In this episode, we sit down with Pastor Tim Wilson of Lighthouse Bible Church in North Topeka. Pastor Tim shares the core beliefs that shape his church—Learning, Loving, and Living—as well as the church's deep commitment to serving the local community. Since its founding in 2005, Lighthouse Bible Church has supported the Topeka Rescue Mission and actively engaged in outreach programs like Operation Backpack, foster care, and the Trash Mountain Project. Pastor Tim shares personal stories of transformation, including his own journey from addiction to faith, and emphasizes the importance of a church that is open, welcoming, and committed to serving those in need. Join us as we explore what it means to build authentic relationships and a faith community where anyone can come as they are.

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Join us as we dive into the heartwarming details of the Third Annual TRM Fall Festival, a joyful gathering for unsheltered neighbors, guests, and families. In this episode, Kourtney Barr, Deputy Director of Transformational Services, and Mike Schoettle, Director of Spiritual Wellness & Discipleship, share how the festival has created a safe, inclusive space for everyone—whether they’re enjoying a pie-eating contest or simply finding comfort in being part of a welcoming community.

Hear stories and reflections from guests and unsheltered neighbors who joined in the fun, some experiencing fall festivities like pumpkin bowling and hay rides for the first time. More than just activities, the Fall Festival offers a reminder that everyone deserves a place where they feel seen, heard, and loved. This event opens the door to meaningful conversations, connection, and warmth, even amid life’s toughest seasons.

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Have you ever wondered how trauma affects those experiencing homelessness and what steps can lead to true transformation?

In this eye-opening episode, we speak with Kourtney Barr, Deputy Director of Transformational Services, and Kodee Bloom, Director of Trauma Education and Development. They share their deep knowledge on trauma education and their commitment to fostering lasting change. Kodee delves into the complexities of trauma, emphasizing how understanding past hardships is crucial for long-term healing. Kourtney discusses the mission's holistic approach, covering everything from life skills to career readiness, and underscores the need for more than just surface-level support to enable genuine thriving.

Join us as we explore Kourtney and Kodee’s remarkable findings from their internal research on Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and their impact on those experiencing homelessness. We also discuss their collaboration with the Department of Psychology at Washburn University, the development of the study, and its presentation at the recent American Psychological Association Conference in Seattle. Tune in for powerful stories and insights designed to transform lives and communities.

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What does winter look like on the streets?
Listen in as we visit with Haleigh Hipsher, Outreach Advocate, and Holton Witman, Director of Distribution Services, about what it takes to serve our unsheltered neighbors during the winter, the isolation and difficulty that come with it, and the effort to build relationships to bring lasting change.

Also, hear about the recent Shinkle Stutzman Park dedication and the continuing efforts to prepare for Christmas! For our Christmas needs list, click here: https://www.trmonline.org/needslist

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The impact of working together!
In this episode, we visit with United Way of Greater Topeka's Jessica Lehnherr, CEO, and Brett Martin, VP of Community Impact, about their recent merger with United Way of Douglas County to become United Way of Kaw Valley, their efforts to advocate and create systems for the betterment of the community, and their work to to bring hope during the holidays called "The Christmas Bureau."

To learn more about The United Way or to sign up for the Christmas Bureau, visit: unitedwaytopeka.org or call 211.

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Networking for the safety of the city!
Listen in as we visit with Topeka Police Chief, Bryan Wheeles, and Topeka Fire Chief, Randy Phillips, about their combined efforts to make Topeka a safer city, the importance of collaboration, and how we as a community can work together to create preventative safety.

Click Here to check out our Christmas needs list and help us prepare to bless those in need during the Holidays!

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We don't have to understand, we just have to love.

In this episode we visit with Rachel Flenniken, newly promoted Hope Center Director, and Madi Willis, TRM Intern, about their work at the Hope Center.  Learn about Rachel's recent transition to her new position as director and how her story helps her love the one in front of her, and hear why Madi chose TRM for her internship, as well as her passion for education and working with families!

Also, hear about the continuing efforts in preparing for the Holiday season!

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Experiencing rough seasons and leaning into God to work through them!
In this episode we visit with TRM's new Director of Strategic Development & Marketing, Scott May, to hear his story of his work experience leading up to his coming to TRM, how he and his wife went from 0 to 4 kids overnight, and dealing with the difficulties of life.

Also, hear about the continuing work building up to Christmas, as well as current open positions at TRM and what some of the staff have to say about working here!

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Meeting daily medical needs and holding hands.
In this episode we visit with Sharon Meisner, a registered nurse who has been volunteering as the director of the TRM Clinic for the past 31 years! Hear her share about her passion to not only help provide physical healing, but also hope for those going through their toughest times.

Also in this episode, hear about Fellowship Bible Church's Alpha Classes provided to our guests, our TED (Trauma Education & Development) Team, and the importance of continuing staff development here at TRM.

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Part 2! Join us in this episode for the continuation of the discussion on the new Compassion Strategies organization; addressing the growing homeless concerns in our community and nation.

In the episode, Barry expands on the exciting "Every Name a Home" partnership, and La Manda shares TRM's role with Compassion Strategies and Every Name a Home, and how this will not only benefit those experiencing homeless, but the community as a whole.

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Join us today for an interview with Barry Feaker, former TRM Executive Director, regarding a new organization, Compassion Strategies, addressing the growing homeless concerns in our community and nation.

Compassion means coming alongside and suffering WITH our neighbors!
In the first part of this discussion, hear about the gaps that we have seen in combating poverty, understanding that "one size doesn't fit all" when it comes to fixes, and the development of a systematic approach to compassionately provide solutions for lasting change.

Stay tuned next week for part 2 of our discussion where La Manda Broyles, current TRM Executive Director, lends her support for Compassion Strategies and explains TRM's role in the partnership.

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Serving 25 years with the Shawnee County Sheriffs Department, striving to make decisions of faith, not fear, and having a heart for the "Invisible People." 

Hear this and more as we visit with our special guest, and TRM board member, John Ostenson!

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From providing health services through an incredible mobile clinic to creating meaningful community through long-term relationships! Hear all this and more as we visit with Karla Hedquist, Stormont Vail Health Director of Community Health Engagement, and Jenny Falk, TRM's Director of Homeless Outreach and MAP!

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In this episode, we offer an inside look at the daily challenges and triumphs at the Topeka Rescue Mission. We sit down with Mick Ballinger, Assistant Director of Men’s Services, as he shares his inspiring journey from the construction industry to becoming a Housing Navigator at TRM, and ultimately, the Assistant Director of the Men’s Shelter. His story is a powerful testament to the impact of faith and community, capturing the essence of seeing beyond labels to recognize the inherent worth in every individual.

We delve into profound themes of hope, value, and redemption, emphasizing the message that every person is valuable—not because of their actions, but because of the identity found in the love and grace of Jesus Christ. Through heartfelt interviews and personal stories, we highlight the Mission’s unwavering commitment to spreading this message of value and hope.

Finally, we invite you to join us on September 22nd for our second annual Night of Praise—a unifying celebration of worship and support for the Mission.
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Compassionately caring for our guests from day one; seeing where they are and being a part of where they are going next!
In this episode we visit with Misty Bosch-Hastings, Director of Guest Support, and Jill Schmidt, Guest Services Case Manager, about their work to care for our guests in many ways and the relationships that it takes for success. 
Also, hear Jill's journey to TRM and how she cares for those she serves!

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Finding Joy through difficulty,  watching God provide in miraculous ways, and how you, our donors and supporters, are making a huge difference!
Hear all this and more as we visit with Holton Witman, Director of Distribution Services, and Mike Schoettle, Assistant Director of Distribution Services, about the incredible need in our community for not only resources, but connection and hope!

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From 34 years at the Topeka Police Department to Mayor of Topeka!
Listen in as we visit with Mayor Mike Padilla about his long career of being an agent for change in his hometown community of Topeka, his love for meeting and engaging with people, and desire for people to work together to make a great community.

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Starting as an intern, celebrating guest's victories (whether big or small), and processing information to make decisions on difficult situations.
Hear all this and more as we visit with John Roberts, Director of Men's Shelter Services, about his journey to working at TRM!

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What does it mean to be a light bearer?
In this episode we visit with Pastor Timm Collins of Capital City Church, about desiring to "live in the land and cultivate faithfulness" (Psalm 37) where God has placed him in North Topeka, seeing that there is need everywhere, and being a light-bearer when it seems the darkest.

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Faith in practice on the front lines!
Listen in as we visit with Deb Peterson, Main Shelter Front Desk Staff, to hear some of her touching stories from working at the Front Desk, what keeps her coming back every day, and how she sees the potential in everyone who comes through the TRM Shelter doors.

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Have you ever felt  alone?  Felt like you were the only one facing challenges?
In this episode, La Manda Broyles and Miriam Krehbiel share about their recent trip to the Citygate Network conference. Hear about how they were encouraged through relationships with other Missions,  what they were able to learn and share about the work at TRM, as well as the importance of creating bridges with partners to address our work.

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Have you heard of TRM's new Hospitality Training Center? Listen as we visit with Chef Sean Hall, Deputy Director of Culinary Arts & Services, about his passion for helping train people in new skills in the culinary arts, the work it has taken to create the program, as well as how food is an unbiased opportunity!

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One team, one fight!
Listen as we visit with Sheriff Brian Hill about his extensive career as a police officer, including homeless undercover work, his life threatening encounter, as well as the importance of agencies working together to create a safer community!

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Wrap around services to those experiencing homelessness!
Jenny Falk, Director of Homeless Outreach & MAP (Mobile Access Partnership), shares about all the amazing services provided through MAP, how those services are taken out to those in need, but more importantly how those services provide a bridge to build critical relationships to provide healing!
Join us this Friday, June 10th, from 8-10am at the Stormont Vail Event Center East Parking Lot for the MAP One Year Anniversary Celebration! Trailer tours, live music, raffle prizes, and more!

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You've heard his voice, now hear his story!
Join us for an inspiring episode where we delve into the life and journey of Issiah Thurman, TRM's Creative Communications Coordinator. 

Issiah opens up about his experiences growing up and staying at the Mission, revealing how those formative years profoundly influenced his life. He takes us through his pivotal college years, highlighting his involvement with Christian Challenge and how it helped shape his faith and character. Finally, Issiah reflects on how accepting his current role at TRM has brought his journey full circle, bringing together his past experiences and present responsibilities in a meaningful and impactful way.

Tune in to hear about Issiah's remarkable path and how he's come to embody the mission and values of TRM in his work today.

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"What can I do for that person today?"
From being the homeless grant guru to becoming TRM's Deputy Director of Community Needs & Services, hear about how James got started at TRM, his new position overseeing the Distribution Center, Street Reach, MAP, and Restore Hope, and his desire to help people where they are at!

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You've heard her voice on the podcast regularly, now dive into what Miriam Krehbiel's role as Deputy Director of Supportive Services really means! Hear about all of the amazing teams she overseas and the critical work that they do mostly behind the scenes, as well as the importance of every gift you (Our awesome listeners!) give, whether that be prayer, time, or resources! Every piece is critical, and the work cannot be done without our Supportive Services!

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Not just a drive through district! Hear from Tom Underwood, Executive Director of NOTO Arts & Entertainment District, and Pedro Concepcion, NOTO Board member and Owner of K.I.T. Solutions, about their devotion to affect change in North Topeka for it to be a place people desire to visit and live, as well as the importance of understanding it's not "us vs. them" so that we can all come together to make our community a better place!

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It's so easy, yet so complicated!
Listen as we visit with Misty Bosch-Hastings, Director of Guest Services, about her new role unifying the different services that TRM offers to our guests, how housing is important, but relationship makes it last, and what is needed to make that happen!

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"I want to leave it better than I found it."
Listen in as Special guest, TPD Chief of Police Bryan Wheeles, shares his work experience leading up to him becoming Chief of Police, his desire to grow his perspective through critical conversations, and the amazing partnerships in the Topeka community!
Also, hear about the special surprise Chief Wheeles had for Barry!

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Describing trends and differences of those experiencing homelessness? What are up and coming issues that are being faced as we seek to best help those who come to our shelters? Listen as we discuss these questions with our new Deputy Director of Homeless Services, Christian Stringfellow, and hear his heart to help everyone who comes to TRM know that they are made in the Image of God!

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Important conversations at McDonald's, behind the scenes stories of how the Men's shelter was built,  and the continued miracles and provisions of God. Hear all this and more in today's episode with special guest and former TRM board member, Ron Lutz!

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"Bring hope & never give up on anybody, ever!"
In the concluding episode of this series, Barry shares his gratitude for those who have poured into the Mission over the last 36 years, gives advice to La Manda as she prepares to take on the role of Executive Director, and reflects on his greatest joys and opportunities seeing God move, as well as his excitement for the future of TRM!

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Lessons Learned! Part 3 of this series Barry reflects on lessons he has learned over the years, even as recently as last night while being part of the team intervening with a very sick man living in a tent. He speaks to how every  individual we serve is a person, NOT a label or a number. Hear how La Manda is experiencing the learning curve of leading the Mission and experiencing joy in the hardship, as well as working to find that joy together with staff, volunteers, and those we serve!

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Everybody deserves somebody! Lynn Johnson served as the Assistant Secretary of the Administration for Children & Families at the Department of Health & Human Services, and now oversees her own non-profit, All In Fostering Futures. In this episode, hear her heart for giving proper care and resources to youth who have aged out of the foster care system, as well as the importance of the Church coming out of the four walls to be a community who loves and serves.
To learn more about All In Fostering Futures, visit: allinfosteringfutures.org

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Listen in this week as we visit with Janice Watkins, CEO of Topeka Habitat for Humanity, about her transformative initiatives and the organization's extraordinary track record in homeownership preparedness and foreclosure prevention. We delve into an innovative aging-in-place program that goes beyond home repairs to offer comprehensive support, from food access to medical transportation. We also highlight the alarming rise in elderly homelessness and how Topeka's Habitat for Humanity has successfully prevented over 750 households from losing their homes since 2017.

Discover the life-changing House to Home program designed to help individuals trapped in exploitative contracts secure legitimate homeownership. We'll also talk about the Tool Bus initiative, a mobile tool lending service that empowers community members to undertake their home repairs, and the critical role of the ReStore in supporting Habitat’s mission. In this conversation with Janice, we explore the broader implications of the affordable housing crisis, emphasizing the collective effort required to foster a stable, supportive community.
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Revisiting the past! In part 2 of this series, Barry reflects on the unchanging heart of the Board of Directors from when he first started 36 years ago, and what the 4 "P's" of a great Board are. Hear what Barry has learned from failure and the importance of waiting before reacting, and learn what the greatest piece of advice he has gained over the years.

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Past, present, and future! Dive into the first part of this new series, hearing some of the miraculous stories from Barry's early years as TRM's Executive Director, learning about our current endeavors to bring hope to those in need, and discovering what's on the horizon for La Manda and her desire to help our guests, staff, volunteers and supporters know that they matter!

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In this episode, Miriam Krehbiel, Senior Director of Supportive Services, interviews Barry and La Manda about the recent announcement of Barry passing the torch of Executive Director to La Manda, God's guidance that led to this time of transition, and the importance of following where the Lord leads.

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In this episode, we visit with Kay Ireland, Director of Distribution Services, and Mike Schoettle, Assistant Director of Distribution Services, about how their team serves the community, the importance of building relationships, and how your donation can help change the trajectory of someone's future.

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In this episode, we visit with Reden & Dina Jalosjos, about their journey from the Philippines to Topeka, their growing construction and property management business, and their desire to bless those in need by providing affordable housing.
To get in contact with Reden, call: 816-718-4936 or email: redenconstruction@gmail.com

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In this episode, Barry, La Manda, Miriam, and Kaillee, discuss the importance of caring for our  employees and volunteers, what that looks like in different capacities, and ways of building joy and comradery in what can be a difficult job.
Also, hear about how our Outreach Team is helping our unsheltered friends prepare for the upcoming winter blast. 

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In this episode we visit with Shawnee County District Attorney, Mike Kagay, about what led him to become a prosecutor, his desire to help preserve innocence, as well as his heart for the most vulnerable.

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In this episode, we visit with Doug Hinkle and Doug Burleigh about their work with important leaders across the globe and the importance of relational, not transactional, connection!

Jesus Changes Everything - by Doug Burleigh

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In this episode, we visit with Terry Hund, Senior Director of Human Trafficking Intervention, and Rachel Flenniken, Human Trafficking Interventions Strategic Development  Coordinator, about how they work to help victims of human trafficking know that they are created in the image of God. Also, hear some of Rachel's own story of coming out of trafficking and how God is using her to help others!

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In this episode, Barry, La Manda, and Miriam take a look back at the challenges and successes of 2021 while also looking forward to the future for 2022!

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Join us for an insightful episode as we talk with Andrew Lucas (Director of Distribution Services) and Scott Bryant (Assistant Director of Distribution Services) about our upcoming Back to School event, a crucial initiative supporting students and families in our community. We'll take a deep dive into the essential operations of our distribution center, highlighting how we ensure food reaches those in need. Additionally, we'll explore the significant effects of the recent economic shifts on food distribution, examining the challenges and strategies we've implemented to continue serving our community. 
 
We also shine a light on the amazing efforts within our community to provide hydration stations for those in need. These vital resources are making a significant difference, especially during the hot summer months. Furthermore, we'll discuss the various community-driven initiatives aimed at helping individuals and families who might be struggling to afford food. Hear inspiring stories of neighbors coming together to support one another and learn how you can get involved in these incredible efforts.


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In this episode, we visit with Chris Wagner, Topeka Public Schools Child Nutrition Specialist, about his heart to make sure kids don't go hungry and his faith that leads him. As well as visit with a very special Holiday guest that he knows well!

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In this episode we visit with Christian Stringfellow, Director of Men's Services, and Debra Sabb, Director of Hope Center, to take a behind the scenes look at TRM's Shelter Services, hear some of the difficult decisions that have to be made, as well as the greatest joys that come from the work being done.

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In this episode, we visit with Topeka Public School's Director of Instructional Services and TRM Board Member, Dr. Aarion Gray, to hear about his extensive background in education, his work with the TRM board, and his heart in wanting people to know that they matter!

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