STORIES
The people this is all for.
Graduates, guests, and people who stayed here once and never forgot it. In their own words.
FEATURED · LIFESKILLS
Taylor finished in February 2025
Taylor graduated on Valentine's Day, alongside Eugene, at the end of his twelve months.
During the year he was the man who volunteered. He worked a table at Anchorage Project Homeless Connect, handing out supplies and information to neighbors looking for help, and he put a varied work history to use around the Mission wherever it was needed. In art class he found something he had not gone looking for, and started selling his paintings.
Today he is the Mission's Warehouse Coordinator and Expeditor. He pulls stock for the kitchen against the daily menu, and moves surplus out to small church food pantries before it can spoil. He still paints, acrylic pours now, and still sells some of it. He is saving for a trip to Japan.
At graduation he said he wanted to keep going with his computer education and to travel, because there is always more to learn. Eighteen months on, that has turned into a job title, a paycheck, and a plane ticket he is working toward.
FEATURED · LIFESKILLS
Derek finished in 2024
Derek is a treasured member of the Mission team who always goes the extra mile to be kind and to help wherever he can. He is a former graduate of our LifeSkills program and is currently working towards his Peer Support certification. Derek is also a talented artist and Cricut user. Here is Derek in his own words:
"After graduating from the Men's LifeSkills program, I joined the staff at the Mission. I love what I do. I love being able to give back to the place that gave me so much. I love interacting with the clients and being able to help them with whatever I can. What I appreciate most is being able to interact with my fellow co-workers, who feel like family.
I strive to be a role model for our current program men as well as our clients. I am seeking a Peer Support certification to help me to better do that. I can't wait to be able to use the tools I am learning now in my future interactions with them.
The future is something I look forward to here at the Anchorage Gospel Rescue Mission. I thank God for the individuals and donors who make the Mission possible."
FEATURED · BEAUTY IN GRACE
Laura finished in April 2023
My name is Laura Setuk. I am a thirty-nine-year-old woman who has struggled with alcohol and drugs my whole life. My clean date is April 14, 2023. I’ve been residing at the Beauty in Grace program for almost two years attending chapel and bible study as I resolved personal issues, sought additional skills and secured meaningful employment.
When I first arrived here, I started off as a housekeeper at a local hotel, a role that allowed me to contribute to the community while gaining stability. I was given the opportunity to transition into a peer-support role where I could then use my personal experience at the Arc of Anchorage. I have been with the Arc of Anchorage now for almost two years in the capacity of Peer Support Specialist, Case Manager, and presently as a Behavioral Health Clinical Associate.
During this time, I’ve not only received the support and resources needed to rebuild my life, but I’ve also had the chance to give back by helping others, particularly the other girls in the program, using my newfound peer-support skills. I’ve been able to help the other girls also by guiding them through housing applications and answering questions about community resources. It’s incredibly rewarding to know that I’m playing a role in helping others like me build a better future, just as I was supported when I first arrived at the Mission.
Working toward an end goal at AGRM has been a key part of my personal growth and transformation. I wasn’t sure where my journey would lead me, but the Mission has provided me with tools, support, and guidance to set and work toward specific goals, whether it’s securing stable housing, completing educational programs, or developing new life skills. Every step I’ve taken here brings me closer to the future I’ve envisioned.
I now feel empowered to continue my path toward a better future, and I am forever thankful for the Anchorage Gospel Rescue Mission’s commitment to making a difference in people’s lives. I am living proof of the impact this program can have for individuals seeking change. Living here has provided me with stability, and has given me a sense of community that I didn’t have before. I will carry the lessons I’ve learned with me as I move forward.
FEATURED · MENS RECOVERY SUPPORT
Jerome finished in 2025
Meet Jerome, a current client of the Anchorage Gospel Rescue Mission. Jerome says he feels blessed to be able to be here with us during this precarious season where everyone is required to hunker down. He shared a feeling of gratitude that he is able to be in a safe and warm environment where the food is always good, the beds are clean, the laundry is done, and that there is a chapel service each evening to look forward to where the Lord is lifted up.
He expressed appreciation for being able to hear the Bible teachings and to view those videos by speakers highlighting the possibilities for hope-filled life changes. He says staying here at the Mission during this time has allowed him to be able to interface with those offering assistance in obtaining a housing voucher, as well as other agencies who are helping to resolve life issues.
PARTNER WITH THE MISSION
Every one of these started with someone giving.
The Mission runs on private support. No municipal, state, or federal money comes into this building.