Rescue Mission of Middle GA

The Rescue Mission of Middle Georgia is a faith-based, long term life recovery program for men, women, and children dealing with all types of addictions, domestic violence, sexual abuse, poverty, homelessness, and other life-challenging issues. For over 72 years, the Mission has helped people break the cycle of addiction, violence, and abuse in their families by steadfastly pursuing its mission: “Providing a path of hope, redemption, and empowerment through Jesus Christ.”

We are a free life recovery program open to anyone who is interested in a life change. A great majority of our residents come to us directly from prison or jail, from the streets, or from desperately hopeless domestic environments filled with abuse and violence. We currently have men and women from 79 different counties in Georgia and several residents from other states. Most of our residents come from the Middle Georgia area of Bibb and Houston counties. With open arms, we will always serve as a beacon of hope and restoration through the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and we are committed to fighting the good fight so that our residents may meet their God-given potential.

The Mission’s first objective is to provide a safe and healing environment for all those seeking a life change by way of Jesus Christ. We have a commitment to excellence and to being an expansion of God’s love; everything we do should bring honor and glory to God. We are committed to showing people God’s love by treating all people with dignity, respect, and compassion, because God loves us all. God’s love is expressed through long-term change by building a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Only then can true long-term change be possible.  

The second objective is to end drug and alcohol addiction of men and women in our care by creating a culture of grace and truth. We don’t look at the behavior- we say that it is only a small part of the problem. We look for what we call the “wound.”  All behavior is purposeful, and there is a reason why men and women in recovery act the way they do. We usually find that reason came from neglect, abandonment, or abuse. If we can help our residents get to the root of the problem, they can begin to comprehend why they act the way they do. This journey usually lasts between 12 and 16 months of walking with men, women, and children right where they are, without judgment or condemnation. This journey is fueled by Grace. In the nuts and bolts of recovery, you roll your sleeves up, and you “do life with.” That is what donors are investing in. It is grueling, and it takes a while. Once we find out what the wound is, we believe there is a reason we do what we do. This is what the Rescue Mission is all about – life change.  

Our third objective is to provide a safe place and a way forward to those in our care. While in the program, men and women all participate in work therapy. On-campus jobs include working as resident managers, working in processing or on the retail floors of our Thrift Ministry or working in the kitchen. Those who secure employment off-campus primarily walk or ride the city bus while earning money to purchase a car. The main campus street that leads off-campus is long, winding, and lovely; however, it poses personal and public safety risks. The focus of this proposal is to mitigate those risks. 

Residents also attend classes on-campus that cover topics such as pattern changing, parenting classes, Bible Study, self evaluations and peer review. When not participating in classes or work therapy, residents have the opportunity to enjoy the 210-acre campus. There is hiking, fishing, biking, and trail running, and many residents enjoy working out in the gym.  Residents also use their free time for doctor visits. Because of generous donors, excellent community partnerships, and grant funding, residents are able to receive free to low-cost medical care, including dental, eye care, medical, and counseling. For the first time in a long time, residents are able to address long-neglected medical issues such as poor eyesight, high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, and many others.

While we provide all the necessities like food, shelter, clothing, medication, and access to medical care, the most valuable thing we can offer is support. One of our main objectives is met through our Program staff working with the residents one-on-one. In addition to professional counseling, they help men and women to open up about their past, getting to the root of their problems so they can address why their behaviors led to things like drug and alcohol addiction. 

Our goal is to walk with those in need of physical, emotional, and spiritual healing so they can go on to lead healthy, secure, and stable lives that enable them to have a positive, productive impact on their families and communities.