The Mission

The lighted cross on the side of the red brick building proclaims “Jesus Saves”, the name commonly used to refer to the Denver Rescue Mission; the oldest, full-service Christian charity in the Rocky Mountain region. Many people know it by no other name. They may not know its real name, but they know its function in the community; a shelter and gathering place for the poor and homeless of Denver’s streets. At the Mission people will find a place to shower, a hot meal after each Gospel service, Bible classes, dental and medical clinics, clothing and counselors. The Rescue Mission is a starting point on the transition to a new life for those who take advantage of the many programs now offered in this non-denominational, Christ-centered ministry. (Dorsett, 1983).

Despite its longevity, very little has been written to document the history and evolution of this organization. Its success stories and fund raising activities are featured in the media. The valuable services it provides to the community are common knowledge, and yet the story of the Mission appears almost extraneous to its social impact.

1. What events led to the Denver Rescue Mission’s Creation? (How did the mission start?)

2. Was there a key point in its evolution?

3. Has the Mission changed since its inception?

4. What services is the Mission providing today?

This paper will focus on answering these questions and providing insight into a nonprofit that has grown into one of the largest providers of social welfare services in Colorado while preserving its original vision and goals.

What events led to the Denver Rescue Mission’s creation?

In order to understand the beginning of this historical Denver social welfare icon, it is necessary to study the history o...

... middle of paper ...

...). In http://www.denverrescuemission.org/our-services/housing. Retrieved November 24, 2011, from http://www.denverrescuemission.org/our-services/housing.

Mission and History. (n.d.). In http://www.denverrescuemission.org/mission-and-history. Retrieved November 7, 2011, from http://www.denverrescuemission.org/mission-and-history.

History. (n.d.). In http://www.nycrescue.org/413019.ihtml. Retrieved November 22, 2011, http://www.nycrescue.org/413019.ihtml

Looking Ahead. (1973, March). Denver Rescue Mission News, Vol. 6A, No. 3.

Noel, Thomas J. (1998). Colorado givers : a history of philanthropic heroes. Denver: University Press of Colorado.

Printer’s Ink (1922, February 16) Charity Workers Directed by Direct Mail. Printer’s Ink, Volume 118, pp. 69 – 72.

Stone, Wilbur Fiske.(ed.).(1919). History of Colorado, Volume 4. Chicago: The S. J. Clarke Publishing Company.