‘Passionate’ best describes Rachel Mullens and volunteers at Hope Ministries in Moose Jaw. The non-profit is preparing for its 2nd Annual banquet, ‘A Place At The Table’ on September 24th at the Church of Our Lady on South Hill.
The banquet is the major funding source for the charity providing, among other things, meals for the hungry and a year-round warming/cooling place for guests. Last year’s banquet generated $55,000.
Rachel Mullens, Founder and Executive Director, says the banquet provides opportunity to celebrate and share what has been done over the past year. There will be a meal, presentations, and a dessert auction with items donated from community members and local businesses.
“We’re going to have a couple of our guests, and a volunteer share their experiences, update on what we are doing, what we’re all about, and what God is doing.”
The charity, operating out of its own building on Hochelaga Street since last fall, continues to impact the growing needs in the community.
Mullens says, “It isn’t just people without homes. It’s seniors, it’s people with jobs who struggle to make ends meet. We see people with families, more kids. Inflation keeps growing, people are having to make choices between paying rent, putting gas in their vehicles. If we can help people with food, it will help them make choices to meet their needs.”
Last January 1,655 meals were served to over 400 people. In July that monthly number grew to 2,316 meals and 446 guests.
Mullens says a great thing about Hope is that it provides a warming/cooling space – a place where people feel they belong. If you walk in, you’ll see people playing games, puzzling, reading books, lots of visiting and some even having a nap. Mullen’s says it’s a space to connect with people, to build relationships and where people feel they belong.
The warming/cooling space really expresses the passion of this ministry. Mullens explains, “I think belonging is important. Everyone has that part of them where they want to be in relationship with someone and they want to be loved. And that’s what this space does. It’s a place where people feel they belong – they are loved and are worthy.”
This space is close to Rachel Mullen’s heart. “When we look at the life of Christ, that’s what we see. We see He reached out to everyone – even the least in the community and He created spaces where people felt loved and belonged. I think that’s what He calls us to do so we can share the love of God. Our goal is to show God’s love through our actions.”
“Our volunteers come from the community. They’re amazing! They’re passionate, loving, and caring. They want to help; take interest in our guests. We couldn’t do what we do without our volunteers.”
Hope’s volunteer core is made up of a mosaic of people. Seniors, working people, students, and even guests. While Mullen’s praises the volunteers, she says, “it’s also amazing when our guests step up and help. They help maintain the grass, serve at the coffee bar, and help carry things when we need their help.”
Mullens explains her passion for Hope. “It’s personal. I have two sons and when they were in their lowest points and I had no idea where they were, I hoped someone was there loving on them and giving them a place to belong. So, when I look at our guests, I see that whatever state they are in they are worthy of being loved and worthy of being served. I truly believe that in any community if we don’t look at caring for the least in our community, then as a community we have failed.”
Volunteer Roberta Coomber shares Mullens’ passion. “Helping at the Hope Community Centre is rewarding, but it’s also sad. In a country as rich as ours, it’s sad that people are not able to afford housing or meals for their families and themselves”.
At the Centre some volunteers help with food services, while others visit with Hope’s guests.
Coomber spends her time getting to know the people. “I get to know them on a one-to-one level and they open up and tell you what their story is. I don’t judge them, because I had problems with my oldest boy. Anyone of them could be my kids, my nephews, my brother. Not everybody is strong enough to overcome some of the difficulties these people face. And wouldn’t you want somebody to take care of your family member if you couldn’t?”
Like Mullens, Coomber agrees caring is part of being followers of Jesus Christ.
While Hope Ministries does not receive government funding, there are some great business partners who make a difference on a regular basis: The Moose Jaw Coop and TJ’s Pizza. Mullens says, “90 percent of funding for Hope Ministries comes from the generosity of people.”
When asked what the pillars of strategy are for the future, Mullen’s said first and foremost is remembering God’s faithfulness.
“What we can see from where we’ve come from to where we are now, is that we need to constantly remind ourselves that this is God’s ministry. We can see His hand in all of it. We need to remind ourselves that when we’ve faced challenges, God has provided for our needs. We need to cling to His faithfulness.”
Secondly, the ministry needs to get its message out in a way that encourages the community to respond to the needs being met by Hope Ministries. Coomber agrees, “I think it’s important that the community get involved. It’s important to see what it’s all about and what goes on there and how we can help people.”
The Second Annual ‘A Place At The Table’ Banquet will take place on Thursday, September 24th at Church of Our Lady, 566 Vaughn Street on South Hill. Doors open at five. Tickets are $25 and cover the cost of the meal and may be purchased at https://bit.ly/placetable2026. People are invited to participate in the dessert auction or make a donation to support the ministry.
By Alex Allan
Moose Jaw Express
