Walk-a-Mile benefits homeless

Despite cold February temperatures, more than 640 walkers came out at 10 a.m. on Feb. 20 to raise support for the homeless of Grant County. The walk, called “Walk a Mile In My Shoes…For Homelessness,” celebrated its five-year anniversary this year and benefits the Grant County Rescue Mission.

“It’s grown every year,” said Debra Ballard, director of development and Walk Coordinator at the Grant County Rescue Mission. “It seems the community gets excited about it every time we start promoting it.”

Last year, almost 500 people participated and more than $20,000 was raised. This year, the fundraiser brought in nearly $18,000.

“The money that’s raised goes directly to the general fund of the Rescue Mission, primarily because this time of the year expenses are up,” said Debra Ballard.

The Grant County Rescue Mission men’s shelter houses an average of 60 men each night. Last year, the facility provided 18,000 nights of shelter and served 75,000 meals.

“I didn’t notice [homelessness] as much being a student,” said Alicia Marsh, a 2008 IWU graduate. “But when you go from being a student to living in Marion and actually walking the streets of Marion more, you do see that it is a problem.” Marsh currently lives in Marion working as a financial aid counselor at Indiana Wesleyan.

The Grant County Rescue Mission is composed of five different locations. Housing facilities, including the men’s shelter, the women’s shelter and the new men’s apartments, serve the homeless of Grant County. The Rescue Mission also runs two retail venues, including Mission Mart in Marion and Rescued Treasures in Gas City. The revenue that the two stores bring in helps to support the Mission’s work.

“When we first came here a lot of people didn’t even know Grant County had a rescue mission,” said Debra Ballard. “So we have worked really hard to get the word out about what we do.”

Ballard and her husband Tom Ballard, the executive director of the Grant County Rescue Mission, have dedicated themselves to serve those in need in Grant County.

“[We] just felt a burden and a call to go into rescue ministries and we absolutely love it,” said Debra Ballard.

Through events like “Walk a Mile,” the community can show its support of the Ballards’ work at the Rescue Mission.

“I just think it’s a really greatthing, what we’re doing here today,” said Jenessa Scholl (fr). Others, like Marsh, appreciate the chance to see members of Grant County working together.

“I just like to get involved with the community. I think it’s just a great thing for both the college and the community in general to just come together for a good cause,” said Marsh.

Despite the economy, Debra Ballard remains confident in the work at the rescue mission. This confidence comes from community support, as well as a higher source.

“The Lord has always provided for us,” Debra Ballard said. “He’s always taken care of us. We’re proud of that, proud of what He’s done here.”

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This entry was posted on Thursday, February 25th, 2010 at 8:00 AM and is filed under Frontpage.
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