DRM _2025AnnualReport by Downtown Rescue Mission

2025 ANNUAL REPORT

Jordan, 2025 graduate

FROM THE CEO

Dear Friends, Donors, Volunteers and Ministry Partners,

As we reflect on 2025, our hearts are filled with gratitude to our Father in Heaven and to each of you who faithfully support the mission and ministry of the Downtown Rescue Mission. This year marked a truly special milestone as we celebrated our 50th anniversary. Looking back over five decades of God’s faithfulness reminds us that this ministry has always been sustained not by human strength alone, but by His provision and by people like you who answer His call to serve.

Throughout 2025, lives were changed through our compassionate programs that met both immediate needs and long-term restoration goals. Men, women and children found safe shelter, nourishing meals, and access to life-transforming programs focused on recovery, discipleship, education and job readiness. Families were reunited, hope was restored, and many individuals took meaningful steps toward independence and spiritual renewal. Each success story represents a person made in the image of God and a future rewritten through His grace.

Our outreach efforts also extended well beyond our campus. Through community partnerships, community outreach events and ongoing engagement with churches, businesses and volunteers, we were able to serve our neighbors with dignity, respect and love. Whether through emergency assistance, life transformation programs, thrift store ministry or community events, God used your generosity to open doors for conversations, connections and care that point people to Christ.

As we closed our 50th anniversary year, we were reminded of the words in Scripture: “The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy.” Psalm 126:3 We also hold fast to this promise as we move forward: “Being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”

Philippians 1:6

Looking ahead, we are filled with anticipation for what God has in store for the Downtown Rescue Mission. In the coming years, we will continue strengthening our programs, expanding outreach opportunities, and deepening our focus on holistic transformation, helping us meet physical needs while nurturing spiritual growth. We believe God is preparing new opportunities to serve more people, build stronger partnerships and share the hope of the Gospel in even greater ways.

Thank you for walking alongside us through prayer, service and generosity. Your partnership is a vital part of this ministry’s past, present and future. As we step into the next chapter together, we do so with faith, hope and confidence that God will continue to use the Downtown Rescue Mission to bring hope, healing and restoration to those we serve.

God is good... all the time,

Keith Overholt President and CEO

Downtown Rescue Mission

HISTORY – 50 YEARS OF HOPE

Founded in 1975 by Bernie and Mary Ann Thompson, with partners Bobby LeCroy and Curtis Eason, the Downtown Rescue Mission began with a simple act of kindness—handing out sandwiches from the back of a car to the homeless. What started as a humble outreach quickly grew into a lifeline for many, first offering shelter and meals, and later expanding to include counseling, Bible-based recovery programs, community outreach, transitional housing and job training. The Mission stands as a testament to what faithfulness and God’s provision can accomplish.

MISSION STATEMENT

To serve as a lighthouse in our community for the poor, homeless and destitute in order to meet their physical and spiritual needs through the life-changing power of Jesus Christ.

VISION STATEMENT

To continue to expand our outreach throughout our community by meeting the needs of men, women and children who find themselves homeless or in need through evangelism and Christcentered programs.

2025 Stats

3,237 Unique individuals served

115,320 Beds slept in for men, women & children

316 Average people per night

430,217 Nutritious meals served 1,390 Bibles distributed

47,629 Free articles of clothing given

4,220 Community food boxes distributed

252 Program advancements & graduates

54 Spiritual decisions to follow Christ

SERVICES WE OFFER

Emergency Services

We support individuals facing urgent needs by providing meals, shelter and basic necessities. Once those needs are met, case managers help identify next steps.

Life Transformation Program

For those ready to move forward, we offer a faith-based, one-year program rooted in God’s word. The program helps break unhealthy cycles while building job readiness and essential life skills.

Transitional Housing

Graduates also have the opportunity to access transitional housing to support their move toward independent living.

Job Readiness

Partnering with organizations like KTECH and Redstone Federal Credit Union allows us to offer pathways to sustainable careers and lasting financial stability.

Vehicle Donations

Donated vehicles provide program graduates with reliable transportation, which supports independence and employment. Donations are tax-deductible.

Medical & Eye Clinics

Our medical wing serves Mission guests, offering screenings, immunizations, mental health support and other essential care.

Thrift Stores & Agape Shop

Our thrift stores help sustain the Mission by funding campus programs, while the Agape Shop provides free clothing and essentials to those in need.

Community Food Pantry

Our food pantry provides food to those in need who are not staying in our shelter. Bags are available on Tuesday, Friday and Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Each person may receive one bag per week. No documentation is required.

My addiction nearly cost me my life.

I came to the Downtown Rescue Mission for help, and through God's grace, I began to heal. Today, I'm praising God for saving me!

- Tiffany

Tiffany, 2025 graduate

2025 Events

Thanksgiving

Banquet

1000+ Served

Turkey Box

Giveaway

900+ boxes distributed

Shoot for Shelter

70+ Shooters

Swing for Shelter

100+ Golfers

Glow Run

900+ Runners

50th Anniversary Celebration

800+ Attendees

Graduation

Ceremonies

60 Graduates

Conversations on a Bench 24 hours, countless questions

Veterans Day Celebration

20+ Veterans

Matthew West

Lives are changed here.

"By the grace of God, I have no desire for drugs. I have no desire for useless relationships. I have no desire for the things I used to do. The program changed my whole outlook on life. Things changed in a way that I knew had to be God. I give God the glory, but I believe He used to program."

- Todd, 2025 Graduate

"People fall, and they don't know where to go, so they come here, and they don't even realize that this place has a recovery program. The Mission's cause isn't just to sell gently used clothes and make a profit; it's about supporting and sustaining a program that gives people the ability to know Christ. It's not about the Mission, it's not about the employees—It's about giving people the chance to see Christ first and foremost."

- Jayson, 2025 Graduate

"By God's grace, I'm still here. I feel that I don't deserve to be working at the Downtown Rescue Mission, or even be alive. I deserve to be in prison instead. But God brought me to the Mission, and I'll always feel indebted to this place for giving me a second chance. I'm willing to do whatever God wants me to do. I don't see myself working anywhere else, and I believe I'm here for the long haul."

- Adam, 2022 Graduate

When I arrived at the Mission, I was defeated. I had never worked or really done anything before. But when I graduated from the program, I worked at both the DRM desks and at Wendy’s. I try to stay busy because it helps me stay positive. It feels good to earn money the right way. Even if it’s not much, it’s mine. I can pay my own bills now. I’m still struggling, but now I’m living right.

- Kristina, 2024 Graduate

CHART OF REVENUES AND EXPENSES

“I’m thankful to the Downtown Rescue Mission, because now I have my family back.”

$4,094,864

$10,600,531

$11,604,364 - Whitney

Whitney 2024 graduate

Families are restored here.

“This place saves lives. It really does. It saved mine. That's something I hate to say, but it's the truth. It saved my son's life and saved my relationships. The good that comes out of this program is monumental."

- Joey, 2025 Graduate

"I got my mom back. No one in her life thinks she will go back to that old life because that's done. The past is done. All we have is the future to look forward to. I'm proud of her and very thankful for the Mission because without it, things could have been very different."

- Seth, Son of Whitney, 2024 Graduate

Subscribe to our podcast to hear more stories of hope.

"Before I came to the Mission, I struggled with alcoholism. Every time my daughters called, I was drunk. They didn’t want to reach out, and I avoided calling them because I knew it hurt them. When I came to the Mission, my daughters at least knew I was safe. I worked my way through the program, and today I serve as the Director of Mom's Emergency Services at the Mission. They are so proud of me. I give God all the credit. Without Him in my life, I wouldn’t be where I am today."

- Shaun, 2022 Graduate

"I spent years living a life of drugs with abusive men. I eventually lost everything, including custody of my son. At that time, I fell deeper into my addiction and overdosed forty-three times in a year. My addiction eventually brought me to the Downtown Rescue Mission. I now have a relationship with Christ. He has given me the love and peace that I've been looking for, and I have my whole family back now."

- Kayla, 2025 Graduate

Career Skills

Are Taught Here.

Through partnerships with local organizations, leaders and volunteers, we offer job-readiness training to equip graduates for sustainable careers and long-term success.

• KTECH Partnership: 7 Graduates in 2025

• Career Skills Taught: Résumé development, financial planning, interview prep

• Trade Skills Taught: Mechanical, automotive, HVAC, electrical, construction, project management, landscaping

Joey, (left) 2025 graduate Jayson, (right) 2025 graduate