STORIES
The people this is all for.
Graduates, guests, and people who stayed here once and never forgot it. In their own words.
FEATURED · LIFESKILLS
Taylor finished in February 2025
He runs the Mission warehouse now — pulling stock for the kitchen against the daily menu, and moving surplus out to small church food pantries before it spoils. He paints acrylic pours in the art class, has sold some of his work, and is saving for a trip to Japan.
FEATURED · LIFESKILLS
Derek finished in 2024
Derek is a treasured member of the Mission team who always goes the extra mile to be kind and to help wherever he can. He is a former graduate of our LifeSkills program and is currently working towards his Peer Support certification. Derek is also a talented artist and Cricut user. Here is Derek in his own words:
"After graduating from the Men's LifeSkills program, I joined the staff at the Mission. I love what I do. I love being able to give back to the place that gave me so much. I love interacting with the clients and being able to help them with whatever I can. What I appreciate most is being able to interact with my fellow co-workers, who feel like family.
I strive to be a role model for our current program men as well as our clients. I am seeking a Peer Support certification to help me to better do that. I can't wait to be able to use the tools I am learning now in my future interactions with them.
The future is something I look forward to here at the Anchorage Gospel Rescue Mission. I thank God for the individuals and donors who make the Mission possible."
MORE STORIES
Everyone here has one.
Laura
BEAUTY IN GRACE
Came in with a clean date and nothing else. Started in housekeeping, moved to peer support, and holds a clinical position today.
Laura Setuk
EMERGENCY SHELTER
When I first arrived here, I started off as a housekeeper at a local hotel, a role that allowed me to contribute to the community while gaining stability. I was given the opportunity to transition into a peer-support role where I could then use my personal experience to help others.
Jerome
EMERGENCY SHELTER
A guest who found a warm room, clean sheets, good food, and a chaplain, at a season when the whole city was told to stay home.
PARTNER WITH THE MISSION
Every one of these started with someone giving.
The Mission runs on private support. No municipal, state, or federal money comes into this building.