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Deja's Journey of Hope
My journey with drugs began early. Before I was even four years old, my parents were dealing drugs, and my brother and I were placed in foster care for six years. When my dad went to prison, it seemed like things couldn’t get harder. Growing up, I was actually the one who was against drugs. I saw what they did to my parents, and I had plans—real plans—to go to college and build a different life. In high school, I even got my CNA certification because I loved helping others, with nursing as my ultimate career goal.
Life took a different turn in my teens. I started smoking marijuana with one of my brother’s friends and eventually selling it for him. He introduced me to meth, and it took hold of me. I never wanted to be like my parents, yet there I was, in the same darkness that consumed them. By nineteen, I was deep in addiction, and got arrested. That terrified me, but fear wasn’t enough to keep me clean. When I met my daughter’s father, we used drugs most of the time. But thankfully when she was born premature, she was healthy and beautiful.
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A New Beginning Starts with You
At Western Carolina Rescue Ministries, everything we do is rooted in the belief that Rescue, Recovery, and Restoration are possible—through the love of Jesus. Every day, we welcome individuals and families who are hungry, homeless, or battling addiction, offering them food, shelter, and a path to a new life.
Because of you, lives are being transformed. Whether it’s a hot meal, a safe place to sleep, or the chance to start over, your support brings hope when it’s needed most.
Will you help us continue this life-changing work?
Together, we can bring healing and hope—one life at a time. Thank you for being part of this mission.
Email Amanda Putnam at amandap@westerncarolinarescue.org if you are interested in taking a tour to see the impact you are making!
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Love in Action: Good Friday Footcare Clinic & Easter Banquet
This Easter season was filled with powerful moments of compassion, connection, and Christ’s love in action.
On Good Friday, we had the honor of hosting our 27th annual Walk Humbly Footcare Clinic. More than 80 people experienced something truly special. Just as Jesus knelt to wash the feet of His disciples, our volunteers humbly followed His example—washing feet, providing essential footcare, and offering new shoes, socks, hygiene kits, and lunch. We are so grateful to our partners at Appalachian Mountain Health, AdventHealth Hendersonville, and to each volunteer who served—creating an atmosphere of dignity and grace that touched every heart present. We truly felt the presence of Jesus in that space.
The celebration continued with our Easter Banquet, where guests were welcomed like family and treated to a delicious meal prepared by Sergio Vazquez and his crew, all in a joyful, uplifting environment. The room was filled with laughter, meaningful conversations, and moments of connection—reminding us all of the hope we have because of the resurrection. It was more than a meal; it was a moment of belonging, a glimpse of the abundant life Jesus came to bring.
We are deeply grateful to everyone who gave their time, resources, and hearts to make these events possible. Your love was the hands and feet of Christ this Easter.
📸 To see photos from both events, visit us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wcrescueministries
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A Tradition of Love: Easter Baskets for the Mission
By: Volunteer Heidi
Twelve years ago, what began as a small act of giving has become a beautiful, ongoing tradition of hope and care.
At the time, my mom and I owned a music store. We had put together a few Easter baskets using items from our store, hoping they might sell. But when they didn’t, I felt defeated. I remember praying and asking God why I felt so strongly led to create them if they were just going to sit there. That’s when I felt a quiet whisper in my spirit: "What about the kids who won’t be getting a basket this year?" Suddenly, it all made sense.
I called the only shelter I knew—but something unexpected happened. Though I dialed their number, I was somehow connected to WNC Rescue Mission instead. It was clearly Divine intervention. As it turned out, WCRM had just launched Abba’s House that year, and unlike the other shelter, they hadn’t received any Easter basket donations yet. God had a plan.
Since then, God has continued to provide—year after year—not only for the children at Abba’s House and their mothers, but also for children and women across the Mission. What began with just two people has grown into a community effort, full of grace and generosity.
Over the years, I’ve invited others to join in. Friends from Bible studies, former coworkers from our store and Black Mountain Primary, current friends from Biltmore Church, and my mom’s church friends from Emmanuel Lutheran have all played a role. Some are longtime friends from different seasons of life. Each one has brought something special to this mission.
This year, even though fewer were able to come in person, we still saw such generous support. In total, eight women and one child helped purchase supplies, and seven of us gathered to lovingly assemble the baskets. God once again provided everything we needed.
Some might see Easter baskets as small in the face of larger needs—but one past recipient reminded me how meaningful they truly are. Being without a home during a holiday, especially without family nearby, can be deeply painful. A small gift like an Easter basket can bring surprising comfort and joy. It tells someone they’re remembered. They’re loved.
I’m so thankful for everyone who has joined this effort over the years, and I praise God for using our talents, resources, and open hearts to serve others. May we continue to listen for His gentle nudges and respond with love.
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Light Up the Night 5K Registration is Open
We are Seeking Sponsors to Transform Lives
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We’re racing for funding to transform the lives of Men, Women, and Children across Western North Carolina.
Light Up the Night 5K is a glow-in-the-dark, evening fundraiser that will benefit the work of Western Carolina Rescue Ministries. Finish Well Timing will time the event, and it is open to walk or run!
This year, we are pursuing funding for the need for life transformation in the men, women, and children being served in all of our programs.
Our mission is to help every individual who seeks our assistance through Rescue, providing safe shelter and necessities; Recovery, through one of our Addiction Recovery Programs; and Restoration, through life counselling, job training, and assistance with transitional services.
Friday, August 8, 2025 | 7:00 p.m. | Asheville’s Carrier Park
Calling all levels of athleticism! Beginners, intermediate, and advanced walkers, joggers, and runners all are welcome. Timing is not required to participate!
Race with us for Rescue, Recovery and Restoration in Jesus' name.
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Message by Micheal Woods, ED
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"Waiting Well"
In our fast-paced world, we expect immediate results. We want instant answers to our prayers. But what happens when God’s timeline doesn’t match our own? What do we do when God seems to be taking too long?
There’s a profound truth we must understand: God’s time is always perfect, but it doesn’t always feel good. It’s natural to become impatient when we’ve been trusting and waiting, watching others receive their blessings while wondering, “Why not me, Lord?”
Consider Abraham’s story. At 75, God promised to make him a great nation with countless descendants. Yet Abraham and Sarah had no children. After waiting 11 years, Sarah convinced Abraham to take matters into his own hands by having a child with her servant Hagar. But Ishmael wasn’t God’s promised child.
It wasn’t until Abraham was 100 years old—25 years after God’s initial promise—that Sarah gave birth to Isaac, the child of promise. Through Isaac’s lineage would eventually come Jesus. God’s plan required patience because His purposes were greater than Abraham could imagine.
When we grow impatient with God’s timing, we manufacture our own solutions. The Israelites did this while waiting for Moses on Mount Sinai. After being miraculously delivered from centuries of Egyptian slavery, they became impatient when Moses was gone for just forty days. In their eagerness, they fashioned a golden calf to worship rather than waiting for divine instruction.
| | 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
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