Nakisha’s Story
Though she’s young, Nakisha has faced a lot of adversity, including challenging family relationships. Several years ago, during a difficult period of her life, she turned to the Milwaukee Rescue Mission for help. She and her three kids took refuge at Joy House, our shelter for women and children in need. “That first time…
Lee’s Story
From alcohol to drugs, arguments to separations … Lee has had his challenges in the past. In fact, this isn’t his first time at the Milwaukee Rescue Mission. Years ago, thanks to support from friends like you, Lee turned his life around at MRM. He graduated, got a job, got married and was living…
Trinity’s Story
"Since I’ve been here, that’s all I’ve been given — love, support and help." After going through a rough experience at her previous school, Trinity wasn’t sure what to expect from Cross Trainers Academy (CTA), the Milwaukee Rescue Mission’s K4-12th grade school. What she found was a place that welcomed her with open arms,…
Garlund’s Story
“God pulls you up, no matter how many chances you need,” says Garlund. Garlund knows this firsthand. He’s been on the receiving end of such endless grace for years, beginning in his late 20s when friends introduced him to crack cocaine. The drug took over his life quickly — and to the point that…
Justine’s Story
Raising kids is tough enough, much less as a single mom during a pandemic. Like so many others in our community, Justine and her kids faced many challenges last year. Then, the unimaginable happened. Justine lost her job, and the family was evicted from their home. Losing her job and her home was difficult…
Terry’s Story
“I should have been dead a long time ago,” Terry says. “I came to realize God’s been keeping me around for a long time. So, it was just time for me to give it back to him and make my life stronger than it was.” Terry’s life transformation has been decades in the making.…
Ashanti’s Story
One early morning last July, Ashanti was woken from a deep sleep by the sound of loud banging on her front door. It was the police, shouting for her to get her and her kids out because there was a fire in her apartment. “It was crazy,” Ashanti remembers. “My poor baby was just…
Patrick’s Story
There was a time in Patrick’s life when he was living a storybook existence. After a rough patch in his teens, Patrick was celebrating sobriety, was active in his local church and was married to the woman he adored. Life was good and peaceful. Then, after ten years of marriage, his wife unexpectedly left…
Ju Ju’s Story
“Dear loving wonderful family … You have been a blessing for me.” Grateful. That’s how Ju Ju felt writing a letter to Joy House staff after staying at the Milwaukee Rescue Mission’s shelter for women and children. For her entire life, she’s managed to keep a positive attitude, regardless of her circumstances. But life…
Terry’s Story
Years of alcoholism, drug addiction and anger nearly cost Terry everything. What started as the casual drink in Terry’s youth spiraled into alcoholism in adulthood. For a while, he managed to make things work—he met the love of his life, Taneka, and they started a family. But then, Terry’s drinking and drugs became too…
