Our Community, Our Mission

What makes Night of Praise more than just another event? In this episode, John Ostenson, TRM Board President; Greg Armbruster, Vice President; and Mike Rinehart, Treasurer, join CEO La Manda Cunningham and Deputy Director of Supportive Services Miriam Krehbiel to share how the heart of Topeka Rescue Mission is rooted in both freedom and faith. From moments of prayer with shelter residents to stories of unexpected gratitude, listene...

When a child shows up ready for the first day of school, the impact lasts far beyond the classroom. In this episode of Our Community, Our Mission, we sit down with Hope Bency, Distribution Center Administrative Assistant, to talk about TRM’s recent Back-to-School event that equipped over 300 students with backpacks, clothing, and essential supplies. Behind the numbers are powerful stories: parents moved to tears by unexpected gener...

What inspires someone to devote their career to serving people experiencing homelessness? In this episode of Our Community, Our Mission, we sit down with TRM’s HR Director, Kim Turley, to explore the unique challenges and deep rewards of staffing an organization committed to life-changing ministry. With years of connection to TRM and a passion for helping people, Kim shares what it takes to balance professional HR practices with th...

Thomas Hall’s unexpected path from applying for what he thought was a janitor position to leading as Director of Emergency Shelter and Outreach at Turlock Gospel Mission is a testament to the power of purpose-driven work. In California’s Central Valley, homelessness is fueled by mental health struggles and skyrocketing housing costs. Thomas and his team respond to urgent needs by offering more than beds. They provide food boxes, cl...

In this inspiring episode of Our Community, Our Mission, hosts Barry Feaker and La Manda Cunningham sit down with Officer Robert Razo of the Topeka Police Department and Daniel Dobson from TRM’s Outreach Team to explore the power of collaboration in serving Topeka’s unsheltered neighbors. Through heartfelt stories and candid conversations, listeners are taken behind the scenes of innovative efforts like the Co-Responder Program, Ci...

When Nancy Johnson stepped away from her role as CEO of Community Resources Council, she could never have imagined the new chapter God was preparing for her. A season of personal struggle opened the door to an unexpected conversation with Barry Feaker, leading Nancy to Topeka Rescue Mission. What began as casual volunteering soon became a source of deep joy and renewed purpose, as she now spends her days welcoming guests, answering...

As temperatures rise, so does the risk for our unsheltered neighbors. This episode of Our Community, Our Mission highlights how TRM’s outreach teams are responding to the dangerous summer heat with practical care and deep compassion. You’ll hear how connection and consistency made all the difference for one woman who had slipped through every gap in the system—and how everyday acts of advocacy can change lives. We also share how TR...

In this powerful episode, Billy Brown shares his raw journey through addiction, trauma, and redemption. From a broken home and early substance abuse to multiple suicide attempts, Billy offers a vulnerable glimpse into the mental, emotional, and spiritual toll of homelessness. His story challenges the idea that employment or housing alone can heal deep wounds—and shows how real transformation begins when someone is truly seen.

Now a ...

What happens when someone has nowhere else to turn? In this heartfelt conversation, we’re joined by Antonio Villasuso, President, and Leah Sigillo, Media Manager, from The Caring Place – Miami Rescue Mission, where friendship and faith lead the way in serving South Florida’s homeless community. Antonio shares his own powerful story of recovery and leadership, while Leah opens up about the personal losses that drive her passion to s...

Back-to-school season means more than pencils and backpacks—it’s about restoring dignity, structure, and hope for children facing difficult circumstances. In this episode, the TRM team shares the heartfelt stories and behind-the-scenes work of preparing students for the classroom, from organizing supplies to creating moments of joy and normalcy. La Manda Cunningham, TRM CEO, reflects on what it means when a child has what they need...

What happens when rescue mission staff from across North America gather under one roof? For the Topeka Rescue Mission team, their recent experience at the Citygate Network conference in Phoenix was more than professionally enriching—it was spiritually transformative. In this heartfelt episode, CEO La Manda Cunningham is joined by Miriam Krehbiel (Deputy Director of Supportive Services), Marcus Molinar (Deputy Director of Facilities...

This episode features the powerful story of Emily Monroe, a front desk team member at the Hope Center, who brings a deep sense of empathy to her role after walking through her own struggles with depression and anxiety. Her kindness and understanding help create a place where guests feel seen, valued, and safe—an atmosphere rooted in grace and second chances. “I understand what it’s like to feel like the world is against you and lik...

What if your greatest trauma became your greatest ministry tool? Brandan Thomas, President and CEO of Open Door Mission in Houston, shares how growing up with a father suffering from schizophrenia prepared him to walk with compassion and understanding alongside those facing homelessness, addiction, and mental illness. What began as a one-month volunteer role turned into a lifelong calling. From planting churches to sleeping in shel...

In this episode of Our Community, Our Mission, we explore what true transformation looks like through the powerful story of Edward Tucker. Once trapped in 30-years of drug addiction—even while pastoring—Edward longed for freedom but couldn’t break free on his own. Everything changed with a quiet nudge from God on a city bus: “Go to the mission.” That simple act of obedience marked the beginning of a new life. Today, Edward works at...

In this heartfelt episode of Our Community, Our Mission, we welcome Jenny Falk, Director of MAP Operations, as she reflects on her 11 years of service with TRM and her recent transition to Compassion Strategies. From humble beginnings as a volunteer serving meals with her sons, Jenny’s journey took her through roles in the Thrift Store, Volunteer Services, Operation Food Secure, and ultimately, the Mobile Access Partnership (MAP)—a...

From a simple lunch invitation to leading a life-changing organization, Lauren Clouse’s story is one of calling, courage, and deep faith. As CEO of Winchester Rescue Mission, Lauren never imagined she’d be running a growing nonprofit, expanding programs, and building partnerships across the Shenandoah Valley. But with a heart for people and a belief that “God doesn’t call the qualified—He qualifies the called,” she stepped forward....

In this episode of Our Community, Our Mission, Jessica Croner shares how her heart for the unsheltered has guided her through years of ministry — from the Boise Rescue Mission to the Valley Mission in Pocatello, Idaho, and now as Director of Street Reach. A pivotal encounter at a Citygate Conference introduced her to TRM and the Street Reach and MAP model, which she brought back to Idaho and launched as quickly as possible. Driven ...

As the challenge of homelessness grows more urgent, one leader’s journey offers a powerful example of how diverse experiences can prepare us to serve. Shelly Buhler, a board member at Topeka Rescue Mission, shares insights shaped by a career spanning public service, education, and nonprofit leadership. From driving forklifts at a food bank to serving as a mayor and county commissioner, each step of her journey reflects how God prep...

In this episode of Our Community, Our Mission, we honor Volunteer Appreciation Month by exploring the vital role volunteers play at TRM. John Roberts, Deputy Director of Community Needs & Services, shares how volunteers impact every department, from food services to guest support. Suzie Paslay reflects on her journey as Volunteer Coordinator, emphasizing the personal and spiritual significance of each volunteer’s service.

With b...