There’s a Christmas song that begins, “It’s the most wonderful time of the year.” For many of us, it is. But it can be a depressing time for men, women and children struggling with hunger and homelessness. When a neighbor in need comes to the Milwaukee Rescue Mission at Christmas time, big holiday meals and presents under the tree are often just a wish or distant memory.

Thanks to you, they can make new memories that are joyful in their own way.

I’ll never forget one family staying in Joy House, our shelter for women and children. Right before Christmas, the kids came down with chickenpox. Of course, we had to quarantine mom and the kids in their room. On Christmas Day, we were still able to provide the family a delicious Christmas dinner and gifts, and in spite of the quarantine, the mom smiled and told staff, “This is the best Christmas I can remember.”

What a great reminder that is for all of us this Christmas season. We might think being in a homeless shelter, quarantined with sick kids, is a disaster. But for this mom, MRM was probably the safest, most peaceful place she’d been in a long time. That peace was God’s good and perfect gift to her right then.

Peace isn’t the only gift our neighbors find at MRM. There’s hope. Many can’t see beyond the next five minutes when they come here, but soon they’re looking five years into a bright future.

And most of all, they hear about the best and most perfect gift God ever gave us, His Son Jesus Christ. You provide a place for hurting neighbors to be transformed by His love and mercy. That’s a gift for all of us, to see and be a part of those stories.

I wish you a very merry Christmas!

Dr. Patrick H. Vanderburgh, President

Dear Friend,

It’s easy to feel thankful when life is going well. But to those facing job loss, addiction, abuse or homelessness, reasons for gratitude can feel hard to come by.

That’s why what happens at the Milwaukee Rescue Mission is so powerful — and it begins with you.

 Your support gives hurting people a place to heal. Your kindness offers them dignity and hope. Your generosity sets them on a journey to a new life.

For many, that journey starts with a warm welcome and a hot meal. A simple meal can mean so much to someone who hasn’t experienced genuine care in a long time. In the midst of their trials, they find something to be thankful for. Many of our program graduates consider that moment of gratitude to be the turning point in their transformation.

And there’s no better time to highlight that moment than the Thanksgiving season.

After nearly 40 Thanksgivings at MRM, I’ve seen countless people come together on this day to celebrate and give thanks, even in the midst of their struggles. I’ve also seen countless lives change in the months following that first meal — a meal you helped provide.

As our hurting neighbors make their way back to stability, thankfulness becomes second nature – and they’re thankful for you. They know your prayers and continued support keep them on a pathway to lasting change.

All of us here at MRM are grateful for you, not just on Thanksgiving, but every day of the year.

Thank you, and may God bless you and your loved ones this season and always.

Dr. Patrick H. Vanderburgh, President