The Years Of Expansion - 1933 to 1954
There is no reasonable explanation for City Union Mission's existence apart from the approval of God"
--Rev. Maurice Vanderberg, Executive Director Emeritus
David Bulkley, 1918. YMCA Chaplain in World War One
In 1933, Dave purchased a 1000-acre tract of Ozark land near Warsaw, Missouri. Hundreds of homeless men traveled to the site to work, live and find meaning in their lives. Bunkhouses, a lodge, plenty of hard work and time for Bible study brought peace to those who sought the tranquility of "Opportunity Farm." Soon, Dave and Beulah organized summer camps for poverty-stricken children, ages 5-16. Today, Camp CUMCITO and Tot Lot continue to provide weeklong summer vacations to over 350 low-income children each year.
Maurice and Ruth Vanderberg
After David Bulkley's death in 1940, his wife took the helm. Her courage and trust in God's strength assisted her in running the growing ministry. In 1940, a young soldier stationed at Fort Leonardwood learned of the Mission through the Bulkley's only child, Ruth, now 20. As a result, his interest throughout the war years grew in both areas! When Maurice Vanderberg returned home from World War II, he married Ruth and the two moved to California where Maurice entered BIOLA University.
In 1954, Mrs. Bulkley contacted her son-in-law, now pastor of a growing church and asked him to take over the leadership of City Union Mission. The Vanderbergs moved their family to Kansas City, where Maurice began his life's career as Executive Director of City Union Mission.
The Vanderbergs created structured programs for men and families that offered long-term assistance in alcohol and drug rehabilitation. The Christian Life Program for men, instituted in 1954, has provided the basis for dozens of similar long-term men's programs nationwide. Ruth supervised and expanded the Mission's Family Service Department.
Children being helped by the Mission's Family Services
