Serving the Marginalized Across the world
Founded in 1987, Victory Center Rescue Mission is a comprehensive ministry headquartered in Clinton, Iowa, USA. Our mission is to provide food and shelter to those in need, alongside temporary residence, transitional housing programs, and counseling services for men, women, and children. At the heart of our work is the commitment to foster hope within a caring and supportive environment, transforming lives for the better.
We have witnessed the profound impact that a second chance can create. At Victory Center, we offer far more than just food, shelter, and spiritual guidance; we provide hope. Through your generous support and God’s grace, we have empowered thousands of individuals to overcome their challenges and embrace lives of dignity.
For the past 37 years, Victory Center has been unwavering in its dedication to serving the poor and needy not only in the United States but also in several developing countries, including El Salvador, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Venezuela, Argentina, Peru, Brazil, the Philippines, and Kenya. In these impoverished regions, we have established and operated Food for Hunger programs and outreach ministries, extending our mission of compassion and support to those most in need.
WHO DO WE SERVE?
We serve all—any individual or family in need of assistance, whether they are facing homelessness, addiction, or poverty. Our mission is to provide the opportunity to cultivate a relationship with God, transform their lives through proactive support and positive reinforcement, and empower them to live with dignity and grace.
HOW ARE WE FUNDED?
Victory Center is a tax exempt charity organization. Victory Center Rescue Mission of Clinton, Iowa does not accept any federal, state or city funding. Our organization is totally supported through the generous tax-deductible contributions and donations of our supporters. To donate, Please send a check to PO Box 1694, Clinton, IA 52732 or make a gift online.
WHY VICTORY CENTER NEEDS YOUR SUPPORT NOW
This year has brought unprecedented challenges, and like many, we have felt the weight of inflation and shifting tides in charitable giving. While our commitment to serving the most vulnerable among us remains unwavering, the support we rely on during the holiday season fell short of our needs, and for the first time in our history, we are facing closure.
Rising costs for utilities, maintenance, and basic necessities—many of which we must purchase when donations fall short—are putting a strain on our ability to keep up. Would you be open to becoming a monthly sponsor at $1,000, $500, or whatever you feel led to give? If yes, you may donate by clicking the button below.
Even a one-time gift or simply sharing our story with anyone who may have the heart and means to help can make a big difference. Your generosity and compassion enables us to serve our purpose.
Meet Our Team
What started as a small act of faith has grown into a mission of hope and restoration for so many in the Clinton community who are facing some of life’s toughest challenges. These individuals have dedicated their lives to help our marginalized communities, bring them back from the fringes and restore them to a life of hope and dignity.
About the Founder
Born in Havana, Cuba, Ray Gimenez came to the United States with his parents as refugees escaping communism in 1961, settling in the Bronx, New York City. He was a first round baseball pick in 1971 for the Detroit Tigers and after 5 years in the Minor Leagues, he pursued a career in the Christian Ministry. Ray played for the Clinton Pilots in 1973 under Jim Leyland the manager. He was selected to the Midwest League all star game in 1973 in Clinton. In 1987, he founded Victory Center, an emergency homeless shelter for men, women and children (now in its 37th year). He served Open Bible Churches of Des Moines, Iowa for 6 years as the National Director of Hispanic Ministries USA. He was ordained in 1993 and in 1997. He served a 3-year term for the Iowa Latino Affairs Commission for Governor Branstad. In 2004, he founded the Gateway Clinic for the City of Clinton. This free healthcare clinic served the area for 9 years and improved the health of thousands of people who would otherwise have no access to care. In 2009, Ray received the Liberty Bell Award on Law Day in Clinton, Iowa. In 2014, the city of Clinton chose Ray to receive the City Humane Rights Commission Award. In 2020, Ray wrote a book AVAD which is a Hebrew word, meaning “to serve,” which has since then been translated into Spanish. In 2024, he celebrated 44 years of preaching the Bible. He has been a transformation of men and women who needed to break the cycles of addiction. Ray has traveled extensively to 23 countries, holding crusades and serving on the advisory board of the International Coalition (ICAL). Ray is married to Mary Anne, and together they have 11 children and 27 grandchildren. To contact Pastor Ray Gimenez, please write to pastorray@victorycenter.com.
