the way home / By Rockford Rescue Mission

What happens when someone who once faced 120 years in prison becomes a leader helping others find hope? In this episode of The Way Home , we sit down with Brian Butler, Director of Residential Ministries at Pathway Ministries in Peoria, formerly known as Peoria Rescue Mission. Brian shares his powerful story of addiction, incarceration, homelessness, and the moment everything changed. “He showed m...

What does true healing look like for someone rebuilding their life after trauma and addiction? In this episode of The Way Home, we sit down with Rick Meyer—counselor, pastor, and longtime volunteer at the Mission—who faithfully gives his professional time to serve residents in our Life Recovery Program. Through years of counseling and pastoral care, Rick has helped many men and women begin the har...

What does faithful leadership look like in a season of growing need, complexity, and public debate? In this Season 2 premiere of The Way Home, we sit down with Tom De Vries, President & CEO of Citygate Network, a faith-based association serving rescue missions and life-transformation ministries across the United States, Canada, and the Caribbean. Tom brings decades of ministry leadership and a...

In this episode of The Way Home, Zach Pitney takes us behind the scenes of a life lived in ministry. Growing up in the Mission, he shares what it was like seeing faith and service modeled every day, and how those experiences shaped the man he is today. From discovering his purpose in a family ministry to reflecting on Rockford’s growth, Zach offers a firsthand look at why the Mission matters—and w...

Happy Thanksgiving! We pray you all are having a blessed season of holidays. In this episode of The Way Home, Nathan and Jim talk with a familiar face and name at the Mission. Zach Pitney shares his story of redemption and how his faith was challenged. rockfordrescuemission.org

Don, a Life Recovery Resident at Rockford Rescue Mission, went through numerous recovery programs, but nothing seemed to work until he arrived at the Mission. This podcast is powered by Rockford Rescue Mission—a Christian nonprofit serving Rockford, Illinois, since 1964. Open 24/7 and free to all, we offer hope and help in Jesus’ name to the hungry, homeless, and those seeking recovery. Learn more...

Want to help shape Season Two? Send in your feedback or questions—we’d love to hear from you! In this season finale of The Way Home, co-hosts Nathan and Jim sit down to reflect on the stories, themes, and surprises from the first six episodes of the show. This episode highlights how the Mission helps people recover their value—and how storytelling can help break harmful stereotypes. We also talk a...

Our education and career training center at Rockford Rescue Mission is called the Works! Center. This is where Brittany White serves as an instructor, and she has had a significant impact on our guests and residents in her classes. The outcomes include job placements or securing an apartment ... and sometimes, decisions with eternal significance. Here's our interview with Brittany. This podcast is...

“I didn’t know there was homelessness in America,” says Sabuj, the Mission’s Volunteer Supervisor. The Mission can search far and wide for its next hire—but Sabuj came from Dhaka, Bangladesh. Now, as our Volunteer Supervisor, he recruits, organizes, and inspires volunteers with his encouraging words. This podcast is powered by Rockford Rescue Mission—a Christian nonprofit serving Rockford, Illinoi...

Meet Brandi, a resident in our Life Recovery Program. She has an incredible story about how she came to the Mission, which she entirely credits to God watching over her. When she was in desperate need, the Mission was there to give help and hope. We also spoke with one of Brandi’s church friends and mentors, Amy Hershberger, who volunteers at the Mission. We discussed the impact of community in re...

What if “not being okay” is actually okay with God? Serving those with experiences of Homelessness, Addiction, Abuse, and Mental health challenges is an uncomfortable calling. It’s messy and challenging to our faith when we see such despair every day. But in the face of all that … there’s hope and there’s help. Our mission is to show hospitality to everyone we serve, just as Jesus modeled.  That’s...