Reach Rockford
Connecting our ministries and partnerships
About Reach Rockford
“Work for the peace and prosperity of the city where I sent you into exile. Pray to the Lord for it, for its welfare will determine your welfare.” —Jeremiah 29:7
Reach Rockford oversees local ministries and partnerships that address our region’s spiritual, social and material needs. This has included everything from helping the community engage with COVID-19 resources to hosting a community forum on fighting human trafficking and sexual exploitation.
We also administer First Free’s Jeremiah Fund, which offers “no strings attached” grants to inspire our congregation to pursue the welfare of the Rockford area through the work of local nonprofit organizations.
Here are the local ministries currently supported by
Reach Rockford:
Pregnancy Care Center of Rockford
Rockford Reachout Jail Ministry
How can I help?
- Participate in monthly team meetings
- Connect with local ministries and partners and updating the church
- Organize and run quarterly church-wide drives
- Participate in Big Day of Serving
Community Stories
Celebrating recovered lives
Watch Rockford Rescue Mission’s newest Life Recovery graduates tell their incredible stories.
Neighbors in Uniform
First Free’s support of the School Uniform Co-op serves low-income families at local elementary schools.
Q&R: Haddon Anderson, Stateline Youth for Christ
Haddon Anderson is executive director of Stateline Youth for Christ. We spoke with him about YFC’s work in our community—and the need for more volunteers.
Serving a vulnerable population
A conversation with Mike O’Connor, executive director of Carpenter’s Place
‘We can be very real’
A look inside First Free’s Rockford Rescue Mission worship venue and the many volunteers that make it possible.
Carpenter’s Corner opens Friday
The new Carpenter’s Corner thrift store opens Friday, March 10 and supports ministry to homeless people in Rockford.
Crime, punishment … and a better story
How Rockford Reachout Jail Ministry impacted one inmate — and then a lot more.
Angel Tree opportunity grows
First Free has its best chance ever to make Christmas brighter for kids who have an incarcerated parent.
New Life for an Old Store
At Christmas Traditions, we’ll collect donated items for the new Carpenter’s Corner Thrift & More store.
Amid uptick in need, Rescue Mission seeks help
An assortment of factors is bringing more people to the Mission for food and shelter.
‘Success looks different here’
During our church’s donation drive for Rock House Kids, we spoke with a staff member about the center’s ministry and needs.
“Mom, we forgot to save me”
A mom, and now her 11 year old daughter, have found new life in Christ at Rockford Rescue Mission. This is their story.
Global Ministry, Local Venue
First Free’s English classes offer the chance to serve international friends
Seven Stories, One Redeemer
The Sept. 15 Women of Hope event celebrates a new book from Rockford Rescue Mission.
