City Rescue Mission

The City Rescue Mission works to transform lives of the homeless and needy through shelter, food, interventions and more.

CRM is funded through donations and has set out to save and support for more than 70 years.
Executive Director Penny Kievet has been affiliated with the organization for the past eight years; working with nearly 90 staff members.

The organization has about 450 volunteers including dentists and doctors who volunteer their services to those who are in need. It serves counties throughout northeast Florida; giving a helping hand to second chances.

“We just want to help everybody that we can get off the streets and back on their feet,” Kievet said. “They find the possibility of an abundant life and that really is what we are about. We provide life lines for those who are drowning.”

Drug and alcohol addictions are a big priority of CRM. The organization provides LifeBuilders Addiction Recovery to help those who want to become sober and start new lives.

The program lasts 18 months and houses 165 participants at a time. It concludes with a graduation ceremony to celebrate all recovering addicts who participate.

Kievet said CRM likes to focus on the root of what causes the drug and alcohol addictions that plagues the community.

“It is the hurt, pain and anguish that people have had in their lifetime. The drugs are what mask that for them so that they don’t have to be in that pit,” Kievet said.

Services don’t end with addiction at CRM. The organization also provides work force development programs, hygiene products and cover for battered women, children and men.

Kievet encourages people to come and volunteer. Anyone who is interested in servicing the community with CRM should visit the website at www.crmjax.org .

Those who stand in the need of help are welcome to visit at 234 West State St. Jacksonville, Florida 32202 or call 904-387-4357.

“There are a lot of people out there who are lost and lonely. They don’t have a clue how to get their lives back. That’s why we`re here,”Kievet said. “We are a refuge from fatigue and failure.”