"This time it's my time!"

This is not my first time in the Recovery Program at Western Carolina Rescue Ministries. I left the program the first time because of a relationship. At the time, I thought it was the right thing to do, but looking back, it just pulled me off course. The relationship turned out not to be what I thought it would be. I lost focus and lost my way, again. Some other bad decisions landed me in jail, where I had time to slow down and reset my direction. I felt God telling me, “Go back. This is your appointed time. This is where you’ll shine.”

I was nervous to call back—afraid I’d be rejected. But I’d left on good terms, and I knew if I could speak with someone, they’d hear my heart. I’m so thankful the door opened again. What’s different now? Me. The people are great, but I’m different. I’m not trying to be someone I’m not. I’ve got a sense that God wants to show me how real He is and how much He loves me. That’s what keeps me steady—knowing that this time has purpose.

I’ve learned that recovery takes readiness. You can’t fake it. You can’t do it for somebody else. If you’re not tired of being broken, it won’t stick. But the moment you’re ready—and I mean really ready—God makes a way.

Your Gift Changes Lives

At Western Carolina Rescue Ministries, we see every day how a gift can be so much more than dollars—it becomes hope. Because of your generosity, men, women, and children who walk through our doors find more than a meal or a bed. They discover safety, compassion, and the chance to begin again.

Your support gives someone the courage to take that first step toward recovery. It provides a mother and her children with a safe place to sleep. It opens the door for someone struggling with addiction to find freedom and a fresh start.

Every life transformed begins with a gift like yours. Thank you for believing that change is possible, and for walking alongside us in the work of Rescue, Recovery, and Restoration.

Together, we are giving hope—and building brighter futures.

Donate Today

Faithful Service for a Decade:

Thank You, Calvary Baptist Church Mars Hill

For the past ten years, the faithful volunteers of Calvary Baptist Church Mars Hill have been a cherished part of the ministry happening in the kitchen of Western Carolina Rescue Ministries.

Month after month, they have stood side-by-side with the disciples in our recovery program, serving dinner not only to our residents but also to the many in our community who come to share a meal.

Their investment goes far beyond the food they help prepare and serve. Over the years, these volunteers have built genuine relationships—encouraging our residents, sharing in conversations, and walking alongside those on the journey to hope and restoration. They have attended program graduations, celebrated victories, and offered their presence during challenging seasons.

Pastor Glenn Graves expressed it best:

“After ten years of coming to ‘the Kitchen’ of WCRM, we still find it most enjoyable and quite the honor to serve and work alongside the disciples and other volunteers (from time to time). We are always well received ‘by the gang’ of workers, even the new ones we encounter. It is our joy to work with you.” — Glenn Graves, Calvary Baptist Church of Mars Hill, NC

We are deeply grateful for their commitment, compassion, and unwavering partnership. Their consistent service has left a lasting mark—not only in the meals shared but in the hearts of those they’ve served.

Light Up the Night 5K Shines Bright for WCRM

On behalf of everyone at Western Carolina Rescue Ministries (WCRM), thank you for making the 7th Annual Light Up the Night 5K truly unforgettable!

Because of your generosity and partnership, more than 200 participants came together to raise an incredible $27,668 in support of the life-changing programs at WCRM. Your sponsorship and participation helped create a night filled with energy, joy, and purpose.

These funds will directly impact the lives of men, women, and children who come through our doors every day—whether they are seeking a hot meal, safe shelter, recovery support, clothing, or medical care.

One of the most moving parts of the evening was seeing members of our Mission family take part in the race. Three moms from Abba’s House ran the course, one gentleman from our Men’s Recovery Program laced up his sneakers, and several women from our overnight shelter joined in the walk. Many others stood along the sidelines, cheering participants on. For them, it was powerful to witness our community rally together—knowing this event is helping provide the hope, resources, and relationships they need to overcome homelessness and addiction.

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for your support, generosity, and belief in our mission. Your partnership is creating a difference that lasts far beyond the finish line.

View Photos Here

The Perfect Love Gala Returns Thursday, October 2

We Need Your Help!

Last year, our Perfect Love Gala was unfortunately cancelled due to the devastating impact of Hurricane Helene. But this year, we are thrilled to announce that the event is back — and it promises to be more meaningful than ever.

We are planning a very special evening dedicated to celebrating lives transformed and hope restored through the ministry of Western Carolina Rescue Ministries (WCRM). But to make this event a success, we need your support.

Here’s how you can get involved:

Become a Sponsor:

Sponsoring the Perfect Love Gala is a powerful way to show your commitment to caring for our community. Your partnership helps underwrite event costs so that every dollar raised goes directly toward life-changing services.

Sponsorship Information Here

Donate Silent Auction Items:

We’re seeking unique, high-quality items and experiences for our silent auction. From vacation packages to handmade art, from gift baskets to event tickets — your donation can help us raise vital funds for our mission.

Donate to the Silent Auction

Attend the Gala as our guest:

We’d love for you to join us for this powerful night of inspiration and impact for free. Secure your seats by reaching out to Amanda Putnam at 828-570-5279. Bring your family, friends, and colleagues — anyone who wants to learn more about WCRM and how they can be part of real, life-changing work in our community.

Why Your Support Matters

At WCRM, your generosity directly fuels our mission to Rescue, Recover, and Restore the lives of men, women, and children in need. The funds raised through the Perfect Love Gala will provide:

Safe shelter for those who have nowhere else to turn
Hot meals served daily to hundreds in need
Addiction recovery programs that offer true transformation
Job and life skills training to break the cycle of poverty
Family reunification and support services
Above all, hope — for a future that’s no longer defined by past struggles

When you sponsor or donate to the Gala, you're helping create lasting change in our community. You're giving someone the chance to rewrite their story — from brokenness to beauty.

Be Part of the Story

If you'd like to become a sponsor or donate items to the silent auction, please contact Amanda Putnam at amandap@westerncarolinarescue.org or 828-570-5279.

Let’s make this year’s Perfect Love Gala unforgettable — and together, let’s change lives through the power of perfect love.

Message by Micheal Woods, ED

Right Place, Right Time, Right Now!

Micheal Woods, Executive Director

You may not realize it yet, but here, right now, this is your moment. Not yesterday, not someday. Now.

Too many of us believe we’ve missed our time. We mistakenly believe that we’ve made too many mistakes or gone too far. But right now, can be your time. You are not behind. You’re not disqualified. You are not forgotten. You are standing in a season that God has already prepared for you, and He’s in it with you.

When Jesus prayed in the garden, He asked the Father to take away the cup if it were possible. Some people think He was afraid of the pain. I don’t believe that. Jesus wasn’t scared of the nails. The pain didn’t stop Him – the separation did. That cup he prayed about was filled with every ugly sin ever committed—mine, yours, the world’s. He drank it knowing that for the first time in eternity, He would be separated from the Father. That’s what broke His heart.

But He drank it. Willingly. Why? Because He knew you were worth it. He wouldn’t let sin stand between you and Him.

That means Jesus wasn’t killed by soldiers. He gave up His life willingly. No one could take it from Him. He was perfect. So, He chose the cross. Chose the shame. Chose the sacrifice—because He saw you on the other side of it.

One of the most powerful pictures of this is Barabbas—the guilty man set free so Jesus could take his place. Barabbas didn’t earn his freedom. He didn’t deserve it. He just received it. Do you know what his name means? “Son of the Father.” That’s you and me, too. Pardoned. Loved. Free – not because we’re good, but because Jesus is.

Thank you for being an essential part of Western Carolina Rescue Ministries. Together, we are already witnessing lives being transformed, and we are filled with hope for those who will come to us seeking their second chance. We look forward to all the opportunities this year will bring as we continue making a difference...together. - The WCRM Team

Physical Location:

225 Patton Avenue, Asheville, NC 28801

Mailing Address:

P.O. Box 909, Asheville, NC 28802

Phone Number:

828-254-0471