May 2026 Newsletter

Honesty That Heals

In our world now filled with social media, where everyone seems to feel the need to blurt out whatever enters their mind, we can be tricked into thinking that expression itself is most virtuous.  The scriptures definitely give strong caution to those who misuse the gift of language stating that our words must be guided by honesty.  Honesty can build what lies once destroyed.  It is the very language of freedom and growing relationships, and this is why the topic for our Ministry Calendar of the month of May is Honesty That Heals.

• Why is honesty sometimes the hardest choice?
• What do you fear most about being honest?
• How can truthfulness lead to real freedom in both recovery and independence?

God can handle the truth; it’s the lies that keep us sick.  Honesty is hard because it feels risky, but when we choose truth we invite the light of Christ to heal what deception has tried to hide.  Please pray for our residents during this month that they will discover the healing and freedom that only our King provides.

Staff Spotlight: Kristen Whitaker – The Mission’s Swiss Army Knife

In many professional settings, people are hired to stay within the narrow confines of a job description. But at the Gospel Rescue Mission, we’ve found that sometimes the most effective ministry happens in the margins—in the “other duties as assigned” that require a heart willing to pivot at a moment’s notice. Kristen Whitaker, who joined our team last July, is the living embodiment of that flexibility. Whether she is tracking down table sponsorships for a Mission event, navigating the complexities of our print room, or dropping everything to pray with a resident or a donor, Kristen has proven to be the “Swiss Army Knife” of our staff.

Kristen’s journey to the Mission was paved with what she calls “God-moments.” After a season of personal loss following the passing of her mother in 2021, Kristen felt a profound pull back toward her faith. “I knew I would need strength I didn’t have,” she recalls. That search for strength led her to River Valley Sunny Valley Church, where she initially took a role as a housekeeper. When budget cuts led to a layoff, Kristen didn’t see a dead end; she saw an opportunity to trust. Through a timely connection with our Director of Resident Services, Laura, Kristen found her way to us.

Her background is as diverse as her current daily task list. Kristen has been a business owner, a flight attendant, and worked in the hospitality industry—all roles that require a high degree of emotional intelligence and adaptability. “There’s a common theme there of serving others,” Kristen explains. That servant’s heart is what allows her to transition from a technical administrative task to a moment of deep spiritual connection without missing a beat. She is particularly moved by the transformation she sees in our residents. “It’s profound watching these lives… actually graduate out and buy their own homes. Talk about transformation and giving people hope!” she says. This perspective makes her an incredible asset to our donor relations, as she can share firsthand accounts of how their support is changing lives. She understands that our donors aren’t just funding a shelter; they are partnering in a miracle.

Outside of the Mission, Kristen remains deeply rooted in her community. She is a fixture at her church, where she serves in the nursery and Sunday school. For Kristen, whether it’s rocking an infant in Sunny Valley or managing a sponsorship in Grants Pass, the goal is the same: “I just want to be helpful and have my hands do what God would want me to do.” We are honored to have such a versatile, Christ-centered tool in our belt.

Finding the Rhythm of Grace: Jena’s Story

Life has never been “easy” for Jena. Living with ADHD and Tourette’s, the world can often feel overwhelming and loud. When she first came to the Mission, those internal challenges made the prospect of a structured program feel daunting. She arrived at the Fikso Family Center in December with a heavy dose of skepticism. “I thought I wasn’t going to make it because of all the rules,” she recalled in a recent interview.

For many individuals coming off the streets, rules can feel like a cage. However, Jena soon discovered that the Mission’s community wasn’t there to judge her disabilities, but to support her through them. She found that the requirements weren’t obstacles, but the guardrails that keep a person on the path to success.

When Jena arrived, she struggled with the basic rhythms of time management and hygiene—simple daily tasks that often become impossible to maintain when you are in survival mode.

By leaning into the Mission’s structured schedule, she didn’t just find a place to sleep; she found a rhythm for her life. As she proved her consistency, she moved from the high-capacity 30-day dorm to the quiet, independent rooms upstairs.

This growth was most evident through the job skills training program at the Second Chance Thrift Store. Jena blossomed in this environment. She started in the arts and crafts section—literally organizing chaos into order—before moving to linens and eventually operating the cash register. These milestones were about more than retail skills; they were about Jena rediscovering her own capability and worth as an asset to her community.

A core piece of this journey was the spiritual support found in the Mission’s chapel services. Attending twice daily gave Jena a chance to reset her internal compass. “Every chaplain is different… they keep us engaged in their own ways,” Jena shared. She noted that her faith in God has been significantly strengthened during her four months at the Fikso Center. While external stability like housing and jobs are vital, the Mission recognizes that lasting change is rooted in a shift of the heart. For Jena, that meant returning to her Christian roots and seeing God’s hand in her daily progress.

Today, Jena leaves the Mission not for the unknown, but with a solid plan for her future. She has already secured a new job and a stable place to stay with a supportive friend. Looking back at her four-month journey, Jena realizes that the structure she once feared didn’t bind her; it gave her the freedom to succeed!

Food, Family, and Fellowship: Join Us for Food on Foundry!

At the Grants Pass Gospel Rescue Mission, we often talk about the importance of community. We believe that community is key and that no life works well in isolation. This June, we have a wonderful opportunity to put these values into practice and celebrate the community we are so blessed to be a part of!

On Saturday, June 27th, from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM, the Mission is teaming up with our friends at the ROC Food Pantry to host the first-ever Food on Foundry event! We are literally filling the block at 540 Southwest Foundry Street with the sights, sounds, and flavors of a neighborhood coming together for a fantastic cause.

What to Expect:

• Delicious Local Eats: Enjoy a variety of food trucks, including favorites like Savage Dogs, House of Glory Gelato, and refreshing sips from Busy Bees Lemonade.
• Family Fun: We’ll have a Bounce House, Cotton Candy, Cornhole, and a special Kid Zone hosted by our partners at REACH Academy.
• Live Music: Come enjoy live performances that will keep the atmosphere festive all afternoon.

While admission is free, the impact of this event is profound. A portion of the proceeds from every meal sold goes directly toward fighting food insecurity and supporting our residents as they move from dependence to independence.  Events like Food on Foundry allow us to bridge the gap between the Mission and our neighbors. When you come out to eat and play, you are standing with us in our belief that every person is an asset, not a liability, and is capable of great change through the grace of God. Plus, every purchase or donation enters you to win a Family Fun Prize Pack valued at approximately $500!.

We serve a God of miracles, and we see those miracles daily in the lives of our residents. We invite you to join us on June 27th to celebrate that hope and help us make a lasting difference in Grants Pass. We can’t wait to see you there!

UPCOMING EVENTS:

June 27^th, 11:00AM – 3:00PM
540 SW FOUNDRY ST.
Grants Pass, OR 97526

July 29^th, 10:30AM-NOON
540 SW FOUNDRY ST.
Grants Pass, OR 97526

SAVE THE DATE!