DONOR PORTALVOLUNTEER PORTALABOUT USCAMPUS TOURMISSION CATERING
Search
Springs Rescue Mission Logo
Blog
Ways to Help
dropdown white arrow
Get InvolvedDonate ItemsVolunteerOther Ways to Give
What We Do
dropdown white arrow
HousingHealthWorkStart a Fundraiser
Contact Us
Give Monthly
white menu iconwhite x icon
Give Today
white x icon

Search

white x icon

Search

white x icon

Search

white x icon

Search

white x icon

Search

white x icon

Search

white x icon

Search

white x icon

Search

white x icon

Search

white x icon

Search

white x icon

Search

Back to Blog
black menu iconblack x icon
Springs Rescue Mission:

USAFA cadets experience Mission life, gain new perspectives on homelessness

white arrow up icon
Janine celebrating her graduation from the HOPE Program, symbolizing her journey from homelessness to stable work and housing.

Five cadets from the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs recently learned about homelessness firsthand.During a three-week internship, they spent time as guests and staff members of Springs Rescue Mission. The cadets spent their final week on campus evaluating SRM's strengths, as well as potential growth opportunities.On Thursday, July 8, the five men presented ideas to streamline and improve programming to a room full of Mission leadership. The audience included President & CEO Jack Briggs, a 31-year veteran of the U.S. Air Force who retired as Major General in 2017. Briggs, who spent the bulk of his military career as a pilot, graduated from the Academy in 1981."I'm proud of these men and what they've done," Briggs said. "I just think it's so cool that they've had this experience. It's something they'll carry with them throughout their military careers and their lives."

Here’s what they had to say about how the experience changed their perceptions of homelessness:
Cadet First Class Vincent McDonough
South Whittier, California — Class of 2022

“Before coming to Springs Rescue Mission, I didn’t think too much about homeless people. If I was walking down the street and saw someone, I wouldn’t think much about it. But I’ve learned that each homeless person has their own experience and their own story. Going forward, I’ll be much more prone to stop and talk, ask how they're doing and if there is any way I can help. I want to engage more with a part of society that seems to be often neglected.”

Cadet First Class Jason Olibrice
Naples, Florida — Class of 2022

“Before coming here, I was more prone to ignore the homeless and not think about them. My experience here has helped me become a more empathetic person and to think twice about how I interact with people on the streets.”

Cadet First Class Colin Renegar
Cookeville, Tennessee — Class of 2022

“Coming in, I feared the homeless to an extent. I was afraid that they would pose a threat to my own health and safety. I’ve learned that they're all people who have families that love them. They may have just fallen on hard times by no fault of their own. Just lending them an ear and listening was really a humbling experience. Many of them are just like me and grew up just like I did. It was heartbreaking, but it made me realize that this place is here to give hope to people. It is doing more good than most things in this world.”

Cadet First Class Michael Sanford
Cambellsville, Kentucky — Class of 2022

“Going in, I would see homeless people on the streets and feel uncomfortable.... I didn’t know how to interact with them or what to do — it was a weird feeling. But getting here — getting to know them and hearing their stories — that changed. Everyone we talked to was a great person. We heard about their hardships and realized that they're real people who fell on hard times. It really changed my perspective. Now when I see someone on the streets, I stop and talk to them. It’s great.”

Cadet Second Class Joseph Roy
Burlington, North Carolina — Class of 2023

“Before this experience, I was completely unaware of the experiences of homeless people. The most fascinating and surprising thing to me was that there are so many people who aren’t addicted to drugs and who don’t have mental health problems. They are people who, for one reason or another, have fallen on hard times. They’re just in a rough spot. It was encouraging to see that there is a place like this where people can come to get the help they need to get back on their feet."

Consistently provide nutritious meals, a bed and compassionate care for neighbors in need by becoming a Good Samaritan Sponsor today! For just $25 a month, you'll help transform the life of a homeless man or woman in Colorado Springs.
Visit springsrescuemission.org/gss to learn more.
Visit springsrescuemission.org/gss to learn more.

Sponsor A Bed.
Transform A Life.

Transform A Life Today

smiling man and woman at homeless shelter
Recent Stories
Honoring the Strength of Women at Springs Rescue Mission This Mother’s Day

This Mother’s Day, honor the women who inspire you by supporting women at Springs Rescue Mission.

From Rock Bottom to Redemption: Cody’s Journey of Recovery, Faith, and Fatherhood

A proud father, a dedicated employee, and a manager at City Glass in Colorado Springs, Cody has not only rebuilt his life — he’s building a legacy. But getting here wasn’t easy.

Pam's SRM Story: A Senior Finds Hope and Community After Online ‘Romance Scam’

When she arrived at Springs Rescue Mission, she had little more than a few changes of clothes and a deep sense of uncertainty about the future. But the kindness of those around her helped fill in the gaps.

From Homelessness to Hope: Ricardo’s Journey to Purpose at Springs Rescue Mission

Ricardo’s story is a reminder that with the right support, even the most difficult circumstances can lead to new opportunities.

Heal Colorado Springs — one neighbor at a time.
Sponsor a Bed
One Time Donation
white arrow right icon
smiling bearded homeless man
help a neighbor in need
Help a neighbor in need.

Without a warm and safe place to sleep, many of our homeless neighbors wouldn’t survive on the streets.

X

Double Your Impact

NEW!
$12K Gift Match
to Transform Lives!

Every dollar you donate will be matched,
doubling the impact you have
on homeless neighbors in your community!

Help us reach our goal by September 30!

Match My Gift!
Donor PortalVolunteer PortalAbout Us
About SRM
Our ApproachLeadershipTransparency & AccountabilityCommunity Champions
Programs
Housing & ShelterHealth & MealsSkills & Careers
Resources
The Mission BlogHomelessness in Colorado SpringsNewslettersCampus TourMission Catering
Take Action
Become a SponsorVolunteerDonate GoodsContact UsCareersMatch my GiftTax Credit (HCTC)
Springs Rescue Mission is a 501(C)3 non-profit organization. Federal ID #: 84-1340824
white facebook iconwhite instagram iconHomeless shelter YouTube Icon
By using this website, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. View our Privacy Policy for more information.
Got it
Give Today