History of the Oakdale Rescue Mission

Oakdale Rescue Mission (ORM), originally known as "Hope for the Heart", was founded in 2008 with a simple yet powerful mission: to serve those in need in the Oakdale community. The journey began in 2008 when Jonyce O'Neill visited the Dream Center in Los Angeles and participated in an “Adopt a Block” outreach program. Deeply moved by the suffering of those facing homelessness and mental health challenges on Skid Row, Jonyce felt a strong calling to help. Though she initially wanted to move to LA to join the Dream Center's efforts, she soon realized that God had another plan.

God wanted her to bring that same spirit of outreach back to Oakdale.

Upon returning home, Jonyce noticed people in need at Wood Park, which opened her eyes to the reality of homelessness in her own town. Shortly after, she and Pastor Tim Gravatt launched a meal outreach program under the name “Hope for the Heart,” handing out lunches at Wood Park. As their efforts grew, more community members and churches joined in, and the outreach expanded to a larger facility.

In time, the mission was renamed Oakdale Rescue Mission (ORM), and it continued to provide meals and support to Oakdale’s less fortunate.

In 2011, Pamela Kelly joined the team and was instrumental in guiding ORM through a significant transformation. Pamela, driven by her faith in God, along with her expertise and dedication, led to the establishment of ORM as an official non-profit organization with a board of directors. Her knowledge of local resources and her deep love for Oakdale were invaluable as ORM expanded its services. Pamela was a tireless advocate for the homeless and low-income families, building strong relationships with local law enforcement and other community partners. Her unwavering love for God, her commitment to helping others, and her deep faith were the foundation of her work at ORM. Pamela was tireless in helping others. She was the one getting answers when there were none apparent, being available at all hours,sitting for hours at the Social Security Office or DMV.

Pamela was the backbone of ORM.

As the outreach grew, the need for a permanent location became clear. In February 2018, during one of their Sunday meals, ORM’s founding members noticed an open house at 131 West G St., just a short walk away. Walking into the house, it felt as if God had led them there. The house was priced out of their range but with prayer for God’s guidance and the miracles of donations, they were blessed with the opportunity to purchase the house in May 2018. In addition, ORM was able to raise the necessary funds through fundraisers and secure a no-interest loan, allowing them to establish a permanent home for their mission. None of this would have been possible if God had not willed it. 

In January 2024, ORM celebrated the full repayment of the loan (four years early!), a testament to the faith and perseverance of everyone involved. While ORM has explored various ways to serve the community, it remains a day center, focused on providing a safe and welcoming space for those in need. 

In May 2024, ORM lost Pamela Kelly to lung cancer. Her legacy lives on in the countless lives she touched and the strong foundation she helped build at ORM. The mission continues to honor her memory by serving the Oakdale community with the same faith based love and compassion she embodied. 

ORM is fully funded by donors and churches, and we are grateful for the continued support that allows us to serve those in need.

We trust God to guide us in our mission and we pray that everyone who walks through our doors feels the love of Christ and takes it with them when they leave.

Oakdale Rescue Mission
STATEMENT OF FAITH

[Board approved 1/3/2014]

Since the Oakdale Rescue Mission (ORM) is a faith-based organization founded on Christian biblical principles, it is fitting that ORM's Board of Directors consists of individuals who share this faith. The ORM Statement of Faith is non-denominational, encompassing the core beliefs shared by all Christians, regardless of denomination.

What we believe:

We believe the Bible to be the ONLY inspired, infallible, and authoritative Word of God.

We believe that there is one living and true God, who exists eternally in three Persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

We believe in the deity of Jesus Christ; in His Virgin Birth; in His sinless life; in His miracles; in His atoning death through His shed blood; in His bodily resurrection; in His ascension to the right hand of the Father; and in His personal return in power and glory.

We believe in the present ministry of the Holy Spirit, by whose indwelling the Christian is enabled to live a godly life. We further believe His power and gifts are available to believers today.

We believe that for the salvation of lost and sinful humanity, repentance from sin and acceptance of Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior is the only way to come into a relationship with God.

We believe people were created for eternal life. We will either exist eternally separated from God by sin (hell), or eternally with God through forgiveness and salvation in Christ (heaven).

We believe in the spiritual unity of believers in Christ and that all believers are members of the Church, that is the Body of Christ.

Our Board of Directors