80 people serve God at Rockford Rescue Mission as either full- or part-time staff members. Meet two of them.
Jeff’s Story: ‘I know God is in this place’
Jeff Richardson is Facilities Assistant for the Mission, meaning he fixes things and helps improve life and work here for everyone. Jeff has served the Mission for 23 years, and his family legacy stretches back even further. He first came to work here at the invitation of his father-in-law, Gene Hollembeak. Gene worked with us for decades in facilities and ministry, starting with the Mission’s earliest days on Kishwaukee Street, then later Madison Street and then our current location.
For Jeff, part of the job is keeping the Mission safe for guests, residents, volunteers and staff.
“I like the variety,” he says. “One day you may do plumbing, the next day electrical, the next day you might be a chauffeur or a mechanic. You can plan things, but most of the time you come into work and those plans are set aside.”
As with all jobs, there have been seasons for Jeff when he has wondered if it’s time to leave and do something else.
“But then you see someone who’s turning their life over to God. You see their life as you’re walking around the Mission. You see that change and you think, Wow, that makes it all worth it. Then you go to graduation and here are the graduates coming back who are still clean and sober. That just puts that spark back into you – It’s worth it. Let’s keep going.
“I know God is in this place and that He has His hand on it.”
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Leona’s Story: ‘I never felt like I wasn’t supposed to be here’
Leona Tennin is our Homeless Services Supervisor, overseeing both the Men’s and Women’s Crisis Centers. After volunteering for a year and a half at what was then our Women’s Center on Cedar Street, Leona joined the staff in 2011. All of her time with the Mission has been serving Crisis Center guests.
“I never felt like I wasn’t supposed to be here,” she says. “I’ve always liked helping people.”
In a place filled daily both with joy and sadness, Leona finds ways to stay grounded.
“It’s by the grace of God, first. Let’s start with that,” she says. “Even in the midst of maybe some tragic things that happen, there are still victories. There’s still peace in knowing that God is in the midst of it if you allow Him to be.
“The guests are not always grateful when you’re trying to redirect them. And I realize that I can’t take it personally, because it’s not about me. But when just one person comes back and says, “You know what, Miss Leona? Thank you. I’m glad you said that or did that,” it makes it worthwhile for me.
“When you look at the end goal of pleasing God, but also the privilege of being able to help someone else, it’s really rewarding.”
