The Merced County Rescue Mission came to pass because of the vision and foresight of Rev. Tom and Letitia Miller.  On April 3, 1991 the Mission was incorporated and subsequently given a not-for-profit 501c3 status as a non-denominational Christian organization by the IRS.  Originally set up as a feeding program, the Mission has developed as a multi-faceted approach to serve the needs of the homeless and indigent.  Indeed, we have grown over the years into a vital component of the Merced County community.  The Merced County Rescue Mission is a member of the Association of Gospel Rescue Missions and subscribes to its code of Financial Stewardship.  In 2004 the Millers retired and Dr. Herbert A. Opalek, an experienced professional, was called to both lead and expand the Mission's reach.  The Mission is presently comprised of the following programs:

The Mission provides emergency shelter, food, clothing, and spiritual guidance to disadvantaged, needy, homeless, and abused individuals and families of any race, national origin, sex or age. Many agencies bring or refer the needy to the Rescue Mission.

The staff of the Rescue Mission is concerned with the total welfare of the person - physical and spiritual. The program is administered by the Executive Director, under the general policies of the Board of Directors. The Board is comprised of individuals from the entire community, including business persons, social agencies and governmental officials.

The Rescue Mission is a non-profit 501(c)3 Corporation, funded in part by United Way, fund raising projects, contributions of churches, service clubs, corporations, and by members of the community. The goal of the Rescue Mission is to assist the homeless and hungry to get back on their feet, and into society as contributing, productive, responsible, Christian people.

WHAT HAPPENS IN THE MISSION?

Caring for the homeless is a primary concern of our mission.  We provide immediate relief from the danger, hunger, fear and suffering associated with homelessness.  Yet we give more than food, shelter and warmth to those coming through our door.  With the love of Christ and a safe family environment we are able to minister to the heart of each man, woman and child.

Hope for a bright future is the goal of our life changing programs. Through participating in educational programs the homeless learn valuable skills: anger management, parenting, proper nutrition and how to deeply explore their spiritual life.  

Assessing each person's needs is essential for guiding them on a journey to discovering full potential.  Through listening, observing and diagnostic testing we are able to identify the spiritual, emotional, educational and physical needs of each person.  This knowledge provides the tools needed to shape a healthy and productive life. 

Independence and self sufficiency are attainable goals through Our History.  Working in partnership with our team of professional ministers and counselors, residents experience their own competence, newfound wisdom and confidence in their abilities.  Teaching them how to make responsible choices and to take ownership for them is a crucial step in their becoming contributors to our community. 

Recovery from trauma and self-defeating choices is the focus of our program.  The staff is dedicated to creating a safe atmosphere which allows every person to revisit and process past painful events.  They can then come to an understanding of the effects of the past and learn how to overcome them.