UGM Dallas April 2022 Newsletter

SEARCHLIGHT

UGMDALLAS.ORG | 214.637.6117 /UGMDALLAS

APRIL 2022

@FACESOFUGMDALLAS

MESSAGE FROM THE CEO The wonderful homeless people that we minister to have battled with many things these past two years and continue to struggle. While maintaining food, shelter, and clothing are constant struggles, these are only a fraction of what the homeless are working through. This past month, we have had an additional 100 men, women, children, elderly and veterans come through our doors. We thank all our wonderful donors for helping UGM serve them. We’ve been able to serve homeless men, women, and children for over 75 years because of your support. Our mission is to continue to minister the word of God while providing life changing services.

As we jump into spring, we are excited to see more of our volunteers return and be a part of the mission field at home. From counselors and chapel providers to kitchen volunteers, your service is helping us to minister to the people we serve. Now is a wonderful time to get involved with UGM through volunteering, prayer, in-kind and monetary donations. Because of what you’ve done, we have people who have jobs, started new careers, and have a brighter future. Thank you for making a difference in these people lives.

BRUCE BUTLER, CEO Chief Executive Officer

DISCIPLE TESTIMONY KELSEY Kelsey came to UGM Dallas during the pandemic. He immediately joined the discipleship program. Kelsey states that the discipleship program works, but you’ve got to work the program and allow God to work through you. Kelsey has put in that work. He completed his training assignments, consisting of bible study and life skill classes, and began working under the leadership of our food services director.

Now, Kelsey is employed as the manager of the UGM Dallas men’s shelter kitchen. Recently, he received a donated truck and will soon transition to independent living. Kelsey states: “The donations have been a blessing to me. There are many people that feel like they don’t have anyone to support them.

Men, women, and children need a place like this.”

To make a one-time donation or provide life-changing monthly support, visit ugmdallas.org

P L E A S E M A K E A G I F T O R M E M O R I A L TO D AY !

Please mail the form below or visit ugmdallas.org

GIFT

Help feed, clothe, and shelter the hungry and homeless at UGM Dallas.

Enclosed is my gift of: $25 $50 $80 $120 $175 $250 Other $_____  I WOULD LIKE TO MAKE THIS A MONTHLY DONATION I would like to make my gift as a memorial or in honor of someone.  IN MEMORY of ____________________________________________  IN HONOR of ____________________________________________ Name of family to be notified of your memorial gift.

Name______________________________________________________ Address ____________________________________________________ City/State/ZIP ________________________________________________

2203SLD2

METHOD OF PAYMENT (Please Print) • Credit Card Payment  Visa  Mastercard  Discover  AMEX Name _____________________________________________ Address____________________________________________ City________________________ State____ZIP____________ Card #: ____________________________________________ Expiration Date____________3-digit SEC Code:_____________ Signature ___________________________________________ • Check Please make your check payable to the Union Gospel Mission and return it with this form in the enclosed self-addressed envelope.

We will send you a receipt for your tax-deductible gift.

Mail to: Union Gospel Mission 3211 Irving Blvd., Dallas, TX 75247 (214) 637- 6117

CURRENT NEEDS If you are looking for ways to give, we have posted a list of our needs on our website.

Please visit ugmdallas.org/donate-goods We appreciate any and all donations.

Volunteer to “Serve in Your Own Backyard” VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT Tom Duke Welcomes Homeless Men with the Gospel

CO M E S E RV E W I T H U S !

Beginning in 2001, the first face homeless men entering Union Gospel Mission Dallas saw was that of volunteer, Tom Duke. He began volunteering at the intake center before becoming a chaplain under Brother “Bill” Thompson.

When asked how UGM Dallas is helping the community, Mr. Duke replied, “I was deeply impressed by the commitment of Union Gospel Mission to proclaim the gospel to homeless men, to men who had experienced tragedy and crisis. They couple the preaching of the gospel with practical, effective help. For over 20 years, I have seen first-hand, the Christ-centered commitment of Union Gospel Mission to serve the Dallas community. The one constant has been the priority the gospel and demonstrating the love of Christ.”

During his time as chaplain, Mr. Duke has seen the Lord change lives. “I have come to understand that the Lord converts one man, one woman, one boy, one girl at a time.

He transforms their lives and makes each of their lives beautiful for His namesake. That is the impact that UGM is having.”

Mr. Duke encourages others to get involved as an opportunity “to pour out sacrificially to people as part of this Christ-centered ministry.”

As we surpass the two-year mark of the COVID-19 pandemic, UGM Dallas is excited to be up and running as we open the door to welcome volunteers back into our facility. We are excited to announce a new program and opportunity as we work with local churches to launch our “Missionary in Your Own Backyard” programs. With many churches suspending their mission trips due to travel restrictions, we are creating opportunities to minister in your own backyard.

Volunteer Opportunities: Opportunities to serve include: • Vacation Bible School - host a VBS this summer with our Center of Hope Children • Building Projects • Event Programs such as Ladies’ Retreat, Men’s Retreat, Mother’s Day Tea, Father’s Day BBQ and Revivals • Up & Running Again Running Partner- Walk/Jog/Run along-side participants, encourage participants as they train, keep time and distance • Food Services- prep and serve food, kitchen cleaning • Chapel Provider- share the message of God’s love during our chapel services Contact Tonya Johnson, Volunteer Coordinator, for more information at 972-674-1314 or volunteer@ugmdallas.org.

W H AT K I N D O F L E G A C Y A R E YO U B U I L D I N G ?

Much of our lives are spent raising families, building careers, and preparing for retirement. We all want to be remembered fondly. Are you building a legacy that aligns with the values you most want to express? You can leave: A legacy of provision. An up-to-date estate plan is not only good stewardship of the resources you’ve been given – it establishes a plan to ensure your loved ones are

provided for and any minor children will be raised by the guardian of your choosing.

A legacy of love. Many people are incorporating the idea of an “ethical will” into their estate planning. An ethical will passes along the riches of the heart. Personal letters, special family stories, affirmations of love, and your own life stories make an ethical will a rich and enduring gift.

A legacy of generosity. What causes and ministries have you felt connected to

throughout your life? Would you consider leaving them a gift in your will? Planning a legacy gift to Union Gospel Mission Dallas is a powerful way to communicate your values and inspire loved ones to consider their legacy as well.

For the full version of this article, request a FREE copy of “Consider the Power of Your Legacy” by contacting our office at (214) 637-6117 or info@ugmdallas.org or bless your family today with a God-honoring Will at ugmlegacygifts.org.

UNITY – ENCOURAGEMENT – DEPENDANCE UNION GOSPEL M I S S I O N I M PAC T I N T H E G R E AT E R DALLAS AREA October 2021 to February 2022

50,452

206,696 Meals Served

Nights Stay

19

32,007 Bible Study Attendance

Salvations

38,592

89

Current Disciples Chapel Attendance

We are partnering with an organization, Up and Running Again, to train and complete a half marathon with our residents. Up and Running Again is a faithbased organization that partners with rescue shelters across the country to complete half marathons. Their goal is providing a pathway to lifelong success through hard work, discipline, and teamwork gained through training, as well as the confidence, dignity, and hope gained by crossing the finish line. Currently, we have 24 residents and 7 staff members who have accepted the challenge to take on a 12-week training program for a half marathon. Training began February 14th and will end May 19th. The race, Fiesta de Mayo Half Marathon, will take place on May 21st in Irving, Texas.

We are excited to participate in this program to promote spiritual and mental fitness amongst our residents. Our runners have adopted the mantra: Unity, Encouragement and Dependence on God. This event is a wonderful opportunity for our ministry partners, like you, to be involved.

Please visit our website if you are interested in volunteering.

C O U N S E L I N G S E RV I C E S AT U G M D A L L A S

1,246

2,102

Counseling Hours Addiction Recovery Counseling Hours

85

Individuals Gainfully Employed

Mental health and substance abuse is a serious issue amongst our population. Anyone who experiences homelessness or has gone through significant traumas, like many of our clients, benefit from mental health and substance abuse counseling.

Recently, we have begun a partnership with North Texas Behavioral Health Authority (NTBHA) which provides access to resources for mental health and substance use disorders. In addition, graduate counseling students from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary (SWBTS) now conduct counseling sessions with our guests on a weekly basis. We are grateful to be able to utilize the NTBHA network to help our guests and SWBTS counselors to assist with support of mental issues and life challenges faced by our clients.

Transforming Lives to End Homelessness One Person at a Time MATCHED GIVING INCREASES YOUR DONATION UP TO 3X’S *up to $300K

When you make a donation this Easter season, it is multiplied 3x’s.Your $100 donation becomes a $300 donation. That donation goes beyond feeding and sheltering the homeless. It supports our licensed daycare so parents can receive job training to provide for their families. It allows veterans to receive assistance with available services and helps men receive skills training to find employment.

THE NEED IS URGENT. Join UGM Dallas in taking the hope of restoration and renewal to the streets of Dallas as we share the gospel with the homeless. Many times, we are asked by the homeless how we are able to do what we do for them. We share stories of donors, like you, that give so others might have a hot meal, hear the gospel and be reminded that there is hope for their future.

WILL YOU GIVE TODAY? Now you can partner with UGM Dallas as a monthly donor. We will send you a t-shirt so others can see your support and work being done to reach the homeless in our community.

A $20 monthly donation feeds a senior, a veteran or a child.

A $50 monthly donation provides a homeless person transportation to a life-changing job.

A $100 monthly donation provides a homeless family food, shelter and clothing.

To make a one-time donation or provide life-changing monthly support, visit ugmdallas.org/easter

SHOP FOR EASTER AT PROJECT VINTAGE RUNWAY Dresses · Shoes · Accessories Project Vintage Runway supports training and job placement.

Accepting donations of gently used clothing and accessories while also selling brand new high fashion collections. 100% of all proceeds benefit women and children who need a second chance at the UGM Dallas Center of Hope Women & Children’s Shelter.

Wednesday - Saturday: 10:00am - 6:00pm 2315 N Story Rd. Ste. 155, Irving, TX 75062

NOW YOU CAN TEXT TO DONATE Text LORD to 50155

Food Donations and Other In-Kind Donations

IN HONOR OF DONORS

IN HONOR OF

Patrick Ivey Clayton Morrow Janie Jackson Earl Burrell Amber Wegner Janet Fathy Suzy Edmonson Linda O’Mahoney Diedra Glapion Rebecca Farnsworth Elizabeth Boyle Kathleen Garland Earl Burrell

Rob Ivey Jesus Christ Jesus Christ Center Of Hope Staff Larry and Sylvia Camp Nell Stern Leilani Ticman Terry Omahoney Patricia Vaughn Christine Crossley Frank Boyle and the Ioni Creek Band Michael Weldon Christ’s Goodness

IN MEMORIAM

Thank you to our wonderful donors who give in-kind items which help offset our expenses.

Though there are many to thank, we would like to spotlight one of our wonderful supporters.

ANJANA We want to spotlight Anjana who donated a delicious dinner for the UGM Center of Hope Women and Children’s Center guests. Anjana is a 15-year-old student at Uplift North Hills Preparatory.

She loves cooking and giving back to her community.

She currently volunteers with refugee students from Bhutan, and in the past, she has organized bake sales to raise money for those in need. Anjana believes that little things can help, which is why she tries to give back as much as possible. She has even produced a cookbook consisting of her own original recipes that she has created over the last 4 years.

Anjana encourages others to give back, especially people her age and younger, because when they realize that giving back is good, the world will be a better place.

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DONORS

IN MEMORY OF

Chad-Kristi Baldwin Clyde Hayes Kenneth Hollingsworth Danny Walker Melissa McClain Jennifer Voss Robert Ray Philomena West Steven Zimmerman Patricia and Mark Redmond Lolette May Lori Collins Starlita Mckinzie Loretta Theus Loretta Theus Robert Middleton Charlita Kratz Nell Beck Barbara A. Bogan Edward McMichael Zach Davis Robert Middleton Paula Marzec Anthony Maffia Robert Middleton Hisashi Nikaidoh Florence Hogan Dana Cooper Bonnie Sindelar Steven Allen Graham McCarroll Michele Byers Diana Oudin Maria Mclean Louise Richards Colleen Nordhoff Dwaina Coens Nell Mitchel Sue Lord Valarie Roberson Jo-Anne Motteram Joseph Willis Richard Kamp Lindsey White Pamela Armstrong Elizabeth Underwood Cynthia Raspberry Barbara Simmons Jane Smith Jeff Holler Jean Stanbery

Madeline Nell Hargrove Madeline Nell Hargrove William “Bill” Thompson Madeline Nell Hargrove Madeleine Hargrove Rick Dirks Madeline Nell Hargrove Baron R Dennis Rick Dirks John Conatser John Gilbert Scott Mayo Darrius Caristandum Levender McKinzie Bessie Theus and Ann Blackwell Bessie Theus and Ann Blackwell Robert W Middleton III Sidney M. Smith Henry Beck, Jr. McKie D. Giles John Conatser Leonard “Rick” Frederick Dirks Jr. Robert W Middleton III Rick Dirks Rick Dirks Robert W Middleton III Dr. Hitoshi C. Nikaidoh Mary Leatherbury and William Joseph Hogan Hoby Trimpa Robert Lazarus Madeline Nell Hargrove Madeline Hargrove Virginia Kimbrell Donald Peterson James L Evans Gene Klump John Nordhoff Jeffrey Lawrence George Bixler Richard & Marc Lord Lavelle Monroe Edward Motteram William “Bill” Thompson Elaine Kamp Ms. Lyn Williams Mrs. Ardell Arlanthabe Ferguson Billy G. Underwood Sr. Ida M. Raspberry Beatrice Taylor Kenneth G. Smith Allen and Mary Mashburn Rembert Lechner