Civic Honor Award

Endorsements

 Durham County Sheriff Worth Hill

"I am pleased to recommend the Durham Rescue Mission.  Their dedicated staff seeks to meet the needs of those less fortunate in our community.  Through donations from individuals, businesses, churches, and civic groups, the Mission provides shelter, warm food, clothing, education, and counseling.  I fully support the staff of the Durham Rescue Mission in their efforts to fulfill the needs of so many.  I thank them for their tireless commitment and devotion to making a difference."

Former Chairperson, County of Durham Board of Commissioners, Mary Ann E. Black

“On behalf of the Durham County Board of Commissioners, I am pleased to enthusiastically support the efforts to expand the dynamic ministry of the Durham Rescue Mission. The continued growth of the Durham Rescue Mission would be a major step toward providing a wide range of services to some of the neediest citizens in our community.

Over the years, I have observed the work of the Durham Rescue Mission and its tremendous impact on this community. Since 1974, the Mission has mobilized thousands of volunteers and supporters to deal with people involved in some of the most distressing problems in our society. As founder and director of the Durham Rescue Mission, Rev. Mills and staff feed the hungry, build self esteem, teach job skills, help others get clean and sober – all in an effort to help move people from a life of dependency to a life of self sufficiency.

Again, the Mission has my support of their efforts to provide a myriad of programs to improve the quality of life for the least among us.”

Retired Deputy Chief, Kent Fletcher, Durham Police Department

"First of all, let me thank Rev. Mills and his staff at the Durham Rescue Mission for the fine work they do in and for this community.  They always stand ready to help those in need and their program offers much more than just a hand out, it gives people hope and a chance to change their lives.  The results of their work is evident.  Throughout my thirty year career with the Durham Police Department, the Durham Rescue Mission has assisted us thousands of times."

Congressman David Price

“I am proud to be among those writing in support of the Durham Rescue Mission and its outreach to the community. The Mission staff and volunteers play a unique role in addressing the spiritual, educational, emotional, physical, vocational, and social needs of homeless individuals and families who have complex challenges in their lives.

In a time when many in our area are prospering, we have a special responsibility to care for the homeless. I appreciate the Mission's personal and professional dedication to helping them through difficult times and their collaboration with other agencies in the community to find resources for them.

Thank you, especially, for setting aside space for women and children. Safety is hard to explain to children but something they can sense even when very young, and teaching their moms important life skills is an essential part of a family’s long-term survival.

I am proud of our progress in making the Triangle area a good place to live, work, and raise a family. I appreciate the efforts of the Durham Rescue Mission to ensure that no one is left behind and that our community advances together.”

Former Durham Mayor – Nicholas J. Tennyson

“The Durham Rescue Mission deserves and has my unqualified, absolute support.

Rev. Ernie Mills, his family, and the staff of the Rescue Mission have a direct and meaningful impact on lives, one at a time, in such rapid succession that they have a cumulative impact on thousands of lives. Their positive, enthusiastic support for people in need of their care is often the first example of that kind of reaction which our least fortunate citizens have encountered.

Having never been on the receiving end of their ministry, I might be thought not to have received anything from the Rescue Mission. Not so. Among the bounties bestowed upon me by this invaluable community resource are the joy of having helped with their annual Christmas dinner, the satisfaction of having contributed to the Rescue Mission’s financial support, and the comfort of knowing that a dedicated, selfless group is working hard day and night to offer a hand-up to anyone willing to reach out.

The Durham Rescue Mission does great work, provides a great example to others who seek to serve the same flock, and deserves the support of any organization seeking an efficient, effective means of delivering help to those in need.”