JANUARY 2017
Marking the first time in the Mission’s history without a member of the Johnson family at the helm, C. Lee Clark takes the reins as CEO.
DECEMBER 2016
Joy Sylvester-Johnson retires after 31 years of service to the Mission. The Executive Board names her CEO Emeritus and Mayor Sherman Lea presents her with the Key to the City of Roanoke for her lifetime of service.
APRIL 2015
Manna Mission Ministry begins at the Rescue Mission, providing boxes of groceries to hungry residents in the Roanoke Valley.
2014
LAUNCH OF THE TABITHA JOB SKILLS PROGRAM FOR THE CHRONICALLY HOMELESS
2010
Opening of the Mission’s G. Wayne Fralin Free Clinic for the Homeless, with expanded services in medical, behavioral, dental, and eye care.
2005
To better serve growing numbers of homeless families, $4 Million capital campaign enables construction and opening of new Women and Children’s Center on 4th Street.
2002
MEDICAL CLINIC OPENS PROVIDING BASIC MEDICAL CARE TO SHELTER GUESTS
1998
Gus and Lois’ daughter Joy Sylvester-Johnson is named CEO after serving 12 years as the Mission’s first Director of Development.
1994
John Sylvester-Johnson (Gus and Lois’ son-in-law and the Mission’s Director of Programs), develops and starts the Residential Recovery Program for people struggling with alcohol and drug addiction.
1989
ADDITION OF NEW FAMILY SHELTER AND MEN’S SHELTER ON 4TH STREET
DECEMBER 24, 1973
PASSING OF GUS JOHNSON, LOIS JOHNSON IS NAMED CEO IN JANUARY
1973
City of Roanoke’s need for the First St. property to accommodate construction of I-581 and changes to Elmwood Park prompts Mission’s move to its current facility at 4th Street and Tazewell Ave.
1963
RESCUE MISSION MOVES INTO EXPANDED SPACE IN RENOVATED WESTINGHOUSE WAREHOUSE ON FIRST STREET
1959
INDUSTRIAL DIVISION OPENS WITH ONE THRIFT STORE AND ONE TRUCK
1954
RESCUE MISSION OPENS TO WOMEN AND LAUNCHES CHILDREN’S MINISTRY
1950
RESCUE MISSION BOARD IS FORMED AND MISSION IS INCORPORATED
JULY 1948
Gus and Lois Johnson arrive from Chicago to open Roanoke Rescue Mission, providing shelter and meals to men at 111 East Salem Avenue.
MAY 28, 1944
Gus meets Lois Ingersoll while both are ministering at a Chicago jail. They marry 8 days later.
AUGUST 3, 1942
Gus Johnson stumbles into Chicago’s United Mission and experiences radical life transformation from violent drunk to mission-minded Christian.