
Create a Free Will Today, In Just 20 Minutes!
Through our partnership with GiftWise, you have access to an online platform where you can easily make a legally binding Will in less than 20 minutes and even leave a gift of any size to Oliver Gospel—at no cost.
Thank you for your ongoing support and compassion for others in need.
“Carve your name on hearts, not tombstones. A legacy is etched into the minds of others and the stories they share about you.”
— Shannon L. Alder
Many people are thrilled to discover that including a gift to Oliver Gospel in their Will, or other planned giving options, can significantly impact the lives of people in need for eternity. Legacy gifts can include things like:​
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Gifts from your Will or Trust
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Charitable Gift Annuities
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Donor Advised Funds
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Gifts of Securities
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And much more
“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
— Matthew 6:19-21
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1888: The BeginningIn 1888, Reverend Robert Oliver, Methodist minister and philanthropist, purchased a lot in Columbia located at the corner of Taylor and Assembly streets. His dream was to help people experience the power of Christ's love through meeting their physical, relational, and spiritual needs.
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1890: The Way of FaithIn 1890, Oliver launched a printed Methodist periodical, highlighting the work of the ministry and promoting spiritual development. Sadly, after only a few years, Reverend Robert Oliver passed away.
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1891: Our NameUpon Rev. Oliver's death, leadership at the mission renamed the organization after his namesake. Oliver Gospel is the oldest rescue mission in the southeast and the 6th oldest in the country.
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1978: GrowthIn 1978, Oliver Gospel's Board of Directors hired its first organizational leader, which then led to hiring a full time staff, building repairs, and keeping the doors open to help those who could not help themselves.
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2011: Thrift StoreOliver Gospel's first social enterprise opened in 2011. As a solely donation-based business model, the revenue from the Thrift Store goes right back into the mission. It also opened the door to develop more comprehensive career training for the men in our programs. Learn more about the Thrift Store here.
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2017: Toby's PlaceNamed after Toby Cassels and built in honor of his life, Toby's Place is Oliver Gospel's transitional program for women and women with children. This addition widens the reach to serve a generally forgotten homeless population: women and children. Learn more about Toby's Place here.
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2020: The RoasteryEven amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, Oliver Gospel was able to launch their second social enterprise—a coffee roastery and café. The Roastery serves as another career development opportunity and avenue for our program participants. Located right down from the Men's Center on Taylor Street, it serves as a bridge to the community, as the Roastery's original blends are being served in cafés and churches around Columbia. Learn more about The Roastery here.
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2022: Pre-ProgramTo continue expanding our service throughout the Midlands, Oliver Gospel launched the Pre-Program for women and children at Toby's Place. Women and their children are offered a safe place to live for up to 30 days. The heart of Pre-Program is to see women come off the street into a safe environment where they can discover their next best step. Over 50% of Pre-Program guests transition into the long-term Program at Toby’s Place. Learn more about Pre-Program here.
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2023: The Hope ShopWe opened our third social enterprise, The Hope Shop, as a men’s and women’s boutique offering a curated selection of high-end and vintage name brand clothing, shoes, jewelry, accessories at a fraction of the retail cost! Like our coffee shop and thrift store, every dollar spent at the Hope Shop fuels the transformational programming for men and women experiencing homelessness. It also will serve as a job training site for our program residents. Learn more about The Hope Shop here.
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Present Day: Our WorkToday, Oliver Gospel employs over 60 staff members and provides support to thousands of hurting neighbors each year. We provide 250 hearty meals a day to our community, and have the capacity to shelter more than 150 men, women, and children each night across our two ministry centers.
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Looking Ahead: Moving ForwardOliver Gospel continues to fulfill its mission of engaging and transforming lives together through the power of Christ's love. We aim to continue meeting the needs of our community by expanding our capacity to serve more individuals in the Midlands: providing hope, love, and opportunity for all who come through our doors.
Already have a gift to Oliver Gospel planned in your Will or estate?
While you don’t have to inform us of your legacy gift ahead of time, letting us know about it does help us plan better for the future and show you our appreciation.
If you do want to inform us of your legacy gift plans, simply send us a Notice of Bequest to get started.
If you are creating a legacy gift to the Mission, you may need our EIN number: 57-6027750.
Other Ways to Give
Donor Advised Funds are one of the simplest ways to give real estate, stocks, mutual funds or commodities toward our mission, with immediate tax deduction benefits.
If you are 70 ½ years old or older, you may be able to make a life-changing gift from your IRA account to Oliver Gospel and potentially save on your taxes!
Making a gift of securities is simple and offers a number of valuable financial benefits, including no recognition of capital gains and full tax deductibility.
Questions?

Contact Travis, at (803) 254-6470 ext. 1001 or send an email to learn more about how to leave a legacy of love and good news!