The longtime leader of the Salina Rescue Mission is stepping down.

According to the organization, after 22 years on the job, Steve Kmetz is retiring as the Executive Director. With his blessing, Operations Director Chad Young, who has been with the Rescue Mission for 9 years, will take over the position effective September 1st.

The Salina Rescue Mission has responded to homeless men and countless others for over 20 years. The number of beds have more than doubled since the ministry was founded in 1981.

When Kmetz took the helm, the organization was located in a small building that could house 18 men, providing 18,000 meals a year. Today’s facility can house 85 men and provides 41,000 meals a year.

As Young takes over on September 1st, the Rescue Mission is beginning a new capital campaign. Kmetz will lead the “Promise of a Bright Future” campaign. The goal is to finish the third floor of the facility, update the first two floors, and upgrade and replace worn out equipment.

The community is invited to the Salina Rescue Mission’s 35th Anniversary Banquet at the Webster Conference Center on September 13th to learn more about the mission, and the “Promise of a Bright Future” capital campaign.