"You helped me turn my life around and I can’t say thanks enough.”

We were blessed to visit with a past client, Merrill, recently.  This young man did not complete the Christian Life Program here at Opportunity Farm.  He actually was released from the program twice.  He served some time in the Missouri Department of Corrections, and yet because of the impact the program had on him, he got his life turned completely around.
  

No longer on drugs, Merrill is attending college, working out – getting healthy in spirit, mind and body.  He has lost about 65 lbs and has a great outlook and stops by from time to time to say, “Thanks, I needed the discipline you gave me. You didn’t let me get by with my manipulations and you held me accountable and responsible.  You helped me turn my life around and I can’t say thanks enough”.

We are grateful to have our past clients check-in with us to share how they are doing.  They not only encourage us as staff, but also are an encouragement to the other men currently enrolled in the program.  

(Submitted by David Busick, Administrator of the Mission's Christian Life Program at Opportunity Farm in Warsaw, MO)

Sometimes We All Need a Refresher!

Because of my position at City Union Mission I had the opportunity to remain in contact with a graduate named Eric, who was really struggling.  He kept coming around and God allowed me to minister to him physically by helping him get money for a bus pass and some medication he needed.  God also used me to speak words of truth to Eric.  He left, but God kept those words going through his head. 

The next time I saw Eric he said that he had spoken with the Christian Life Program Administrator and he was able to come back to the program on a refresher basis.  God has definitely changed him.  He is becoming more humble and submissive.  Through this process God has provided him with a job after several years of searching.  He is now choosing to stay in-house on the weekends rather than going back to the lifestyle and choices he once knew.  I am so proud of him.  It is such a blessing to be a part of the Mission and witness such changes in these men on a daily basis. 

(Written by Donna Oster, Administrative Assistant for the Men’s Emergency Shelter at City Union Mission)

Hope is Ageless

It’s true; the City Union Mission is where men, women, and children go when there is no where else to go.  But, the Mission is so much more. We don’t want anyone who comes through our doors to return to a life of homelessness and hopelessness. One of the ways we make this assertion come to life is by way of Career Development. 

When a client of one of the Mission’s long term recovery programs is close to graduating, they begin to work with the Career Development Department.    The Mission does more that just help clients find a job, we help them chart a new life.

Case in point:  Mike, a recent graduate of the Christian Life Program.   At 50-something Mike was ready for a brand new start.  Bright, enthusiastic and friendly, Mike wanted to work with people in an organization that matched his enthusiasm and develop his gifts and talents.

We all know today’s job market is tough but there are bright spots.  Call Centers are springing up nationally; and TMG is such a start -up here in Kansas City.  Working with the Full Employment Council, Mike recently interviewed with TMG and was hired to join the young company.  Mike is excited to help build the business, eager to contribute to society, and add his positive effect to the workforce.  Truly, a new future filled with both hope and purpose.  

(Written by Steve Sahl, a Career Development Specialist at City Union Mission)

The Price of Change

I meet men every day who regret the choices they have made in their lives. Some of these men are in their middle years whose lives are in shambles. As a counselor, I hear their stories of opportunities squandered and bridges burned. My heart aches for these men. I seek wisdom from God’s Word and all of the creative energy that the Lord gives to me to assist them to recognize choices and behaviors that will bless them and honor God. For those men who are ready and willing to do the things that are necessary for true, lasting authentic change I am overjoyed by being an eye witness to God’s redeeming grace!

I have had the privilege for serving in the Christian Life Program for a few years now and have come to see particular characteristics in the men who come to us.

Men who move on in their lives with peace and purpose came to us with a true desire for change. They have come to a place in their life where they have their fill with the consequences of the poor choices they have made in their lives. These men, as it turns out, are teachable and submissive to instruction. They recognize the wisdom that the Word of God brings to their world. They are willing to be candid with Program Staff who have shared from their own experiences of progress and failures. These men recognize that they themselves must read, accept, and put Truth into practice.  This is what has brought them to a place of blessing and satisfaction. Last, but not least, these men have been assimilated into the local Church!

It is almost predictable that the men who leave us prematurely and go back to the lives they were living, do so for the very opposite behaviors the other men had adopted.

These men were not yet ready, nor had a real desire for personal change. These men were not teachable.  They were not willing to allow themselves to be disciplined or instructed. The Bible had no place in their life; they did not recognize the value of its instruction for life. And – these men merely attended church and did not integrate with the community of faith.

For those who are willing to pay the price for a changed heart and a changed life, God will bring blessings of strength, resolve, and peace.  I cannot help but think of the man who sold ALL that he had for the ONE Pearl of Great Price.

'Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls, who, on finding one pearl of great value, went and sold all that he had and bought it.' -- Matthew 13:45-46

(Written by Kelly Dunn, Case Manager/Counselor for the Christian Life Program at City Union Mission).

Recent High Impact Volunteer Appointments

Praise the Lord!  Did you know that, during the last 6 weeks, the Lord has blessed us with the addition of 11 new High Impact volunteers? That is nearly 2 new volunteers per week! Please, praise the Lord with us for them!

• One - Assistant to the Family Shelter Manager
• One - Assistant to the High Impact Volunteer Administrator
• One – Cook’s Assistant
• One - Youth Coordinator Assistant – Vanderberg Youth Center
• Two - Family Night Hosts - Family Center
• Two - Learning Center Academic Assistants (1 CLP & 1 NLP)
• Three – Elementary School Tutors

Current Volunteer Opportunities

Presently, several of our Administrative Staff are seeking qualified volunteers to assist them with multiple ministry duties. The following volunteer positions are available:

•  Core Volunteer Administrator Assistant

This volunteer will assist the CORE Volunteer Administrator by providing support in the recruiting, selection and scheduling process of CORE volunteers. 

• Assistants to the Family Shelter Manager

These volunteers will assist the Evening Shelter manager with the operations of the shelter in ministry of the guests, by meeting their spiritual, physical and emotional needs.

• Christian Life Program Admin Assistant

This is a huge spiritual ministry of assisting in the Christian Life Program in related Administrative duties such as, administrative filing duties, word processing, data entry and general office duties.

• Driver for CLP Clients – Employment Related

CLP graduates find it difficult to secure gainful employment because they don’t have reliable transportation. The Driver ministry will overcome this obstacle. Drivers will take the graduate clients to work and then pick them up at the end of their workday.

• Facilities Director Executive Assistant

This volunteer will assist the Facilities Director with his administrative tasks to enable him to meet the spiritual, physical and emotional needs of the poor and homeless.

• Tutors – Vanderberg Youth Center

These volunteers assist students in daily homework and enhance critical skill development in necessary growth areas for the academic success of the student.

Please, contact James Smith at (816) 329-1469 or email him at james.smith@cityunionmission.org, if you would like more information regarding one of the above listed positions. An interested applicant may apply online at our website cityunionmission.org by going to the Volunteer Center to complete the appropriate application.  Thank you!

23rd Annual 'Bikers With A Mission Run For the Homeless' Benefit Ride May 6, 2012 (1st Sunday in May)

Each year 500+ bikers ride 100 miles, rain or shine, to provide eye glasses, utility assistance, dental care, bus tokens and so much more to those in need.

• For rider registration go to BWAM2012.org.  Minimum donation of $25 for rider or passenger and bring a can of green beans or corn to feed the homeless.
• We encourage bikers to ask friends and family to participate in this event by sponsoring them.  All proceeds help the homeless.
• Ride begins and ends at City Union Mission, 1108 E. 10th St., KCMO (corner of 10th & Troost)
• Event Day Registration: 9 am - 11 am; Program begins at 1 p.m.
• A custom made knife will be given away for the most pledges raised and funds collected.  All riders receive a ticket for prize drawings. Additional tickets will be sold until 1 p.m. on the day of the benefit for a custom made knife and a fireworks bundle.
• For more information just go to our website bikerswithamission.org, or you can call 816-329-1477 or 816-222-5053.
• Event Sponsor Opportunities available for businesses and organizations. Include Premier, Platinum, Titanium, and Chrome Levels.
• Go to bikerswithamission.org for more info or call 816-329-1477.