Limited VolunteerThe dreamers behind the Madera Rescue Mission established its roots on January 5th, 1987 when it became a “Soup Kitchen” with further plans of becoming a full service shelter designed to get those without a home off the streets and safe from the elements. This plan eventually began to take shape in 1989 when building began with a proposed 60 beds and a dining hall designed to seat 60 or so people.
But this growth wasn’t easy; in fact, there were numerous hurdles and slowdowns that caused those in the thick of things to wonder whether it would ever come to fruition. Then in July of 1990; under the blazing sun of the Central Valley, the 8,000 square foot Madera Rescue Mission was formally dedicated and fast became a safe refuge. In the inaugural year of 1990, some 19,500 meals were served while providing bed space for 12,775 displaced guests. But in all of this success the main thing remained the main thing, the Good news Gospel of Jesus Christ. Shortly thereafter, a 12 month in-patient Christ-centered recovery program began offering men the opportunity to turn their lives around so that they could return to society, both restored and ready to work.