Harbor Light is a publication of Muskegon Rescue Mission and is produced tri-annually.
Mission Statement
We exist to demonstrate and proclaim God’s love to the less fortunate and homeless people of West Michigan.
Muskegon Rescue Mission
2735 E Apple Ave Ste D Muskegon, MI 49442
231.727.6090
muskegonmission.org
Board of Directors
Roger Doctor – President
Rick Ebeling – Vice President
Bryan Betten – Secretary
Chris Thompson – Treasurer
Dave Barham
Dan McKinnon
Patrick Wittkopp
Dear Friend,
Thanksgiving Day comes just once a year, but giving thanks happens every day at Muskegon Rescue Mission.
When a hurting neighbor comes in for a meal, or just to enjoy some warmth and conversation, their gratitude is plain to see. For those who stay longer to work toward lasting life transformation, every day is clearly a blessing in their eyes. When children grow and blossom at Bright Futures Daycare, parents are overcome with relief.
That’s just as it should be for all of us, every single day. Even in the most trying of times, there is always something, however small, to be thankful for. And with so many unique ministries available, there are numerous ways your gifts are blessing our guests in need.
I am eager to share the many ways Muskegon Rescue Mission is expanding and growing. This place is more than a refuge. It is a place of restoration and growth. Our Men’s Shelter renovations are now complete. Bright Futures Daycare helps children not just grow, but thrive. And so much more. Your gifts are changing lives in West Michigan and I thank God for your support!
May God bless you this Thanksgiving season.
Serving Together,
Dan Skoglund Executive Director
Here at Muskegon Rescue Mission, everyone is already getting excited for the Thanksgiving season. Why? So we can share with you, our neighbors, the great things happening here.
Your donations are transforming lives — every day. Men and women heal and see there is hope for the future. There is joy where there was once sorrow and desperation. Children begin to thrive in this environment. They excel in school, make friends and learn about Jesus.
Here are just a few of our guests who want to share their grateful hearts with you!
“I’m thankful for Muskegon Rescue Mission because they got me off the street. They helped me find peace, and this is a safe place. We also receive help with transportation. The staff is so friendly!”
“I’m grateful for the cleanliness and the staff. I’m very, very thankful for this part of the organization. It enables us to have a safe haven. The workers are fantastic, they really are trying to help us and give us time and effort.”
“The one big thing I didn’t expect is for everyone to be so understanding. Every staff member makes me feel like a regular person, not a homeless man. Every day, I get to learn more about myself as well as my relationship with God. I only had sisters growing up, but this place, this program has given me brothers in Christ. I’m thankful for every person here that prays, invests and believes in me.”
“I am thankful for the change in myself. I’m eager to find out where the program is going to take me.”
“I am thankful for them allowing me and my son to stay here for 90 days.”
“I’ve learned a lot and appreciate everything at Muskegon Rescue Mission. I have seen God’s love through all the care they’ve shown me and the others they help.”
“Muskegon Rescue Mission helped me find Jesus. That helped me find peace and become a better person.”
“When I got sick, the staff showed me they cared and took care of me. I was sad and Miss Mary made sure I got the care and help I needed. The staff truly cares about people. I love Miss Mary, Miss Tracy and Miss Sherry! Everyone has been so awesome to me. I am thankful people care about me.”
At Bright Futures Daycare, lives are changing in extraordinary ways.
When Dominique first held her baby girl Olivia, she knew the road ahead wouldn’t be easy. Born with several health issues, Olivia cried endlessly—day and night. No daycare could manage her constant distress. As a single mother also caring for her young son Noah, who has a severe speech delay, Dominique was emotionally exhausted.
“I couldn’t leave my daughter with anyone,” Dominique shares. “I was afraid they wouldn’t be able to handle her. But Sandi at Muskegon Rescue Mission never turned us away. She just loved Olivia and cared for her.”
That warm welcome was the beginning of a new chapter. Bright Futures Daycare didn’t just open its doors—they opened their hearts. “It’s hard to trust people with your child,” Dominique says. “But Sandi shone with my daughter, and she thrived with her help.”
Dominque also says the daycare staff went above and beyond with their care. They adjusted to Olivia’s changing health needs, coordinated with doctors, and even set up additional services when she needed more care. Olivia is now being evaluated for autism, and the team continues to walk alongside the family. Olivia has now graduated from Miss Sandi’s class and is now working with Miss Mackinzie. “The patience and love that she has for Olivia is outstanding,” Dominique shares.
“They never let my children fall behind,” Dominique says. “But they always let them develop at their own pace.”
Noah, once nearly silent, is now thriving. With encouragement and consistent support, his speech is developing at a great pace. “Miss Jovonna and Miss Jeannie have taught Noah
so much in the preschool classroom. I am beyond grateful for them! He has friends now and is just blossoming.”
Dominique calls Bright Futures her support system. “This is more than a daycare. The staff notices every detail, they really care. And I see that care being given to each child.”
She sees the difference in her children every day. Olivia now cares for her dolls the same way she’s been cared for—gently and lovingly. “My daughter wouldn’t be the happy girl she is if it weren’t for the staff here.”
With tears in her eyes, Dominique adds, “There’s a reason we are at Bright Futures. It was divine intervention. I can go to work knowing my children are safe, loved and learning. You can’t put a price on that. I am so grateful.”
Thank
This summer, we completed a $1.5 million renovation of our Men’s Shelter — transforming it into a space that truly reflects God’s heart for our community. Thanks to the generosity of our donors and the success of the Change Happens
Here Capital Campaign, our newly renovated shelter offers men more than just a place to sleep — it provides them with a fresh start!
The remodel features a new tiered shelter approach, along with an updated residential program wing that includes refreshed living spaces, restrooms and showers, plus a new classroom and gym. The adaptable building
design allows for evolving use and changing needs, while the new shopping experience in our pantry offers guests choice and dignity.
We’re excited to begin offering tours this fall so you can see the transformation firsthand! To schedule a tour, please call us at (231) 727-6090.
Together, with your support, we’ve built more than a shelter — we’ve created a place where change truly happens. Thank you for making this possible!
At Muskegon Rescue Mission, Thanksgiving is more than a meal—it’s a chance to remind our neighbors that they’re not alone. As the holiday approaches, we’re preparing to distribute over 900 Thanksgiving baskets to local families in need.
Each basket is packed with the ingredients for a complete Thanksgiving meal that families can prepare and enjoy together in the comfort of their own homes.
You can help make this possible. We’re collecting food donations to fill each basket, and your support can make a lasting impact for families facing hardship.
Items needed:
✗ Frozen Turkeys
✗ Boxed Stuffing
✗ Boxed Potatoes
✗ Canned Corn & Green Beans
✗ Boxed Mac & Cheese
✗ Boxed Brownie or Cake Mix
Please drop off at our Community Resource Center.
