The Rescue Mission of Middle Georgia’s mission is to provide a Path of Hope, Redemption and Empowerment through Jesus Christ.  The Mission was established in 1952 as the first faith-based shelter for men experiencing homelessness in Middle Georgia.  Today, offering more than shelter, the Mission provides a long-term life recovery program for men battling addictions and other life hurts that have led them into homelessness.  In 1981, the Mission’s Women’s Division was founded as the region’s first residential program for female survivors of domestic violence and their children.  The Mission’s Women’s Division is a residential life recovery program for female survivors of domestic violence and their children.  We provide a safe place where women can find healing and regain their independence.  Our objective is to empower women to become self-sufficient, as we share the hope of Jesus Christ.  Clients gain self-esteem, life skills, Biblical knowledge, and learn to recognize healthy relationships.  Women leave the Rescue Mission of Middle Georgia strong, assertive, independent women in Christ who are no longer trapped in a cycle of violence and codependence.

October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. The Rescue Mission of Middle Georgia needs your help to spread awareness throughout the Middle Georgia area. According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, domestic violence can include physical violence, sexual violence, threats, and emotional abuse. The frequency and severity of domestic violence can vary dramatically.

• 149 people in Georgia were killed in 2017 due to domestic violence

• The presence of a gun in a domestic violence situation increases the risk of homicide by 500%

• 1 in 5 women and 1 in 7 men have been severely physically abused by an intimate partner

• 1 in 7 women and 1 in 18 men have been stalked

• Georgia is ranked 8^th in the nation for its rate of men killing women

We are asking members of our community to Stand Up, Step Up, and Speak Up and join us as we work to stop domestic violence and sexual assault.  If you or someone you know is a victim of abuse there is help, you are not alone!

1. If you are in immediate danger call 911.

2. You can reach out to a local shelter like the Rescue Mission of Middle GA, 478-743-5445 or www.rescuemissionga.com

3. You can call the National Domestic Violence hotline at 1-800-799-7233

The Rescue Mission has several events planned during the month of October:

• Volunteers will paint purple ribbons on cars for donations on Tuesday, October 2 between 9:30-7 at the Rescue Mission Bargain Center, located at 3375 Napier Ave, Macon, GA. A special Bargain Center coupon for 10% off will be given to shoppers who make a donation.

• On 10 different days in October, purple pinwheels will be placed on the Rescue Mission lawn marking the number of victims who have lost their lives in a particular year to domestic violence in Georgia during the past 10 years. At the end of the month we will have placed 1,266 pinwheels.

• 31 days of social media posts to support awareness in our community.

• Purple baskets with information about our services and the local services offered to women and children experiencing abuse will be placed in Middle Georgia area businesses.

• We will culminate Domestic Violence Awareness Month with a candlelight vigil on October 30^th, 6:30-7:30. We will pray for those who have lost their lives and those who continue to be affected by domestic violence.  More details will be released at a later date.

Together we can stop domestic violence and sexual assault.