Resident Hopes To Preserve 'Haven Of Hope'

President of Helping Hand Rescue Mission Rev. Kimberly Gaines-Gambino is pictured with three of the young men who grew up with the mission’s “Happy Day Express” children’s outreach program.

By Tatiana Belanic
info@longislandergroup.com

Inspired by the unbridled faith and service of her parents, Kimberly Gaines-Gambino is passionate about serving and bringing hope to the community she loves.

She’s doing it as president of the Helping Hand Rescue Mission, which is based in Huntington Station, and which her parents Rev. Jim Gaines and Rev. Rose Marie Gaines founded more than 40 years ago.

Gambino said HHRM is a “unique place,” “a safe haven” and “place of solace.”

“To me, the mission means there’s a place that people can come — and it’s not just a place where they receive a handout — and receive love and encouragement,” said Gambino, who operates the mission out of 225 Broadway in Huntington Station.

With the support of the community, the mission is doing more than ever before.

“Huntington is such an amazing community of people,” she said. “People have helped me and I appreciate that more than I can say in words. I can’t tell you how much I appreciate the help and support of our community.”

But the continued community work has come at a cost. “It’s not just hard for us,” Gambino said. “It’s a hard time for everyone.”

Though she said HHRM receives generous donations, Gambino has been faced with the reality of expenses like utilities, insurance, and supplies and materials that are not covered by donations.

To help cover those costs, Gambino has implemented a new donation pledge, “$10 on the 10th.” If it’s successful, fundraiser could make a huge difference for those in need, she said.

“To know that those monthly bills are covered each month would be such a blessing so I could put my energy into doing the work and being with the people,” Gambino said. “It would be a great relief.”

At HHRM, Gambino continues the legacy of her parents who always taught her to trust in the goodness of people. “My parents taught me to have faith in God and to love people… all people,” she said. “They were really good at that.”

Even in the face of difficulty, “everything always comes together,” she added.

Gambino finds consolation in the advice of her mother, who would tell her to take things little by little, ensuring her that people will help, and they have.

Along with financial support, HHRM has also received donations of non-perishable food items.

As for HHRM’s efforts to give back to the community, there’s a back-to-school initiative planned that’s anticipated to yield 400 backpacks filled with necessary supplies for local students.

Gambino hopes to continue similar efforts through HHRM. “I always want this place to be here,” she said. “I couldn’t imagine if the mission wasn’t here.”

For more info, including how to donate, visit Helpinghandrescuemission.org.