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 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.
The afternoon also gave us a moment to honor the man whose name the center carries. Priscilla Robbins, Fresno Mission’s Chief Ministry Officer, reminded everyone that the heart of today’s programs traces back more than two decades.
“Bud Searcy is the foundational leader behind how our programs are run, and it all started 24 years ago,” she said. “It only made sense that this center was named after him. He is a pillar, not only in our community, but with Fresno Mission.”
Then Priscilla turned to the alumni and the students still walking through the program, and spoke to the courage it takes to choose a different life.
“You are all so brave. It is so easy to return to the things that are destroying you because you know the outcome and how to handle it. It is scarier, but braver, to say, ‘No, no more. I’m going to fight for myself, my family, my children, and most importantly, I’m going to accept this calling that Jesus has for my life and continue to move forward.’ You are breaking generational dysfunction because you said yes to something that was extremely difficult. You are the bravest people we know.”
That courage is what every gift to Fresno Mission stands behind. When someone finds the strength to say “no more,” your generosity makes sure there is a safe place, a proven program, and a community ready to walk alongside them.
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.
