Dr. Bruce Metcalf
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Executive Director since April of 2011, Bruce has expanded the Mission's outreach ministries to include: Hope Respite Care, Hope for Families, Transition to Hope, Hope for Veterans, Bridge to Hope, and a Senior Meals program. Bruce came to the Mission after a 38-year career as a pastor in the Evangelical Covenant Church.
Bettie Stephens
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
Bettie comes to us with forty nine years of Accounting experience. She is a graduate of UCLA, and began her career at ITT/Aero/Space Optical Division in Van Nuys, CA as the General Ledger Accountant. Moving to Spokane, WA she became the Controller for National Music Services, Inc., a national firm in the music industry. Moving to Merced, CA, she then became the Controller for InterWest Insurance Service, Inc. for twenty eight years. She became a Board Member in 2009 and is currently the Treasurer.
David Carr
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER
David came to the Mission in 2015 and following graduation from our Hope to Men program, he completed his CCAPP and received his Addiction Specialist Certification. David oversees the Mission programs, which include: Hope for Men and Women, Hope for Families, Hope for Veterans, Transition to Hope, Bridge to Hope, and Hope Respite Care. He also counsels with our participants, helping them to establish life goals. David is always ready to share how God has worked in his own life to bring about a life transformation.
Gina Thomas
DIRECTOR, SENIOR NUTRITION PROGRAM
Gina was born and raised in Merced. She has been married to her husband, David, for 24 years, and they have three beautiful daughters Elizabeth, Elisha, and Erica. She graduated from the Mission's Hope for Women program, New Life Transformation Program in April of 2015, and is now Office Coordinator for the Mission and Director for the Senior Nutrition Program, Living Well Cafe. Gina is a certified instructor for ACE Overcomers and has received her Manager's ServSafe Certification. Gina's commitment to the Lord is evident as she brings a joyful spirit to her work.
Jennifer Carr
DIRECTOR, NAVIGATION CENTER
Jennifer is an alumnus of Mission programs and began working for the Mission in 2020. As the Director of the Navigation Center, Jennifer works closely with both the County and the City of Merced to provide services to people coming off the street. In addition, she oversees all services being provided at the Navigation Center. She is continuing her professional development as she works on her CCAPP certification. Jennifer is married to David, and together they are raising three sons.
Misty Rose-Collins
DIRECTOR, HOPE FOR MEN & WOMEN
Misty has been working at the Mission since February 2020 and now is the Director of our Hope for Men and Women life-transformation program. Misty has seen the Holy Spirit move in mighty ways and dynamically helps women regain their physical and mental health, and develop a truly intimate relationship with Jesus Christ.
Bobby Cornelio
DIRECTOR, HOPE RESPITE CARE
Bobby came to the Rescue Mission in 2020 as a Peer Navigator and is now the Director of Hope Respite Care. Bobby has completed the CCAPP academy and has her Associate of Arts degrees in General Business and Accounting from Merced Jr. College. Bobby started her recovery from drugs and alcohol in February of 2009 and remains involved in Celebrate Recovery. She has a strong calling to those who suffer from addictions and have medical needs that can make life more complicated. Working at Hope Respite Care Bobby finds joy working as a team in the care planning of our participants.
Stephen Tristan
PROGRAM MANAGER, HOPE FOR MEN
Stephen came to the Mission’s Transition to Hope program and continued his sobriety by keeping his faith in God. Now he shares his experience, strength, and hope with others who suffer from addictions.
Anthony Choza
OPERATIONS MANAGER
Anthony came to the Mission in 2013. After graduating, he volunteered with us, and since 2015, he has been our Operations Manager. He has a big heart, he’s always out in the community helping others, and he’s the kind of person who will drop what he’s doing to help you. Anthony ensures that donations are picked up and distributed where needed and he also makes sure that all our program houses are kept in working order.
Mark Martinez
PROGRAM MANAGER, BRIDGE TO HOPE
Mark joined Merced Rescue Mission in 2021. He started as a Peer Navigator and is now the Program Manager for our Bridge to Hope program. He has been a CCAPP certified addiction counselor since 2014. He enjoys working with his team to help individuals overcome their struggles to prevent homelessness.
Dennis Rightnar
PROGRAM MANAGER, TRANSITION TO HOPE
Dennis came to the Mission in May of 2021. Dennis is the Manager for our Transition to Hope program for men and women who have graduated from the Hope for Men and Hope for Women program. The County Department of Probation also sends people and Dennis works with them to help them move forward in their lives. Dennis is ready to give people a second chance, but he also holds them accountable. Dennis helps people take that last step toward becoming independent.