Dr. Patrick J. Clinton          

1963

Ray Stewart, who for 18 years (age 14 to 32) was a “town drunk” in several Illinois cities (including Rockford) and who then was sober for 10 years (age 32 to 42) through the help of Alcoholics Anonymous, is converted to Christ at a Salvation Army worship service in Aurora, Illinois, on January 31st. Within a few months he begins working at Pacific Garden Mission in Chicago. In God’s providence at the same time, Mrs. Nadine Pitney and the women in the missionary program at North Park Baptist Church (now First Baptist Church of Machesney Park), while studying a course on city missionary opportunities in the U.S., become burdened for an inner city ministry to help the needy in Rockford. A newspaper article, describing the plight of homeless, alcoholic men sleeping under the bridges by the Rock River, grabs their attention. Nadine and two other women attend an inner city conference at Pilgrim Baptist Church. A small group begins praying that God would speak to others about starting a rescue mission here such as in Kansas City and Chicago. Meanwhile Rev. Dean Lange of Harrison Congregational Church (now Bible Baptist), while doing volunteer work with his youth group at Pacific Garden Mission, meets and challenges Ray Stewart to come to Rockford and establish a similar mission here.

1964

Ray wrote, “My first trip to Rockford was about the 15th of February. For about six weeks, I spent 3 days a week in Rockford and 3 in Chicago at the Pacific Garden Mission. I argued with the Lord for some time but He would not relieve the burden.” He begins prayer meetings at the Central Women’s Christian Temperance Union at 102 W. State Street with people participating from that organization, the Christian Business Men’s Association, and elsewhere. In mid-April with only $9.63 in his pocket, Ray rents the first floor and basement of a vacant store at 116 Kishwaukee Street for $100/month. For cleaning it up, he gets it rent-free for the rest of April and for May. The Mission opens on May 1st with Dean Hoobler preaching at the first chapel. Some 25-40 are housed, with an average stay of 15 days. When the Mission is called at 965-5332, “Jesus Saves” is the greeting. The sign on the Mission’s front door reads: “All are welcome here. The alcoholic, the addict, the stranger, the sojourner, the pilgrim, the poor. There is hope for all who enter here.” Ray and wife Eleanor move to North Park, join North Park Baptist Church, and find great encouragement and assistance from Pastor and Mrs. G.O. Pitney. In July the Mission basement is closed to sleeping due to safety issues. By July 31st the indebtedness is $1300, but there have been 36 conversions with 60% stopping their drinking. Ray writes: “I’m sure the Lord called me here to meet a problem and I’m sure He never starts a job He couldn’t finish.” In September the “Brown Bag Blessing” occurs when an anonymous donor gives fifty $20 bills in a paper bag. This gift kept the Mission doors open. There are 107-recorded spiritual responses (May through October) and over 50,000 tracts are distributed in the summer. By October 35 to 40 men are staying nightly. In November, however, the entire volunteer Board resigns due to leadership and financial concerns. Rev. Pitney, Ray’s pastor-advisor, pledges his continued support. Dr. Charles Inskeep begins volunteer medical services to homeless guests.

1965

A new Board, with Fred Eggert chairman, is formed. Upon Ray Stewart’s recommendation, the Board appoints Rev. Pitney as the Mission’s new director. Ray claims, “I’m a better starter than a finisher.” Rev. Pitney agrees to raise his own salary. The board decides, if the money is there, to pay him $85/month rent and $50/week salary. He moves his family of five (children: Linda, Jerrine, and Perry) into a small apartment on Grove Street. A fourth child Jay is born shortly thereafter. For several months Rev. Pitney works nights at the apartment building in exchange for rent-free housing. He begins as director on June 5th with the Mission $4,000 in debt. A monthly newsletter The Lamplighter is produced to encourage churches and individuals to financially support the Mission. For a brief time it is renamed The Clarion Call before becoming The Rescuer. Ray’s family moves to Deery, Pennsylvania where he works as an electrician and again plunges into street work to alcoholics. The Stewarts had adopted two children whose father they met through the Mission: Joe and Gayle Henderson. In the August newsletter Rev. Pitney writes: “Special Request: Please state my name in prayer. I need physical strength as well as spiritual power. The work keeps me busy from 6 o’clock every morning until very late at night. Thank you.” Nadine later will say, “Ray’s vision [started] and Jerry’s determination established the Mission.” The work involves “compassionate evangelism with meals, clothing distribution, medical work, and job placement.” In December Rev. Pitney writes, “A Word to the Men at the Mission Who Will Read This-I want you to know that you are in my thoughts continually. Sometimes when you are asleep at night, I am dreaming dreams of how to make the mission a more homey place for you to live….Above all my heart’s desire and prayer to God for everyone of you is that you might be saved! I Love You. Brother Pitney.” Annual anniversary celebrations and annual men’s residents’ Christmas parties begin. The budget is $585/month.

1966

“A good prayer meeting was held before the [board] meeting commenced” (March 21 Board Minutes).  The jail services start on Thursday night where gospel portions and candy are distributed to “love-starved men”.  Rev. Pitney writes he is against alcohol because he loves the alcoholic.  “It is not only the purpose of the Mission to help the Prodigal Son to get Home to the Father.  But to put the Hog-pen out of business so that he won’t be tempted to go back” (April The Rescuer).  There are 106 professions of faith in Christ as Savior and Lord during the year.

1967

On January 16^th, all indebtedness is paid off!  In the February issue of The Rescuer, Rev. Pitney appeals:  “Won’t you help us build a modern city rescue mission of which any Christian would be proud and upon which the world would look with greater respect?” On May 15^th “The board went in a body to the City Hall to protest liquor sales in restaurants on Sunday” (May Board Minutes).  On September 18^th, the Board appoints a committee “to plan for the future”.

1968

Financially 40 to 50 churches are supporting the Mission.  Men are coming to the Mission from “Singer Center, veterans’ hospitals, jails, mental institutions, and penitentiaries”.  Rev. Pitney writes:  “We give the sober men and new men preference [in staying overnight].  Sometimes I feel like the man who was picking up victims of a sinking ship with his small fishing boat.  He cried out in the midst of an already over-loaded craft, ‘O Lord, for a bigger boat!’  That’s our constant prayer here, ‘O Lord, for a bigger building, more room, more adequate facilities!’” (March The Rescuer).  In December he states in “Excited Editor” (The Rescuer) his vision to raise $15,000 for a building, a press to print our own literature, a beautiful bookstore, and a recording studio for a radio program. “This may seem a little dreamy and visionary to some.  Nevertheless, we must take the long-look.  Let’s pray as if it all depends upon God and work as if it all depends upon us.  Psalm 37:4-5….”

1969

“When in the mansions above, The saved all around me appear, I want to hear someone say, ‘It was you who invited me here’” (June The Rescuer).  The Rescuer circulation has climbed to 2,000.  The Pitneys’ youngest child Daniel is born.

1970

“As the widow testified, ‘Living from hand to mouth is not so bad if it’s from God’s hand to our mouth’” (July The Rescuer).  “…$110 realized from the sale of clothes at the auction to be designated toward the building fund” (July Board Minutes).

1971

Due to the new rehabilitation services in Rockford, the nightly number of men drops to 10 to 12 (compared to 22 a year ago).  Rev. Pitney writes: “There is very little overlapping in our work with other agencies.  Where some emphasize rehabilitation, we emphasize regeneration; while others view drunkenness as a disease, we declare it a devil.  Some see it as a sickness; we see it as a sin.  Many claim the drinker’s trouble is in the man and not in the bottle.  We believe the trouble is both in the man and in the bottle. While some feel an alcoholic primarily needs counseling in the head, we feel he basically needs cleansing in the heart….He doesn’t merely need to be sobered; he needs to be saved.  An alcoholic needs more than an AA experience in a center; he needs a BA (Born Again) experience in Christ” (February The Rescuer and Rockford Register Republic March 8^th).  “Rescuing one of the least and the last among the lost is worth the efforts of a lifetime” (February The Rescuer).  In March Gene Hollembeak becomes assistant director.  He always treats guests as friends. On March 27^th the board votes 6 to 1 abstention to buy the 11,000 square foot Germania Club at 121 South Madison for $30,000.  On April 10^th the Board votes 6 to 5 to cosign the mortgage.  On April 12^th the purchase is completed, with Rev. Pitney and Atty. Mel Schlueter cosigning the note.  A building built in 1892 with a ballroom and bar and which had the first automated bowling alley in Rockford is converted into a place of refuge, redemption, and recovery.   In the June issue of The Rescuer, Brother Pitney reflects:  “The Kishwaukee building has been a lighthouse for those walking in darkness, a haven of rest for the weary.  Only God knows how many sin-ladened souls have found new life in Christ in this place.  Because of the memories and sentiments, we are sad at moving, but

we are glad that we are moving to a permanent home….” A new Mission motto is adopted: “Help all the people we can, in all the ways we can, as long as ever we can.”  Operations are moved on July 1^st.  The Mission’s burden for guests and donors alike are expressed in the August issue of The Rescuer: “Be kind to the up and out and the down and out.  Both need our Christ.”  Rev. Pitney’s opposition to alcohol is expressed in a Loves Park Post article “Liquor Always Bad. Why Support It?” (October 28^th).  On November 29^th, a building dedication, open house and 7^th Anniversary Dinner are experienced at Madison Street.

1972

Letters are being received from men being paroled who are “seeking rehabilitation”.  The Mission provides 6,700 nights of lodging and 19,748 meals and sees 45 decisions for Christ.  There are 3,000 copies of The Rescuer being sent monthly.  Rev. Pitney begins Tuesday night “Through the Bible” classes for residents and guests.  This will continue weekly until 1999, 27 years later.

1973

There is a $32,000 annual budget. The February issue of The Rescuer reports the story of purchasing heating oil for a family of eight:  “This is typical of how your mission is at work around the clock, helping the destitute, the derelict, the drug addict, and the drop-outs…We are an arm of every participating church, extending its missionary outreach.” Rev. Pitney reflects on Acts 3:6 “Such as We Have”:  “The men come here begging for material things.  Often we are able to give them something not asked for; not in the least expected, but the greatest gift in life…Jesus Christ.  We are here primarily to give Christ.  Men think they need other things most.  But it is really HIM all men need first.  We are also here offering to you in the churches our services and ourselves…such as we have” (June The Rescuer).  In September, the Board decides, “…that we have a goal to establish a family facilities.”

1974

In describing the Mission’s services, Assistant Director Eugene Hollembeak writes:  “The men of the street do not realize that there is a lot of prayer, heartache and concern that the good Christian people of the community have for them.  Some do not know the hours and sacrifice that people make that men might have a place to stay, be fed, be clothed and find rest for their bodies.  Most important of all, they can find rest for their poor souls”  (April The Rescuer).  Rev. Pitney is quoted in the Rockford Register Republic (August 26^th):  “We believe every man who comes here has been sent by God by direct appointment.  The man has in his mind a flop or a meal.  Without him even being aware, he has fulfilled a divine appointment.  He has a spiritual need above all else and we tell him that.”  The Mission is averaging 28 men at supper and 14 overnight.  Christian Love Acres, a 60-acre farm owned by Vern Borrett near South Beloit, affiliates with the Mission to provide work rehabilitation for the men through caring for animals, doing general chores, buying and selling hay, and painting tractors.

1975

Explaining God’s provision and the hard work of rescue, Rev. Pitney quotes in the September issue of The Rescuer: “We the willing, led by the unknowing, are doing the impossible, for the ungrateful.”  And “We have done so much for so long, with so little, we feel we are now qualified to do anything with nothing.”  Women and children begin to be included in scheduled outreach services.  A literacy program begins, as well as Thursday “Family Day” (in the afternoon) with a Bible study followed by distribution of free clothing to needy families.  An expanded annual “Mission Christmas Party” with a children’s evangelistic program preceding the giving of gifts donated by churches and individuals. 200 plus are in attendance.

1976

After quoting “No one is broken ‘til he quits,” Rev. Pitney adds, “This is why in rescue we never accept men as total failures and hopeless cases.  Christ offers hope for the humanly hopeless and makes the difference between failure and success” (January The Rescuer).  The “Lindeman Memorial Library” is established.  In August Alcoholics Victorious starts meeting on Tuesday nights.  Rev. Pitney’s song “I’ve Never Been Sorry” appears in the August issue of The Rescuer.

1977

“G.O. fighting several social issues in the community” (November Board Minutes).

1978

The Mission hosts a children’s “Good News Club” and conducts a “Christian Home Training Clinic” for women regarding sewing, child care, cooking, and literacy.

1979

Rev. Pitney founds “The Christian Citizens Council of Rockford for Decency and Law” to fight pornography, drugs, and public policy on alcohol.  Lee Hollembeak, 15-year-old son of Gene and Faye, dies February 19^th after suffering from cancer for 2 ½ years.  In June Gene resigns to become pastor of Victory Baptist Church, Fairdale, Illinois. The abandoned and run-down Poole Hotel at 730 West State and a house behind it on Elm Street are purchased in August for $10,000 from the Salvation Army for a women and families’ ministry.  “Ye Rescue Shoppe” opens October 31st in a rented building at 309-7^th Street to sell surplus donated goods. Proceeds assist in funding the Mission’s ministries.  Later a building is purchased at 219-221-7^th Street and the store is moved.  Ray Stewart, the Mission founder, dies in an auto accident near his home in Clinton, Indiana.  Eleanor had died earlier of a rare liver disease in July.  In tribute Rev. Pitney later writes: “If it had not been for Ray Stewart, there would not be a Rockford Rescue Mission.  He met with discouragement from nearly everyone in organized Christian circles.  Hardly anyone believed that what he had a burden to do could be done.  He was daring, courageous, and bolder in his faith than most mature Christians.  He was a limited man, but he did what he could with what he had.  He was poor in earthly wealth, but he will have treasures in heaven” (February 1980 The Rescuer).  Ray never relapsed into prior addictions, according to his daughter Gayle Johnson

1980

In November, a house at 723 Elm Street is purchased for $32,000 for staff housing and the “Kiddie Kare” children’s ministry.  Rev. Larry and Linda Jameson  (the Pitneys’ foster daughter) join the Mission staff.

1981

The Rockford City Council narrowly approves (11 to 8) the Mission’s zoning request for the former Poole Hotel to be renovated and used as a women’s Christian Care Center.

1982

Perry Pitney, oldest son of Rev. and Mrs. Pitney, and his wife Sherry are hired August 1^st.  Perry just completed training in Kansas City and is to lead the monthly youth rallies, visit churches, coordinate nightly chapels, and edit The Rescuer.  Sherry is to manage the food service, the mailing list, receipting, donor “thank yous”, and assist in “Ye Rescue Shoppe”.  In October the Mission sponsors a citywide evangelistic crusade with Rev. Hyman Appelman at the Rockford Theatre. On Thursday night Perry, Dan, and Jay debut their music group.  There is a total attendance of 4,000 (a nightly average of 600) and 238 spiritual decisions.

1983

The original Mission at 116 Kishwaukee Street is torn down.  731 Elm Street is purchased for staff housing. “The Pitney Family Gospel Singers” (Perry, Sherry, Dan, and Jay) begin concerts.  Rev. Pitney is diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in November.

1984

Perry Pitney is named associate director.  Eastview Church (714-3^rd Avenue) is purchased for expanded services.  “The Pitneys” produce their first recording, “On The Way Home”.  Rev. Pitney is fined by Judge French for allegedly carrying anti-pornography signs into a courtroom.  The charge is later withdrawn.  Dr. John Weiss, volunteer dentist for 20 years, dies suddenly.

1985

The Christian Care Center with 18 rooms for women and children’s recovery is dedicated on November 17^th after four years of renovating the old Poole Hotel.  The project was led by Rev. Larry Jameson, cost over $200,000 and utilized many volunteers.  “Pitney Family Singers” conduct over 100 concerts.

1986

The name is changed to “Rockford Rescue Mission Ministries” (January).  Christian Care Center is opened March 24^th with sixteen women and children. The building next to the Mission (125 Madison) and the corner lot are purchased.  Mayor John MacNamara declares November “Rockford Rescue Mission Month” out of the community’s respect for the Mission’s services.  Rev. Jameson resigns December 1^st to become pastor of Mt. Morris Evangelical Free Church.

1987

Perry Pitney is appointed executive director on February 18^th (effective January 1^st).  Rev. Pitney becomes Board vice president and director of public relations and is known as “Senior Director”.  “Beer Bash (‘On the Waterfront’) Bad Business” article by Rev. Pitney appears in July-August issue of The Rescuer.  “The Pitneys” are named “Contemporary Gospel Bluegrass Group of the Year” by The Society for the Preservation of Bluegrass Music in America. Gene and Mary Lou Covault assist Perry in astounding ways.  Volunteers since 1972, Mary Lou joins the staff in 1980 and Gene in 1988.

1988

“The Helping Hand” (125 Madison) opens to distribute free food and clothing to the needy.  “The Pitneys” again receive the award of “Contemporary Gospel Bluegrass Group of the Year”.

1989

In an effort to increase the effectiveness of the Men’s Recovery Program, Christian Crisis Center for homeless families and other crisis needs is opened at the former Eastview Church.  It is closed a few months later (April 1990) due to limited resources and a renewed focus on residential recovery programs rather than shelter-only programs.  “Ye Rescue Shoppe” suffers $28,000 damage from a fire that starts in the building next door.  Summer camp is held for women and children in Adeline.

1990

“Kiddie Kare” children’s ministry’s renovated facility at 723 Elm Street is opened on March 4th.  Perry Pitney writes, “The great difference among agencies and organizations is not who has the most comfortable mattresses, the nicest clothes to give, or the best plate of food; the primary difference is evangelism” (August The Rescuer).

1991

Perry Pitney is ordained to rescue mission ministry on April 9^th.  Spiritual responses: 88. Public Support $567,500.

1992

In January, Swede Clark donates a 46,000 square foot building at 1201 Broadway, which is used rent-free for nearly two years by the City of Rockford as a temporary City Hall (beginning June 29^th).  Long-time Mission supporter Attorney Mel Schlueter is honored as “A Man of Law and Love” (February-March The Rescuer).

1993

A Mission guest writes, “I was standing on a bridge going to jump and kill myself.  A man came by and talked me down and told me about the Mission.  So once I started, I heard about the program and that I need the help of Jesus because He is the only way to God” (September The Rescuer).  A late-night fire on June 15^th at “The Helping Hand” destroys the medical and dental clinics, causes $60,000 damage, and forces a 24-hour evacuation of the Mission.  

1994

Nadine Pitney, following Mary Lou Covault as director, writes in March to the Board that the Christian Care Center staff is praying “that God will impress His people in the local churches to catch the vision which we have…” The Mission receives the “Heart of Rockford” award from the River East Association.   In October the Mission announces a $1.5 million project to build a 15,000 square foot, three-story addition and to renovate part of the building beginning in the spring.  Later the Board learns that the Mission is an historic landmark and that law prohibits the necessary changes.  The 1201 Broadway building $119,000 sale proceeds are added to the building fund.

1995

Rev. Perry Pitney leads the Board and staff in extensive discussion regarding renovations or a new building.  In July, Mission Acres Children’s Day Camp opens, but opposition delays the zoning board’s approval until July 1996.  The Mission’s video “Needing a Savior” is a national finalist in the  Telly Awards and The Vision Awards. On November 30, the Rockford Register Star gives to the Mission its “Excelsior Award” for outstanding contribution to the community.  In receiving the award Perry states: “More than anything, I wish my parents were here tonight.  Their vision really set the goals.  We’re just now seeing their dreams become reality.”  Chairman Bill Snyder and Vice Chairman Bill Roop give credit to the community and express gratitude at seeing lives changed forever (Rockford Register Star December 1^st).  A new sign is hung on the outside of the Mission building: “If you don’t have a friend in the world, you’ll find one here”.

1996

“WGSL-FM is always eager to assist the Mission” (February Board Minutes).  In the Summer The Rescuer, with the vision, research, and wisdom of Rev. Perry and Sherry Pitney and the Board, the $6 million “Hope Place” and “Keepers Unlimited” project is announced.  Eugene and Eleanora Aspling donate $1 million towards the project.  Perry says, “It was the lead donation that inspired us to do it.  That was the single most important phase.  His gift was the foundation for us to begin.”   For $150,000 the Bill Hembrough 5.5acre property at 600 and 700 West State Street is purchased for the new site.  This represents a $392,000 generous gift-in-kind from Mr. Hembrough.  “Ye Rescue Shoppe” building is sold. October 16^this the grand opening of “Keepers Unlimited” thrift store (1405 Kishwaukee Street). Spiritual responses 415 and total income $1,001,369.

1997

Rev. Perry Pitney calls the new site of the Mission “the edge of Rockford’s war zone” with its high rates of crime and poverty.  Criticism is received from east side residents near the present Mission who need the Mission’s services and from west side activists who want a grocery store or Family Dollar store.  In May the Board’s concerns about downsizing the project are met with project manager Gene Goldy’s strong encouragement to go ahead as planned.  The Board in faith agrees.  The video “Bridge of Hope” wins the Telly Awards. The “Hope Place” groundbreaking service is held on October 28^th. Perry leads the intense fundraising effort for the new facility. The building’s steel is delivered in December. 

1998

Construction year of “Hope Place” with one miracle after another in this massive project.  First “An Evening of Hope” telethon on WIFR-Channel 23 is January 20^th with $83,931 in gifts and pledges.  “A Night of Honor” for Rev. and Mrs. G.O. Pitney is held March 23rd at the Clock Tower Resort and Conference Centerwith 469 guests.  Noted artist Tom Heflin’s “The Lord of the Harvest” is unveiled in commemoration of the Pitneys’ lifelong work at the Mission.  Nadine Pitney is honored with the YWCA’s “Marcella Harris Award”.  The Mission’s Council of Elders is established with retired pastors, missionaries, and church lay leaders to help guard the Mission’s spiritual future.  “The Pitneys” win the RAMI (Rockford Area Music Industry) award for “Best Christian” music group. “Hope Place” ribbon cutting with 50 guests on November 18th.  After touring the facility, columnist Chuck Sweeny writes:  “…this is not just a fancy homeless shelter.  It’s an amazing combination of a school, a college dorm, a child-care center, a hotel, and a treatment center, with a full-length basketball court smack dab in the middle!  This building –Hope Place-is a place for people to make positive changes in their lives that come only when they first accept that God loves them and has a plan for their lives” (The Register Star November 9^th).

1999

Second “An Evening of Hope” grosses $108,254 in gifts and pledges.  On January 25^th “Hope Place” opens for ministry.  Year of Program Expansion.   Serenity House (730 West State) for women and children in crisis (September) and Rochelle “Keepers Unlimited (December) open.  Hope Medical-Wellness Clinic, utilizing volunteer physicians, chiropractors, nurses, and other health professionals, also opens in December.  

2000

Dr. Patrick Clinton is appointed interim executive director (January 1).  Opening of Innovative Education Center and Career Employment Services for recovery residents (February).  Christian Recovery groups begin using the Mission’s Outreach Center.  The Mission is awarded “Certified Mission” recognition by the Association of Gospel Rescue Missions (May).  “Mission Possible” weekly radio program airs July 2000 to June 2001.  It’s produced and engineered first by Perry Pitney and later by Dwayne Barker.  Perry Pitney resigns in October, after serving diligently since 1982, in order to pursue personal business interests.

2001

Third “An Evening of Hope” receives $116,100 in gifts and pledges.  Southgate “Keepers Unlimited” opens on May 1^st, with the Grand Opening on May 11^th.  A new Mission Statement is adopted:  “Rockford Rescue Mission shares hope and help in Jesus’ name to move people from homelessness and despair toward personal and spiritual wholeness.” A statement of Core Values is also adopted.  They are: “Living for the Glory of God; Respecting Human Dignity and Immortality; Proclaiming the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ; Modeling Compassionate Generosity; Partnering with the Church and Community; Serving with Integrity and Excellence; and Rejoicing in Lives Changed by God”.  Sherry Pitney, Chief Operating Officer, is appointed executive director in December. 

2002

Fourth “An Evening of Hope” raises $104,800!  In April the Mission’s Life Recovery Programs are licensed by the Illinois Department of Human Services as State Certified Recovery Homes, allowing it to receive residents through court-mandated action and referrals from treatment centers.  In October Hope Dental Clinic opens under the leadership of Dr. Jack O’Brien.

2003

Fifth "An Evening of Hope" telethon raises $102,425. In May Ken and Melody Ruge (owners of Culver's of Roscoe and E. Riverside) receive the "Epiphany Award" for outstanding support. July 5th storm leaves the Mission without power. A Donor secures a 100k generator from Freeport's Morse Electric to rescue the Mission's freezer and refrigerator. On November 15th "The Pitneys" have a 20th Reunion Concert at the Mission with 400 in attendance.

2004

Sixth "An Evening for Hope" generates $125,000 in pledges. In April the book "Rescuing the Raggedy Man: The History of Rockford Rescue Mission" by Perry Pitney with Jim Killam is released. May 2-8 is proclaimed by the state, county and city as "Rockford Rescue Mission Appreciation Week" for our 40 years of service since May 1, 1964. Ronald and Vivian Anderson (long term volunteers) receive the "Epiphany Award" for outstanding service. Winnebago County purchased over two acres of Mission property and its buildings in order to erect a new Criminal Justice Center. Serenity House had to temporarily relocate in the Hope Place facility.

2005

Seventh "An Evening for Hope" received $116,225 in pledges. Fifth Annual "Walk-a-Mile-in-My-Shoes" February walkathon had 200 walkers and generated $14,930. The northwest corner property of West State and Horsman was purchased for parking. On Friday, June 17, former executive director Perry Pitney was killed in a single vehicle accident. Perry's contribution to discerning and fulfilling the Mission's vision was great. His visitation and funeral were at Mission. Hundreds came to express their respect for Perry and their love and sympathy to the family. November "Expressions of Hope" luncheon featured Michael Yankoski (author of "Under the Overpass") and Gary and Judy Bocker (owners of Bocker Grain Co.) being recipients of the "Epiphany Award" for outstanding support. Sunday, December 11, water main break at Jefferson and Rockton left the Mission without water for a few days. Heartland Community Church donated an enormous amount of drinking water by Sunday afternoon.  

2006

Eighth “An Evening for Hope” Telethon brought $91,691. John Stuckman who came to the Mission homeless celebrated 25 years as a Mission employee. “Evening of Hope” Banquet featured Michael Reagan (President Reagan’s eldest child) and recognized Miss Elizabeth (Liz) Wilken with the “Epiphany Award” for decades of volunteer service. Seven men graduated from the life recovery program at the second “Restoration Celebration” September 12^th. November 27th “The Healing Place” ministry opened for women of faith who are going through difficult situations via a 24 hour phone line and an “invitation only” respite center. “Walk a Mile in My Shoes” had 191 walkers and raised $19,142.