OUR STORY
Since 1966, Peninsula Rescue Mission has been serving our community. What has transpired since has been nothing short of miraculous in terms of the lives who have been helped, and the hearts who have received God’s love. We look forward expectantly to see this timeline continue for many more years!
1966
The Beginning
The Union Gospel Mission of Norfolk pioneered a homeless shelter ministry in Newport News. Rev. Jim Lindley was God’s man to pioneer this work.
1972
Incorporation
The ministry incorporated as the Peninsula Rescue Mission, with its own Board of Directors.
1974
Camp Open Arms begins
1983
New Facility
The Rescue Mission occupied its new facility at 3700 Huntington Avenue. This building contains offices, chapel, foodservice, and residence capacity for 32 men.
1983
Lindsay Poteat called
Rev. Lindley passed away as a result of a massive heart attack. Rev. Lindsay Poteat was called by the Board to carry on the work.
1999
Alan DeFriese called
Rev. Alan DeFriese was called by the Board to become the Assistant Superintendent of the Mission.
2000
The “Lindley Building”
Dedicated and occupied a new and additional facility at 314 37th St. in Newport News. The “Lindley Building” houses a clothing and food distribution center, and fifteen additional beds for men on our B.R.I.D.G.E. Program.
2014
New Leadership
Upon the semi-retirement of Lindsay Poteat (after 30 years of faithful service), the Board of Directors called Alan DeFriese to be the third Executive Superintendent of the Mission. John Twigg was called to be the Assistant Superintendent.
2023
Next Big Step
PRM Leadership announced that by faith, they will begin taking steps to open a group home to serve women experiencing homelessness. The first step will be serving unaccompanied women (i.e. no dependents) who are not in a domestic violence situation.
