Move to First Street
In 1959 the Johnsons went to an auction held at Natural Bridge. A used truck was purchased at auction for $300.11 (11 cents over the next highest bid!) and home pick-ups were made to bring donated inventory for the two stores the Mission operated on the City Market.
The Rescue Mission got title to and moved into the newly renovated space ($70,000 renovation cost) on First Street in June of 1962. Within months there was discussion at City Hall that the property was needed to accommodate the changes in Elmwood Park and the construction of the roadway leading to Community Hospital.
There is discussion in the minutes of early “case management” activities to assist families in need, a jail ministry and increased activity of the Ladies Auxiliary which had its start in 1958.
