Our Community, Our Mission

This episode is a journey of reflection and inspiration, tracking the footprints of a man whose childhood curiosity in a seventh-grade science class blossomed into a career in engineering which shaped a path to full time ministry in Topeka. Johnathan Sublet, Interim Executive Director and Board Chairman for SENT and Servant Pastor at Fellowship Hi-Crest, shares the powerful influence of mentors an...

Sunday wouldn't have mattered if Friday didn't happen. In this episode we reflect on the incredible sacrifice that Jesus paid for all of us. We are joined by Mike Schoettle who shares from his "Sacred Steps" devotional series written for TRM staff in the weeks leading up to Easter. Mike's devotionals, steeped in authenticity and reverence, help guide us to a deeper appreci...

Navigating mental health and community outreach, we're honored to welcome Matt Baldwin from Breakthrough House to our dialogue. We explore partnerships and the balance of support and independence in mental wellness. Matt shares Breakthrough House's core belief: community guidance for reintegrating individuals. Hear stories of resilience, highlighting community's role in restoring pu...

Cherished connections and understanding people's motivations are the bedrock of any thriving non-profit, and we uncover just how these elements fuel our Mission. We take you behind the scenes to visit with TRM Donor Relations Specialist, Jamie Wiegert. Hear about his background in growing relationships in sales, leading into nurturing a family of supporters who share our passion for service....

In this episode, La Manda Broyles, TRM Executive Director, visits with her Deputy Directors, Kourtney Barr, Miriam Krehbiel, and Christian Stringfellow about unity and vision for those we serve! This impactful conversation hits on a recent retreat the leadership team were able to go on and the insights and renewal they were able to glean from it. La Manda and the Deputies also share vision for eac...

Listen in to this wonderful interview, as we talk with Brian Cole, Director of the Shawnee County Department of Corrections. Brian shares about his personal path into the world of corrections, and it's clear that his heart beats for change and dignity within the system. We discuss the innovative steps to prioritize rehabilitation and the essential role community partnerships play in supportin...

(DISCLAIMER: This episode is a very raw and unfiltered  interview and as such contains some explicit language. Listener discretion is advised.) Have you ever grasped the weight of a second chance, the kind that reshapes the very core of a human soul? Listen in as we visit with our special guest, George Cunningham, to hear his journey from the chilling grip of drug addiction and loneliness to the w...

When the icy grip of a winter threatened the vulnerable in Topeka, a torrent of compassion and collaboration surged through the community. In this episode we celebrate the efforts of community helping community! Joined by Kristin Stock from Valeo, Richard Martinez from Street Team Ministry, and Sergeant Matt Rose from the Topeka Police Department, we reflect on the collective effort it took to cre...

Ash Wednesday, Valentine's Day, and Barry's Birthday! Oh my! In this special episode we discuss the significance of Ash Wednesday, the great distances we go for love, and the impact of the people that God places in our lives. You are loved! To learn more about TRM Ministries: Click Here! To support TRM, Click Here! Send us a Message!

In this special episode Mike Schoettle, TRM's Director of Spiritual Wellness & Discipleship, has the main mic! Sharing an encouraging message of the Lord's steadfastness.  Drawing parallels from his experience working at the Kalamazoo Air Zoo to trusting God to carry you through struggles, we discuss the profound impact of prayer and trusting in the Lord as we navigate through uncert...

Listen in as La Manda Broyles visits with Deputy Directors, Kourtney Barr (Transformational Services), Miriam Krehbiel (Supportive Services), and Christian Stringfellow (Shelter Services) to reflect on 2023. From the moments of pride, to the difficulties of challenge, and the amazing God stories that make it all worth it. We also discuss the importance of letting the Lord work on us so that we can...

We're joined by Ken Peterson, the Regional Coordinator for the Central region of the Citygate Network, North America’s oldest and largest community of independent, faith-based crisis shelters and life-transformation centers. Ken gives his unique insights into transformative growth, stories of connection, and shared wisdom on the importance of gathering in solidarity to uplift those dedicated...

When the mercury plummets, the winds howl, and the snow falls, we desire to keep our unsheltered neighbors warm and safe. See a need, meet a need. In this episode, you'll hear about the efforts to transform our warehouse into a warming center, our need for community support, and a heartwarming story of transformation through 4 words, "food, safe, thank you, and bye." To learn more a...

As the festive lights twinkle and the spirit of Christmas warms our hearts, we visit with Mike Schoettle in a special episode that's a testament to transformation and enduring hope. Mike opens up about his journey from moments of uncertainty to receiving affirmations of his spiritual path, leading up to his new role as Director of Spiritual Wellness & Discipleship. Wrapping up this heartw...

What does it look like to help oversee our Christmas Distribution operation? Get an inside listen as we visit with Cindy Risch, TRM Volunteer and Christmas Coordinator. Hear her heart for serving, how her background in engineering helps her see the big picture for everything to work together, and some of the stories of how God has provided in incredible ways to bless those in need. To learn more a...

In this episode we revisit a very special episode from this time last year, where we sat down and visited with one of the original founders of TRM, Max Manning!  Even at the age of 95, Max continues to carry a spirit that embodies an unwavering dedication to service and immeasurable love for humanity. Be inspired by his journey of founding the Topeka Rescue Mission to his ongoing work with Global...

Christmas time is here! Listen in as we visit with Holton Witman, Director of Distribution Services, and Mike Schoettle, Assistant Director of Distribution Services, about all the amazing things going on at the Distribution Center during this special time of year. From preparing and delivering gifts to trusting God to provide in amazing ways. Through your support, we're able to bless those in...

This milestone episode, our 200th broadcast, coincides beautifully with the spirit of Giving Tuesday! Listen as explore the multiple ways you, our listeners, can play an instrumental role, and also hear from some of our  amazing staff and hear the "Why?" behind their work and impact here at TRM. We are so thankful for them and we are thankful for you! To support TRM, you can shop our fun...

The holiday season is not just about celebrating, but it's also about reflection, redemption and finding purpose. In this episode we visit with our very own, Chef Sean Hall. Hear how he found his true calling at TRM, about his difficult journey to get here,  and the important reminder that no matter our past, there's always hope for a brighter future through Christ. To learn more about T...

Awareness of homelessness may be highlighted this week, but it's happening every day. In this episode, La Manda and Barry unpack some of the tough questions surrounding homelessness, why there is not a one size fits all answer to solve it, and how we all have a part to play. It's a beautiful mess when you seek to truly help those in need, but every person has value and is worth pursuing!...

In this episode, we visit with our good friend, Adrian Revels, Production Associate for Goodyear and 2023 graduate of Leadership Greater Topeka. Hear how he first learned more about TRM through La Manda coming to speak to his LGT class, to how he has now become a strong advocate for our unsheltered neighbors. Also, learn about his story of coming alongside a neighbor who was able to get housing, a...

Listen in as we visit with Isabell Chronister, Assistant Director of the Hope Center! Hear about her time as interning at TRM through Washburn University, where she worked with our TED (Trauma Education Department) Team, and her desire to continue working here even after her internship was completed. Also learn about her heart for the people we serve, and how we are really doing life with those we...

Listen in to a special conversation and unique perspective as we sit down with Steve Vogel, a seasoned landlord and President of the Shawnee County Landlord Association. Steve shares his unique insights into the persistent social issue of helping those experiencing homelessness. Our discussion ranges from exploring the intricate workings of the landlord business, the importance of building positiv...

In our latest conversation, we visit with Mike Lesser. Through his role as vice president of the board for Compassion Strategies, his tenure as a City Council member in Topeka, and his experience on the Seaman School Board, Mike has made a remarkable impact on the community he serves. But as strong as his community spirit is, Mike's personal journey navigating through anxiety is equally compe...

In this episode, we visit with Steve Saffa, TRM Director of Human Resources. Hear about his journey from serving in the corporate world, to serving in a role overseeing HR in Africa and how he was led to TRM. Steve sheds light on the importance of having the right person in each role to ensure we remain Christ-centered in our service. Serving is no easy feat and, as Steve emphasizes, it's cru...