Western Carolina Rescue Ministries is a place that’s not just helping me keep my family together but transforming our future. These past six months have been incredible – watching the pieces of my life fall into place. I remember a time years ago when things were going well. I had love, dreams, ambitions, and a job full of possibilities. Then came a hip injury that changed everything. Like many others caught in the same situation, I found myself trapped in addiction to pain medication. When my prescription ended, I felt desperate and on a dark path.

The financial burden of maintaining my addiction eventually pushed me toward meth, and that’s when life’s challenges truly intensified. I was already a mother, and addiction is not good for a family, so the Department of Social Services (DSS) became a significant part of my story. They wanted to see me healthy, but they felt like they needed to take my son from me until I could stabilize my life. It broke my heart. Despite my best efforts to cooperate with DSS – attending every class, participating in meetings, and following the case plan diligently – I felt stuck. After maintaining sobriety for an entire year, a shopping trip with a friend who shoplifted, and got us both arrested. I went from the top of my progress ladder to what felt like the ground floor once again.

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Email Amanda Putnam at amandap@westerncarolinarescue.org

Volunteer Spotlight

The Cathey Family

Kendra Cathey, her husband Paul, and their two children, Kennedy and Silas, have been dedicated volunteers at the Mission for many years. Although their service paused during the Covid pandemic, the Catheys returned more than two years ago, recommitting to their regular role in serving those in need.

For Kendra, volunteering is more than just lending a helping hand—it's about instilling core values in her children. Kendra shared. "It's important for our family to lock in and make this a part of our norm."

One unforgettable story that resonated with the family involved Mike, a disciple in the Men's Recovery Program. Mike shared his journey with their son Silas, who was just 10 at the time, offering a powerful life lesson. Mike had once earned a football scholarship to Texas A&M but lost it due to struggles with addiction. He told Silas, “Choose your friends wisely.” His story of lost dreams and redemption has left a lasting impact on Silas and the rest of the Cathey family.

Kendra acknowledges the importance of stepping outside the comfort zone to introduce her children to the realities of the world. "It's easy to stay in a bubble, but when we're here, we feel safe. My kids and I get to make eye contact with amazing people, hear their stories, and learn valuable life lessons. I love this place."

She encourages other parents to consider serving as a family, emphasizing the Mission's welcoming environment. "It’s a safe place to serve. Everyone is respectful. It’s important for my children to see people who are less fortunate, to have compassion, and to understand that we’re no better than anyone else. We have, and so we’re called to share and to give."

When asked about her favorite event, Kendra highlighted the annual Foot Washing at Easter. "It’s the perfect example of being the hands and feet of Christ,” she said.

The Catheys' commitment to serving together reflects the Mission's heart—families growing in faith, love, and compassion, one story at a time. Thank you, Kendra, Paul, Kennedy, and Silas, for being a light in our community!

"We stand. We fight. We win!" by Micheal Woods, ED

Have you noticed it? That tremor of fear in people’s voices lately? I hear it everywhere – in conversations about political change, in discussions about rebuilding after the storm, and even in talks about everyday challenges that now seem insurmountable. What breaks my heart most isn’t the problems themselves – it’s seeing people I love feeling helpless as if they’re being tossed about in whatever wind decides to blow.

Trust me, I get it. I’ve walked through my fair share of myself. But I’ve discovered something powerful along the way, something that keeps me standing when the winds blow: an unshakeable faith in God and His promises. Not just a Sunday morning faith, but a battle-tested, storm-proven trust that’s become my an­chor.

Want to know the secret to facing tomorrow’s troubles with your head held high? It’s simpler than you might think: Make the decision today – right now – to trust God’s promises. See, troubles shouldn’t catch us off guard. The Bible doesn’t sugar-coat it; it tells us straight up that we’ll face difficulties. But here’s the beautiful part: those same scriptures are packed with promises of God’s provision and deliverance that are rock solid.

Friend, the troubles we face aren’t just random bad luck or the world being difficult. Not at all. There’s an enemy and he has one agenda: total destruction. He hates you with a passion that’s incomprehensible, and his greatest joy is disrupting your peace and stealing your joy. But here’s the thing that makes me want to shout: you don’t have to play his game! (Click below for the rest of this message)

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