Meet Ken: A Rescue Mission of Mahoning Valley supporter with a Big Heart

Ken was born in downtown Youngstown near West Federal Street in the 1930’s. One of ten brothers who grew up during the Great Depression and World War II, life was not easy for him in the Valley. To help his family survive, Ken delivered newspapers as a boy and walked three miles to Mill Creek Park just to get water. Despite the hardships, Ken never lost his faith, or his kindness and he always looked for ways to help others.

Growing up down the street from the Rescue Mission of Mahoning Valley, (back then it was called Christ Mission Settlement), he was familiar with the mission and the good things that the Lord was doing there. He said, “the mission has always been a blessing to this community and is a godsend.”

Ken worked as a tow truck driver for forty-seven years, often pulling the night shift. He said he used to pick people up who were broken down on the turnpike who “didn’t have two nickels to rub together.” Knowing the Mission offered safe emergency shelter, he would take them to the Mission.

It wasn’t until many years later that Ken (now in his 90’s) found himself in need of some help. A huge storm hit the Valley and he was blocked in his house. He couldn’t get out of his driveway to get food. Unsure where to turn, Ken called the Rescue Mission and explained his situation. That was when Mike, kitchen director at the mission, packed up some food from our Thanksgiving dinner and took it to Ken. Ken was blown away by the Lord’s goodness displayed through the Rescue Mission of Mahoning Valley and Mike. That Thanksgiving was the start of a friendship between Ken and Mike and ever since Ken has been enjoying meals from the Rescue Mission during the holidays knowing exactly where a warm and nutritious meal could be found.

Ken shared that he is incredibly grateful to God for the Rescue Mission of Mahoning Valley. He understands the urgency for the mission doors to be open to the community to help those in need of shelter, food, and a safe place to sleep.

We are inspired by friends in the Valley like Ken. He is a living example of what it means to love your neighbor as yourself.

Would would love to have your partnership! Please provide a meal for a person like Ken. A gift of just $2.47 sets a seat at our table.