SEARCHLIGHT MARCH 2021
MESSAGE FROM THE CEO Spring is often a time that we think about new life and new beginnings. Here at the Mission, new life begins with the Gospel and a meal. We are thankful for you, our community, for it is through your generosity that we are able to transform lives from homeless to hopeful. Christ is the center of a changed life at the Mission. During this season, as we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ, we are reminded of God’s favor and sacrifice. We will always face trials, whether it be a winter storm or virus, but we can trust that we will overcome, one step at a time, through Christ. Thank you for walking with us as we step into this new season. We pray that this season brings new life and hope for you and all here at UGM Dallas. The flowers are springing up, the season of singing birds has come. - Song of Songs 2:12
BRUCE BUTLER, CEO Chief Executive Officer
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PRAISES We are only a few months into the new year and awesome things are happening. We are excited to expand our services thanks to our continued partnership with UT Southwestern and their Patient Navigator Program (PNP). This 15-month program is designed to connect individuals with available resources in Dallas that support their health and well-being. The program will help provide transportation access to and from appointments, improve communication with doctors and providers and offers resources to help with insurance, medications or social services. The program has been extremely successful, and we are thankful for this wonderful partnership. Another successful program is the Rapid Rehousing program that is benefitting 47 families. These families continue to grow, making great strides in various aspects of life. We continue to provide virtual Bible study, life skills classes and chapel services at both shelters. Some life skill opportunities include: participating in a virtual job fair for home healthcare and online certification trainings in cosmetology and insurance. We have made incredible strides in employment through these opportunities; 70% of our disciples are employed at this time. We have also resumed childcare services at the Crystal Child Development Center (CDC), located within Center of Hope, which provides childcare for our residents and the public who are considered low income. MARCH 2021 1 SEARCHLIGHT
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HOMELESS TO HOPEFUL JORGE Jorge has had his ups and downs throughout his life. After making many bad decisions, such as alcohol and drug abuse, Jorge found himself incarcerated. When Jorge was released from jail, he found his way to UGM. He spent two weeks as an overnight guest and soon decided that he needed to make the significant changes offered through the Discipleship Program. As a result of studying the Bible, Jorge realized that he needed to see beyond himself and to be of service to others. One of Jorge’s jobs in the program was to work in the kitchen. It is there that he learned to be dependable and accountable. Jorge is thankful for the mentorship he received from the UGM staff. He now works as support staff for the Mission’s veteran’s department and received his own apartment through the Rapid Rehousing program. Jorge said, “I have a relationship with my children again, and I am growing every week and every month. I really found true life again,” shared Jorge. “I’m thankful to the Mission that gave me the foundation to recover. The Mission showed me Christ, and Christ has given so much back. I love being a part of the Mission because I am able to touch people’s lives every day.”
YO L A N DA Yolanda’s journey was not a typical road to homelessness. A few years ago, she found herself in extensive debt.Yolanda said that she could see it coming but didn’t know how to stop it. During that same time, God said to her, “You got to go down before you can go up.” Over the next year, she attempted to cut expenses by giving up her lease to her apartment and staying with family. Then she learned about the Rapid Rehousing program.Yolanda has worked her entire life and has always been independent, so relying on others in this manner and being open to receive help challenged her.Yolanda explained that she was very prideful and was greatly humbled by this experience. She didn’t want to do the Rapid Rehousing program and never wanted to live off “the system” like she did as a child. Previously, she lived a normal life. She paid her dues to society and never saw herself being homeless.Yolanda is now a staff member at The Center of Hope. This job allows her to relate with the the clients she serves and gives her the time to refresh and regroup herself. Yolanda is so thankful for God to allow her to be here. 4
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Calvert Renovations We are so thankful to have been able to make many needed renovations to the restroom and laundry room at Calvert Place Men’s Shelter.
BEFORE
AFTER
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RESIDENTS RECEIVE C O V I D - 1 9 VA C C I N E S
We are so thankful for our friends at Parkland Hospital for issuing COVID-19 vaccinations to all of our residents. This, along with other health and safety measures, will allow us to continue to keep our residents safe.
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P U N C T U AT E YO U R L I F E WITH PEACE
Some families make surprising discoveries after a loved one dies. But not every revelation is an admirable one. Many children are stunned to discover they were omitted from their parents’ will – with no chance for an explanation. Not only is this bewildering and hurtful, it’s ultimately the last message a parent sends to their child. These heartaches can be avoided. Here’s where to start: 1. Construct a plan. Did you know 60% of Americans do not have an estate plan? Creating a will is actually a simple process but the impact is monumental. An up-to-date will can ensure your loved ones are provided for without additional expense and frustration.
2. Communicate your heart. Once you’ve created an estate plan, it’s important to explain the decisions you’ve made. Share about your personal values and causes or organizations you’ve cared about or included in your will, like Union Gospel Mission Dallas. 3. Collect information. Many people create a “love drawer” or “love file” to gather important information and documents their loved ones will need in the future. For the full version of this article, request a FREE copy of “3 Ways to Avoid Family Heartache” by contacting our office at (214) 637-6117 or info@ ugmdallas.org - or bless your family today with a God-honoring Will at uniongospelmission.org/ legacy-gifts MARCH 2021 1 SEARCHLIGHT
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The new retail store offers both high end and affordable fashions and accessories. Upon entering, customers will find full ensembles perfectly created for a job interview or an elegant event. Project Vintage Runway Boutique accepts donations of gently used clothing and accessories while also selling brand new high fashion collections. Proceeds from sales at the boutique benefit UGM Dallas Center of Hope Women & Children’s Shelter. SHOP
DONATE
VISIT US TODAY! 2315 N Story Rd. Ste. 155 Irving, TX 75062
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UNION GOSPEL MISSION Y E A R 2 0 2 0 I M PAC T I N T H E G R E AT E R D A L L A S A R E A
93,955
470,387
23
1,075
Nights Stay
Meals Served
Salvations
Rededications
90
Current Disciples 10
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PLEASE MAKE A GIFT O R M E M O R I A L TO D AY ! D O N AT E IN HONOR OF IN HONOR OF
DONORS
IN HONOR OF
DONORS
Bill Hickey Billy Hickey Bryan & Meg Brown Charles Mitchell Christians and future Christians Davey Davis David Stephenson Eugene Brown, Jr. Fred & Charlotte Ball Gene Eisen James R. Fisk, Sr. Janice Coker Jesus Jesus Christ Leroy Kinman Lonnie Ray Downs Mamie Peterson
C. Malcolm Holland Christin Brown David Phillips Earl Burrell Lorri Deems Christin Brown Iris Podolsky Josephine Brown Denny & B.R. Holman Tim Riddle Mr. James R. Fisk, Jr. Al Coker Clayton Morrow Mr. William Luetge Brent Kinman Sara Akers Marcus Peterson
Marjie Wearden Niceto Tiongco, Jr. Ocie & Irene Rodgers Pastor Bruce Phyllis Gill Raymond Weiss Rickey Brown Robert & Mary Shoemaker Robert Daglish Shanawaz Abdul Khader and Shehetaj Abdurrahim Terry OMahoney Tom Mix Tommy Easton Varsha Menon Zane Gulick
Rick Fleming Rosa Viloria Mrs. Betty Nelson James Hahn Christopher Kidd Raymond Johnson Madonna Brown Edward Shoemaker Mr. & Mrs. Paul W. Conant Guthbudeen Abdurrahim Linda OMahoney Sharron Daly Bridget B. Easton Meena Alath Julie Meylor
IN MEMORIAM IN MEMORY OF
DONORS
IN MEMORY OF
DONORS
Betty Ruth Radford Betty Ruth Radford Bill Thompson Bill Thompson Bruce McCullough Clara Keeble Dan Millet Darrius C. L. McKinzie Eileen B. Seymour Eva Mae Venters Gene Eisen Gene Eisen Gene Eisen Hitoshi Nikaidoh Homer Martinez Homer Martinez Jesus Reynoso Kent Caldwell Keri Markham Kim Harris
Patrick Ivey Troy Smith Webber & Vicki W Beall, III Calvary Bible Church Mr. Nancy McCullough, Jr. Judy Burns Patricia S. Jackson Star McKinzie Ms. Barbara Brown Brenda J. Love Brian Arterbury Gary Brown Barbara Hinsley Dr. & Mrs. Lynn Nikaidoh Mr. William Robbins Jane Echols Jose Daly Carolyn Wolf Christopher Markham Patti Pagels
L.L. Cotter Linda Murphy Lonnie Downs Lonnie Ray Downs Lonnie Ray Downs Lonnie Ray Downs Margaret Flynn Marilyn Stutts Martha Sue Mitchener Marty Mitchener Marty Mitchener Nancy Davis Phillip Green Remedios Escano Richard and Marc Lord Robert W. Middleton, III Ruth Malone Burroughs Stephanie Moore William (Bill) Thompson William Joseph Hogan
Melville M. Brown James Murphy Carrie Weeks Janet Noonan Jerry Kiefer Matthew Gast Mary Beth Flynn Janet Stutts Karen F. McJimsey Larry & Lynn Prichard Diane McGowen Maude T. Collins Glenn Green Joseph Escano Sue Lord Robert Middleton Condy and John Salling Stephen Ray Mr. & Mrs. Joseph S. Willis Florence Hogan
CURRENT NEEDS If you are looking for ways to give, we have posted a list of our needs on our website. We appreciate any and all donations. GIVE NOW
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