Long Beach Rescue Mission Gives Mothers A Blessing

The Long Beach Rescue Mission Thrift Store will host its “Mother’s are a Blessing” event this Friday, May 6, for Mother’s Day.

Mothers who shop in-store will receive twenty percent off their purchase. The inspiration came from one of the Mission’s program graduates, Eduardo.

He experienced homelessness over a year ago, then enrolled in the New Life Program which offers education and spiritual guidance to overcome a person’s deeper challenges and addictions.

In addition, the Thrift Store warehouse employs residents of the New Life Program, giving them valuable training and work experience for future success after they graduate. As a way of giving back, Eduardo is also sponsoring a flower giveaway for all mothers who appear in the store this Friday.

“He just really has a heart for generosity and he wanted to give back,” said Michele Velazquez, manager of the Long Beach Rescue Mission Thrift Store. 

For mothers who visit the store Friday, flowers will be distributed, while supplies last.

In addition, the thrift store is also developing itself into an education hub. The objective is to continue to develop residents who are part of the Mission, for personal and professional development.

Starting in the upcoming weeks, the store will host a series of candle-making classes for the women in the Lydia House. In conjunction, there will also be a program for people who purchase candles to refill them.

“It’s really about how we can pour into the folks that are already there, whether it is teaching a trade or offering something different,” Velazquez said.

The Mission offers several faith-based initiatives for men and women seeking to make a fresh start. Through dedicated counseling, training, and education, individuals can achieve their goals of returning to society.

“It’s a calling to be there and you have to love and value every single person that walks through the door,” Velazquez said.  

For a year-long residential discipleship program, men and women build a lasting relationship with Jesus Christ, become reconciled to God and themselves, and return to become productive members of the community.

The Rescue Mission store warehouse offers a variety of new and gently used items at bargain prices. All donations are tax-deductible and the proceeds help to fund the meals, shelter, and recovery services for the men and women in our New Life Program, completely free of charge.

In addition, the warehouse has been receiving requests for furniture. Some of the items the store is seeking are small, gently used furniture items, new toys, clothing, and jewelry.

To learn more about the Long Beach Rescue Mission Thrift Store, visit https://lbrm.org/thrift-store/. 

By Carter Williams II

Photo credit: Long Beach Rescue Mission