The Mission -I’m Possible Inc., an organization that helps those experiencing homelessness, announced last week that it has closed its doors.
Marissa Bancewicz served as the executive director of The Mission. She is from Pennsylvania and moved to Oklahoma to be with her husband.
She noticed the homelessness in Durant which was something she had not seen before. She then learned of The Mission while working at Chili’s restaurant and said she began to cry when a regular customer told her that he had given his car to someone who was homeless.
Bancewicz then learned about The Mission and began to volunteer before being offered the director’s position in January 2023.
In a social media post last week, Bancewicz said that it was with a heavy heart to announce the closing of The Mission at least for now.
“With some unforeseen circumstances within the lives of our staff, a lack of current funding, and a continued struggle to obtain community support/buy-in, we cannot financially continue for the time being,” she said. “We have all come to the agreement that we will take a break and seek God’s guidance in what steps need to be taken next. We know that resources for our neighbors experiencing homelessness are greatly lacking in our community. This decision was not made lightly. We have been receiving more phone calls than ever of individuals and families in a desperate situation. The number of organizations and businesses in Bryan County that reach out to us is tremendous, but we simply cannot continue our services at this time.”
Bancewicz said the past three-and-half years for The Mission have been life-changing for the staff, board members, volunteers, and most importantly, their guests.
“We have served 608 of our neighbors experiencing homelessness during that time,” she said. “Each and every individual has touched our hearts and remains in our continued prayers. Unfortunately, many of these people we do not have updates on.”
However, Bancewicz provided the following statistics:
• Eighty nine are in a home of their own
• Six have been sent to rehab
• Three have gone to a mental health institution
• Four went back home to their family via bus/train
• Six children found safety in a foster home
• Six tragically have passed away “Since opening our doors to full-time residency in September of 2023, we have housed 10 residents and had the opportunity to house five other individuals in an emergency situation,” Bancewicz said.
In 2021-2022, The Mission teamed up with Community Cares Partners and helped community members in need apply for and receive a total $985,809.81 for rental and utility assistance, according to Bancewicz.
“This was an amazing opportunity for so many neighbors that were at risk of homelessness,” she said. “This financial assistance saved many lives.”
Bancewicz The Mission opened its doors numerous times since 2021 and partnered with Emmanuel Baptist Church last winter as an emergency shelter during winter storms.
“The countless all-nighters, deep one-on-one conversations with our guests, the games, the fun, the discipleship, the movies, the laughter, the tears, the love, and the case management will forever be etched into my heart,” she said.
According to Bancewicz, the way the agency has seen God move was beautiful.
“We have witnessed many lives forever impacted, but I tell you, if it was only one person who was touched by this ministry, it would have all been worth it,” she said.
Bancewicz thanked The Mission’s founder, Michelle Chester, for obeying God’s call on her life and surrendering to His plan.
“My deepest appreciation goes to her and every person who has had a hand in the vision, the planning, the blood, the sweat, the tears, and the prayers that have gone into The Mission,” Bancewicz said. “This place has truly changed my life. The impact these three and a half years have had will go far beyond what we can even imagine. Generations will forever be changed.”
According to Bancewicz, there are no definite plans as to whether The Mission could reopen.
“We would like to gauge the community’s interest in support of our mission to receive our neighbors experiencing homelessness, help them rebuild their lives, and return them to the community as independent and contributing members of society in future endeavors,” she said.
“As we know, our services are greatly needed in Bryan County. We ask that you pray for clear guidance and understanding for our leadership as we move forward.”
She said anyone interested in pledging support for The Mission opening again to email info@themissiondurant. com.
“To our guests, we love you,” Bancewicz said. “We see you and we see hope for your future. That will never change. We continue to pray for you and hope to be able to serve you once again.”
The Mission’s last day was Aug. 29.
“Our hope is and will continue to be for restored and transformed lives within our community,” Bancewicz said.