1953
It began with a prayer, faith that God would make a way and a deep desire to help those who were hungry and homeless. From a small room on E. 4th Street, in 1953, to the 600 block of N. Kansas Avenue, the Mission has seen many changes
1959
1959-607 N. Kansas acquired, serving 20-30 men each night. Also housed the Mission kitchen, dining room, and chapel. Demolished in 1992 to make room for the children's playground.
1964
601 N. Kansas acquired for offices and thrift store. In the mid 1970's the upstairs was used for sheltering homeless women and children.
1987
1987-901 N. Kansas Thrift Store acquired, providing free or low cost clothing and household items to the needy.
1991
New $1.7 million building at 600 N. Kansas Ave. for homeless men, women and families, serving 100+ people each night. Including a new kitchen, dining room, chapel, and education space.
1992
Old building at 607 demolished, and original playground for children developed.
2000
116 N.W. Curtis new $2 million shelter built for homeless women and families. Sheltering over 100 people each night. Recently using dayroom floor space to accommodate people as rooms are full most of the time.
2004
401 N.W. Norris-Distribution Center for food and supply storage, meeting needs of the poor in the community. Acquired due to need for additional space and poor condition of building at 601 N. Kansas.
2007
Due to the increase in number of families, the old playground facility needed to be updated to meet the increased need
Donation Info More Needs
- Pots & pans
- Household cleaning items
(sponges, cleaner etc.) - Plates, bowls, cups
- Full / queen sheet sets
- Infant clothing (12-14 months)
- Ramen noodles
- Pork & beans
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- >> Rita’s Story
- >> New Website!
- >> In Their Own Words: Gene’s Story
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Welcome from Barry Feaker, Executive Director
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About
- Founded in 1953, Topeka Rescue Mission has grown to provide shelter for nearly 2,000 individuals each year. We also serve nearly 200,000 meals annually and are active in the community to help those in need.
Purposes
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- To provide a Christian social service ministry to meet the spiritual, moral, and physical needs of men, women, and children.
- To provide and minister to those in need through Christian teaching, character training, outreach, and job training, in order that they may return to society as productive citizens.
- To help educate and inform the public of the unique needs of the poor and needy in our society.
- To inform and educate the public regarding the services of The Topeka Rescue Mission.
- To encourage the public to avail themselves of the Mission's resources.
- To inform the public how they, together with the Mission, can better serve and minister to the needy and the homeless.
Board of Diectors
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- Hal Smith, President (Member since 3/2003)
- Joan Rucker, Vice President (Member since 5/2004)
- Lino Munoz, Secretary (Member since 6/1992)
- Leonard Johnson, Treasurer (Member since 6/1959)
- Ron Lutz (Member since 10/1986)
- Marvin McKinley (Member since 2/1988)
- Ron Challacombe (Member since 4/1992)
- Kevin Swift (Member since 3/2003)
- Jackie Fraenza (Member since 10/2004)
Income by Source
Expense by Source
Food Costs
- 474,492 meals: 213,894 served directly from our kitchen and an additional 260,598 distributed throughout the community
- 75,727 nights of shelter given to 1,922 guests
- 40,626 articles of clothing helped 2,257 individuals
- 1,186 occurrences of medical help
- 7,615 transportation units
- 7,898 major household items distributed to 4,554 individuals
- 29,320 volunteer hours served
© 2010 Topeka Rescue Mission. All rights reserved.