About the Mission

Though Oliver Gospel Mission does give fish, the Mission also teaches men to fish.

Oliver Gospel Mission seeks to rescue broken men from those things that hold them in bondage and to rebuild them so that they can live fulfilled (Christ-centered), functioning (responsible), and fruitful (influential) lives.  This vision is a reality through our two distinct ministries – the first being our ministry to the Community Homeless of Columbia, South Carolina in which we provide over 36,000 meals, over 15,000 nights of shelter, and have over 29,000 attending chapel in a single year. The second distinct ministry is our Christian Life Development addiction recovery program.  In an effort to teach men to fish, Oliver Gospel Mission offers a variety of real life training through a Food Service Training Program, an Education and Employment Center, Front Desk employment, and after care for those who have completed the Christian Life Development (CLD) Program. 

The Food Service Training Program is instructed by a graduate of the CLD Program.  Men are instructed in daily food preparation in large and small quantities, formal dining etiquette and table settings, fine and daily baking, sanitary serving and food preparation, procedures and timing for operating a well-run kitchen.  Oliver Gospel Mission also offers the ServSafe® Food Safety Certification through the National Restaurant Association Education Foundation.  This certification allows men to have qualities respected and sought after in the food service industry, thus making the men more employable and giving the men a vote of confidence in themselves.

The Education and Employment Center is more than just access to computers, which most of the men in the CLD program have never sat down to.  The men are assessed on an education level and their education is targeted toward that level.  The men are taught basic computer skills - including typing, word processing, resume writing, navigating the internet, and, as they advance in computer skills, more specialized training is available.  Those without a high school diploma are given the opportunity to earn their GED.

Select men in the CLD Program are offered employment at the Oliver Gospel Mission as front desk clerks.  These men are chosen for their leadership qualities, organizational skills, and commitment to their recovery.  These qualities are vital for working with the public, and will help develop a can-do employment attitude. 

An after care program is offered to willing participants who have completed the CLD program.  An evening chaplain either meets with men at the Mission after work or visits them in their home.  The men have someone they can rely on for encouragement through life’s daily trials and to continue the education process as they encounter life applications.

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