The Rockford Rescue Mission is getting some financial help in it efforts.

Officials have announced the Mission has received a grant totaling more than $75,000 from the Dr. Louis & Violet Rubin Fund of the Community Foundation of Northern Illinois.  The funds will be used to provide shelter and bedroom areas for women and children at Pitney Place. That's a building project currently underway to expand the capacity of the Mission’s emergency shelter and long-term program for women and children.

The Mission’s executive director, Sherry Pitney, says the money will do a lot of good:

“We’re honored that the Community Foundation of Northern Illinois recognizes the needs of homeless women and children in our care and has chosen to partner with us. Pitney Place will provide additional beds for women and children seeking emergency help or recovery.  A vital, yet practical, part of this expansion is providing a space that is comfortable and inviting with accommodations that express the value and dignity of those staying with us.”

Grant funds will be used to purchase beds, mattresses, desks, chairs, drawer chests and bedding to outfit bedrooms. Pitney Place is scheduled to open by the spring of 2016.

It only takes one look at the numbers to see the impact the Rockford Rescue Mission has on the community:

 2013 Fiscal Year (October 2012 - September 2013)
• Nights of Lodging: 58,767
• Meals Served: 164,455
• Items Distributed: 159,355
• Counseling Sessions: 10,019
• Hope Clinic Patient Visits: 2,684

For more information on Rockford Rescue Mission’s programs and services or to make a donation online, visit rockfordrescuemission.org.

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