A Heart to Serve, a Vision to Transform

MISSION 3:18 IMPACT STORY

Mission 3:18 connects professional baseball players with opportunities to serve communities across the country. Working alongside MLB teams and chaplains, Big League Impact partners with nonprofit organizations that help neighbors meet immediate needs and build lasting stability.

One of those partners is City of Refuge Baltimore, where meals, groceries and other essentials are paired with education, workforce development and support for the future. The organization shared the following story about Thompson Randolph, a longtime volunteer who is finding new ways to turn his passion for helping others into lasting impact.

Thompson Randolph has always had a heart for helping others. For years, he has served people experiencing homelessness and addiction—cooking meals, providing clothing, offering rides, helping with medical appointments and simply being there when someone needs a hand.

Today, Thompson volunteers at City of Refuge Baltimore Monday through Friday, serving wherever he can.

When he discovered the organization’s workforce development program, Brooklyn 12, he saw an opportunity to build on that commitment. Through business education, mentorship and new connections, Thompson began to see a bigger vision for his future.

He went on to complete training in recovery wellness, advocacy, and mentoring and education. He also joined City of Refuge’s Business Incubator and is preparing to begin the Recovery Coach Academy through CCAR.

Now, Thompson is working toward launching The Truth Sober Living, a long-term recovery residence designed to help people leaving treatment find stability, employment, community and the tools they need to rebuild their lives.

While that vision takes shape, he continues to show up, volunteer, learn and serve.

Thompson’s story is a reminder of what can happen when a desire to help meets the right opportunities and support. He came looking for an opportunity and found tools to turn his years of service into a vision that could reach many more lives.

Learn more about how City of Refuge serves the Baltimore community at cityofrefugebaltimore.org.

Through a Player’s Eyes

Seattle Mariners infielder Patrick Wisdom saw that same commitment to helping people move forward when he served at City of Refuge Baltimore earlier this season through Mission 3:18.

In addition to meals and everyday essentials, Patrick noticed the education, workforce preparation and job interview support available to neighbors. What stood out most was the genuine care shown to each person who walked through the doors.