The Cookeville Rescue Mission plans to offer increased capacity and more services to provide additional resources for guests as the organization celebrates its 50th anniversary.
Cookeville Rescue Mission Executive Director Will Roberts said the organization aims to collaborate with community partners to address the growing mental health needs of the people they serve. The mission frequently refers individuals to outside programs that do not share its specific religious focus to ensure guests receive comprehensive care.
“So we’re constantly refining our ability to help people, and we will use whatever resources they make available to us and then we’ll give them whatever resources we can to help them along the way also,” Roberts said.
Operations Manager Ronnie Lindsey said mental health has become a major point of change for the mission compared to past years. The facility often receives individuals dropped off by hospitals and other mental health facilities when those locations reach capacity.
“Nowadays, those things actually exacerbate the alcohol and drugs are just a symptom of what is really ailing them,” Roberts said. “And a lot of times people have got serious mental illnesses, and sometimes caused by the drugs but sometimes they’re using the drugs to mask those illnesses.”
Roberts said the mission utilizes modern technology and therapeutic processes to help guests overcome their issues. The organization also partners with local groups like Life Recovery to provide documented therapy and assistance.
“You know, used to be this was somewhat of a band-aid on a malignant problem,” Roberts said. “Nowadays, we’re looking at solutions more than ever before.”
Lindsey said the mission previously offered a maximum stay of 30 days with no formal program available for guests. The organization now features a one-year program that produces longevity in the lives of the people it serves.
“I want to see everyone that comes through those doors to go beyond what I’m doing right now at this minute,” Lindsey said.
Lindsey said the mission plans to expand its services by building out a newly purchased property located next door.