From Broadway to Broken: A Mission in New York

After climbing a flight of stairs and hanging his coat up, Joe Little looked around his small office. Bags of donated and unsorted linens took up the space of one corner and the phone rang in the background. “You see the ultimate good and the ultimate sorrow,” he said, referring to his experience at the New York City Rescue Mission. 

Joe Little, Public Relations Manager

Little has been the Public Relations manager at the New York City Rescue Mission since 2003. The first of its kind, the Mission was founded in 1872 by Jerry and Maria McAuley. The model has since been replicated by hundreds of other rescue missions across the country. According to the Mission’s website, the organization works to provide spiritual hope, food, clothing, and shelter to those in crisis.

Goals remain the same today as they did at the time of its original founding. “We’re feeding the hungry, resting the weary, and encouraging the hopeless,” Little said. The New York City Rescue Mission preceded the federal welfare program.  

The facility has 100 beds for overnight guests who are offered meals, clean clothing, a shower, and spiritual guidance. Long term residents have access to career development services, an opportunity to prepare and complete their GED, as well as job skills training. 29 beds are reserved for those in the long term Residential Recovery Program.  

The long term recovery program typically lasts about eight to ten months, but depends on the overall response of the group. While not specifically directed toward one problem, those in residential recovery go through 12 step program to work on a variety of issues. Most often, Little said, those in the program are struggling with drug and alcohol related problems. “It is a place to wrestle with yourself, with what you have done to others, with God, with the past, present, and future,” Little said.

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Little described the program as a place to openly admit your problems. It is about taking the next step toward positive change and renewal.

As a result, there are stories of success as well as stories of those who have fallen back into their vices.  

“Pete. He graduated from the program,” Little said. “But heroine is what it is. Too often I will see him on the subway, begging. It almost makes me weep.”

Another participant in the program, Bob H., is considered a success story. Little described Bob H. as a rare case. He was able to reunite with his spouse, his children, and get back onto his feet. Little said Bob H.’s case is seen as an incredible triumph. “Like being lifted up out of the impossible,” he said, referring to addiction and poverty.

Each year, approximately 100 men enter the recovery program. A graduation service follows the completion of each cycle. Little claims effectiveness of the program is good, although it is difficult to definitively measure a success rate because of the varying circumstances and outcomes.

“I love the guys in the program,” Little said, explaining that he acts as a type of brother or uncle to those in the program, whose ages typically vary. “They are making themselves vulnerable and transparent.” Little said the atmosphere at the Mission allows the men to be less guarded, which provides opportunity for great conversation.  

This atmosphere is evident especially during lunch time. Residents clamored into the cafeteria and lined up for a hot meal that had been blessed in prayer just moments before. Seated at the table, a counselor also said that this open environment plays no small role in why he works at the mission. “It’s the results,” he said humbly.

While lunch is provided only to residents, the Mission serves breakfast and dinner to anyone in need. Because of the current state of the economy, need has been increasing. Although the Mission is predominantly a men’s shelter, no one is turned away.

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Eighty percent of the Mission’s funding comes from individual donations. In 2011 alone, these donations have helped to provide thousands of meals, articles of clothing, counseling and medical clinic hours, as well as a means for lodging.

“We welcome everyone,” said Executive Director James VarnHagen. VarnHagen said that the Mission hosts a variety of Christian denominations to use their chapel and conduct services.

Building a relationship with God is an important aspect in the Mission’s goals. Chapel services are available to anyone at the Mission. 

“We wash you on the outside,” Little said, “while God washes you on the inside.”

New York City Rescue Mission is located at 90 Lafayette Street. Call 212-226-6214 or visit www.nycrescue.org to learn more or get involved.