The Basics
The Atlantic City Rescue Mission (ACRM) was founded in 1964 by John Fink. Fink’s mission was to “preach the gospel and meet physical, emotional and other basic needs of the community through the provision of shelter, clothing, food, counseling, referral and structured programs to those with addictive lifestyles in Atlantic city.” Originally the shelter just provided the basics—hot food and shelter to a few homeless men in Atlantic City. But over time, the mission added new programs to respond to the community’s growing and changing needs.
In 1975, a women’s shelter opened as a separate facility, then over time a dual-diagnosis, outpatient drug and alcohol dependency “Overcomer’s Program” was developed treating both men and women. The Overcomer’s program is committed to helping those with chemical dependency issues not only survive, but thrive.
Treatment and Staff
The first step in the Overcomer’s Program is for potential clients to meet with a Chaplain or counselor to discuss the circumstances around their becoming homeless. Together, the individual and counselor develop an individualized treatment plan which includes individual and group counseling and the 12-step program in varying increments according to client need. This may also include referrals to other social service organizations.
Through the Overcomer’s Program, clients also receive one year of housing through the mission if they so desire it in exchange for work shifts at the Mission to boost their employability. Mission residents must pass drug tests given at random.
The staff is made up of a volunteer physician, psychiatrist, social workers, Chaplins and MFTs.
Extras
After completing treatment, clients move on to the Homelessness Overcome through Programmed Employment (HOPE) Program. This track helps those who have graduated from the Overcomer’s Programs to build a resume, find a job and save money by continuing to live at the Mission until they have enough to move to their own housing.
In Summary
Atlantic City Rescue Mission is a program committed to providing extensive care to men and women who are currently homeless. Through a number of services, the program aims to help every person who needs it regardless of financial or social status. Today ACRM helps over 3,300 homeless and working poor people per year.
Atlantic City Rescue Mission
2009 Bacharach Blvd
Atlantic City, NJ 08401
Atlantic City Rescue Mission Cost: Free. Reach Atlantic City Rescue Mission at (609) 345-5517.
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Photo courtesy by Bob Jagendorf from Manalapan, NJ, USA (Atlantic City From The Air) [CC BY 2.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons (resized and cropped)
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