Topeka Rescue Mission Ministries

It’s National Homelessness Awareness Month—a time to come together, recognize the challenges our unhoused neighbors face, and take action. In that spirit, we recently met with our amazing partners from Let's Help, Inc., Breakthrough House , Valeo Behavioral Health Care, Fellowship Hi-Crest, Community Resources Council, City of Topeka Government, Central Park Christian Church, and Street Team Ministry to plan for the implementation of warming centers this winter.
Together, we’re preparing a multi-faceted approach to keep our unsheltered neighbors safe and warm this winter. Thank you for being a community that is ready to provide Help and Hope to those in need!

La Manda Broyles, Executive Director and Kourtney Barr, Deputy Director of Transformational Services, had the privilege of visiting the Topeka Women’s Correctional Facility through Reaching Out From Within, recently to share about TRM’s services and—more importantly—the message of each person’s inherent worth as a beloved child of God. ❤️

At TRM, we believe that everyone has unique gifts and potential, and we’re honored to come alongside those who are working hard to rebuild and transform their lives.

Thank you to the Topeka Women’s Correctional Facility for welcoming us!

In this episode, we sit down with Pastor Tim Wilson of Lighthouse Bible Church in North Topeka. Pastor Tim shares the core beliefs that shape his church—Learning, Loving, and Living—as well as the church's deep commitment to serving the local community. Since its founding in 2005, Lighthouse Bible Church has supported the Topeka Rescue Mission and actively engaged in outreach programs like Operation Backpack, foster care, and the Trash Mountain Project. Pastor Tim shares personal stories of transformation, including his own journey from addiction to faith, and emphasizes the importance of a church that is open, welcoming, and committed to serving those in need. Join us as we explore what it means to build authentic relationships and a faith community where anyone can come as they are. (https://bit.ly/OCOM_Ep246)

November is Homeless Awareness Month, and we’re grateful for every chance to deepen the community's understanding of homelessness. Last week, we were honored to connect with downtown business owners, merchants, and residents. Executive Director La Manda Broyles and Deputy Director of Transformational Services Kourtney Barr shared insights on TRM’s services and addressed common concerns and misconceptions. These conversations are essential for recognizing the challenges our unsheltered neighbors face and fostering a more compassionate community. 🧡

Got dinner plans? Check out the grand opening of QDOBA Mexican Eats in North Topeka! Enjoy fresh, delicious food and support TRM! 100% of opening day proceeds (excluding catering and third-party deliveries) will be donated to help our community.

📍 2031 NW Topeka Blvd, Topeka, KS 66608
📅 Today, November 4th, open to close!

Join us TOMORROW, November 4th, for the grand opening of QDOBA Mexican Eats in North Topeka! Enjoy fresh, delicious food while supporting the Topeka Rescue Mission, as 100% of opening day proceeds (excluding catering and third-party deliveries) will be donated to help our community.

📍 2031 NW Topeka Blvd, Topeka, KS 66608
📅 Tomorrow, all day!

See you there!

🍂 Our 3rd Annual Fall Fest was an absolute blast! From pumpkin bowling and Corn Hole to the ever-exciting pie-eating contest and cozy hayrack rides, we had it all! A huge thank you to Poppin Minis for coming out and serving up fresh, delicious donuts 🍩. We’re beyond grateful for the chance to celebrate with everyone and show just how much we appreciate our community. It was an unforgettable day filled with laughter and love!

Join us as we dive into the heartwarming details of the Third Annual TRM Fall Festival, a joyful gathering for unsheltered neighbors, guests, and families. In this episode, Kourtney Barr, Deputy Director of Transformational Services, and Mike Schoettle, Director of Spiritual Wellness & Discipleship, share how the festival has created a safe, inclusive space for everyone—whether they’re enjoying a pie-eating contest or simply finding comfort in being part of a welcoming community. Hear stories and reflections from guests and unsheltered neighbors who joined in the fun, some experiencing fall festivities like pumpkin bowling and hayrides for the first time. More than just activities, the Fall Festival offers a reminder that everyone deserves a place where they feel seen, heard, and loved. This event opens the door to meaningful conversations, connection, and warmth, even amid life’s toughest seasons. (https://bit.ly/OCOM_Ep245)

Join us THIS Monday, November 4th, for the grand opening of North Topeka’s brand-new QDOBA Mexican Eats—and make a difference with every bite! QDOBA is partnering with the Topeka Rescue Mission, donating 100% of all opening day proceeds (excluding catering orders and third-party deliveries like Grubhub and DoorDash) to support our mission and serve our community. 🙌

Swing by, grab some fresh, delicious, made-in-house eats, and be part of something bigger! Let’s celebrate good food, community, and giving back.

📍 Where: 2031 NW Topeka Blvd, Topeka, KS 66608
📅 When: Monday, all day!

Who’s excited for tacos with a side of purpose? 🌮💛 See you there, Topeka!

🌟 A huge thank you to Leona for her heartfelt donation of 17 homemade quilts! 🧵💙 Not only does this gift keep those we serve warm, it lets them know that they are loved! We couldn’t be more grateful for her support—and for yours, too.

If you’d like to learn more about TRM and how you can get involved, visit trmonline.org.

📢 On National First Responders Day, we want to give a special shoutout to the dedicated teams at Shawnee County Sheriff's Office, Topeka Police Department, Topeka Fire Department, and AMR - Topeka. 🚔🚒🚑 Your commitment and compassion make a real difference in the lives of those we serve. Whether it’s through ensuring safety, providing emergency response, or standing with us in moments of crisis, you play an essential role in helping us care for those in need. Thank you for your partnership and unwavering dedication to our community. 💙

We were thrilled to present at the Kansas Association of Court Services Officers’ Bi-Annual Statewide Conference! La Manda Broyles, our Executive Director, and Miriam Krehbiel, Deputy Director of Supportive Services, took the stage to showcase the diverse services TRM offers, share impactful stories and statistics from our ministry, and highlight how Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI) shapes our approach. We’re always grateful for the chance to share the heart of our work and explore how we can support others in their commitment to service!

URGENT VOLUNTEER NEED!

Christmas Bureau intake starts in less than a week, and we still have a lot of empty volunteer slots! If you are able, please go to https://www.kawvalleyvolunteers.org/need/index?tag=Christmas+Bureau to sign up for a shift! We especially need greeters and intake workers on October 30. See the responsibilities below.

Intake Volunteers (we especially need Spanish-speaking or bilingual volunteers)
October 30, November 4, 7, 9

Responsibilities: meeting with individual clients to help process the Intake Form for Christmas Bureau. You will need to be able to verify all required documentation of every client and make sure that every Intake Form is legible and complete. You will also need to make sure clients are eligible by income verification to ensure we are serving those who need the help the most. Sometimes this means you will need to turn people away should their income exceed the 200% Federal Poverty level limit.
All Intake Volunteers will be required to complete a training to review the changes in the intake process, this training will be virtual and held on Monday, October 28 at noon.

Intake Greeters
October 30, November 4, 7, 9

Responsibilities: greeting clients as they enter the building. You will ensure they have all required documentation and the form is completely filled out. You will then assign them a number to be processed by an intake volunteer.
All Intake Volunteers will be required to complete a training to review the changes in the intake process; this training will be virtual, and held on Monday, October 28 at noon.

Join Us in Helping Our Community!

We couldn’t be more thankful for your ongoing support! Right now, we’re inviting you to help meet some specific needs that make a big difference for the individuals and families we serve . Here’s how you can lend a hand:

🧴 Deodorant (Men’s & Women’s)
💇‍♀️ Combs & Hairbrushes
👶 Baby Shampoo & Baby Powder
👟 Foot Powder
🍼 Toddler Pullups (2T-5T)
🧷 Diapers (Size 5)
💛 Vaseline

Donations can be dropped off at 401 NW Norris, Monday–Friday, from 8 AM to 3:45 PM. For more information, visit trmonline.org/needslist.!

In this episode, we’re joined by Marie Pyko, CEO of the Topeka & Shawnee County Public Library , to discuss the vital role the library plays in fostering community learning and connection.

Marie shares the Library's mission of being the center of community learning, emphasizing dignity, inclusion, and engagement for all, including those experiencing homelessness. With a staff of over 170, they continuously look for ways to connect with the community, ensuring that everyone feels welcome. We’ll explore the library’s unique approach as "the university for all" and its 2016 recognition as Library of the Year.

Join us as we dive into the power of libraries as bridge builders for community and the role they play in addressing local needs through empathy and innovation.
(https://bit.ly/OCOM_Ep244)

As we go through this week,, let’s remember the promise in Philippians 4:6-7. The Lord calls us not to be anxious, but to come to Him in prayer and with gratitude. When we do, He offers us a peace that surpasses all understanding. Whatever is weighing on your heart today, lift it up to God. Settle your mind on Him, and let His peace cover you. Let’s walk in that peace, knowing we are in His hands. 🙏