30% From Program Revenue: How Helping Up Mission Funds Recovery Without Medicaid

Helping Up Mission, Baltimore, and a life shaped by serving people in crisisJames Misner talks with Daniel Stoltzfus, CEO of Helping Up Mission in Baltimore, about the personal calling that led him into addiction recovery and homelessness work, the mission’s 140-year history, and how it navigates changing policies while staying focused on trust, relationships, and transformation. Daniel also shares how a life-changing experience at age 19 shaped his path, along with insights on Baltimore’s recovery, nonprofit leadership, succession, and sustainable funding.Key TopicsDaniel’s calling began at 19 on the Relief Bus in NYC.Isaiah 58 shaped his view of service and vocation.Helping Up Mission was founded in Baltimore in 1885.Its original mission included women and children.The mission expanded to women and children in 2020.Daniel sees this growth as returning to its roots.Baltimore shows both deep need and real renewal.Overdoses, crime, prayer, and partnerships shape the city.Daniel supports housing, harm reduction, and recovery together.Recovery depends on trust, relationships, and readiness.Timestamps00:00 - Daniel’s introduction and why this matters00:52 - Mission service and street addiction in NYC03:12 - The moment in Maria Hernandez Park that changed his life04:20 - Isaiah 58 and his call to service05:42 - 30 years in addiction, homelessness, and poverty work07:16 - Helping Up Mission’s founding in 188508:42 - Historic board minutes and early mission language10:05 - Expanding from men’s shelter to recovery and women’s services11:33 - Discovering the founder lived near today’s campus13:15 - Why rescue missions emerged during economic crises15:12 - What early records reveal about resilience16:36 - Emergency funds, near closures, and faith18:20 - Why Baltimore is often misunderstood19:19 - Street outreach and active addiction20:15 - Overdose deaths and the people behind the numbers22:14 - A vision for Baltimore’s recovery24:09 - Prayer, churches, leaders, and the city26:32 - Succeeding a long-tenured CEO32:41 - Housing first, harm reduction, and recovery34:36 - 12-step and Christ-centered recovery37:21 - Narcan and going beyond harm reduction39:39 - Why strong nonprofits embrace paradox40:27 - What failed: oversimplifying with a hotline41:26 - Telling client stories with dignity and consent42:55 - Building diversified nonprofit revenue45:03 - Helping Up Mission’s next 5–10 years47:39 - Connecting with Daniel and Helping Up MissionResources & Links:The Kipos Group WebsiteSchedule a Discovery Call with JamesConnect with James Misner on LinkedinConnect with Daniel:Helping Up Mission Official WebsiteConnect with Daniel on Linkedin