Our Community, Our Mission

From a simple lunch invitation to leading a life-changing organization, Lauren Clouse’s story is one of calling, courage, and deep faith. As CEO of Winchester Rescue Mission, Lauren never imagined she’d be running a growing nonprofit, expanding programs, and building partnerships across the Shenandoah Valley. But with a heart for people and a belief that “God doesn’t call the qualified—He qualifie...

In this episode of Our Community, Our Mission , Jessica Croner shares how her heart for the unsheltered has guided her through years of ministry — from the Boise Rescue Mission to the Valley Mission in Pocatello, Idaho, and now as Director of Street Reach. A pivotal encounter at a Citygate Conference introduced her to TRM and the Street Reach and MAP model, which she brought back to Idaho and laun...

As the challenge of homelessness grows more urgent, one leader’s journey offers a powerful example of how diverse experiences can prepare us to serve. Shelly Buhler, a board member at Topeka Rescue Mission, shares insights shaped by a career spanning public service, education, and nonprofit leadership. From driving forklifts at a food bank to serving as a mayor and county commissioner, each step o...

In this episode of Our Community, Our Mission , we honor Volunteer Appreciation Month by exploring the vital role volunteers play at TRM. John Roberts, Deputy Director of Community Needs & Services, shares how volunteers impact every department, from food services to guest support. Suzie Paslay reflects on her journey as Volunteer Coordinator, emphasizing the personal and spiritual significanc...

In this Holy Week episode, directors Josh Turley and Mike Schoettle journey through Jesus’s final days—from Palm Sunday’s peaceful procession to the glory of Resurrection Sunday. Along the way, they unpack profound moments like the cleansing of the temple, servant leadership on Maundy Thursday, and the deep sorrow of the crucifixion. Their reflection on “the long Saturday”—the quiet in-between of...

The transformative power of faith takes center stage as Zack Bowles, Executive Director of Resurrection House in Chickasha, Oklahoma, shares his  journey from trucking business owner to rescue mission leader.  Serving a rural community of 16,000, Resurrection House proves that small towns can address homelessness effectively without merely relocating people to larger cities. Their holistic approac...

The journey from living under a bridge to leading others toward hope isn’t just a story—it’s Jacob Harmon’s reality. Now the Assistant Director of Men’s Services at Topeka Rescue Mission, Jacob once arrived at TRM seeking relief from the summer heat after living in a tent. What he found was a program that rewrote his life, transforming his world from black and white to color through faith. Now, si...

In this episode of Our Community, Our Mission , Mike Schoettle, Director of Spiritual Wellness and Discipleship, shares a powerful message: What if drawing closer to God were simpler than we make it? During this Lenten season, we unpack the profound simplicity of spiritual connection—one that transcends denominational boundaries and religious complexity. While Lent is often associated with Catholi...

In this episode of Our Community, Our Mission , we sit down with Lisa Bryant, Assistant Director of the Hope Center, to hear her powerful story of transformation. From battling addiction and experiencing homelessness to becoming a leader in shelter services, Lisa’s journey gives her a deep, personal connection to the guests she serves. She shares how Teen Challenge helped her find freedom and purp...

This episode of Our Community, Our Mission was recorded prior to the incident on March 4th, in which an unsheltered neighbor was injured during a city-mandated encampment abatement. Our hearts are heavy over what happened, and while we are deeply grateful that he is okay, we are saddened that this situation occurred at all. We are also incredibly thankful for the many partners and boots on the gro...

This week on Our Community, Our Mission , we hear the powerful stories of Chris Harstad, Marcus Molinar, and Marvin Blanchett—three men who overcame addiction, homelessness, and uncertainty through faith, mentorship, and the support of the Rescue Mission community. Chris, a single father, found himself homeless while struggling with addiction and the ability to provide for his son. Overwhelmed and...

In this episode, Barry Feaker and La Manda Cunningham along with Christian Stringfellow, Deputy Director of Shelter Services, and Marcus Molinar, Deputy Director of Facilities & Security,  explore the critical role of warming centers in our community. What exactly is a warming center, and why are they essential? How do we decide when and where to open them? We discuss the challenges of operati...

In this episode of Our Community, Our Mission, we sit down with Pat Yancy, Executive Director of Let’s Help & Associate Pastor at First Presbyterian Church, to explore the impactful work of Let’s Help since its founding in 1969 and the many ways it continues to serve the community today. Pat shares insights on Let’s Help's current initiatives, including food programs, a clothing bank for...

Have you ever wondered how emerging leaders in rescue ministries are shaping the future? Join us as we welcome Jordan Smith, Chief Development Officer at Tree of Life Ministries, who reveals the transformative mission of supporting the poor and needy in Purcellville, Virginia. Jordan shares powerful, faith-driven stories of how Tree of Life Ministries addresses hidden struggles in one of America’s...

In this episode, we delve into the incredible efforts of the Topeka Rescue Mission and its dedicated community partners to protect the unsheltered population during extreme weather. From the meticulous planning and outreach involved in preparing warming centers to the vital collaborations with community organizations, we highlight the critical strategies that foster resilience and ensure safety fo...

In this inspiring episode of Our Community, Our Mission , Pastor Marc Giffin of Rooted Community Church shares his journey of starting a church plant and stepping into a community to serve as "the Church" in action. Marc highlights the importance of answering the call to serve and asking, “What is our assignment?” He challenges us to live out our faith by showing up for others with inten...

In this episode, we visit with John Roberts, Deputy Director of Community Needs & Services, and Andrew Lucas, Director of Distribution Services, about how their team, alongside dedicated volunteers and supporters, is bringing holiday joy to our guests and unsheltered neighbors. From hosting heartfelt Christmas parties filled with games, treats, caroling, and personalized gifts to adopting 650...

Welcome to the 250th episode of Our Community, Our Mission! On this Transformation Tuesday —our take on Giving Tuesday —we’re joined by John Ostenson, Vice President of TRM’s Board of Directors. John shares how serving on the board has deepened his faith and transformed him into a prayer warrior. He also reflects on TRM’s mission, emphasizing that it’s not just about providing food and shelter, bu...

In this episode, Jessica Lehnherr, CEO of United Way of Kaw Valley, and Brett Martin, Vice President of Community Impact, join us to dive into the incredible work their organization does across four counties. We explore the legacy of the Christmas Bureau, a decades-old initiative that connects donors, adopters, and families in need during the holiday season. From its humble beginnings cataloguing...

Joins us for a special episode with Kourtney Barr, Deputy Director of Transformational Services, and Isabell Chronister, Director of Trauma Education & Development, as they share heartfelt stories of transformation, hope, and the power of human connection. This episode dives into the intentional investment in the emotional and spiritual needs of our guests and unsheltered neighbors, exploring...

Join us for a special episode where we talk with John Roberts, Deputy Director of Community Needs & Services, and Suzie Paslay, Volunteer Coordinator, about the heart and hands behind the Topeka Rescue Mission. TRM’s team gears up for the holiday season—sorting gifts, wrapping presents, preparing food bags, and creating opportunities for intentional holiday moments for both shelter guests, uns...

In this episode, we sit down with Pastor Tim Wilson of Lighthouse Bible Church in North Topeka. Pastor Tim shares the core beliefs that shape his church—Learning, Loving, and Living—as well as the church's deep commitment to serving the local community. Since its founding in 2005, Lighthouse Bible Church has supported the Topeka Rescue Mission and actively engaged in outreach programs like Op...

Join us as we dive into the heartwarming details of the Third Annual TRM Fall Festival, a joyful gathering for unsheltered neighbors, guests, and families. In this episode, Kourtney Barr, Deputy Director of Transformational Services, and Mike Schoettle, Director of Spiritual Wellness & Discipleship, share how the festival has created a safe, inclusive space for everyone—whether they’re enjoyin...

In this episode, we’re joined by Marie Pyko, CEO of the Topeka & Shawnee County Public Library, to discuss the vital role the library plays in fostering community learning and connection. Marie shares the Library's mission of being the center of community learning, emphasizing dignity, inclusion, and engagement for all, including those experiencing homelessness. With a staff of over 170,...

In this episode, we take you behind the scenes of the Topeka Rescue Mission, highlighting the dedication and hard work of our facilities and security team. Join Marcus Molinar, Deputy Director of Facilities and Security, and Marvin Blanchett from the Facilities Team, as they share the challenges of managing six buildings and a fleet of vehicles, all while creating new opportunities for former gues...