Linda Rieger
Linda has supported the Mission since 1990, is a Pathways of Hope monthly donor and a Goodheart Society member.
What has personally impacted you from your time supporting the Mission?
When I started donating, someone at the Mission reached out to me and wanted to meet me. I never would have thought that would happen. It made it more personal and made me more connected to and informed about what all the Mission does.
Do you have any favorite memories from your experience with the Mission?
The time we ate in The Crossing cafe and took a tour of the whole place. I remember the room for the kids where they did homework and seeing individual housing options where families could get a foundation under them and have someone work with them. That, to me, is the most impactful thing about Denver Rescue Mission.
Yes, they do “hots and cots,” but the fact that they can give people a foundation to build a life on, to maintain sobriety, to reunite with their families, to get a job, to become independent, to become educated and responsible. The entirety of the programs is what keeps me committed and involved. And that’s why I am in the Goodheart Society, because I want to make a long-term impact, just like Denver Rescue Mission.
What would you say to encourage someone else to get involved with the Mission?
I did not realize the networking between the Mission and others and how much they work together. I was totally unaware of that. It’s a lot more than the “Jesus Saves” building downtown. It’s not a one-size-fits-all; it’s much more than that. If donating funds isn’t your choice you can go volunteer. They can use people with all different gifts to give, whether it’s time, money or knowledge.
This post is part of July’s Changing Lives Newsletter. This month, we’re sharing Ron’s story of learning to trust again through his experience at Harvest Farm in: Growing Trust
