City Union Mission Reaching Out
A Doorway of Help
While many in the urban core do not need shelter or rehabilitation, they do sometimes need a place to turn for assistance. City Union Mission is that doorway of help - that cup of cold water in Jesus' name.
Community Assistance
The Mission provides extensive, compassionate service to low-income community residents. Relief efforts include the distribution of food, clothing, school supplies, household items, utility assistance, case management, help to find affordable housing, Life Skills classes and services to homebound elderly and disabled people.
Holiday Ministry
During the Thanksgiving and Christmas season, Mission supporters collect and donate thousands of pounds of holiday food for the low-income community. An established network of churches throughout Kansas City helps the Mission distribute this food to about 350 needy families who receive holiday baskets filled to the brim with a Thanksgiving feast.
Christmas allows us to reach out to hundreds of the poor and homeless through our Christmas Adoption Programs. Each year, the Mission works hand in hand with generous individuals, churches, schools and businesses to "adopt" low-income and homeless families and men, nursing home residents, children at the Vanderberg Youth Center, and Jackson County Jail inmates. With the help of volunteers, the Mission distributes over 12,000 new items and 160 food baskets during the Christmas season.
Vanderberg Youth Center
Children, ages 7 to 17, participate each week in Bible study, organized play, crafts, drama and homework tutoring at the Vanderberg Youth Center (VYC). Opportunities for growth abound as boys and girls learn through Life Skills classes, computer training, cooking and sewing classes, woodworking class, field trips, mission trips and other activities. The youth center staff and volunteers act as role models to the children who attend, helping them to develop responsible and godly attitudes toward themselves, their families and the community. Children living at the Family Shelter also participate in VYC activities. To learn more about the Vanderberg Youth Center, click here.
Camp CUMCITO
(City Union Misson's Camp In The Ozarks)
Low-income children throughout Kansas City benefit from the Mission's summer camps, Camp CUMCITO (City Union Mission Camp In The Ozarks) and Tot Lot. Each July, around 350 children, ages 4-16, spend a fun-packed week at camp, located near Warsaw, Missouri. Swimming, hiking, crafts and cookouts fill the day, while Bible teaching, drama, songs and campfires give kids new hope. Counselors surround the children with love and consistent discipline, teaching them about Jesus and a new life living for Him.
"Big Camp" is a sprawling campground complete with hiking trails, a swimming pool, and recreation hall for crafts, snack canteen, chapel and mess hall. Prior to camp, the children receive a physical exam provided by volunteer doctors - sometimes the only annual physical exam for many of the children. Children pay a registration fee of $5 to reserve their place at camp while donors pay the remainder of the cost for a week of camp for underprivileged children. Over 150 volunteers staff the camp as counselors, cooks, nurses, recreation and craft assistants, etc. Each child receives a week of love and consistent discipline, along with swimming, lake activities, campouts, hiking, Bible stories, dramas and sing-times, great food and one-on-one counseling.
"Tot Lot" is a unique camp "in miniature" for children ages 4-6. Children find it very comfortable - most adults do not! The children bring no luggage, because their clothing and toiletries are provided for them. Boys and girls sleep in dormitories and play on a one-acre playground while counselors watch over them. For many of these children, the things many take for granted are a big surprise! Each day begins with a visit to the clothing closet where little ones pick out pretty dresses and matching shorts sets. A visit to the flagpole for "The Pledge of Allegiance," exercise time and breakfast follow. After "the toothbrush brigade," the kids flock to the giant playground until Bible story and song time. Following lunch and naptime, the afternoon is filled with pony rides, swimming and tea parties. The day ends with supper, another story and quick shower before bedtime.
At both camps, the staff provides consistent love and discipline to children who may have no stability in their young lives. Dozens of children give their lives to Christ during chapel, at campfires and during quiet times with staff. After camp, children receive follow-up visits, activity packets and information about the Vanderberg Youth Center.
If you are interested in either volunteering at camp, or if you would like camper information, please click here.
