wyoming-rescue-mission

Tue, 30 Dec 2025 22:35:21 GMT

Wyoming Rescue Mission Calls on Community as Year-End Matching Challenge Reaches Final Hours

Casper, Wyoming — With just hours remaining in its year-end matching challenge, Wyoming Rescue Mission is urging the community to act now to maximize their impact for individuals and families facing homelessness.

Through the generosity of anonymous donors, every gift made to Wyoming Rescue Mission will be matched dollar for dollar—up to $50,000—until midnight on December 31. This limited-time opportunity allows supporters to double their support for critical services, including emergency shelter, hot meals, recovery programs, and mental health counseling.

“Every donation given right now has twice the power to change lives,” said Executive Director Brad Hopkins. “This matching challenge will extend urgently needed hope and healing to those moving from homelessness to community independence.”

Matching contributions will provide essential, life-saving care, including:

• $100 doubled to $200 for meals and compassionate care

• $250 doubled to $500 for shelter and recovery services

• $500 doubled to $1000 to care for families and children and provide counseling for all guests

All gifts made by midnight on December 31 are tax-deductible and will be fully matched, up to $50,000, helping Wyoming Rescue Mission meet urgent needs during one of the most critical seasons of the year.

This is the final opportunity in 2025 to make a year-end gift that restores hope and transforms lives. Donations can be made online at wyomission.org/donate, delivered in person to 331 N. Park St., Casper, WY, or mailed to P.O. Box 2030, Casper, WY 82602. Mailed donations must be postmarked by Dec. 31, 2025.

About Wyoming Rescue Mission Wyoming Rescue Mission restores homeless lives to community independence with the love of Christ. Wyoming Rescue Mission provides emergency shelter, food, and support services to those experiencing homelessness and hardship in the community. Through a variety of programs and initiatives, Wyoming Rescue Mission aims to restore hope and dignity to individuals and families in need. Learn more at wyomission.org.

WRM Announces Record Breaking 12th Annual Fishin’ for the Mission Tournament

Wed, 15 Oct 2025 21:02:40 GMT

Reeling in Recovery: Wyoming Rescue Mission Announces Record Breaking 12th Annual Fishin’ for the Mission Tournament

CASPER, WY — Wyoming Rescue Mission’s 12th Annual Fishin’ for the Mission was a heartfelt celebration of lives transformed, stories shared, and hope restored. Preliminary estimates show the event raised $128,417.50, all going directly to support the Wyoming Rescue Mission’s programs of providing hot meals, safe shelter, counseling, case management, recovery programs, and care.

The event began on June 4, 2025, with the Guide Meet & Greet Dinner at The M —a gathering where mission partners, guides, and guests came together to connect over stories of redemption and resilience. Renowned sculptor Chris Navarro introduced a bronze sculpture he made exclusively for the Wyoming Rescue Mission. Titled “Hanging On,” the bronze features a bear cub clinging to a tree– a powerful reminder that even in the hardest times, holding on can lead you to higher ground. The bronze was sold in a live auction, with all proceeds benefiting the Wyoming Rescue Mission.

Attendees were moved by the video testimony of Rusty and Sterling, a father and son who found themselves on the streets and living in a car after Rusty’s addiction cost him his job. In search of a hot meal, they came to Wyoming Rescue Mission, and then they asked for a bed – where their journey toward healing began. Their story was a powerful reminder of the Mission’s impact. Following the video, a mother shared a personal story about her son’s struggle with addiction. After years of setbacks, he entered the Discipleship Recovery Program, where he found faith, sobriety, and began a new, thriving life.

As the sun rose on Wednesday, June 5, anglers and guides gathered for a full day on the water at Red Butte Ranch. Once the boats launched, teams spent the day fishing on the river. As anglers returned for lunch and awards, guests in the Discipleship Recovery Program, Alice and Darian, shared their testimonials. Darian spoke of his past battles with addiction and incarceration, recounting how turning himself in led to freedom and purpose through Wyoming Rescue Mission. “The Discipleship Recovery Program has changed my life. I am not the same person I used to be,” said Darian. Alice spoke of escaping destructive influences and rediscovering her identity and strength through faith and WRM’s support.

After testimonials, fishing awards were announced, celebrating the tournament’s top anglers. First place went to Merritt and Charlie Benson, followed by Jim Baragar and Corey Handeland in second, and Blake and Shane Gamble in third. Special awards added some fun to the event, with Ryan Klinger from Hilltop Bank catching the Biggest Sucker, and John Hunzicker reeling in the Smallest Fish. A heartfelt thank-you goes to the winners of the Calcutta — Shane Harkins (1st Place), Jim Baragar (2nd Place), and Blake Gamble (3rd Place)— for generously donating some (or all) of their proceeds back to further the work of Wyoming Rescue Mission.

Special thanks to our sponsors: Jonah Bank of Wyoming, Takkion, Navarro Gallery, Casper Orthopedics, MPI Warehouse, Live Inspired, and other contributors for making this event successful. Looking forward, the 13th annual Fishin’ for the Mission will be held June 3 and 4, 2026. Early bird registration is available until December 31, 2026, at wyomission.org. Corporate sponsorship opportunities are available, providing an exceptional chance to enhance your business’s visibility while supporting life transformation.

Brown-Bag It and Make a Difference for Someone in Need

Wed, 15 Oct 2025 20:59:47 GMT

Brown-Bag It and Make a Difference for Someone in Need

“A seemingly simple act, of packing a lunch and skipping the drive-through, for a day or more can make a profound difference for a homeless, hungry and hurting individual in our community.” —Brad Hopkins, Wyoming Rescue Mission Executive Director

CASPER, WY – As a new school year kicks off and parents or guardians are packing lunches or sending lunch money, Wyoming Rescue Mission invites the community to participate in its 2nd annual Brown Bag Challenge! This meaningful challenge is an opportunity to save money while providing meals for neighbors in need of help and hope at the Wyoming Rescue Mission.

Here’s how it works:

Choose to pack a lunch, rather than go through a drive-through or out to a restaurant, for a day, a week, or longer.
Donate the savings to provide a meal for someone in need at the Wyoming Rescue Mission. Just $2.58 provides a hot meal to a hungry individual.
Wyoming Rescue Mission serves anyone in the community in need of a meal. Guests are welcome for breakfast, lunch and/or dinner, seven days a week, 365 days a year. Meals are made possible by donations from generous community partners.

Wyoming Rescue Mission served 6,983 meals in August, which is an increase of 15% (or nearly 1,000 more meals) than the same time last year. A warm, nourishing meal is often the first gift of hope for a hungry or homeless individual, opening the door to broader life transformation.

In addition to hot meals, at the Wyoming Rescue Mission, guests receive safe shelter, case management with a plan to resume community independence, mental health services, Bible classes, recovery classes and vocational training.

Brown Bag Challenge gifts can be made online at wyomission.org, or mailed to P.O. Box 2030, Casper, WY 82602. The Brown Bag Challenge runs September 1 through September 30, 2025.

For more information, please contact Cody Marks, Community Engagement Coordinator, at cmarks@wyomission.org, or 307-224-7008.

May Matching Challenge Offers Double the Hope for Wyoming’s Most Vulnerable

Wed, 15 Oct 2025 20:55:00 GMT

May Matching Challenge Offers Double the Hope for Wyoming’s Most Vulnerable

“At Wyoming Rescue Mission, we know all too well how one missed paycheck or a trip to the emergency room can be the final straw that shatters the independence of our impoverished and near-homeless neighbors, and we must be prepared to help if and when the worst happens,” said Hopkins.

Raising a total of $350,000 by May 31 will help Wyoming Rescue Mission further its outreach of providing hot meals and safe shelter to those who need it most. Wyoming Rescue Mission also provides mental health counseling and recovery programs for homeless and addicted men and women, along with life and job-skills training, GED classes, spiritual guidance, and referrals to other important community resources for individuals who struggle to provide for themselves and their families.

Wyoming Rescue Mission invites anyone who would like to make a gift to the May Matching Challenge to donate online at wyomission.org or send a contribution to PO Box 2030, Casper, WY 82602.

“We’re grateful for the compassionate Wyoming Rescue Mission partners who shared so generously to make this campaign possible,” Hopkins said.

For more information about Wyoming Rescue Mission and the May Matching Challenge, contact Community Engagement Coordinator Adam Flack at (307) 473-6948 or visit wyomission.org.

Brad Hopkins Receives Try Award

Wed, 15 Oct 2025 19:58:48 GMT

WRM’s Executive Director Will Receive This Year’s Cowboy Code Try Award.

Every year The Mick & Susie McMurry Cowboy Code Try Award honors a person in our community who has lived the Cowboy Code to its fullest, someone who has persevered in the face of challenges. “The Try” is that special characteristic which contributes to success in life—along with perseverance, hard work, and loyalty. It’s that quality within oneself that allows a person to overcome obstacles with courage and tenacity. This year’s recipient of the Try Award is our Executive Director, Brad Hopkins.

Brad knows the struggles of those in the community that we serve intimately. He and his wife were left homeless after a failed career move. From this experience his compassion for the homeless and needy developed, compelling him to work to help restore the lives of the most vulnerable. A pastor by trade, Brad has worked with the homeless since 1999. He began his career at Denver Rescue Mission, and in 2017 became the Executive Director of Wyoming Rescue Mission. As the Executive Director of Wyoming Rescue Mission, Brad led us through a capital campaign that tripled our space. The growth of our Park Street Center has allowed adequate housing for the 2,500 men, women, and children experiencing homelessness annually in Casper. Also, under his leadership, we have opened two thrift stores that provide revenue and job placement opportunities for guests at the Mission.

We are so proud of our Executive Director for this achievement, and thankful for all of his hard work and service to the people of this community!

The Mick & Susie McMurry Cowboy Code Try Award will be presented to Brad at the 24th Annual Awards & Recognition Breakfast. The breakfast on September 14 will also honor Brad and Jan Cundy for their tremendous impact on the community and features a keynote address by Willie Robertson–hunting enthusiast, CEO, and former star of Duck Dynasty.

Discipleship Recovery Center Dedication

Wed, 15 Oct 2025 19:56:15 GMT

Discipleship Recovery Center Dedication

Our Discipleship Recovery Centers are now open! We have been anticipating this moment for several years. Our new facility will be able to provide housing for 40 Men and 20 Women as they seek recovery in our One Year Discipleship Recovery Program.

On Thursday, we held a wonderful dedication ceremony. Our executive director, Brad Hopkins, said “We are celebrating the capstone of a five and a half year push to expand and update Wyoming Rescue Mission.” This expansion will help us meet the increasing needs of our community.

Senator John Barrasso said, “This is a marvelous time to be here today to see what this community has been able to do… For everybody in this program this is really the most imporant year of their life… This is a year long opportunity to grow… and all of the people here are giving them that opportunity to have this great life moment.”

“The message of Christ was love,” said Mayor Ray Pacheco. He continued, “As community we are called by the Gospel to come together as a community to help one another.”

The Gospel message of love and hope was heard loud and clear. We were so thankful to be joined by many members of our local community, as we celebrated and look forward to what God has in store for the many lives we serve in the Central Wyoming area. This is more than a milestone, it is a new beginning for those that we serve.

Summer Discipleship Graduation – 2022

Wed, 15 Oct 2025 18:56:35 GMT

Summer Discipleship Graduation – 2022

Graduations are a big deal here at Wyoming Rescue Mission! Our Discipleship Recovery Program is broken up into three phases, with the intention of helping restore people back to society through the love of Christ. At the end of a semester, we celebrate those who have graduated from one phase to the next, especially those who have graduated out into sober living. This semester we had 26 graduates! We had 13 graduates from phase 1, 8 from phase 2, and 5 from phase 3. Nothing will bring you more joy than hearing the stories of how God is lavishly changing these wonderful people from the inside out.

“Behold, I am making all things new.”

Revelation 21:5

There is no doubt that Christ is doing a great work here at Wyoming Rescue Mission. Just listen to these stories of transformation yourself, and hear how God is making all things new, and re-writing stories from brokenness to healing.

A Beacon of Hope

Wed, 15 Oct 2025 18:47:00 GMT

A Beacon of Hope

Wyoming Rescue Mission was recently featured on the Hughes Foundation’s website.

“We’re so inspired by how the Wyoming Rescue Mission works through such a profound and loving understanding of Christ. Those who seek help are not required to come in the door with belief; all are welcome and offered compassionate care,” says Molly Hughes, Executive Director of the Hughes Charitable Foundation. “As guests move through the layers and levels of holistic and empowering elements within these programs, they get the chance to discover faith as a source of strength, resilience, and hope.”

Click here to read the full article.