Goodwill Rescue Mission

Our Mission

Goodwill Rescue Mission offers help and hope to North Jersey’s urban poor and dispirited.

•	For mind and body: food, clothing, shelter, training and teaching.
•	For soul and spirit: the life-changing message of God’s love revealed in Jesus Christ.

Special Project

Hope Totes
Can you join us in this front-line ministry by collecting items to fill the totes?
Click here for more info.

Finding Hope & Healing

“I never thought I’d be doing this, never in a million years,” explains Vernard Barnes as he recounts the success he has had since graduating from our Project Emmanuel recovery program. “I thank God for Goodwill each and every day, and for these people and for Him.”

For 20 years Vernard was caught up in life on the streets. He was addicted to cocaine and spent many of those years either homeless or in prison. One day, after being released from prison, he decided he had had enough and just wanted to get clean. He came to Goodwill knowing that his twin brother had completed the program more than 15 years ago and has been clean ever since.

Vernard had come to the Mission before, but “just didn’t really grasp the God concept” the first time around. This time around he remembers Program Director, Kevin Houk, encouraging him not to worry about the addiction and just start focusing on his relationship with God. And, that’s just what he did. He opened up his heart and mind to God and allowed him to work in his life.

And, what a work God has done! While in our program, Vernard overcame his drug addiction and stopped smoking. Reconnecting with his family has also been a tremendous blessing for Vernard. He loves spending time with his children and grandchildren.

Vernard is professionally trained in exterior and interior car detailing and has been operating his service since July 2009. In the future Vernard would like to give back by training other program residents in the car detailing business and assisting them as they move toward hope and healing.

Read other Stories of Hope

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