We exist to serve and glorify God through a Christ-centered ministry that meets the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of the poor and homeless in the greater Lexington area.

Description:
We work to restore broken lives and help disadvantaged people build and maintain an independent lifestyle.

The services we offer include:

The Life Renewal Program, a 12-month residential recovery program for men struggling with addiction;

The Homeless Prevention Program, an emergency rent and utility assistance fund that helps individuals and families facing eviction or having their utilities shut off;

Public meals and chapel services three days a week;

Clothing vouchers for our thrift store on Bryan Avenue;

Life-skills and computer literacy classes;

Medical care for uninsured clients;

And individual and family counseling.

History:
The mission began as Jim and Becky Connell from Columbus, Indiana felt led by God to start a rescue mission in the fall of 2000. Lexington was one of three communities in the region identified by the Association of Gospel Rescue Missions as needing a ministry to the homeless.

In April 2001, Jim quit his job in Columbus and moved to Lexington to start the mission. Four months later, the rescue mission's building at 649 North Limestone Street was purchased with the help of a generous gift from a Lexington couple.

The ministry of Lexington Rescue Mission began with a Thanksgiving banquet held at Broadway Christian Church on November 21, 2001. Since that time, the mission has opened its doors to feed and clothe the poor and hungry in our community.

By March of 2003, renovations were complete and the mission was ready to launch its men's residential Life Renewal Program. Along with that program, a Homeless Prevention Program was started to give emergency financial assistance to those who were one step away from becoming homeless.

Free lunches are served to the public on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays at noon. More than 20,000 meals were served to the public last year. Public chapel services are held preceding the weekday meals, and all are welcome. In addition, evening meals and chapel services are provided for men in the Life Renewal Program.

In January 2004, the mission purchased a building at 444 Glen Arvin Avenue, which became The Lexington Rescue Mission Outreach Center. This facility houses the mission's offices, the kitchen and dining room, the learning center (which includes a computer lab and classroom), the health center, the counseling center and the chapel.

The mission is an interdenominational Christian nonprofit organization and is governed by an independent, local Board of Directors.

Contact people:

James Clifford, Volunteer Coordinator, (phone), (email) Laura Connell, Development Director, (phone), (email) Jim Connell, Executive Director, (phone), (email)

Office fax number: (859) 381-9603

Address:

P.O. Box 1050 Lexington, KY 40588

Web Site: http://www.lexingtonrescue.org