“With no one to turn to and nowhere else to go, Northlands Rescue Mission was his last resort . . . and his first step toward a stable life.”       

           When 40-year-old Allen was released from prison, he did his best to get his life back on track.  But with few resources in a world that had changed dramatically, the odds were stacked against him.  He found a job in Alaska, but the company shut down.  He returned to Minnesota to live with his sister, but that arrangement didn’t work out.

           “It means a lot to me to have three meals a day and a safe place to live,” Allen says.  But that’s just the first step.  Men and women at the Mission participate in classes including anger management, self-acceptance, developing personal relationships and good citizenship.  They receive the life coaching and guidance they need to build emotional maturity, personal responsibility and sound work and life skills.

“If it wasn’t for the Mission, I’d be out on the streets somewhere.  I’m glad I’ve come here.  This was my last resort.”

            My heart breaks when I think about how long people like Allen suffer before coming to the Mission.  Years.  Sometimes even decades.  Many must hit rock bottom before they’re ready to take God’s hand.  But He waits patiently for them.  And with the help of our staff, volunteers and generous friends like you, He fills their lives with meaning, purpose and joy.