Why Impact Missions Matter

From David Donaldson: From the beginning, Mark Grisham and I agreed that a significant portion of the proceeds from our books would go to benefit the needy children and families of Impact Missions, Inc. Since that time, many people who have seen the ministry logo have asked and heard us talking about it, have asked about this unique relationship with the charity, and why Mark and I are so passionate about helping the organization, so here goes.

In the late 90’s I felt compelled to start a non-profit charity, providing Biblically based counseling services to the Mid South community. The ministry grew quickly, and by the second year of operation, we had four staff counselors and were providing care to over 500 people a year. The counseling center provided care to children, youth, and adults, including addiction recovery support groups and a small group ministry.

In April 2002, Mayor Greg Davis of Southaven, MS, spoke to my wife Cindy and I about a local charity in fiscal crisis. The Desoto Sunrise Homes were founded in 1978, and was the oldest upstart charity in Northwest Mississippi. The charity had lost its founder, and its favor in the community. Now deep in debt and on the verge of bankruptcy, it appeared the only recourse was to dissolve the organization. After weeks of research, prayer, and counsel, we decided to take over the operations of the homes, and expand the purpose and vision of the Counseling Ministry. Over the next few years, the focus was primarily to stabilize the finances, repair the ministries relationship within the community, and restore hope.

By 2005, it became apparent our ministry would need to expand its horizon. Once the community began trusting in the leadership of the children’s homes once again, donations from local businesses, churches, and individuals began piling up! This is a wonderful problem to have for a non-profit ministry! We decided to step out on faith, and lease a local retail facility, which has now grown to a 16,000 square foot Thrift Store.

In 2007, we merged all three organizations into what is now known as Impact Missions, Inc. I serve as the CEO/President of the ministry, and work daily as a mental health counselor. Mark Grisham is a trusted friend, avid supporter, and regular contributor to the ministry. Impact Missions has three primary programs to the community.

First, our children’s homes; Since 1985, we have operated a crisis care shelter for children, ranging from birth to 18 years old. These children are often afraid, taken from their parents or guardian because of abuse neglect, or incarceration. The shelter is a protective custody facility, and over 120 children each year call the shelter home! We also are privileged to provide a group home for abused and at risk girls. Founded in 1978, the girls home provides long term care, counseling, and a stable family environment to girls who otherwise would be shuffled around in foster homes because of their unique circumstances.

Second, the counseling center has grown to provide care to over 700 people each year. The services are offered on a sliding scale, so no one is ever turned away because of finances or the inability to pay for services.

Finally, the Sunrise Thrift Store remains a vital part of our service to the community. We still receive daily donations to help the children’s homes and center, but the benevolence part of the ministry is what we are most proud of. Local people can come to the store and receive clothing, non-perishable food, and household goods. Everything is sold at a discount, but people who cannot pay for the goods are never turned away!

You see, writing book with my friend is a pleasant, enjoyable distraction from the ministry. And we believe that the books open up new and exciting opportunities to tell people about the ministry, and the lives that are forever changed!