The Frederick Rescue Mission is a Christ-centered ministry providing residential programs to women/women with children experiencing homelessness; a residential recovery program for men suffering from chemical addiction, substance use disorder, or homelessness; food for those experiencing hunger or food insecurity; clothing, shoes, and personal care items for those in need; and an offer of connection within our community through relationships.
Established in 1964 by Dr. James Martin Resh, Sr. as a nonprofit, privately supported, faith-based organization, the Mission first opened with 10 beds and a secondhand thrift store (later to be known as Rescued Treasures), and set out in faith to feed, clothe, and shelter those in need in downtown Frederick.
In 1984 the Mission expanded through the purchase of the former Frederick County Jail on West South Street (which was purchased for just $1!). With a spacious campus and room to grow, the Mission launched the Bread of Life Community Kitchen (now the George L. Shields Bread of Life Kitchen) in 1990.
In response to the startling fact that drugs were destroying lives faster and at a younger age than alcohol, the Mission implemented the Changed Life Recovery Program to address the core issues of addiction in 1997.
In 2016, the Mission opened Faith House, a vital ministry providing a loving, Christ-centered place for women and children experiencing homelessness. Most recently – and in direct response to the COVID pandemic – the Mission introduced the F.O.O.D. program (Frederick Organizations Optimizing Distribution) to distribute food throughout Frederick County through churches or other organizations who are already established within local neighborhoods.
Photo Courtesy Frederick Rescue Mission
Meet Frederick Rescue Mission
Here are some things to know about the Frederick Rescue Mission and the roll they play in the Frederick community and beyond.
The Frederick Rescue Mission offers unique support to the Frederick community.
Most of us know what it is to be stranded, injured, or hurt and need help beyond ourselves. The “Rescue” in Frederick Rescue Mission focuses on helping those fighting addiction, abuse, mental illness, and basically all the things that rob people of their humanity. Our vision at the Mission is to change lives through Christ’s love by rescuing people from hunger, poverty, homelessness, and chemical addiction. We are grateful to be a part of changing lives now and for eternity!”
Photo Courtesy Frederick Rescue Mission
The Frederick Rescue Mission is a safe place for ALL.
Since its founding, the Mission has become a safe place for those in need by ministering to anyone who walks through its doors. What began as a 10-bed shelter is today Frederick’s largest transitional shelter for men. Also, no other agency in Frederick serves more meals to hungry and homeless men, women, and children, and we are the largest distributor for the Maryland Food Bank. After over 50 years the Frederick Rescue Mission and its life-changing programs are still making a difference.”
Photo Courtesy Frederick Rescue Mission
The Frederick Rescue Mission needs your prayers.
[If you want to support our organization] Pray for our work. Volunteer to support one of our ministries. Donate gently used clothing and linens, and watch our social media platforms to become aware of urgent needs. And give – we are 100% privately supported and the one-time, recurring, or planned-giving gifts of thousands of individuals, churches, foundations, groups, and businesses make what we do possible. We practice the highest integrity by utilizing what has been given to us to best serve those in need. The Mission has been awarded 4 Stars consecutively by Charity Navigator, the highest rating available to nonprofits through America’s premier nonprofit evaluator.”
Photo Courtesy Frederick Rescue Mission
The Frederick Rescue Mission invites you to their annual 10 Miler.
For those of you missing our Mission 10 Miler, please join us on Saturday, March 20 between 10am and noon. You can run by the Mission and stop by our front lawn to snag a medal, tee shirt, or other M10M memorabilia!”
Learn more about the Frederick Rescue Mission, their programs and work on their site: Frederick Rescue Mission
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