Ashley was just 9 years old when she lost her mother. She and her brothers went into foster care and were separated. Despondent, traumatized, and alone, Ashley was desperate for an escape from her pain. With no other support available to her, she turned to drugs for relief. 

“I was consumed by feelings of rejection,” she says. 

Ashley moved to Pensacola hoping for a fresh start, but the new location only heightened her loneliness. “I didn’t know anyone,” she says. “I was all by myself.” 

Then – when she was at rock bottom – someone told Ashley about Waterfront Rescue Mission. She came for emergency relief: food, shelter, and clothing. Two days later, she joined one of our life-changing programs.

“It was so important to have someone I didn’t know welcome me with open arms and offer to help with anything I needed. I knew that even if the Mission didn’t have all the answers, they would help me find the resources I needed.”

“I felt a lot of love and community here.”

Now, Ashley is in our work training program. When she arrived, she didn’t have an ID, birth certificate, or Social Security card. She is working on getting back all that lost documentation so she can build a better life and reach the goals she has set for herself. 

“The Mission is showing me the next steps I need to take to be a productive member of society,” she says. “Before coming here, I was lost. Now I have a path for my future.”

Thank you for loving neighbors like Ashley “as you’ve loved yourself.” Your kindness has reminded her that she is not alone and that a better life is possible! “I’m thankful for the Mission, because they gave me hope. Now I know I’m no longer alone.”

To read this issue of Waterfront Mission Rescue News, click here.

May these serve as a reminder that matter the challenges, hope and redemption are always within reach.

Meet Gerald

Gerald’s journey from hopelessness to hope is a powerful reminder of the transformation that’s possible with God.

After struggling with addiction and homelessness, Gerald woke up one morning in front of a funeral home and knew it was time for a change. He came to Waterfront Mission, where our chaplains guided him into our LifeBuilder Recovery Program.

Now, Gerald is sober, working hard, rebuilding relationships, and managing his finances. He’s committed to putting God first, and we’re excited to see the bright future ahead of him!

Hear His Story 

Meet Brian

Brian had a successful business career, but the loss of his mother sent his life into a spiral. Struggling with grief and destructive habits, his father led him to Waterfront Mission’s LifeBuilder Recovery Program.

Just as Brian neared the end of phase two, he suffered his second heart attack, requiring triple bypass surgery. Unsure of what to do next, he returned to Waterfront and received critical care and support at the Arukah Respite Center. Today, Brian is thriving — employed, reconnected with his family, committed to Christ through baptism and is a  graduate of our LifeBuilder Recovery Program!

Hear His Story

Meet Tracy

What began as casual marijuana use eventually led to a drug addiction he was not proud of. After moving to the area, he discovered Waterfront and learned how the LifeBuilder Recovery Program could help him break free from addiction.

Through our 9-month, Bible-based program, Tracy not only overcame his addiction but also deepened his faith and understanding of God’s word. 

Hear His Story

Meet Bruce

Bruce’s journey took him from a Christian home to addiction, anger, and prison. After hitting rock bottom, he found himself on the streets, but that moment of despair led him to Waterfront Mission.

Now, nine months later, Bruce is sober, a proud graduate of our LifeBuilder Recovery Program, and closer to God than ever. 

Hear His Story

Meet Nick

Nick spent his early twenties searching for stability and purpose, often turning to alcohol as a way to cope. But through Waterfront’s LifeBuilder Recovery Program, he found the strength to rebuild his life and discovered that Jesus is the unwavering foundation he had been missing.

Nick’s story is a journey of transformation, faith, and newfound direction.

Hear His Story 

Follow us on Facebook and Instagram to see how we’re helping those in need and rebuilding lives! 

John remembers his childhood as a series of contrasts. Like his mom, who was an alcoholic… and his dad, who was overprotective to try to compensate. Or a wonderful childhood spent playing outside… and a heartbreaking experience of addiction as he became a teenager.

When John was about 13 years old, time with friends took a darker turn. “I wanted to do it all… I was drinking and using drugs,” he says.

He spent years trapped in a cycle of drinking and addiction. Nothing was able to break through and convince him to change until he was arrested for DUI and locked up in a special cell for people who were suicidal.

“My self-confidence was really low. I had lost jobs and relationships… I didn’t have anything.”

But when John walked through the doors of Waterfront Rescue Mission, he realized he was right where God wanted him to be.

“I knew that if I didn’t come to Waterfront, I was gonna fall. I told them I know God has me here and has better things for me.”

At Waterfront, John was willing to put in the hard work to overcome addiction and transform his life. 

“I had to prove I was wanting to change… to give my life to Christ. Because it’s not just about changing, it’s about repentance and redirection,” he says.

He even earned a nickname, Smiley, because he was always happy and thankful to be among people who cared and invested in his recovery. 

Today, John is celebrating four years of sobriety. He has his own home, a good job, and the love of his fiancée. He is a proud dad of three girls and loving every minute of the life he has built.

This Easter, John is experiencing God’s gift of new life! Thank you for empowering him to follow Christ’s calling in his life. “Having a sober mind is powerful – especially when you’ve got God on your side. Now I’m who God created me to be.”

This morning, Waterfront Mission President/CEO Clay Romano joined Pensacola News Radio host Andrew McKay to discuss the impactful week at the Mission. A historic snowstorm swept through Pensacola, creating one of the busiest weeks ever for the Mission’s operations.

During the conversation, Clay highlighted the Mission’s response to the crisis and the efforts to care for the most vulnerable in our community during the freezing temperatures.

“We had a record-high number of individuals at the Mission, and our teams have been stepping up to take care of them,” Clay shared.

Unprecedented Numbers at the Mission

Clay emphasized how the extreme weather dramatically increased the need for shelter and care:

“During normal weather, we see 150-160 individuals in Pensacola and a little less in Mobile. Last night alone, we had just over 360 individuals across our locations.”

The Mission’s commitment to serving the community was on full display, as Clay explained how they adjusted operations to ensure no one was left out in the cold:

“During this extreme weather, we suspend all our normal operating procedures. There’s no charge for overnight stays because we just want to take care of as many of God’s children as we can.”

Gratitude and Ongoing Efforts

Clay expressed gratitude to Andrew McKay for providing a platform to share the Mission’s story and efforts during this challenging time. The conversation shed light on the critical work being done to support those in need, not only during the snowstorm but throughout the year.

Thank you to everyone who supports the Mission, enabling us to serve the community in its times of greatest need. Together, we can continue to provide hope and help to those who need it most.

Tune in below to hear the full interview! 

Pensacola, FL – Exciting things happen when employees from Pensacola’s largest employer collaborate with the city’s longest-standing non-profit organization!

Waterfront Rescue Mission, a cornerstone of support for the Gulf Coast’s homeless and those struggling with addiction, recently sought to renovate the Nehemiah House, the oldest of Waterfront’s transitional houses. The Nehemiah House has been vacant since the Spring of 2022, but the growth of Waterfront Mission’s Recovery Program necessitated it being used again.  The only problem was the house needed to be taken down to the studs and rebuilt before anyone could move in. 

Recognizing the extensive labor required for the renovation, Waterfront Mission reached out to a valued community partner: Navy Federal Credit Union. Navy Federal was enthusiastic about the project, viewing it as a prime opportunity for their team to engage in hands-on volunteer work.

“Navy Federal is proud to be part of the team that is helping renovate one of Waterfront’s transition houses.  Volunteering at Waterfront Mission is not just about giving back; it’s about building a stronger community,” said Will Scott, VP of Business Solutions. “At Navy Federal, we believe in the power of service, and our team’s dedication to this cause reflects our commitment to championing community and making a meaningful difference in the lives of those in need. The impact of our volunteer efforts will build hope, strengthen bonds, and create a ripple effect of positive change throughout our community.”

In an inspiring display of volunteerism, Navy Federal team members eagerly signed up and arrived at the Mission, ready to lend a hand. The volunteer team has been working since May to demo, install cabinets & doors, paint, and other items. Kelly Osburn from Navy Federal also acted as the Project Manager, coordinating volunteers and leading the team.  In total they contributed 480 hours of service valued at $35,300, a significant contribution to the Mission.

“We are incredibly grateful to Navy Federal for their unwavering support,” said Clay Romano, President of Waterfront Mission. “Their willingness to assist, whether through physical labor, donations, or spreading the word about our Mission, exemplifies their dedication to community investment and life transformation.”

Two local Pensacola contractors donated another $60,000 worth of time, building supplies, and labor to the Nehemiah House Renovation.  Bear Construction and Parris Construction were the primary contractors of the project.  Without their expertise and supervision, this project would have never been possible.  Other businesses that donated to the renovation are listed below.  

George Koper Associates: Design

Florida Tile: Flooring and Tile Donated

Impact Home Restoration: Labor and Fencing

Hay Huff Stump Grinding: Tree and Stump Removal

Gulf Coast Pressure Washing: Exterior Cleaning

Paint Mart:  Paint Donations

All these community partners of Waterfront Mission are a testament to the power of community collaboration. Together, they are making a lasting impact, ensuring that men in the Career Development Program have a safe and supportive environment as they work towards a brighter future.

DATE: November 21, 2023 at 5:30

LOCATION: 348 West Herman Street, Pensacola, FL, and 279 N. Washington Ave, Mobile AL 36603

Mobile: https://waterfrontmission.volunteerhub.com/…/mobile…

Pensacola: https://waterfrontmission.volunteerhub.com/…/pensacola…

We understand that many of you have volunteered with us for years and may have specific tasks you prefer to do. If you have a particular area where you would like to serve, please let us know by emailing Volunteer@waterfrontmission.org or calling 850-542-4493. We truly appreciate your dedication and look forward to working with you to make this Thanksgiving a memorable and joyous occasion for all.

Daniel grew up in a good family, and his mom always took him to church. But as a young teen, he started down a path of substance abuse that continued long into adulthood. “I was the bad kid. I wanted to do what I wanted to do no matter what.” 

Even after Daniel became a parent, a pattern of substance abuse continued. His life became a series of one devastating event after another. The mother of his child passed away due to an overdose… then Daniel ended up in prison, unable to care for his son. “I destroyed every relationship I had pretty quick.” 

With few people he could call on for help, when Daniel was released from prison, he became homeless… living in his car and couch surfing to avoid ending up on the streets.

 
Then he got in a bad accident that led to a coma and multiple surgeries on his leg. “The doctors told me I’d never walk,” he says. But Daniel eventually went from a wheelchair to a walker to a cane – all while experimenting with drugs to manage his pain.    

Daniel started seeing a church pastor for counseling for his substance abuse, and that’s when he found out about Waterfront. 

The day he walked through our door, everything changed for Daniel. 

After detoxing, Daniel went through our LifeBuilder Recovery Program, where he learned his most important lesson: “Faith isn’t about religion – it’s about a relationship with Jesus Christ.”

“Waterfront showed me how to follow Jesus on my own… how to understand what the Bible means to me.” 

After graduating from our LifeBuilder Recovery Program, Daniel has kept busy working full-time at Waterfront Thrift. He now sees himself as a productive member of society. “Even though it’s simple work that I do, it’s meaningful for me.”

He’s also grown spiritually here, and has been involved in a Bible study outreach at a local prison. His goal for the future is simple: “To try to help just one more person.”
This Christmas, Daniel is experiencing all the joy this season has to offer – because YOU believed in the power of a fresh start and the promise of God’s unending love. “All the glory goes to God, for everything that He’s done for me.”

To read this issue of Waterfront Mission Rescue News, click here.

Johnny was raised in a loving home, and in his early years, it was enough to make him happy. But when he reached adolescence, he began longing for something more. “I felt like I wasn’t enough. I wanted to be accepted by the cool kids, so I started partying with them.”

It was the beginning of a struggle with addiction that escalated when Johnny went to college and after he went to work in the restaurant industry. “No matter what group I was hanging out with, I wanted to be included,” he says.

Over the years, Johnny’s addiction damaged his relationships with the Lord and his family, cost him jobs, and landed him in jail. Eventually, he developed drug-induced psychosis. “I was paranoid and hallucinating. I’d lost all control.”

Thankfully, his best friend learned about Johnny’s struggle and bought him a bus ticket to Pensacola. “When I got here, he took me to Waterfront. I felt like it was God reaching out to me, saying ‘This is your shot. Take it and run with it.’”

Johnny did just that.

Through our LifeBuilder Recovery Program’s chapel services and Bible studies, his relationship with Jesus Christ was restored. “I not only regained what I’d lost, but I built a stronger foundation,” he says.

His growing faith, counseling, and life skills classes helped Johnny learn to live his life in a new way, and when his best friend saw the change, he offered Johnny a job.

Today, he’s not only employed, but he has his own place and his relationships with his family have been restored. Wherever he goes, he serves as a walking testimony of God’s transforming power. “I was broken, but I’ve been rebuilt.”

“Now, I have a purpose.”

This fall, Johnny gives thanks for YOU and your incredible generosity. Your prayers and support have helped change his life. “Waterfront believed in me and gave me the structure, tools, and resources I needed for another chance at life.”

To read this issue of Waterfront Mission Rescue News, click here.

Darin was heartbroken when his beloved father passed away, but there wasn’t time to grieve. He had to be strong and provide care for his disabled mother. But when she died three years later, his grief sent him spiraling into a deep depression. “I wanted to leave this world and go be with my mom and dad.”

He began drinking to numb his pain and grew distant from the Lord and his family. “I was ashamed and tried to hide my addiction,” Darin says.

But eventually, he landed in trouble with the law and as he sat in his jail cell, he thought about his niece and nephews. It had broken their hearts when their grandparents died, but Darin had been too wrapped up in his own grief to help them heal. Now, he wanted to become the kind of man they could look up to and lean on. “They really needed me and I wanted to be there.”

When he was released, Darin came to Waterfront and, through our LifeBuilder Recovery Program, his faith in God was restored. “I not only found my way back to Him, but the Mission helped me trust Him even more than I did before,” he says.

“Now, I’m walking with Christ.”

Through one-on-one counseling and life skills classes, Darin also processed his grief and developed healthy coping skills. “It made me appreciate life more than ever and filled me with joy.”

Darin graduated from the program, got married and has been working at the same job for six years now. He’s become the godly role model he hoped to be. “The Mission helped me become a good man who takes care of responsibilities, someone people can count on,” he says. “My niece and nephews are proud of me.”

Darin now has strength for his future because of your heart of compassion for him and other neighbors in need. Because you chose to share God’s love, he has a path forward in life. “The Mission gave me the tools to rebuild my life.”

To read this issue of Waterfront Mission Rescue News, click here.