The Recovery Program is a 4-phase program designed to help men addicted to drugs and/or alcohol escape those addictions through a relationship with Jesus Christ.  It is our aim to assist these men in being transformed into successful, recovered, productive members of the community. The curriculum for the Recovery Program includes Bible studies, addiction recovery classes, and one-on-one meetings with a certified counselor.  Guests are also aided in developing their resumes and preparing for interviews as they enter the later phases of the program.  Literacy classes as well as GED preparation and testing are also available if needed. Oliver Gospel Mission is focused on a recovery relevant, biblical-based program to help facilitate life transformation.  The ultimate aim is to see the participants find jobs that enable them to find a stable place to live and lead self-sustaining, responsible lives. A man is only considered a graduate of the Recovery Program when he has:

• Completed all phases of the program.
• Obtained employment enabling him to be financially independent.
• Obtained stable living arrangements which can be sustained.
• Is actively saving money.
• Become involved in a healthy local church.

An aftercare program is offered to willing participants who have completed the Recovery Program. A staff person connects with the men on a regular basis for encouragement and to continue the education process as they face life’s daily trials. For more information or to apply for the Recovery Program, visit Oliver Gospel Mission at 1100 Taylor Street in downtown Columbia or call the Front Desk at 803.254.6470 ext. 1007.

These words that come to mind are both a goal and a curse.  It seems as though when you have hit rock bottom, the only admonition or advice that anyone can give you is “get a job.”  But it’s not as easy as it sounds, particularly when you are struggling with homelessness.  Everything you own is in a bag on your shoulder, you don’t have anywhere to shower, and doing laundry is an impossibility.The Hand Up Program is designed to assist men in overcoming the barriers that prevent them from finding employment and escaping their homeless situation.  Participants are assigned a coach to help with resume writing, job applications, job searches, clothing for interviews, financial accountability, and saving for housing.In order to complete the program and graduate, a program participant must:Gain stable, steady employment.Obtain stable, steady living accommodations.Begin actively saving money.For more information or to apply to the program, please contact the Front Desk at 803.254.6470 ext. 1007 or visit us at 1100 Taylor Street in downtown Columbia.

Oliver Gospel Mission reaches out to the homeless population within the Midlands through its emergency shelter.  43 beds are available each night with an additional 32 mats available when the temperature drops below 40◦F or in the event of severe inclement weather. Men can stay for up to 30 days, provided that they return each night. After 30 days, there is a 2 week waiting period before they can re-enter into our emergency shelter program.Oliver Gospel Mission believes in providing for those in need but in doing so, also holds strong policies to ensure all of our clients’ safety. In order to stay at the Mission please provide a picture ID and the ability to pass a breathalyzer test. We are a non-smoking, drug and alcohol free facility and have a Zero Tolerance policy. The Mission also provides breakfast and dinner with chapel services being held after each. For more information, please contact the Front Desk at 803.254.6470 ext. 1007 or visit us at 1100 Taylor Street in downtown Columbia.

For over 130 years, Oliver Gospel Mission has provided for the broken and homeless men throughout the Midlands. In 2011, Oliver Gospel Mission saw a growing need for services in our community for homeless women and homeless women with children.  It was at this point that the vision was born for a new shelter and program to service our community’s “hidden homeless.”

The “hidden homeless” epidemic is real, and it’s not just in a “certain part of town.”  Women–with and without children–are the fastest rising demographic of the homeless population, yet our community is largely unaware of the growing need lurking just beyond our perception. Local women’s shelter’s have to turn away 10-20 women and children a day due to lack of facilities and space.  For the women and future faces of our community, the Midlands needs additional shelters and programs that will help women and children escape homelessness now and break the vicious cycle of generational homelessness. Oliver Gospel Mission’s new ministry, Toby’s Place, will help to meet this drastic need now and in the future.

Toby’s Place is a safe haven for the “hidden homeless” throughout the Midlands.  Our goal is to employ a holistic approach in helping equip women with life skills needed for responsible living in order to help provide a sustainable life for them and their children. With the help of our generous community, Oliver Gospel Mission has built and is operating this new center with an emphasis on transforming lives empowered by the gospel of Jesus Christ and equipping women with the skills to maintain stable, secure employment and housing.  Women have the opportunity to meet with professional licensed counselors, attend life skill classes, and learn job skills to get them back in the work force. Our goal is to break the generational homeless cycle for the homeless women and homeless women with children who will walk through the doors of Toby’s Place

If you have furniture in good condition or housewares, for FREE PICKUP, please call the thrift store at 865-8292. Remember it’s a tax deduction and all sales benefit the Oliver Gospel Mission.

Items we can accept: Gently Used Clothing (men, women and children all sizes) Clothing Accessories, Shoes (all kinds- good shape), Bedding items (no mattresses please), Draperies & Curtains & Linens, Housewares & Glassware (including dishes and Pots & Pans), Toys, Games, Tools, Lamps, Pictures, Mirrors, Baskets, Decorative items and Collectibles. Working TVs, radios and other small appliances (no computers), Furniture in good repair (Drivers discretion), Sporting goods

The Mission’s approach has continually operated in the same spirit of its founder, but over time has adopted new programs to adapt to the changing times and needs of the community. It currently serves men and women through a variety of ministries. These services include chapel, meals, shelter, clothing, addiction recovery programs, and a program that helps men and women secure employment and housing.Stationed at 1100 Taylor Street, the Mission has seen and experienced a lot of change since 1888. However, one thing will always remain. Oliver Gospel Mission will always be there to help the broken and homeless.