Our Vision is to be a FIVE STAR Gospel Rescue Mission
Our Mission:
To proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ,
To feed the hungry,
To shelter the homeless,
To rehabilitate the addict, and
To restore the ex-offender.
The Mission aspires to:
Establish High Standards,
Maintain Strong Boundaries, and
Give Clear Direction
The Old Savannah City Mission is a local 501(c)(3) funded by people
who care about the less fortunate and demonstrate it by giving of their
time, talent and treasure.
The Mission works with a bare-bone Staff of seven employees.
These dedicated servants work with hundreds of volunteers to deliver
services to our community most vulnerable and needy citizens in a
highly cost effective way. People interested in volunteering must apply
and provide pertinent information. In order to serve in some areas, it
is necessary to receive training.
Mature Christian men approved by their pastors may apply to serve
as Mentors of Students enrolled in the Mission's Urban Training
Institute. Once enrolled and trained, Mentors must serve with their
assigned Mentoree for one year with a minimum of two hours of face
to face contact. Mentors serve as a critical resource and receive
incredible satisfaction in facilitating a lasting life change. Training is
offered quarterly. For more information contact Mr. Max Baldwin
through the Mission office (912) 232-1979.
To proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ,
To feed the hungry,
To shelter the homeless,
To rehabilitate the addict, and
To restore the ex-offender.
The Mission aspires to:
Establish High Standards,
Maintain Strong Boundaries, and
Give Clear Direction
The Old Savannah City Mission is a local 501(c)(3) funded by people
who care about the less fortunate and demonstrate it by giving of their
time, talent and treasure.
The Mission works with a bare-bone Staff of seven employees.
These dedicated servants work with hundreds of volunteers to deliver
services to our community most vulnerable and needy citizens in a
highly cost effective way. People interested in volunteering must apply
and provide pertinent information. In order to serve in some areas, it
is necessary to receive training.
Mature Christian men approved by their pastors may apply to serve
as Mentors of Students enrolled in the Mission's Urban Training
Institute. Once enrolled and trained, Mentors must serve with their
assigned Mentoree for one year with a minimum of two hours of face
to face contact. Mentors serve as a critical resource and receive
incredible satisfaction in facilitating a lasting life change. Training is
offered quarterly. For more information contact Mr. Max Baldwin
through the Mission office (912) 232-1979.
 | Food | |
| Clothing | |
| Towels | |
| Bedding | |
| Pillows | |
| Toiletries | |
| Cleaners | |
| Laundry Detergent | |
| Office Supplies | |
| Office Equipment | |
Needs:
Donation Drop Off:
For A Donation Pick-Up:
Call 912-232-1979
Call 912-232-1979
Old Savannah City Mission
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| 2414 Bull Street Savannah, GA |
"Savannah's Five Star Gospel Rescue Mission"
More than a Meal
| Knowing that someone cares. |
Located at 2414 Bull St. - Savannah - GA - Phone 912-232-1979
History of Old Savannah City Mission
Throughout the decade of the nineties, Pastor Larry McDaniel was
invited repeatedly to preach at the Los Angeles Mission, Los Angeles,
California. Observation of this excellent urban ministry both warmed
and challenged his heart. After leading several annual revivals and
witnessing the impact of this ministry, he brought the vision to The
Sanctuary of Savannah. The members of his congregation joined him
in this newly found cause with one particular family being exceptionally
generous. Their strong support enabled Pastor McDaniel to open a
small outreach chapel at 14 East 38th Street. Located in one of the
City’s most disadvantaged and dangerous neighborhoods, the house
was frequented by crack addicts. This was the birth place of the Old
Savannah City Mission. From the offset, the Mission conducted Gospel
services at noon and established its reputation for its aggressive
distribution of food boxes.
The Mission’s official birth date is February 27, 1997. In 2000 it
moved from the house on 38th Street to its present location at 2414
Bull Street. The new facility required extensive modifications. Even
though the base of support had expanded, the core donors continued
to be from The Sanctuary and primarily from the notably generous
benefactors. Pastor McDaniel drew upon his experience and friends at
the Los Angeles Mission for guidance to accomplish major
renovations to the building. The Old Savannah City Mission
incorporated facility designs and program models that had proven
successful in Los Angeles. There was a consensus to invest the
necessary resources for quality in design and décor. While not lavish,
the furnishings were of superior quality.
At this point, the Mission was able to expand its ministries. A full
schedule of Gospel services was established. Volunteer ministers
and local churches provided both spiritual banquets and home style
cooking. Great sacrifice was made to achieve and maintain a high
level of quality of service. From its inception, the Mission has aspired
to serve the poor with excellence.
After hearing Good News in the Gospel service and enjoying a hot,
nutritious meal, homeless men were afforded a safe, clean shelter
with sturdy beds and comfortable mattresses. Again the Mission
adopted the system of shelter service that had been time-tested at the
Los Angeles Mission. Great attention was given to cleanliness, order
and fairness of service. From the inauguration of the shelter service,
the Mission provided short term relief with its 40 beds for the homeless
and hopeless. Those who stayed in the Mission not only heard Good
News, they discovered a door of hope. The best and most immediate
opportunity for a genuine life change was through the Mission’s
residential recovery program. Again, the Mission’s leadership
followed the model of the Los Angeles Mission’s Fresh Start
Rehabilitation Program.
From its inception, the Mission had functioned as an outreach
ministry of The Sanctuary. Shortly after moving to the Bull Street
location, it joined the City Mission Network International (CMNI) which
originated from the Los Angeles Mission. However, it was decided in
2001 that it was in the best interest of the Mission to separate from
CMNI and be strictly a Savannah based ministry. At this juncture the
Mission incorporated as a 501(c)(3) with its own Board of Directors.
As time progressed, the Mission experienced significant turnover in
leadership and in 2003 the Board initiated a search to find new
leadership. Once again, Pastor Larry McDaniel turned to the Los
Angeles Mission, contacting Reverend Jim Lewis, an old friend and
colleague in ministry. Rev. Lewis had been with the Los Angeles
Mission for fifteen years and was serving as its Executive Director.
With the Board’s approval, Pastor McDaniel invited Jim Lewis to
consider coming to the Old Savannah City Mission. He became the
Mission’s Executive Director on September 1, 2003.
In January 2004 Rev. Lewis implemented the Urban Training Institute
(UTI) as the Mission’s recovery program. At the Los Angeles Mission,
he had designed UTI as an adult education paradigm with High
Standards, Strong Boundaries and Clear Direction. His efforts in Los
Angeles enjoyed success and recognition resulting in partnerships
with other adult education providers including Angelus Bible Institute
and Belmont Community Adult School.
In Savannah, as in LA, those enrolled in UTI are not “program
members,” but students. Enrollment is open to anyone who is truly
“mature in their misery.” Applicants are reminded that their enrollment
does not cost them anything, it costs them everything. The Institute
has zero tolerance for drugs, alcohol, tobacco, violence and/or threat of
violence. It is a tough love approach that’s Bible-based and not for the
faint of heart. UTI’s primary goal is to lead students in a life of Biblical
faith demonstrated in personal integrity. At UTI, character counts!
The Old Savannah City Mission receives no public funds. All of the
Mission’s financial support comes from private donors who realize the
importance of the work being done by this organization.
The front line ministries of the Mission are its emergencies services.
Hot food services and shelter beds for the homeless and assistance
to families in crisis are the primary means by which the Mission does
outreach ministry. Services are provided with an awareness that every
person who comes through the doors of the Mission is made in the
image of God irregardless to their present state or condition. For this
reason they are called friends and neighbors, not homeless or clients.
By November 30 of this year the Mission had provided 111,993 meals
and 25,323 nights of shelter. The final numbers for 2007 are well
beyond 120,000 meals and 26,000 beds provided.
Another means for the delivery of emergency services is through the
ministry to families. This service is called FIC (Families In Crisis). It is
called FIC so as to resonate with the government’s program of WIC
(Women Infants and Children). The government has WIC; the Mission
has FIC. This is not to diminish the WIC program. It is a well intended
program designed to insure that the basic physical needs of mothers
and children are met. The Mission’s FIC program is driven by referrals
from non-mission clergy and social workers. The involvement of clergy
is critical to the ultimate goal of all the Mission does. FIC targets those
who are genuinely in need especially according to pastoral
assessment. It promotes the possibility of connecting families in
crisis to a local church. The Mission envisions doing a few things with
excellence and referring those with needs beyond to other ministries
and agencies.
As mentioned earlier, the Mission’s crown jewel is its highly
respected Urban Training Institute (UTI). This approach offers worth
and dignity to those who have been devastated by their own
imprudence. Words have power and being a student and not a
program member affords a sense of value and dignity. This follows
the friends and neighbors motif established in the emergency services
as also mentioned earlier.
Throughout the decade of the nineties, Pastor Larry McDaniel was
invited repeatedly to preach at the Los Angeles Mission, Los Angeles,
California. Observation of this excellent urban ministry both warmed
and challenged his heart. After leading several annual revivals and
witnessing the impact of this ministry, he brought the vision to The
Sanctuary of Savannah. The members of his congregation joined him
in this newly found cause with one particular family being exceptionally
generous. Their strong support enabled Pastor McDaniel to open a
small outreach chapel at 14 East 38th Street. Located in one of the
City’s most disadvantaged and dangerous neighborhoods, the house
was frequented by crack addicts. This was the birth place of the Old
Savannah City Mission. From the offset, the Mission conducted Gospel
services at noon and established its reputation for its aggressive
distribution of food boxes.
The Mission’s official birth date is February 27, 1997. In 2000 it
moved from the house on 38th Street to its present location at 2414
Bull Street. The new facility required extensive modifications. Even
though the base of support had expanded, the core donors continued
to be from The Sanctuary and primarily from the notably generous
benefactors. Pastor McDaniel drew upon his experience and friends at
the Los Angeles Mission for guidance to accomplish major
renovations to the building. The Old Savannah City Mission
incorporated facility designs and program models that had proven
successful in Los Angeles. There was a consensus to invest the
necessary resources for quality in design and décor. While not lavish,
the furnishings were of superior quality.
At this point, the Mission was able to expand its ministries. A full
schedule of Gospel services was established. Volunteer ministers
and local churches provided both spiritual banquets and home style
cooking. Great sacrifice was made to achieve and maintain a high
level of quality of service. From its inception, the Mission has aspired
to serve the poor with excellence.
After hearing Good News in the Gospel service and enjoying a hot,
nutritious meal, homeless men were afforded a safe, clean shelter
with sturdy beds and comfortable mattresses. Again the Mission
adopted the system of shelter service that had been time-tested at the
Los Angeles Mission. Great attention was given to cleanliness, order
and fairness of service. From the inauguration of the shelter service,
the Mission provided short term relief with its 40 beds for the homeless
and hopeless. Those who stayed in the Mission not only heard Good
News, they discovered a door of hope. The best and most immediate
opportunity for a genuine life change was through the Mission’s
residential recovery program. Again, the Mission’s leadership
followed the model of the Los Angeles Mission’s Fresh Start
Rehabilitation Program.
From its inception, the Mission had functioned as an outreach
ministry of The Sanctuary. Shortly after moving to the Bull Street
location, it joined the City Mission Network International (CMNI) which
originated from the Los Angeles Mission. However, it was decided in
2001 that it was in the best interest of the Mission to separate from
CMNI and be strictly a Savannah based ministry. At this juncture the
Mission incorporated as a 501(c)(3) with its own Board of Directors.
As time progressed, the Mission experienced significant turnover in
leadership and in 2003 the Board initiated a search to find new
leadership. Once again, Pastor Larry McDaniel turned to the Los
Angeles Mission, contacting Reverend Jim Lewis, an old friend and
colleague in ministry. Rev. Lewis had been with the Los Angeles
Mission for fifteen years and was serving as its Executive Director.
With the Board’s approval, Pastor McDaniel invited Jim Lewis to
consider coming to the Old Savannah City Mission. He became the
Mission’s Executive Director on September 1, 2003.
In January 2004 Rev. Lewis implemented the Urban Training Institute
(UTI) as the Mission’s recovery program. At the Los Angeles Mission,
he had designed UTI as an adult education paradigm with High
Standards, Strong Boundaries and Clear Direction. His efforts in Los
Angeles enjoyed success and recognition resulting in partnerships
with other adult education providers including Angelus Bible Institute
and Belmont Community Adult School.
In Savannah, as in LA, those enrolled in UTI are not “program
members,” but students. Enrollment is open to anyone who is truly
“mature in their misery.” Applicants are reminded that their enrollment
does not cost them anything, it costs them everything. The Institute
has zero tolerance for drugs, alcohol, tobacco, violence and/or threat of
violence. It is a tough love approach that’s Bible-based and not for the
faint of heart. UTI’s primary goal is to lead students in a life of Biblical
faith demonstrated in personal integrity. At UTI, character counts!
The Old Savannah City Mission receives no public funds. All of the
Mission’s financial support comes from private donors who realize the
importance of the work being done by this organization.
The front line ministries of the Mission are its emergencies services.
Hot food services and shelter beds for the homeless and assistance
to families in crisis are the primary means by which the Mission does
outreach ministry. Services are provided with an awareness that every
person who comes through the doors of the Mission is made in the
image of God irregardless to their present state or condition. For this
reason they are called friends and neighbors, not homeless or clients.
By November 30 of this year the Mission had provided 111,993 meals
and 25,323 nights of shelter. The final numbers for 2007 are well
beyond 120,000 meals and 26,000 beds provided.
Another means for the delivery of emergency services is through the
ministry to families. This service is called FIC (Families In Crisis). It is
called FIC so as to resonate with the government’s program of WIC
(Women Infants and Children). The government has WIC; the Mission
has FIC. This is not to diminish the WIC program. It is a well intended
program designed to insure that the basic physical needs of mothers
and children are met. The Mission’s FIC program is driven by referrals
from non-mission clergy and social workers. The involvement of clergy
is critical to the ultimate goal of all the Mission does. FIC targets those
who are genuinely in need especially according to pastoral
assessment. It promotes the possibility of connecting families in
crisis to a local church. The Mission envisions doing a few things with
excellence and referring those with needs beyond to other ministries
and agencies.
As mentioned earlier, the Mission’s crown jewel is its highly
respected Urban Training Institute (UTI). This approach offers worth
and dignity to those who have been devastated by their own
imprudence. Words have power and being a student and not a
program member affords a sense of value and dignity. This follows
the friends and neighbors motif established in the emergency services
as also mentioned earlier.
| Pastor Larry McDaniel |
| Friends and Neighbors Dorm |
| Reverend Jim Lewis |
For some time UTI has been developing two distinct
divisions. The Clean Start Division is designed to
facilitate freedom from substance addictions while
the Fresh Start Division reaches men who while
incarcerated come to faith and genuinely desire a
fresh start in life. The most distinguishing component
of UTI is its mentorship component. Mature Christian
men are matched with students for a year long role as
a life coach. The mentor and mentoree work together
in all areas of life. Mentors are required to train and
commit to be with their assigned student for a
minimum of two hours weekly. Recently the Mission
signed a lease on a new facility which, God willing,
will add an additional 12 beds to the Fresh Start
Division during January, 2008. Plans are made for
renovation/expansion of the 2414 Bull Street facility so
as to add another 28 beds early in 2008.
divisions. The Clean Start Division is designed to
facilitate freedom from substance addictions while
the Fresh Start Division reaches men who while
incarcerated come to faith and genuinely desire a
fresh start in life. The most distinguishing component
of UTI is its mentorship component. Mature Christian
men are matched with students for a year long role as
a life coach. The mentor and mentoree work together
in all areas of life. Mentors are required to train and
commit to be with their assigned student for a
minimum of two hours weekly. Recently the Mission
signed a lease on a new facility which, God willing,
will add an additional 12 beds to the Fresh Start
Division during January, 2008. Plans are made for
renovation/expansion of the 2414 Bull Street facility so
as to add another 28 beds early in 2008.
Since 2004 Mission has published a calendar. It serves as a
fundraiser through donor sponsorships of months, weeks and days.
And, copies of the calendar are mailed to faithful donors many of
whom respond with financial gifts. For those who display their
calendar, we hope it reminds them to pray for the Mission throughout
the year. Beginning in 2007 the calendars have been named after
prayer and careful thought. The 2007 Calendar was called “The Year
of the Lord’s Favor.” And, it certainly was clear that all through the year
God graced us to walk in His incredible unmerited favor. In
accordance with what we sense to be the direction of the Lord, we are
calling 2008, “The Year of New Beginnings.”
While the expansion of Fresh Start for men is a significant new
beginning, there is something even more momentous. It is time for
the Mission to establish a ministry to women. There are homeless
and hurting women in our community who have no one to turn to and
no place to go. It’s not that no once cares about them. Many people
talk about the need, but virtually nothing of significance is being done.
And so often these precious ones become entrapped in drugs, alcohol
and prostitution. They are hopeless and helpless.
With God as our Resource and praying and caring donors, we are
forging forward to establish a Fresh Start Residential Ministry for
women. Too often ministries are restricted by lack of adequate
funding. This is especially true of new endeavors. Old Savannah City
Mission (OSCM) will never have enough finances to do what needs to
be done. However, we feel we can wait no longer. As a faith-driven
ministry, we are stepping out for the first time in the history of OSCM to
establish residential ministry to women. This is a giant step and
frankly challenging. Nevertheless, women should not be left out in the
cold. With the prayers and support of people who truly care, there will
be a residential facility for women in 2008…the sooner the better.
Would you commit to pray for God’s vision and provision? Your
prayers can be the key that will open the door for a fresh start for
hopeless, homeless and hurting women who live in the shadows right
here in Savannah.
Finally, now that you know something about the Mission, come visit
and experience it personally.
fundraiser through donor sponsorships of months, weeks and days.
And, copies of the calendar are mailed to faithful donors many of
whom respond with financial gifts. For those who display their
calendar, we hope it reminds them to pray for the Mission throughout
the year. Beginning in 2007 the calendars have been named after
prayer and careful thought. The 2007 Calendar was called “The Year
of the Lord’s Favor.” And, it certainly was clear that all through the year
God graced us to walk in His incredible unmerited favor. In
accordance with what we sense to be the direction of the Lord, we are
calling 2008, “The Year of New Beginnings.”
While the expansion of Fresh Start for men is a significant new
beginning, there is something even more momentous. It is time for
the Mission to establish a ministry to women. There are homeless
and hurting women in our community who have no one to turn to and
no place to go. It’s not that no once cares about them. Many people
talk about the need, but virtually nothing of significance is being done.
And so often these precious ones become entrapped in drugs, alcohol
and prostitution. They are hopeless and helpless.
With God as our Resource and praying and caring donors, we are
forging forward to establish a Fresh Start Residential Ministry for
women. Too often ministries are restricted by lack of adequate
funding. This is especially true of new endeavors. Old Savannah City
Mission (OSCM) will never have enough finances to do what needs to
be done. However, we feel we can wait no longer. As a faith-driven
ministry, we are stepping out for the first time in the history of OSCM to
establish residential ministry to women. This is a giant step and
frankly challenging. Nevertheless, women should not be left out in the
cold. With the prayers and support of people who truly care, there will
be a residential facility for women in 2008…the sooner the better.
Would you commit to pray for God’s vision and provision? Your
prayers can be the key that will open the door for a fresh start for
hopeless, homeless and hurting women who live in the shadows right
here in Savannah.
Finally, now that you know something about the Mission, come visit
and experience it personally.
| Fresh Start Student and Mentor |
| Fresh Start Transitional Housing |
| Friend & Neighbor receiving clothing |
| Dorcas & Esther's THRIFT SHOP |
| Old Savannah City Mission - LOCATION MAP |