This past Saturday, Fresno Mission celebrated a special first at the Searcy Center: our first combined Alumni BBQ. Graduates from the former Academy and Rescue the Children programs came together with current Searcy Center participants, including many who are preparing to graduate on October 2.
For many years, our programs operated separately. The Academy served men, while Rescue the Children served women and children. Today, those programs have come together under one roof at the Searcy Center, allowing us to serve men, women, children, and families together.
This new model has opened doors that weren’t possible before. Fathers with children can now enter our program with their kids. Couples who need help can walk through the program together. Families can receive the support, guidance, and resources they need while having the opportunity to remain together.
That made this gathering about much more than a BBQ.
Alumni who once walked through Fresno Mission’s programs were able to reconnect, share where life has taken them, and spend time with those who are preparing to take that same step into life after graduation. It was a picture of where we’ve been, where we are today, and the community that continues long after a program is completed.
On October 2, we’ll celebrate another milestone as the Searcy Center holds its first combined graduation.
As we look toward that day, we’re grateful for every donor and partner who makes this work possible.
Your generosity helps Fresno Mission continue evolving to meet the needs of our community while keeping Christ at the center of the transformation we hope to see in every life and family we serve.
