Who We Are

The Rescue Outreach Mission of Sanford is a human resources agency in Seminole County, Florida that provides a safe, supportive and healing environment in which disadvantaged or homeless people receive the assistance they need to return to self sufficiency. We do this by providing emergency resources such as food, shelter, clothing and counseling and by providing comprehensive case management and referral services to help clients find needed resources beyond those we provide. The philosophy of the Mission is to reach out with love and caring to our clients, attempting to meet the physical and spiritual needs of the whole person. It is the only shelter of its kind in Seminole County.

The Mission is located at 1701 W. 13th Street in Sanford. It was founded in 1986 by Mother Blanche Bell Weaver, the pastor of the Rescue Church of God, who saw desperate people in her community living without the basic essentials. With the support of her church and its members she set out to help those in need.

Since the Mission was founded almost 25 years ago over 1,000,000 meals have been served to the hungry and over xxx,xxx nights of shelter have been provided to the homeless. The Mission is now a 501(c)3 corporation. Major funders include the Heart of Florida United Way, Seminole County and numerous churches, foundations, service clubs, businesses and individuals.

The Mission is led by Executive Director and CEO Ernest Hamilton, Chairman of the Board of Directors James Vickaryous and twelve additional Board of Directors members representing varied professional and personal backgrounds and experience.

Though nearly a quarter century has passed since Mother Weaver officially opened the Mission, her vision is still alive through the work of our dedicated staff, many volunteers and the support of local government, charitable organizations and many caring individuals.