Newsletter Fall 2018
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s the holiday season approaches and we reflect on the many blessings and accomplishments of 2018, we also look forward with anticipation and hope for a new year, new opportunities and new disciples to mentor. In a recent visit to several of our facilities, I couldn’t help but stop and notice all the staff and volunteers busily working. I immediately thought of 1 Corinthians 12:4-7 that reads “There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work. Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.”
Each person that serves with UGM has a different gift and different abilities, but we are all working with one common goal -- to share the love and light of Jesus Christ and to help end homelessness one person at a time. Just like the human body requires all of the parts to work together to accomplish a task, it takes every staff member, volunteer and community partner working together to carry out the daily tasks at UGM. As we finish out 2018, we want to finish strong. Galatians 6:9 reminds us, “And “And let us not be let us not be weary in well doing: for in weary in well doing: due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” Every day I am encouraged as I see and for in due season hear stories of our disciples taking baby we shall reap, if we steps and sometimes giant leaps to getting faint not.” back on their feet. I am encouraged as I Galatians 6:9 see community partners so generously donating and getting involved with UGM. But mostly, I am encouraged as I see the person serving the Lord by pushing the broom, thinking it goes unnoticed, because they love Jesus and they love others. I noticed and so does the Lord. Have a blessed holiday season.
Bruce J. Butler, CPA | Chief Executive Officer
Meals Served OCTOBER Men: 444,692 Women & Children: 73,333
YTD 2018 TOTAL: 518,025
Salvations & Rededications OCTOBER Men Salvations: 236 Rededications: 583
YTD 2018 TOTAL Salvations: 266 Rededications: 592
Women Salvations: 30 Rededications: 8
Nights Stayed OCTOBER Men: 133,022 Women: 35,646
YTD 2018 TOTAL: 168,668
Disciples OCTOBER Men: 83 Women: 15
YTD 2018 TOTAL: 115
Jr. Disciple Program (Ages 4 & Up) YTD 2018 Total: 5
Brother Bill Thompson was a man whose life was well lived and created ripples in the lives of others. On September 24th, UGM Dallas hosted the 2nd Annual William M. Thompson Memorial Golf Classic at The Tribute Golf Club at The Colony. The 2018 fundraiser generated $60,000 to support the mission to which Brother Bill dedicated his life and hard work. Those attending and participating in the event enjoyed a first-class experience thanks to our many sponsors and volunteers. The event had numerous sponsors including churches, businesses and individuals. Players had the shot at a brand new car, donated by Classic Chevrolet, on a hole-inone on Hole 8. Additional hole-in-one prizes were available on holes 5, 11 and 14.
WINNERS 1st Place Team, 1st Flight
Veritex Community Bank Martin Thomas, Ed Jarrett, Dave Foster, Wayner Beeler
2nd Place Team, 1st Flight FLAVR Catering Michael Doherty, David Roberts, Worthey Wiles, Blake Bassett
1st Place Team, 2nd Flight
SPONSORS Breakfast Sponsor
Calvary Bible Church and Clyde Hargrove
Lunch Sponsor
Victory Fellowship Church
Shirt Sponsor Resource One
Cart Sponsor Padrino Foods
Dick Steele, Mike Cagel, Alan Basler, Mike McMahon
Hole-in-One Car Sponsor
Closest to the Pin
Logo Ball Sponsor
Rich Flaten
Longest Drive Mike Cagle
Senior Longest Drive Mike McMahon
Classic Chevrolet Insperity
Towel Sponsors
Black Rock Pottery & D2 Architecture
Platinum Sponsors
Veritex Community Bank, Dick & Diane Steele, Walter & Anne Waldie, C82 Commercial Key Performance Initiatives, Sheils Winnubst P.C., FLAVR Catering, The Purnell Family
Diamond Sponsors
Miller the Printer, Longhorn, Zetta Lync
Gold Sponsors
T. Frazier & Associates
Silver Sponsors
WBAP 820 Talk Radio
Hole Sponsors
Hal Carouthers, UGM Veterans Case Manager, Aegis Premier Solutions, Paul E. Allen Insurance Agency LLC
UGM Dallas and DART have a history that goes back 22 years as we have worked together to make a difference in the lives of the homeless. Most recently, DART’s contractor, HALLCON, hired nine UGM Dallas disciples to work as mainline train cleaners. Upon completion of the UGM discipleship program, which includes job and life skills training, these individuals were given the opportunity to regain financial independence. The salaried position with DART offers benefits after 90 days. One UGM disciple working for DART has already received a promotion which included a raise. “The self confidence and feelings of accomplishment our disciples receive when given job opportunities by communities partners like DART is just incredible,” commented Bruce Butler, CEO of Union Gospel Mission Dallas. “We continue to seek and work with local businesses to assist our disciples in finding jobs to match their skill set.”
UGM DALLAS
PARTNERS WITH WISELIFT Throughout the years, UGM Dallas has been blessed by businesses with a common vision to serve the community and meet the needs of the homeless. Most recently, UGM Dallas has partnered with WiseLift, designer of the most advanced lift chair, to provide our senior residents, veterans and even expectant mothers with a chair that offers therapeutic support and comfort. UGM Dallas received
eleven WiseLift 450 models, valued at $27,500, that offer assistance in transitioning from sitting to standing, heat and massage capabilities and multiple reclining positions including full sleeping positioning. These chairs provide needed relief for those who suffer from injuries, arthritis and lower back discomfort. We look forward to working with WiseLift in the years to come.
GRADUATION
Congratulations to all of our ladies at the Center of Hope Women’s and Children Center. You are great examples of God’s love. We are all so proud of you.
2018 UGM Dallas received a special visit from “President Austin,” a 4-year-old who is determined to feed the homeless in every major city across the U.S. He served everyone a delicious lunch from Church’s Chicken and FOX 4 was on hand to capture the event. Guests at UGM enjoyed the energy and amazing smile this kid shared with all that he came in contact with. Austin is getting a head start on his campaign trail by telling everyone he meets, “don’t forget to show love.” Learn more about President Austin’s campaign at presidentaustin.org
Check out Austin’s Interview with FOX 4
A Season of Thankfulness
Mary James, who performed at the Praise banquet, shared worship time with disciples at Center of Hope before returning to California
Disciple Vernon Goodman performing at 69th Annual Thanksgiving & Praise Banquet
CAMPAIGN L AUNCHES W ITH THE HELP O F MILLENIAL S
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n Friday, October 12th, a new Instagram campaign created by a committee of volunteer millennials debuted. The campaign titled, Faces of UGM Dallas tells real life stories of homeless individuals who openly shared their experiences. Our millennial social media committee shared insight on what their generation reads and shares on social media platforms. Their perspective helped organize the campaign and keep it focused on the humanity of the individuals. We hope this is just the start of engaging the next generation in picking up the torch and getting involved in worthy causes like ending homelessness. Below are examples of our campaign.
Please follow us @facesofugmdallas
North Texas Giving Day, held September 20th, is a one day online event in which donors can support numerous non-profit organizations across North Texas. This year, UGM Dallas was able to raise $156,816 through 738 generous gifts. Donors were once again able to schedule their donations prior to September 20th. For every dollar donated, UGM Dallas was able to match it up to $50,000 thanks to a generous donation grant.
COMMUNITY PARTNERS HELP UGM SHOW APPRECIATION TO VOLUNTEERS At UGM Dallas, we are extremely grateful for the incredible team of volunteers who give graciously of their time and talents. Each month we recognize our volunteers with a note of appreciation and a gift card to some of the best restaurants in Dallas. This would not be possible without the generosity of our community partners, which include Texas de Brazil, Off the Bone Barbeque, Asian Mint Restaurant Group and The Original Pancake House DFW.
DONATIONS AND VOLUNTEERS HELP UGM WITH BACK TO SCHOOL EVENT You could feel the excitement in the air as children gathered to receive their new backpacks filled with school supplies and new tennis shoes. The hope of a new school year offers a reection of the hope offered at UGM Dallas. We want to thank all those who so generously gave to make this a great school year for these children.