cry easily, but that day, the emotion was too powerful to hold back.
This anniversary isn’t just a milestone; it’s a testament to the enduring spirit of those who’ve walked through these doors seeking change or needing help. Each volunteer, sponsor, and staff member has played a crucial role in this legacy. As we look back on 50 years, let’s also look forward with commitment to continue this work, touching lives one by one, with love and dignity at the core of our mission. Here’s to another 50 years of changing lives, one heart at a time.
John Gibson
