Long Beach Rescue Mission looks forward to growth in 50th year

Long Beach Rescue Mission hires Interim Executive Director; plans to expand its community reach in the new year. 

LONG BEACH – Long Beach Rescue Mission will celebrate 50 years as a staple in the Long Beach community, and as a beacon of hope for those in need.

As the new year approaches, the Mission is looking to its new leader and current dedicated staff and volunteers to help expand into the community even more.

Since 1971, the Mission has offered hot meals, safe shelter, and life-changing programs to those battling addictions and hardships. With the help of a faithful staff, dedicated volunteers, and donations from the public, the Mission had helped thousands of men, women, and children. 

Between pandemic challenges and staffing changes, the Mission has not wavered from its mission to be a place of healing and hope serving the greater Long Beach community. In fact, with the hiring of its new Interim Executive Director Terry Miller, it seems the Mission is looking forward to expanding their reach even farther.

“We’re just one of many organizations in Long Beach that care about the homeless. There are several non-profit organizations. And, one of the things that I want to help us do is become, let’s say, a more prominent voice with those other voices,” said Miller.

Miller joins the Mission after serving 14 years as a Pastor at Cornerstone Church. Through the years he, his wife, and church members have worked with the Mission in various ways to benefit the community. One of the many things Miller says he appreciates about the Mission is the way it offers hope.

“We offer people hope. People need hope before they can actually go from where they’re at. They’re stuck…We can help them take that step; and then the next step. Over the course of a year, when a person says I want to really change my life, we are prepared to help them do that. And, for me, that’s the greatest adventure of all.”

This holiday season, the Mission opened its doors to all who were in need offering full Thanksgiving and Christmas meals in addition to daily meal service; toys for families with children through the Annual Toy Drive; spiritual guidance and fellowship opportunities through worship services and prayer groups; as well as providing donated essential need items to residents and others with immediate need.

During the year, the Mission offers Individuals a chance to work with a case manager either in its 90 day Case Management Program or one-year New Life Program, which helps men and women overcome substance abuse, addictions and life’s deeper challenges.

The Long Beach Rescue Mission also offers emergency shelter for men at the Samaritan House located at 1430 Pacific Avenue. Intake occurs from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m., Monday through Friday; or individuals can call the reception desk at 562-591-1292 for immediate assistance.

For referrals and walk-in services for families, individuals can visit the Long Beach Multi-Service Center at 1301 West 12th Street or call 562-570-4500. To learn more about the Long Beach Rescue Mission, ways to donate, and volunteer opportunities, visit https://lbrm.org/.

By Alysia Burke