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,
This Christmas, Muskegon Rescue Mission is alive with cheerful lights, festive decorations and the sound of children’s laughter. Families gather for worship, friends share meals and boys and girls experience the wonder of Christmas morning.
For the men, women and children in our care, this season is truly special. Because of your support, they are welcomed into a safe, loving community where hope is alive. Christmas here is a time to celebrate the birth of Christ and the new beginnings He makes possible.
You make these celebrations—and so much more— possible. As a 100% community-funded mission, we receive no government support. Every meal served, every safe night of shelter and every moment of Christmas joy comes directly from the generosity of friends like you.
Your gifts help our hurting neighbors find healing, hope and transformation—not only at Christmas, but throughout the year. They provide vital services to men and women recovering from addiction, abuse and homelessness. I see the impact firsthand, and I’d love to invite you to see it too by joining us for a tour.
Thank you for your generosity. You bring joy and hope to those who need it most. May God bless you this Christmas!
Serving Together,
Dan Skoglund Executive Director
Give Online Scan the code with your smartphone camera to get a direct link to our donation page.
“For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.”
Luke 2:11, ESV
Akayla’s connection to Muskegon Rescue Mission runs deep. As a little girl, she came to the Mission with her mother and four siblings whenever life became too difficult.
At the time, young Akayla didn’t understand the hardship her mom was carrying. “I liked it as a kid,” she remembers with a smile.
“But now that I’m older, I see how much my mom struggled to keep us afloat.”
Years later, as an adult and a mother herself, Akayla found herself returning multiple times to Muskegon Rescue Mission — this time with her own children. Yet each time, she would leave and return to her old ways. It wasn’t until her recent stay that she realized the programs here were meant to help end the cycle of homelessness and escape poverty.
“This past stay, I took the program very seriously. I realized it wasn’t about making me comfortable, it was about giving me structure and discipline to succeed.”
Akayla committed herself fully, embraced the structure and leaned on staff for encouragement. “I was reminded I wasn’t alone, especially when everything seemed so overwhelming,” she says.
By taking these steps, and keeping her children at the center of every decision, Akayla built the stability she needed to move forward in life.
That determination paid off. In May of last year, Akayla and her family moved into a safe, affordable home of their own. “Oh, my goodness,” she says with joy. “When we got
our home, I kissed the floor and prayed over it. Every day felt like a holiday.”
Now, Akayla is giving back to the Mission that once gave her so much. She volunteers her time and encourages others who are walking the same road she once traveled. “I just want to give back, because they helped me,” she shares.
Most of all, Akayla is thankful for her family, her faith and those who give to Muskegon Rescue Mission. “I just want to say thank you to the donors. You really are changing lives. You changed mine!”
This Christmas, Akayla is celebrating with her children in the safety of their own home — rejoicing in God’s goodness and looking ahead with hope.
We’re excited to introduce a new way for you to connect with the heart of Muskegon Rescue Mission! On the third Wednesday of every month, we host a Monthly Lunch & Tour—a casual, inspiring time to share a meal and take a behind-the-scenes look at how your support is changing lives every day.
Join us for lunch, hear powerful stories of transformation, and see the Mission in action. As a 100% community-funded ministry, everything you will see is made possible by friends like you.
Reserve your spot for an upcoming Lunch & Tour today.
At Bright Futures Daycare & Preschool, Christmas is a season filled with wonder, joy and the love of Christ.
Thanks to the care and compassion of the community and friends like you, children attending Bright Futures enjoy the Christmas season with excitement, wonder and joy. It is truly a cheerful time!
All month long, Bright Futures Daycare is alive with Christ-centered activities—songs about the Savior’s birth, Christmas crafts and decorations that sparkle with color and light. Every corner is filled with laughter and excitement as the children prepare for the most joyful day of the year.
One of the most memorable moments comes when special guests arrive. Last year, Chick-fil-A brought a feast for the little ones, making the day truly fun! This year, on December 19, we will see more special surprises and gifts for the children.
Every year, the room fills with squeals of delight as toys are discovered, hugs are shared and happy memories are made. In that moment, children are simply enjoying the beauty of Christmas—the decorations, the surprise of presents, the Bible stories and the joy of knowing they are loved and cared for.
Thank you for bringing the hope and joy of Christmas to these little ones!
You can be a part of our Christmas celebrations!
This Christmas season, you can give a gift that goes far beyond a wrapped present—your time. At Muskegon Rescue Mission, volunteers help create moments of joy that our guests will remember for years.
Whether serving in the daycare, welcoming guests at the front desk, decorating our shelters or donating Christmas gifts, your presence reminds every person they are cared for and valued.
This year, step into a story of hope and joy. Volunteer with Muskegon Rescue Mission and help make this Christmas brighter!
Sign up for volunteer opportunities at volunteer@muskegonmission.org or muskegonmission.org/volunteer
Thanks to generous friends like you, Muskegon Rescue Mission will soon be aglow with the sights, sounds and joy of the season! Guests, staff and volunteers alike look forward to sharing meals, music and fellowship as we celebrate Christ’s birth.
Here are some special dates to remember:
December 16-18
Christmas Gift Giveaway for current guests and those who have stayed with us.
December 19
Christmas Luncheon at the Community Resource Center at noon. All are invited to enjoy a delicious holiday meal and warm fellowship.
December 19
Bright Futures Christmas Celebration. After a month of Christ-centered activities, the children in our Bright Futures Daycare enjoy a special visit and a gift from Santa.
December 24
Children’s Christmas Party for those staying in our shelter.
December 25
Christmas dinner served to all guests at both shelters.
Our guests deeply appreciate warm clothing and other essentials to help them through the winter:
• Winter coats in various sizes for children, women and men
• Winter boots in various sizes for children, women and men
• Hats, gloves and scarves for children and adults
For a complete list of items needed, visit muskegonmission.org/winterneeds or scan the QR code.
Donations may be dropped off at our Admin Office, 2735 E Apple Ave Ste D.
To volunteer, please email volunteer@muskegonmission.org.
