Responding to community needs with visionary leadership, perseverance and skill.

The Midnight Mission is one of the oldest continuously operating human services organizations in the Los Angeles region. Centered in the Skid Row area of downtown Los Angeles, the Mission runs one of the most efficient direct service operations in the country. With only four executive managers through out its ninety-five (95) year history, the Mission has been a consistent beacon of light for those with no where else to turn.

In 1914, Tom Liddecoat, opened the doors of the Mission as a refuge to the men of Skid Row. A successful businessman and lay minister, Liddecoat would serve a meal at midnight (hence the origin of the name) after church services were completed.

In 1933, Henry Richman was named managing director and led the organization through the depression of the 1930's. The Mission was designated "California Emergency Relief Station No.1" by the federal government. Under Richman the organization discontinued religious services and affiliation.

In 1973, Clancy Imislund was selected to continue the already successful enterprise. A recovering alcoholic himself, Clancy brought a level of empathy that is difficult to match. A strong manager, he led the organization through the dramatic changes that occurred on Skid Row over the next thirty years.

In 1998, Larry Adamson, a board member and former corporate executive was recruited to lead the Mission. He has led the organization through increasingly complicated and difficult times for the region's poorest citizens. He championed designing, building and opening our new state of the art facility to handle the growing diverse populations that we now serve.

These compassionate men joined the Board of Directors, Donors and Volunteers to develop innovative, timely and effective programs for the men, women and children of Los Angeles. From our humble beginnings as a charitable act of one man to the complex multi-disciplined organization that we are today, the organization has benefited from the consistent, compassionate and competent leadership.