City Union Mission

City Union Mission http://cumission.org/ City Union Mission: News, Media, Light... City Union Mission:. City Union Mission <info@cumission.org> City Union Mission http://newsite.cumission.org/favicon.ico http://cumission.org/ City Union Mission: News, Media, Light... http://cumission.org/ City Union Mission http://cumission.org/nid488-news_details.htm City Union Mission Receives Coveted 4-star Rating! “We are pleased to announce that Charity Navigator has awarded City Union Mission its 4-star rating for sound fiscal management,” reports Dennis Chapman, Associate Executive Director of Development. “Receiving this rating acknowledges how serious we are about financial responsibility. We know donors have many choices as to where they could give. Many of our donors give sacrificially. We don’t take their trust for granted.”  Charity Navigator is America’s premier evaluator. According to Charity Navigator only 16% of charities they have rated have achieved this evaluation. They believe it indicates that City Union Mission “outperforms most charities in America in its efforts to operate in the most fiscally responsible way possible. This “exceptional” designation from Charity Navigator differentiates City Union Mission from its peers and demonstrates to the public it is worthy of their trust.” Charity Navigator utilizes a data-driven analysis that has been profiled and verified by many including The New York Time, NPR, and The Chronicle of Philanthropy. Contact Dennis Chapman at 816-329-1467 for information about your giving options or Click here.  You Are God's Plan For The Poor & Homeless! City Union Mission Receives Coveted 4-star Rating! C U Mission http://cumission.org/nid482-news_details.htm TP the Brigade for City Union Mission The Kansas City Brigade is partnering with City Union Mission to raise donations of toilet paper. City Union Mission goes through 5,824 rolls a month at all of it's facilities that provide emergency help, long-term hope and opportunities for the future for men, women and children who are poor or homeless. Everyone can participate in this opportunity to make a difference: Donate a 4 pack of toilet paper or greater at the June 8th 1pm game at the Sprint Center or May 15th pre-game remote and receive 2 tickets for $9! The first 10 people to donate $360 (the cost of a pallet of toilet paper) will receive an autographed Neil Smith item and a FREE ticket to the game. Neil Smith is the owner of the Brigade and former Chiefs player inducted into the Chiefs Hall of Fame in 2006. Are you part of a group? Calling civic, Boy/Girl Scout, business, church and all groups to compete in our group challenge to donate the most toilet paper. The winning group will be announced at the game. All individuals in your group will receive buy one-get one free tickets. Click here, to find out more information about how to get your group involved! You don't have to wait until the June 8th game to donate! Join us on May 15th for the 94.9 KCMO pre-game remote to meet Brigade players, Brigade cheerleaders and stunt members. Click here, for more information about the pre-game remote. Please contact Shawna Ketter at 816.32.1497 or shawna@cumission.org for more information. TP the Brigade for City Union Mission C U Mission http://cumission.org/nid483-news_details.htm TP the Brigade - Group Challenge! The Kansas City Brigade is partnering with City Union Mission to raise donations of toilet paper. City Union Mission goes through 5,824 rolls a month at all of it's facilities that provide emergency help, long-term hope and opportunities for the future for men, women and children who are poor or homeless. Are you part of a group? Calling civic, Boy/Girl Scout, business, church and all groups to compete in our "Group Challenge" to donate the most toilet paper. The winning group will be announced at the game. All individuals in your group will receive buy one-get one free tickets. To participate in the "Group Challenge": Download the group flyer and sign up sheet. Email shawna@cumission.org or call 816.329.1497 to sign up your group. Drop off donations and sign up sheet at City Union Mission Distribution Center 1020 E. 10th Street, KCMO, 64106 between June 2 - 6 from 8am-4pm and receive buy one-get one free tickets. Join us at the June 8th 1pm game at the Sprint Center and listen for the winning group to be announced! Click here, to find out additional ways that you can get involved with this fun event! Please contact Shawna Ketter at 816.329.1497 or shawna@cumission.org for more information. TP the Brigade - Group Challenge! C U Mission http://cumission.org/nid484-news_details.htm Inaugural Women Who've Changed The Heart of The City Huge Success! On April 17, 2008 Anita Gorman, Shirley Helzberg, Mamie Hughes, Carol Marinovich, Jeannette Nichols, and Beulah Bulkley (posthumously) were honored at our first annual “Women Who’ve Changed The Heart Of The City.” Dennis Chapman, Associate Executive Director of Development explained, “We wanted to have an event that would honor some remarkable women in our city who have made a real difference for our community…movers and shakers.” “This year’s recipients have been fondly referred to as the “Dream Team” by our committee,” said Beth McCown, chairwoman of the event. “Each one was a joy to work with. We are truly grateful to them and for them. My expectations for what we could hope to accomplish were far exceeded. We were truly humbled by God's grace and divine intervention. Encouraging notes have been pouring in from people who attended the event. One common theme is that while they knew about City Union Mission, they had no idea about all the different programs and ministry areas that go on. They were really quite amazed and impressed.” Pictured left to right are: Carol Marinovich, Amy Hughes (Mamie Hughes' daughter), Shirley Helzberg, Anita Gorman, and Jeannette Nichols. To view more photos of the event, please click here. Funds raised from this first annual event will be used to complete critical renovations to Camp CUMCITO (City Union Mission’s Camp in the Ozarks) in Warsaw, Missouri, where each summer up to 500 homeless and impoverished inner city children escape the grind of their daily lives and experience God’s unconditional love. The renovations to the camp are part of City Union Mission’s Capital Campaign,” Building the Walls that Rebuild Lives.” The project includes a new facility for their long-term recovery program raising the number of men from 50 to 100, and renovations to the Mission’s existing men’s shelter doubling capacity there to 300. It is only the second time in 84 years they have asked the community for capital funding.  This year’s benefit was a luncheon on the stage of the Starlight Theatre. To date the event has raised about $250,000, or one third of the amount needed for renovations to the Camp CUMCITO. Due to overwhelming response this premiere event was sold out almost a month in advance, though people are still sending in donations to honor the recipients. If you would like to also honor these remarkable women, please click here. Would you like to see the Souvenir Book? Please, click here. If you would like more information about City Union Mission’s programs, please click here. Funding for the Capital Campaign has included gifts from corporations, private foundations, and individuals. There is still $2.8 million to raise. To find out about giving options, or to arrange a gift, please contact Dennis Chapman at (816) 329-1476 or click here. Inaugural Women Who've Changed The Heart of The City Huge Success! C U Mission http://cumission.org/nid485-news_details.htm Sharon Bednarzyck Home With the Lord “Sharon was a truly special and gifted individual. We are so grateful that she chose to minister with us at City Union Mission. Her many accomplishments include the creation of a volunteer program based on biblical principles. The clients and staff, as well as the volunteers all loved her. She is with her Savior, Jesus Christ now because she put her trust in Him. She wanted everybody she came in contact with to also know and trust Jesus as she did. That’s her legacy to her children and grandchildren…a life lived to His Glory,” said Dan Doty, Executive Director. On May 7, 2008, family, friends, and co laborers said goodbye to Sharon Bednarzyck at her Memorial Service.  “It has been a privilege to work alongside her,” said Dennis Chapman, Associate Executive Director of Development. “She was always thinking of how to encourage others to do their very best for God. In her effort to encourage staff to embrace the values she taught concerning volunteerism she instituted the Supervisor of the Year Award, to be given to the staff person who best exemplified these values. In her memory this award will now be called The Sharon Award.” This day, the 7th of May, 2008, City Union Mission hereby proclaims that the Volunteer Supervisor of the Year Award will henceforth be known as “The Sharon Award.” Sharon Bednarczyk established tools to empower staff and volunteers to maximize kingdom growth for all involved. Her attention to volunteer value is legendary. Sharon labored to ensure that volunteers know their treasured worth. In recognition of this legacy The Sharon Award will be presented to those supervisors who exemplify the creative, loving, and effective partnership with volunteerism. The ministry spirit established at City Union Mission toward volunteer staff through Sharon’s guidance and example will continue in her memory. Sharon passed away in the arms of her adoring husband, John, Sunday morning in her home. She is survived by husband, John, two daughters, Michelle Ruckel and Jana Pekarek, four grandchildren, Brooke Johnson, Taylor Ruckel, Jakob and Jordyn Pekarek, a brother, Larry Lipka, a sister, Marilyn Johansen and many nieces and nephews. She was employed at City Union Mission for 6 and a half years as Volunteer Administrator. The family has requested, in lieu of flowers, that Memorial contributions be made to City Union Mission. The address is 1100 East 11th, Kansas City, MO 64106, or you can go online by clicking here. Sharon Bednarzyck Home With the Lord C U Mission http://cumission.org/nid486-news_details.htm Join us May 15th - Brigade, 94.9 & Hy-Vee partner to benefit Homeless! Thursday, May 15th 94.9 KCMO will be broadcasting live at the Hy-Vee at Shawnee Mission Parkway and Pflumm from 11am to 1pm  to “TP” the Kansas City Brigade as a benefit for the City Union Mission.        Hy-Vee will have Cottonelle double roll 4 packs specially priced for a $1.99 so while you are stocking up for your family pick up an extra pack for the Mission. The City Union Mission provides emergency help, long-term hope and opportunities for the future for men, women and children who are poor or homeless since 1924 and believe it or not toilet paper is a large expense. City Union Mission goes through 5,824 rolls a month at all of it's facilities. The Brigade Cheerleaders, stunt members and players will be on hand to sign autographs and for every person who donates a 4 pack or more of toilet paper the Brigade will be offering a buy one discounted ticket and get one free for the June 8th final home game! As a special bonus the first 10 people who donate $360 (the cost of a pallet of Toilet Paper) will receive a free game ticket and an autographed item from Neal Smith.  So come on out and show your support for the City Union Mission, for HyVee, and for your own Kansas City Brigade arena football team, Thursday from 11am – 1pm at the HyVee at Shawnee Mission Parkway and Pflumm.  Then have some fun at the game June 8th! Click here, for more information on how to get involved in this fun event and more ways to donate if you can't make it out to Hy-Vee on May 15th! Please contact Shawna Ketter at 913.329.1497 or shawna@cumission.org for more information. Join us May 15th - Brigade, 94.9 & Hy-Vee partner to benefit Homeless! C U Mission http://cumission.org/nid487-news_details.htm BWAM 2008 Sunday, May 4, 2008 was Bikers With A Mission 19th Annual “Run for the Homeless, donating all proceeds to City Union Mission. This year more than 400 bikers came out to ride, raising almost $23,000. Money raised is used to provide for unbudgeted items such as eye glasses, utility assistance, dental care, bus tokens, and so much more to those in need. The day was picture perfect. Please, click here for a gallery of photos. There are so many ways to partner with City Union Mission. Please, click here to find out how you can get involved. You are God's Plan for the Poor & Homeless!   BWAM 2008 C U Mission http://cumission.org/nid481-news_details.htm Family Shelter Receives Diapers Galore! Did you know that infants need up to 12 diapers per day and toddlers need about 8 diapers per day? In poor and low-income families a baby can spend a day or longer in one diaper leading to health risks. An adequate supply of diapers can cost a family $100 per child per month! "Thank you, these donations of diapers are greatly appreciated," said Daniel Dickey, Family Shelter Admistrator. "We have been very low on the right size of diapers in recent days and have exhausted our quanitity of the larger sizes. This donation included several of the sizes that were in need.They will be immediately used by mom's staying at the shelter." In the month of April Ketchum Advertising Directory organized a diaper drive and all of the tenants of the Van Eyck and Del Sarto buildings in the Renaissance office park came together to donate 983 diapers for City Union Mission's Family Shelter. They have all truly made a difference by participating in drives and partnering with City Union Mission. We could not provide the emergency help, long-term hope and opportunities for the future for men, women and children who are poor or homeless if it wasn't for all of these faithful supporters! There are many way's that YOU can make a difference too. Click here to see ways that you can provide support this month. Click here to find additional out ways to get involved. Would you like to get your company involved in making a difference? Contact Shawna Ketter at 816.329.1497 or shawna@cumission.org.   Family Shelter Receives Diapers Galore! C U Mission http://cumission.org/nid476-news_details.htm Bluejacket-Flint YMCA Kids are Awesome! Bluejacket-Flint YMCA afterschool care program children have a heart for the homeless! They raised enough money to feed 17 men, women or children staying at City Union Mission's Shelters. "We participate in a community service project every month to help the children recognize the needs in our community and learn the importance of giving back," said Cristy Austin, director of the YMCA afterschool program. "The kids who participated in this drive really felt good about making a difference." The children had an opportunity to learn more about City Union Mission by having a speaker visit them. "They learned more about the programs we provide to poor and homeless and they got a chance to see what it is like to hang out at the Vanderburg Youth Center and Camp CUMCITO. In addition, they heard about the lives that are changed at City Union Mission," said Shawna Ketter, Corporate Relations Specialist. "City Union Mission is so proud of them for giving back to those that are less fortunate!" Do you have a heart for the homeless? Click here, to find out about ways you can give back. Bluejacket-Flint YMCA Kids are Awesome! C U Mission http://cumission.org/nid478-news_details.htm Guitarist Charles David Smart shares talent to benefit Homeless! "Thank you for the start of a new life! It means a lot to me." -Richard "Thank you for your donation to City Union Mission. This has enabled my family to have food to eat and a place to sleep. I'm thankful to be learning new life skills. God Bless You!" -Dana "Coming to the Mission has given me a second chance." -Bill "Thanks for helping me gain stability in society and keeping me out of prison." -Rick These are just a few quotes from the people who've had their lives changed at City Union Mission. "The poor have a very special place in God's plan. Part of that plan is for God's people to reach out with appropriate help. City Union Mission is one of His instruments for ministering to the poor," said the Reverend Daniel J. Doty, Executive Director. April 17th was the inagural "Women Who've Changed the Heart of City". Many people came together to help make this event a success and to bring "appropriate help" to those that are poor and homeless. One of those people was, Charles David Smart. We would like to send a special thank you to him for donating his time and musical talents to play for this event. Funds raised from this first annual event will be used to complete critical renovations to Camp CUMCITO (City Union Mission’s Camp in the Ozarks) in Warsaw, Missouri, where each summer up to 500 homeless or impoverished inner city children escape the grind of their daily lives and experience God’s unconditional love. Guitarist Charles David Smart has a real love for the Lord. Internationally known and classically trained, his Joy for Jesus is best expressed through his musical artistry and testimony with inspired worship and praise songs, favorite hymns, and timeless classics. Click here to visit his website and to find more information on upcoming performances. Please let him know that you appreciate his support of City Union Mission. The Mission depends completely on the gifts of God's people--individuals, churches, groups, foundations and businesses who care about the poor and homeless. Do you want to join us in ministry to the poor and homeless? Click here to find out more information about volunteer opportunities. For other ways to get involved please click. Guitarist Charles David Smart shares talent to benefit Homeless! C U Mission http://cumission.org/light_main.htm City Union Mission - Light Magazine http://cumission.org/ard265-lgt50-light_article.htm Warmed with His Love Steve* remembers the night vividly: His boss from the carnival stopped the truck, threw everything Steve owned into the river and drove off. Steve’s entire life had been a roller coaster of extreme highs and lows. After his mom died when he was just 4, he lived overseas with his grandparents who were U.S. ambassadors. They had money to provide him anything a child could want. He earned a master’s degree at the London School of Economics and Political Science and got a great job back in the States. Then Steve was introduced to cocaine and heroin and started down a path of destruction that landed him in prison. Eventually, he ended up working for a traveling carnival. “I had every chance,” Steve shares. “Other guys were slinging dope at 12 because they had to. They had no choice. I made my choice. I blew it. I was consumed by so much shame and guilt.” And now here he was, standing in the middle of a bridge in Kansas City, penniless, lost and alone. Just after midnight that night, we welcomed Steve into the warmth and safety of our Men’s Center, where he spent three nights in our overnight shelter before joining our Christian Life Program (CLP). Here, Steve’s life has been transformed by the love of Jesus Christ reflected through our staff and his pastor at Raintree Community Church, Kenny. “I can see God’s love now,” Steve says honestly. “The things Jesus preached in the Bible, I see here (at the Mission.) They feed us, clothe us, take care of us medically—they are here for us. I’ve been given advice in life, but now there is a scriptural background to it.” As Steve progresses through each phase of the CLP, he depends upon his friendship with Kenny for support. From their first introduction, Steve says he felt Kenny’s acceptance. “There is nothing I can’t tell him … nothing that will keep him from loving me,” Steve says. “He doesn’t laugh at me when I ask questions.” This relationship of love and respect goes both ways. “Sometimes you see God’s hand in somebody’s life,” Kenny says. “Steve has such incredible communication skills, people skills. God has been preparing him for something great.” For his 41st birthday, Kenny and his wife baked Steve a cake. It was the first time anyone had celebrated his birthday in years and a reminder of just how far he’d come. “I was scared to death of homelessness,” Steve remembers. “I was that far from being under that bridge. I thought, ‘No one knows me. This is it. I could be dead or frozen and no one would know me.’ “It’s miraculous to think in six months,” he continues, “I have an overabundance of people who care about me! There are people in my life today who would be upset if I up and joined a carnival. I am unconditionally loved.” *Name changed to protect privacy. Warmed with His Love C U Mission http://cumission.org/ard266-lgt50-light_article.htm Connecting with You Dear Friends, My first memory of City Union Mission is coming with my church to conduct chapel service at the Men’s Center. I remember looking across the room and thinking, “These men have first and last names, personalities, skills, family. Everything I have - but because of life’s circumstances or poor choices, they are at the lowest point of their lives, staying in a rescue mission and searching for warmth.” Some 30 years later, homeless men still crowd into our facility to find warmth. Rest assured, the warmth they find is more than heat from a furnace; it is warmth that comes from a loving, caring staff and volunteers who show these hurting and discouraged men there is still great hope. Often I’ve shared the words from Fanny Crosby’s hymn Rescue the Perishing. They are fitting again here: “Down in the human heart crushed by the tempter, feelings lie buried that grace can restore; touched by a loving heart, wakened by kindness, chords that are broken will vibrate once more.” She was talking about me, our staff and volunteers, and compassionate friends like you! We are the loving hearts—we share the kindness—that can waken those buried feelings of dignity, confidence and hope. Right now, we are blessed to be building a wonderful new facility for men in our Christian Life Program (see below). But we are short the funds necessary to renovate our existing men’s shelter to accommodate the increased requests for our emergency services. Rev. Dan Doty and Christian Life Program members check out the progress on the new long-term recovery facility. Please pray fervently for God to lead His people to respond generously and sacrificially to this opportunity to serve the homeless and hungry in Kansas City. May God bless you for all you continue to do to reach the lost with His love. For His Glory,   Rev. Daniel J. Doty Executive Director Connecting with You C U Mission http://cumission.org/ard267-lgt50-light_article.htm God Is Doing His Stuff! “Since I’ve been here, I’ve come to realize this is the real deal,” says Gary Mountz, who joined our staff as director of men’s ministries in July 2007. “This is way beyond feeding people and preaching the Gospel. … Every day, 24-7, God is doing His stuff.” Gary remembers his biggest concern about working in a rescue ministry was having the compassion he would need for the job. The Lord took care of that! “He gave me the compassion I needed,” Gary shares matter of factly. “I’ve never wept so much in all my life. People come here saying, ‘We need help,’ and we are ready to give it to them. There is a real concerted effort to treat people as Jesus did.” Gary’s gifts in leading, managing and organizing are key to his ability to oversee our programs and services for men, especially with the opening of our new Christian Life Program building this spring. This facility will enable us to offer our 12-month, intensive, Bible-based recovery program to more than 100 men. The new Christian Life Program building is scheduled to open spring 2008 Please continue to pray God will work in the lives of men at City Union Mission who are in desperate need of His grace and mercy. Click here to view photos of the building project. God Is Doing His Stuff! C U Mission http://cumission.org/ard268-lgt50-light_article.htm Shelter, Food and New Lives Every man who walks through the doors of City Union Mission’s men’s shelter has a desperate need: shelter and food. For many of these homeless men, these basic needs are just the beginning of their desires. “There are men who come here who are crying out for help. They want to change. They want Christ,” says Greg Miller, chaplain at our men’s shelter. Other hurting souls are so consumed by their addictions or their circumstances, they truly can’t imagine anything else and simply want a bed to sleep in and food to eat. City Union Mission is not a place of enablement for people who have failed. Yes, we offer basic care for homeless people, but always with the message that we—with God’s help—are waiting to guide them toward success, toward lasting change! A homeless man gathers his belongings from his locker “The Mission is a ministry,” says Dorsey Williams, men’s assistant shelter administrator. “The first thing we ask each man is, ‘What can we do to help you?’” Through individual one-on-one counseling, our staff develops a plan and encourages each man staying in our overnight shelter to participate in Job Hunters, RECON or Special Arrangements—all geared toward equipping men with the skills necessary to live independent, drug-free lives outside the Mission. RECON, which stands for reconciliation, is a ministry that incorporates Bible study and life-skills training to help chronically homeless men get back on their feet. Job Hunters, in partnership with Goodwill Industries, assists men in finding employment. Then once the men have full-time jobs, they can participate in Special Arrangements, where they live at the Mission and are accountable to adhere to a budget and save money for rent and utility deposits for a home of their own. “I tell these guys [in our emergency shelter], ‘If you keep doing what you’re doing, you know the end result: broken homes and families. Just one time, try the results on the other side,’” Dorsey says. “The first four months Jim was here, he just wanted to get off the streets,” Greg relates. “Then one day in chapel, the Holy Spirit convicted him. Now he’s been clean two years and has a job. Through our Special Arrangements Program, he’s staying here and saving money so he can get his own place.” Men in the overnight shelter are assigned responsibilities around the Mission to encourage responsibility to self and others “You don’t know when an individual might cross over,” he adds. “The challenge is exercising patience.” The needs in our men’s shelter continue to increase. In the winter months, we house an average 250 men each night—five to six of whom are new to the Mission. That’s 35 additional men each week who find themselves homeless and desperate for help and hope. Our current shelter is overcrowded and in need of repair. These much-needed renovations are included in our Building the Walls that Rebuild Lives capital campaign projects, but this portion of the campaign is not yet funded. Please pray fervently regarding this; $2 million dollars is an enormous amount of money still to raise by mid-summer but we believe with all our hearts that what God has set before us, He will see to completion. The homeless men staying in our men’s shelter are definitely praying for this goal to be reached. When broken men come through our doors for a nourishing meal and a bed, we gladly meet this basic need because we know this is our first and greatest opportunity to wrap them in the love of Jesus Christ and to introduce them to new lives built on His promises. Click here for more information about Building the Walls that Rebuild Lives. Thank you for your support and prayers. Shelter, Food and New Lives C U Mission http://cumission.org/ard269-lgt50-light_article.htm Thanks for a Great Holiday Season KC! So many people shared great food, gifts, fellowship and love with the guests and residents at City Union Mission’s Men’s Center and Family Center. Though we’ve included just a few here, hundreds of individuals, groups and businesses participated. We are deeply grateful for your generosity. Thanks for making Thanksgiving and Christmas 2007 the best ever! City Union Mission teamed up with Hy-Vee, KCTV5 and countless people in our community to raise $56,466.39 to feed Kansas City's poor and homeless year-round. Burlington Coat Factory sponsored its first national One Warm Coat drive to collect clean, reusable coats and jackets for homeless men, women and children. As part of its national More To Share® hunger-fighting program, Cargill Meat Solutions, producers of Honeysuckle White® turkey products, donated 3,237.5 pounds of turkey to the Mission to help feed the hungry during the holidays. October 19, employees from GE Money, GE Transportation and GE Energy used their hard work and energy to complete several projects at our facilities. Christian Youth Theater presented a $$ check to the Mission during intermission of its benefit performance of Les Miserables. Kansas City Royals hall-of-fame second baseman Frank White, along with outfielder David DeJesus and other members of the organization, served a Thanksgiving feast to 250 guests at the Men’s Center and 100 guests at the Family Center. Thanks for a Great Holiday Season KC! C U Mission http://cumission.org/ard270-lgt50-light_article.htm Calendar of Events To learn more about the events listed below, call Ben at (816) 474-9380, ext. 1459. February 1-29 Have a Heart for the Homeless Challenge your coworkers, church members, classmates or civic organization to fill Have a Heart for the Homeless coin cards with quarters or dollar bills to help the Mission provide food and shelter for your homeless and hungry neighbors. Wednesday, February 6, 9 a.m.-9 p.m. BED & BREAD CLUB Radiothon Carter Broadcasting is teaming up with City Union Mission to help meet the homeless’ most basic needs—shelter (bed) and nourishing food (bread)—all year-round. To learn more about the stations participating, contact Carter Broadcasting at (816) 576-7103. Tuesday, February 12, 5 p.m. Empty Bowls Students at Shawnee Mission West High School will put their artistic talents to work to raise awareness about homelessness in Kansas City. Funds from the silent auction and soup supper will benefit City Union Mission. Sunday, April 6 6:45-7:30 a.m. – registration 8 a.m. – walk/run CrossRoads 5K Annual Walk/Run Put on your sneakers and walk or run to support this ministry. Sponsored by Midland Adventist Academy. Thursday, April 17 Women who Changed the Heart of the City Does your heart break for the homeless of our city? Are you ready to make a significant difference in their lives? Then mark your calendar and reserve your seat for this elegant luncheon event. Attendees will have an opportunity to give generously to support the Mission’s Building the Walls that Rebuild Lives capital campaign. Sunday, May 4 Bikers with a Mission Join motorcycle enthusiasts from around the area for this 19th annual ride for the homeless. Bikers will cruise the 100-mile ride and then enjoy a celebration at the Men’s Center. COMING THIS SPRING! Christian Life Program Building Ribbon Cutting Ceremony Celebrate the opening of our new Christian Life Program Building and take a tour! Calendar of Events C U Mission http://cumission.org/ard271-lgt50-light_article.htm Ways to Provide In the summer months, we use lots of bottled water and foot creams. The winter months bring a call for over-the-counter cold medications, warm coats and canned soups. But no matter the time of year, we always need bath towels, twin-size sheets, pillows, socks and underwear! Every night, an average of 250 homeless men sleep on beds with freshly laundered sheets in our men’s emergency shelter. That’s 250 sets of sheets and pillowcases that must be washed 365 days a year! And before the men turn in for the night, they must take hot showers and dry off with clean towels before putting on clean underwear and socks. You can imagine the wear and tear this much use and laundering has on these items. And that’s why we always welcome donations of new towels, twin-size sheets, pillows, and packages of large-size socks and underwear. Can you help? Ask your workplace, Sunday school class or civic group to collect these basic items, then drop them off at our Men’s Center, 1108 E. 10th Street, between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Click here for a map and directions. Ways to Provide C U Mission http://cumission.org/ard272-lgt50-light_article.htm Join our Volunteer Ministries You can help change a child’s life by serving as a cabin counselor, a member of the activity staff or on the support staff at Camp CUMCITO this summer. We’re taking applications now for volunteer staff positions so we’ll know how many campers we can accept during enrollment in May. We won’t be able to accommodate all the kids who so desperately want to come to camp without the help of many volunteers. Men’s Ministry Opportunities Volunteers can provide seasonal decorations to spruce up the bulletin boards at the Men’s Center. Valentine’s Day Bring cheer to guests and residents when you decorate at the Men’s Center and Family Center for Valentine’s Day. 2nd Chance Thrift Stores Help keep our thrift stores organized when you volunteer to sort, tag and hang clothing. For more information, please call Pat at (816) 474-9380, ext. 1487 or e-mail PatB@cumission.org. Join our Volunteer Ministries C U Mission http://cumission.org/ard273-lgt50-light_article.htm 2007 Christmas Outreach of Hope 534 total families served 3,043 total people who received gifts 16,317 total gifts received 800 prisoners received gifts 176 nursing home residents received gifts 327 homeless men, women and children received gifts 16 children of men’s recovery program members received gifts 1,724 community poor received gifts 2007 Christmas Outreach of Hope C U Mission http://cumission.org/Tune_Radio.htm City Union Mission - Media Programs http://cumission.org/mid45-MediaDetails.htm Christian Life Program Facility How will the new facility impact the men on the Christian Life program? Christian Life Program Facility C U Mission http://cumission.org/mid43-MediaDetails.htm 6th CrossRoad 5K Walk Run Karen and Tammie tell listeners how they can "put their soles into helping the homeless" by registering for the 6th annual CrossRoad 5K Walk/Run! 6th CrossRoad 5K Walk Run C U Mission http://cumission.org/mid44-MediaDetails.htm 2008 CrossRoad 5K Hear how you can "put your soles into helping the homeless" by registering for the 6th annual CrossRoad 5K Walk/Run! 2008 CrossRoad 5K C U Mission http://cumission.org/mid41-MediaDetails.htm Radiothon 2008 Morning Show Did you miss our first radiothon?  Julee on KPRS Hot Jamz set the tone for the day.    Radiothon 2008 Morning Show C U Mission http://cumission.org/mid42-MediaDetails.htm Radiothon 2008 Interview with Dennis Chapman Sean on KPRS Hot Jamz continues Radiothon day excitement.  This segment features his interview with Dennis Chapman, Associate Executive Direcotor of Development. Radiothon 2008 Interview with Dennis Chapman C U Mission http://cumission.org/mid39-MediaDetails.htm You Can Do It! Is it really possible to change?  Gertha knows it is.  Her story is one of victory as she finds courage and strength in Jesus with the help of the caring staff at City Union Mission.  You Can Do It! C U Mission http://cumission.org/mid38-MediaDetails.htm I'm just so grateful! Where is hope?  This single mom tells her story of how and where she found the Giver of hope. I'm just so grateful! C U Mission http://cumission.org/mid34-MediaDetails.htm Building the Walls that Rebuild Lives In the Book of Nehemiah, families, each taking a section, rebuilt the walls of Jerusalem in 52 days from what was once seemingly useless burnt rubble and stones. In much the same way, Dan Doty explains how God calls City Union Mission to rebuild lives once deemed broken and useless. Listen to this one-minute message to learn more about the Capital Campaign, Building the Walls that Rebuild Lives. So they said, "let us rise up and build." Then they set their hands to this good work. Nehemiah 2:18 Building the Walls that Rebuild Lives C U Mission http://cumission.org/mid35-MediaDetails.htm Christ's Hands to the Poor and Homeless Pastor Paul Brooks, Senior Pastor of First Baptist Raytown asks, "How many of you know that God uses His people to accomplish his ministry and that God's heart is close to the afflicted?" For 83 years, City Union Mission has been Christ's hands to the poor and homeless offering the gospel of hope as well as food and shelter and a way back to productive living. The Mission has until the end of this year to meet a challenge to complete their building campaign called Building the Walls that Rebuild Lives. So they said, "let us rise up and build." Then they set their hands to this good work. Nehemiah 2:18 Christ's Hands to the Poor and Homeless C U Mission http://cumission.org/mid32-MediaDetails.htm The Challenge and Blessing of Serving Men in Need Greg Gay has served at City Union Mission since October of 2000. He has held positions as an Assistant Administrator and Part-Time Counselor. He then served as a full-time counselor before selected as the new Christian Life Program Administrator in August 2007. He discusses the challenges and blessings associated with serving in this capacity in City Union Mission's ministry to the poor and homeless men of Kansas City. The Challenge and Blessing of Serving Men in Need C U Mission