Fighting Poverty, Restoring Hope, Sharing God’s Love
Since 1993, we’ve been walking alongside neighbors facing hunger, homelessness, and addiction—offering more than just meals or shelter, but dignity, healing, and hope. Grounded in Christ’s love and driven by a call to serve, our mission has always been to meet people where they are and help them build a path toward a brighter future. Every program, every meal, every prayer shared is part of a deeper story: one of transformation, restoration, and the power of a community that refuses to look away.
Our Mission
To fight poverty from the inside out by embracing people with the compassion of Christ, offering hope and healing for a changed life.
Our Vision
To excel in providing food, safe housing, clothing, education, job training, and counseling to neighbors in need.
Our Journey of Compassion and Growth
From humble beginnings in a borrowed church kitchen to serving thousands across Coastal Connecticut, the history of Bridgeport Rescue Mission is a testament to what faith, vision, and compassion can build. This timeline traces the key moments and milestones that have shaped our ministry—highlighting how we’ve expanded services, opened our doors wider, and deepened our commitment to those in need. Through every season, God has been faithful—and our mission has remained the same: to love, serve, and restore.
2025
Laurie Molner joined Bridgeport Rescue Mission as Director of Development.
2024
Rhonda Neal joined Bridgeport Rescue Mission as Chief Executive Officer.
2022
For the first time in the Mission’s history, both men’s and women’s programs are under one roof. The Mission opens the Resource Center to house a multitude of on-site resources and services, extends medical care through Sage Healthcare’s partnership, and launches the Workforce Development Program.
2021
The expanded Community Pantry opens in the summer, providing the Mission’s community guests with more of a variety of nutritious food selections for their families.
2020
Pantry services move to Park Avenue, while building renovations continue on upper floors so that more Mission programs and essential Human Services can live under one roof.
2019
The Mission, with the generous donations of partners, purchases the nursing home at 725 Park Avenue to meet the expanding needs in Coastal Connecticut.
2017
Pantry services move to Park Avenue, while building renovations continue on upper floors so that more Mission programs and essential Human Services can live under one roof.
2013
The Mission expands and enhances its programs to meet the needs of single mothers. The Mission acquires Bethel Recovery Center, known today as the Guest House for Women and Children, to provide emergency shelter, food, and clothing to vulnerable community members.
Due to increased needs, the Mission provides turkeys, fixings, and coats to more than 3,000 families, and names this outreach Great ThanksGiving Project.
2011
The Board of Directors approves a strategic plan that includes expanding services to South Norwalk, where there are significant unmet needs, especially among children. Mobile Kitchens begin delivering meals to impoverished neighborhoods. Grace Baptist Church helps distribute coats, turkeys, and Pantry Bags.
2008
The Mission distributes 81 turkeys from their Main Campus during the holiday season. As the recession of 2008 bears down on the working poor and homeless, the Mission works to meet an alarming increase in need.
2007
The Mission purchases and renovates a three-story Victorian house on Barnum Avenue to open a shelter for homeless women.
2002
Rev. Terry Wilcox becomes Executive Director. He and his staff develop recovery services into the New Life Program.
1999
Rev. Mickey Kalman becomes Executive Director and creates physical fitness programs, adult education, and 12-step support programs for men and women wanting to be free of addictions.
1997
The Mission establishes an addiction recovery program for women.
1996
The Mission converts an old RV into a Mobile Kitchen. Staff and volunteers distribute food and offer prayer to hungry men, women, and children. Later in the year, the Mission acquires the Fanny Crosby Memorial Home on Fairfield Avenue and relocates its men’s shelter there.
1993
Jim and Tammy Watson establish Bridgeport Rescue Mission. They cook meals in local church kitchens and distribute them from the back of their station wagon. Jim tells people about God’s love and transforming power while Tammy sings gospel songs alongside a karaoke machine.
