Joyce Lievano has a challenge for First Free. “The mission field moved to Rockford,” she says. “We have the opportunity of extending our wings, to make people feel welcome. But we don’t have to start a program. This isn’t a program. It’s...
Editor’s note: This story appears in the current issue of The Rescuer, Rockford Rescue Mission’s newsletter. We’re republishing it here with permission. “Hey, how are you today?” The guy in the Wednesday lunch line looks up. Scott Graham is not only...
Abortion is such a polarizing issue in our culture. How do you approach this type of ministry when tensions run so high? In this world of pregnancy care, our greatest joy is that we get to focus on what we are for, who we are for, rather than what we are against. We...
First Free Rockford has enjoyed a generations-long partnership with Rockford Rescue Mission. This month marks the Mission’s 60th anniversary, and Tuesday’s Restoration Celebration was a most-appropriate way to celebrate. It’s a special, annual...
A long friendship between two neighboring couples also grew into a ministry to families in our community. Jerry and Carolyn Norquist live across the street from Chuck and Vickie Allton. Both retired couples’ garages are stacked with plastic totes containing more than...
Haddon Anderson is executive director of Stateline Youth for Christ, one of the local ministry organizations with which First Free partners. We spoke with Haddon about YFC’s work in our community—and their need for more volunteers. What is your focus as a ministry?...
