Building Bright Futures & Empowering Young Learners: Jacqueline
In 2024, the Orlando Union Rescue Mission launched the Academic Support Program to address a critical need: children at the Mission who have fallen behind in school due to challenging life circumstances. Recognizing this gap, the Mission created the program to provide tailored academic support, helping young learners catch up, stay in school, and ultimately […]
A New Chapter: Building Pathways of Hope and Stability
In the heart of Central Florida, where housing costs continue to rise and challenge even the most determined families, the Orlando Union Rescue Mission is preparing to launch a faith-centered transitional program that offers hope and opportunity. This new initiative, which will include 108 apartments ranging from efficiencies to three-bedroom units, aims to be a […]
From Determination to Triumph: The Journey of CLC Students at OURM
The Career Learning Center (CLC) at the Orlando Union Rescue Mission has become a beacon of hope and transformation for adult residents pursuing their educational goals. Through personalized learning paths, students progress at their own pace in a supportive, faith-centered environment. One standout feature recently introduced is the “Student of the Month” competition. Jessica Evans, […]
Back On Their Feet – Angel’s Story
Angel Saffold and her four children had rented a rent-subsidized home for twelve years when her landlord sold the house and evicted the family. Because of the years-long waiting list for subsidized apartments, Angel was unable to find replacement housing she could afford, so they moved into a hotel for a short time and faced […]
Volunteer Spotlight – Melinda Micklewright
Visit the Early Learning Center at the Mission’s family home any Tuesday morning, and you’ll find volunteer Melinda Micklewright loving on the babies. “The children are a delight, a joy,” she said. “They are just adorable.” Melinda, a pharmacist, came to Orlando to help open the VA Hospital in Lake Nona many years ago. She […]
Reconnecting with God – Garisha’s Story
After going through a rough situation with her children’s father, Garisha was left to take care of her five kids by herself while also facing eviction from their apartment. Although down on her luck, Garisha remembered her mother’s words, “Why worry when you can pray.” Garisha took her mother’s advice, and soon after was introduced […]
“God is Here” – Grant Salisbury
This fall, thanks to Grant Salisbury, you might see commercials featuring the Mission on streaming services and social media. For eighteen years, Grant and his company, GFX Creative, have been creating engaging film and digital content for some of the most prominent names in virtually every industry. After a tour of the Mission, he volunteered […]
A Case Manager with a Case Manager – Denise’s Story
Fleeing domestic violence, Denise Wilcox and her children were living in a motel when a friend from work encouraged her to contact the Mission. Reluctant at first, Denise finally agreed. When she arrived at the Mission, her case manager, Naomi Ings, prepared a detailed case plan for Denise and her children, and the family began […]
Reconnecting with God – Marian’s Story
Marian Williams received an unusual birthday present on March 1, 2023, when she became a guest at the Mission. Her husband of 36 years had passed away, and she and her son had moved to Florida from Virginia to get a new start in life. They were living in motels and could not make ends […]
Giving Back – Twyla Walwyn-Love
When her father passed away, Twyla and her three children had no place to live. “I had always seen this place and wondered what it was,” said Twyla, “so I looked it up on Google and checked it out to see if they could offer any assistance.” In June 2016 they came to the Mission, […]