Mission Gate Ministry is a residential “life-preparation” program that regenerates, rehabilitates, and reintegrates ex-inmates, addicts, and their families.
The nonprofit transitions more than 300 individuals from prison or rehabilitation and their families annually. Participants receive the following resources upon arrival:
- Clean and Safe Housing
- An Initial Food Supply
- Clothing
- Identification
- Hygiene Products
- Bedding
Equipping residents for recovery with a foundation strengthened by faith, Mission Gate Ministry aims to imbue its residents with self-sufficiency and independence within a minimum of nine months.
Through faith, care, and determination, residents reenter the world connected to their local communities and Christian resources.
Mission Gate Ministry’s Origins
Partnering with Senator (2002-2007) Jim Talent and his wife Brenda Lee Talent, Rick and Trish Mathes founded Mission Gate Ministry on April 1, 1985.
At the time, the Mathes’ worked in prisons, seeing first-hand that the released inmates severely lacked vital resources to help them transition to healthy, independent living.
With little or no support, many ex-inmates fell back into the same environments and behaviors, risking their health and safety and setting them on a path back to prison or worse.
Indignant with the treatment of current and ex-inmates, the Mathes opened their home to these individuals, providing resources, support, humanity, and kindness as tools to lead their residents to an independent life filled with human connection, opportunity, and hope.
After seeing its success, Mission Gate Ministry expanded its housing programs, adding four facilities outside St. Louis City.
Mission Gate Ministry Today
Today, about 75 Mission Gate Ministry staff members and volunteers provide recovery programs and activities for current and ex-inmates, like:
- Bible Studies
- Worship Services
- Re-entry Seminars
- One-On-One Counseling,
- Life Skills Classes
- Education and Work-skills Training
The nonprofit also provides separate men’s and women’s housing, emphasizing reuniting children with their mothers.
The programs allow residents to become members of their surrounding communities, “holding jobs, volunteering for projects, and worshiping at nearby churches,” with plenty of opportunities to fulfill community work-service requirements in nearby towns and on Mission Gate Ministry grounds.
“Every year, more than 300 men, women, and families transition from the dark shadow of prison or addiction to a brand-new life through Mission Gate.”
Partnering with WIN Warehouse
“We are a prison ministry, so when our residents come to us, they have nothing. One of the things we do is get them a job that sometimes requires them to have boots. Bringing them to WIN Warehouse, where we can get them quality boots at such a low price, is a blessing to them and Mission Gate Ministry,” said James Major, C.Ps., St. Louis Resident Supervisor, who also blesses WIN, helping to fulfill cleaning supplies and other necessities. “Thank you for everything you do!”
WIN Warehouse
WIN Warehouse is a 501(c)(3) public charity. Our mission is to provide value and mutual sustainability by connecting nonprofit organizations with corporate excess inventory. We are committed to helping nonprofit organizations receive the necessary supplies to further their impact.
To learn more about becoming a Non-Profit Member, please visit https://winwarehouse.org/nonprofit-members/.
Once your organization is an official member, you’ll have access to our Online Catalog and free reign to visit our showroom Monday-Friday, 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
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