Directors Page

A volunteer revolving Board of Directors serves the Mission to ensure continuity of vision and integrity of ministry. These men and women belong to varying Christian denominations and have a wide range of skills and involvement in the local community. You may contact the Mission for the current list of directors.


Accepting a California State Assembly Award from Assemblyman George House (R) and Assemblyman Dennis Cardoza (D).

There have been six executive directors of the Mission, including Vern and Barbara Deatherage, current directors.

Vern and Barbara Deatherage began volunteering at the Modesto Gospel Mission in 1986. Their involvement grew so much that they decided to work full-time with the homeless.

Vern Deatherage, D. Min., currently serves as the MGM's Executive Director. He is a member of the International Conference of Police Chaplains and is chaplain for the Stanislaus County Peace Officer Association. He is also is a member of the International Association of Clinical Christian Counselors.

Accepting an award from the Family Resource Council for Outstanding Service to Families.

Barbara Deatherage, PhD, currently serves as the MGM's Administrator and Director of Programs. She is also is a member of the International Association of Clinical Christian Counselors and American Association of Christian Couselors.

Both Vern and Barbara are members of and have served on the executive board of the Association for Gospel Rescue Missions and mentor new and/or struggling missions in central California. They are speakers and trainers for numerous agencies, including churches, city government committees, County Social Services, Social Security, U.S. Census Bureau, and national conferences regarding the homeless.

National Day of Prayer rally in Graceada Park.

The Deatherages have shared their experiences as a couple in ministry at national conferences to encourage others in their endeavors to help the homeless. They have two children and eight grandchildren.

You can contact Vern at vern@homelessmission.org or Barbara at barbara@homelessmission.org