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PRESS RELEASE Contact: Mary Roe Interim Executive Director mroe@palmettoconservation.org From now until November 30, 2022, the Columbia office of the Palmetto Trail will be collecting gently used or new shoes and new socks for the Oliver Gospel Mission (OGM). With colder weather already on our doorsteps, now is the time to help those who need it most. Socks and shoes are the most requested needs of the homeless population here in Columbia. So, we ask that during this season of thankfulness, help another step out of homelessness. Send your walking shoes to help someone start a new journey. Boxes will be set up on the porch of the Palmetto Trail office at 722 King Street, Columbia, SC 29205. “We are so grateful to partner with the Palmetto Trail in guiding those in desperate need this season toward transformation. These acts of kindness can be the “first step” to a new way of life, a new hope, and a promising future,” said Travis McNeal, Executive Director, Oliver Gospel Mission. "As an organization that provides walking/hiking/biking trails, we know the importance of keeping feet warm, dry, and protected for all overall health. We thank our contributors and other organizations who join us in supporting Oliver Gospel Mission during our December shoe drive," said Mary Roe, Executive Director, Palmetto Trails. About Oliver Gospel Mission Oliver Gospel Mission has been serving the Midlands community since 1888, making it the oldest rescue mission in the Southeast and 6th oldest in the United States. The Mission assists those in need in our community by providing food, shelter, clothing, chapel services, addiction recovery, and employment programs. To learn more about the Oliver Gospel Mission, visit www.OliverGospel.org. About The Palmetto Trail The mission of The Palmetto Trail is to foster an appreciation for South Carolina’s natural and cultural resources, providing opportunities for active recreation on the Palmetto Trail and other trail systems that can be enjoyed by all in South Carolina, regardless of gender, race, creed, age, or ability. To learn more about the palmetto Trail, visit www.palmettotrail.org and on social media/PalmettoTrail, or call 803-771-0870.

The presents under the Christmas tree glittered before Talaya’s eyes. She was dazzled. She arrived at Oliver Gospel’s center for women and children, Toby’s Place, with nothing but the clothes on her back and her 4-month-old daughter, having spent her entire pregnancy homeless. She was exhausted. She craved consistency for her daughter and herself. As a child, Talaya was abused and neglected by her parents. By 15, she was placed in foster care. Consistency was a luxury she never had. As an adult, Talaya turned to substance abuse to numb the pain and cope with her past. When her daughter was born, she knew she had to do whatever it took to care for her. Maybe I will find consistency here, Talaya thought, as she walked up the stairs to her new room. A few weeks later, at the Toby’s Place Christmas party, Talaya was handed one of the presents that had caught her eye on her first day. Tears instantly welled up in her eyes. “I never expected to get anything for Christmas … Everyone here welcomed me and my child … I have never been given so much in my life.” Talaya looked around the room full of smiling faces and laughter and knew she had found a home that gave her the consistency she was seeking. Support more women like Talaya:

Anthony wrapped his worn coat tighter as he glanced anxiously up at the storm clouds rolling in above him. It was going to be a long, cold, rainy night. His back was already aching from his “bed,” a park bench in the middle of downtown. As he drifted off to sleep, he prayed, Lord, please protect me from this storm. When he woke up, his fingers and toes were so stiff from the cold that he could barely feel them. Through bleary eyes, he saw large tree limbs and debris scattered around him. Not a single branch touched him. He couldn’t believe it—God had answered his prayer. In the most unexpected way, God had provided shelter. Several months later, Anthony found himself waking up in a hospital bed with nurses hovering over him, coaxing him to breathe. How did he get here? Yet again, God had rescued and preserved his life. But why? Anthony battled drug addiction. It was why he spent winter on the park bench, struggled to sustain a job, and ended up in the hospital. He felt hopeless. As he lay in the hospital room, reality sank in. God had protected him for a purpose – a purpose he had been ignoring for years. Right there, Anthony resolved to change his life. He learned about Oliver Gospel while he was in the hospital. As soon as he was well, he began our recovery program, designed to educate, equip, and support men, leading to recovery from addiction. Today, Anthony is sober. He is learning how to study his Bible, hungry for the truth it holds. Where he once felt overtaken by the storms of life, he now has peace. Through coaching and classes, Anthony is equipped to make wise decisions. He leans on the positive community at Oliver Gospel for accountability and support. “Oliver Gospel gave me a fighting chance for a new life. If it wasn’t for Oliver Gospel, I would have been dead.” Anthony is looking to his future with hope and faith; hope to become a positive light for his family, friends, and coworkers, and faith that God never fails in sheltering us from the storm. Provide support and resources to more men like Anthony:

Linda Davis, affectionately known as "Ms. Linda" to all the staff and residents at our center for women and children, Toby's Place, moved in and started our program several months ago. She had been living with her daughter in a trailer home, but at her age, she struggled to not have anything to call her own. Linda experienced tremendous loss in her past. Filled with grief and loneliness, Linda struggled to keep up with the basic things in life. Then, when she felt like she couldn't go any lower, both her older and younger sisters passed away suddenly in a span of two years. The pain was unbearable. Linda lost all hope and joy. She couldn't see why God would take away her loved ones and leave her like this. It was raining hard on the day that Linda called Oliver Gospel. As she sat on the bed with her phone in her hand, her finger trembled as she dialed the number. She didn't know what to expect. When the Connections Manager picked up the phone, Linda felt a little relief. Maybe she could do this. Before she knew it, Linda was walking into her new bedroom at Toby's Place. "I felt like I was home. It felt like a burden was lifted off my shoulders." Linda knew about God, but through Bible studies, Christian counseling, and a community of believers at Toby's Place and Calvery Chapel, Linda watched her faith grow strong and bold. On October 26th, Linda graduated from Toby's Place and moved into an apartment of her own. She has grown in strength and dignity. She walks closely with the Lord and is no longer afraid. While there is still pain in her past, she does not let that pain overcome her. She is truly thriving. You can help more women like Linda get the support and resources they need to get back on their feet. Donate to Toby's Place today.

Last week a group of young men from the University of South Carolina worked to clean out the alleyway behind the Men's Center. The men in our programs use this alleyway to access our courtyard. For over a year, there was a build-up of debris, making it unsightly and difficult to use. Thanks to the hard work of Sigma Alpha Epsilon, the alley is clean and clear! We are so grateful not only for the work they put into this project but for the example that they are setting for their peers. They prove that it doesn't matter what your stage of life is or how much income you have. We all can be generous in some way - with time, talents, or treasure. If projects like this sound like something you want to do, let us know! Or if you are interested in other ways to help those in need, check out our Get Involved tab on our website. To chat with someone about how to get involved, call (803) 254-6470 ext. 1200 or email christian.albertsen@olivergospel.org

October 28, 2022 For over 100 years, compassionate, faith-filled, and servant-hearted leaders have guided the mission and vision at Oliver Gospel Mission. Oliver Gospel Mission recently appointed three new members to its board: Allyson Bartley, CPA, Michael Strange, and Police Chief Chris Cowan. The total number of board members is now fourteen. Executive Director Travis McNeal, Board Chairman Steve Lansburg, and the rest of the board of directors are excited as Oliver Gospel continues seeing faithful individuals offering their skills, insight, and time so that Oliver Gospel can continue providing second chances and opportunities for growth and sharing the love of Christ. “Oliver Gospel greatly values the commitment, experience, heart, and passion that is reflected in its Board Members. We are SO excited to have three new individuals joining the Oliver Gospel team in serving our community together through the power of Christ’s love,” says McNeal. Allyson Bartley is an expert in public accounting, working as a trusted advisor at Bauknight, Pietras, and Stormer. She seeks to set a good example to others, including her children, through her service with Oliver Gospel Mission. “I think a helping hand and a kind heart at a needed time can change lives,” says Bartley. Michael Strange, the Executive Vice President of Community and Public Development at Security Federal Bank, is passionate about providing affordable housing and resources to those in need. He says, “Everyone deserves to have a safe place to live…I want to lend my talent, knowledge, and passion to help as many people as possible be successful.” Chris Cowan, Police Chief for the City of Cayce, has served in law enforcement for 29 years. He is well-versed in both knowledge and experience of policing, professional development, and community crime prevention, among many other things. His presence on Oliver Gospel Mission's Board of Directors will bring a new understanding of the community the Mission serves. When asked why he wants to serve on this board, Cowan said, “Compassion and action for and on behalf of the vulnerable is the cornerstone of great law enforcement services. The Oliver Gospel Mission has set the standard for service above self for 134 years and I am truly honored to have been invited to be on the Board of Directors. Homelessness must be taken seriously, and it takes everyone to provide for those in need. In turn, this will provide avenues for counseling, recovery, and careers.” To donate, volunteer, or learn more, visit olivergospel.org Oliver Gospel Mission is a community-based, Christian mission that helps those experiencing homelessness, poverty, or addiction transform their lives through physical, spiritual, and relational to lead full, healthy lives. Through our Men's Center, Women and Children’s center named Toby's Place, and our social enterprises, we provide Biblically-based, holistic rehabilitation, transitional housing, and career development, always aiming for permanent housing and solid community for each person who comes through our doors.

In August, three of our residents, John, Darren, and Terry, got to attend Weekend of Hope, a retreat for growing deeper with God while healing from the past. The men grew in faith and knowledge through the sessions and activities over the weekend. John, who is in our Recovery Program, decided he wanted to make a public profession of his faith by getting baptized! As he described what he experienced, he had joy written all over his face. "I feel like a weight lifted off me. I feel lighter. I'm a new man." We are rejoicing to see the transformation taking place in John's life - God is good! Darren and Terry also experienced growth over the weekend as they worshipped, studied Scripture, and prayed with other believers. We are so grateful to the churches and individuals who donated the funds for John, Darren, and Terry to attend this retreat. Their generosity provided the opportunity for these men to be impacted emotionally and spiritually.

Thursday, September 29th, 2022: On Monday, Oliver Gospel Mission will hold its 14th annual Charity Classic Golf Tournament to raise funds for the programs and services they provide to unhoused people in the Midlands. The tournament will be held at Cobblestone Park in Blythewood, South Carolina, and there will be as many as 32 teams participating. Players will have the opportunity to support the organization by purchasing mulligans, raffle tickets, and other tournament add-ons. The raffle contest will feature many local businesses across the Midlands who generously donated their products. Oliver Gospel Mission is proud to have over 50 sponsors for this year’s tournament, including PDQ and Columbia Coca-Cola Consolidated who are providing lunch and beverages for the event. Oliver Gospel Mission is immensely grateful for the businesses and individuals in Columbia who are sponsoring the 14th Charity Classic. Because of the generosity of the event sponsors, Oliver Gospel Mission has been able to provide over 47,000 meals and over 33,000 unique nights of shelter in the past 12 months to men, women, and children experiencing homelessness. In addition, the funds raised by this event enable Oliver Gospel to continue providing life transformation through addiction recovery programs, life and career skills training, and counseling services. The tournament’s top sponsors this year include Southeastern Freight Lines, Inverter Mechanical Piping Solutions, NW White & Co., Constantia Health, Best & Flatt, P.A., DeLoache Family Foundation, Hill Construction Company LLC, Food Service Solutions LLC, L & B Drywall, Hood Construction Company, Inc., The Hobbs Group, P.A., CapinCrouse, LLP, Bilt Rite Overhead Garage Door, Truss Link, Inc., First Community Bank, Enviro AgScience, Inc., the Jordan Family, Total Comfort Solutions Columbia, Merrill Lynch, and Blue Cross Blue Shield of South Carolina.

"It's one thing to know about a ministry like Oliver Gospel ... it's another thing to connect with it." Meet the Jordans. Andy and Beth Jordan grew up in Columbia and, like many of us, learned as kids about helping those in need by seeing the dinner line outside Oliver Gospel. In college, Andy continued to see homelessness in his community and wanted to help. He reached out to Oliver Gospel and found that working together changes the whole community. Beth too was burdened for those without a home, especially the women we serve. As a former DSS case manager, she had walked with countless women struggling for safety and support while they worked to reunite with their children. She was encouraged to see Toby’s Place meeting those needs. The Jordans found a place for their dedication by partnering with Oliver Gospel, who was there from the start. Today, the Jordans are part of our Champions Society (our monthly donor club) and faithfully serve together. They love meeting our guests and listening to their stories because these connections break down stereotypes about those experiencing homelessness. "It's human nature to be judgmental towards others when you don't know their story. Everyone makes bad choices, but by the grace of God, that's not the end of our stories." Andy and Beth's dedication to Oliver Gospel comes from their faithfulness to God. Their heart for our community is founded on John 14:18, "I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you." Whether it is listening to guest stories, attending an event, or volunteering, the Jordans’ dedication inspires us all to engage and transform lives together. What inspires you to be dedicated?

When residents like Desmond and Talaya have reached a certain point in their healing through our programs, they are ready to seek out employment. But without a car or even the money to afford a ride-share or taxi service, how do they get to their job? And if they don’t have a job, how will they ever save enough to buy a car? This is the difficult cycle experienced by most of our residents and often prolongs the ultimate goal of moving into permanent housing. But there is a way out of the cycle. Oliver Gospel created the Transportation Scholarship, a program that provides Uber gift cards to applicants for 3 months’ worth of transportation to and from jobs with real, sustainable potential. Since launching in January, we have awarded six scholarships to our residents, and in one case, a recipient was able to save enough to afford a car of his own! This is where you come in. As our devoted supporters, we are dedicated to sharing how we use your donations and presenting real, tangible needs that you can meet. This is an obstacle that won’t be resolved without your help. Will you be a part of the solution?

A dictionary defines devotion as “love, loyalty, or enthusiasm for a person, work, or activity.” But what does devotion look like? It looks like Richard Greenfield. Richard’s retirement began last month after serving as the Men’s counselor for 20 years. He engaged countless men at their lowest points, walked them through their trials and pain, and watched them grow and be transformed by the gospel of Jesus Christ. How was he able to keep going all those years? The answer is found in Matthew 11:28-30, where Jesus invites His followers to bring their burdens to Him and promises rest in return. We do not have to carry them by ourselves anymore. “This is true for the gentlemen who come to Oliver Gospel, and for the staff as well. When I hear stories from our men of neglect, violence abuse, or racism…I turn them back over to the Lord, who is the only One who can carry this burden,” Richard said. By casting these burdens on Jesus, Richard was filled with the rest and grace which only Jesus can give; and was filled with the strength and sustenance to continue serving the men at Oliver Gospel. This is what devotion looks like. It looks like being faithful in our walk with Jesus every day. It looks like relying on God’s grace to strengthen you. It looks like trusting in the transformational power of Christ’s love. Richard’s devotion to Oliver Gospel and to Jesus Christ is a beautiful example of this. As you walk with Jesus each day, and you begin to look more like him, trust that He will supply the strength to be wholly devoted, no matter the hardships that come your way.

One sunny afternoon, as I was scrolling through Facebook notifications, something caught my eye: Bryn’s Purpose tagged you in a video. Curious, I clicked the notification. A cellphone-recorded video started playing of a passionate young girl asking her followers for one thing: to shop her Amazon wish list so she can make Care Kits for the men and women at Oliver Gospel. My heart was instantly warmed and encouraged by her inspiring call-to-action. What started with seeing a St. Jude’s commercial has led to passion being lived out through Bryn’s Purpose, a mission dedicated to advocacy and service in the community. Bryn has done everything from donating her hair to children battling cancer, to selling lemonade for the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Now, she has brought it close to home by partnering with Oliver Gospel and using her platform on social media to rally the community. From that video she posted on Facebook, Bryn received enough supplies for 100 care kits, which she assembled and dropped off at Oliver Gospel. We sat down with her and got a glimpse into why she started Bryn’s Purpose: