Addressing Concerns
Like Jesus we at GRM are committed to living life unoffendable. In other words we do not hold grudges or get angry about complaints. It is true that we make mistakes from time to time and may have offended others. For those that we have offended we invite you to come and see. We do understand that many are very busy and do not have time to come and see with your own eyes so we have included the most common reported offenses below. However, if you do not find your offense that you are holding or want more clarification, please email Rich and we will address your concerns.
Frequently Surfacing Issues
Concern: GRM as a faith based organization forces the Gospel down the throats of those that stay at the mission.
FACT: Gospel Rescue Mission in Muskogee is deeply committed to sharing the love of Jesus in a respectful and compassionate manner. They ensure that their approach is never forceful, recognizing the importance of meeting people where they are. Remarkably, less than 5% of the programming time for the average guest is directly spiritual, focusing instead on providing practical support and resources. This balanced approach allows them to serve the community effectively while embodying their faith through actions rather than words.
Concern: GRM takes shelter guest’s food stamps.
FACT: GRM does not take food stamps or financial payments of any type from our shelter guests. Funding for all services come from generous donors.
Concern:
We get paid per guest so we have an agreement with Tulsa to have them bussed here so we can get more money.
FACT: Unlike prisons and many government funded programs we do not make money by how many people we serve. We are 100% supported by generous donors regardless of how many people we house, feed and care for on a daily basis.
Concern: Gospel Rescue Mission is guilty of embezzlement.
FACT: In the 1990s there was a scandal where the executive director of the Gospel Rescue Mission was charged and found guilty of embezzlement. GRM is now on the third executive director since that time period. The GRM board at that time began and it continues to this day to pay for annual audits, have an outside agency do our financial books and have implemented other integrity boosting requirements. You can check out our latest financials and audit at THIS LINK You can also request a copy of our 990 by emailing Rich Schaus at rich.schaus@grmok.org
Concern:
Sex offenders stay here and share rooms with children
FACT: There are only two classifications of people that GRM is not equipped to serve. One category are those that need professional help in order to perform basic hygiene. The second category are level 3 sex offenders. Because we often serve children we are not legally allowed to serve level 3 sex offenders.
Concern:
Panel is a popularity vote
FACT: All shelter guests are given two weeks of FREE meals, FREE shelter and FREE guidance counseling. At the two week mark shelter guests are empowered to have a say of who continues their stay. The PANEL is made up of three guests who have passed panel and two staff members. Those on the PANEL take their roles very seriously and discuss hopes, dreams and challenges with each person. The PANEL will then determine if the person is serious about life change or if they are faking the funk. The PANEL is empowerment to the disempowered.
Concern:
The board and executive make a huge salary.
FACT: The board of GRM is 100% volunteer based so none are paid any salary. The executive director makes less than equivalent positions at other missions in Oklahoma and has turned down multiple raises over the years.
Concern:
Apparently, we make a lot of money because no one would run a place for homeless and addicts out of the kindness of their hearts.
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FACT: Money is not the deciding factor for any of the staff. Most of the staff can easily make more money in other occupations. We do what we do because as Matthew 25 makes clear, where the hurting are that is where Jesus is. We work here to see Jesus.
Concern:
Not having to declare donations.
FACT: Donations at the Gospel Rescue Mission can be found on the Home page of grmok.org. Additionally, we have chosen to be transparent with those donations while at the same time protecting the confidentiality of our individual donors.
Concern:
Not allowing anyone to get a job.
FACT: Our men and women are incredible and most can get a job easily enough. They are always free to get a job as soon as they want. However, as we get to know them we might recommend they wait. For example if they have addiction issues we encourage them to deal with those issues first. Otherwise they will get the job and then just as quickly lose it.
Concern:
Forcing addicts to work overnight at the desk for free.
FACT: First, we don’t serve addicts at the Gospel Rescue Mission. We DO serve those that struggle with addiction. We have a Workstart Job training program that for some might include over night shifts. This is normal training. Many with a criminal record will have to take a job at night. Here they can practice the skills it takes to work a night shift in a safe and healing environment before going out into the world. Finally, all of our Work Start trainees are paid in GRM bucks that they use for rent, board, clothing, toiletries and other special items.
Concern:
Making people give up their disability.
FACT: We do not force them to give up their disability. Our program is designed to help people to achieve self-sustainability. If a person chooses to rely on government assistance instead, our program model won’t be a good fit since we are work-training focused. In those situations, they are part of a 6-month program, with the option to continue if they choose to forego their disability benefits. In theory, if a person receives $900/month in benefits, and since we are already providing food, clothing, and shelter, they should then have $5400 saved at the 6-month mark that they can use toward housing.” nest egg of $5400 to help get them started.
