06/17/2026
The City Rescue Mission is a member of City Gate Network. This past week, they held their national conference in Grand Rapids. This was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, to have it so close, so we took a number of staff. This was a great opportunity to network, learn from other missions, and spend time together. Below are some quick captions to highlight the conference.
1. The group in Grand Rapids (yes, that is our food services director on the far right and not a random photo bomber ;)
2. Mark took a photo of the group during a general session.
3. A vendor brought in puppies from the local humane society, which was definitely a plus.
4. Randy, our new executive director, presented a session on no-barrier drop-in centers
5. Randy with Brenten, our new senior director of operations (former shelter director), who both shared viewpoints at the session.
6. Mark was able to catch up with leaders of Michigan missions whom he has known and worked with for some time.
7. Various swag used as a table decoration (the socks went home with our volunteer coordinator).
8. The group closing out the conference.
9. Mark handing Randy "the key" of the Mission, as Mark officially ended his role as executive director after this conference.
10. Our chauffer. He drove to-and-from the conference but also has effectively "driven" the Mission for the last 22 years. Thank you, Mark!
Citygate Network
