(Kansas City, MO.) City Union Mission was recognized as "Certified Excellent" by Association of Gospel Rescue Missions (AGRM) in May 2006. Of the 300 rescue missions in the worldwide association, 20 have achieved this level.

Certifications granted by AGRM are valid for a period of five years. Before being eligible for the "Certified Excellent" a mission must have maintained at a level of, "Certified Mission." City Union Mission has met and maintained that level since 1988.

AGRM Executive Director, Steve Burger, said, "Like no other time in history, Christian ministries are subject to increasing scrutiny by both the general public and governmental authorities. Through the Growing Together Toward Excellence program, AGRM member ministries can demonstrate their Christian commitment to good stewardship, financial accountability, and integrity."

Lorraine Minor, Associate Executive Director of Programs & Administration for City Union Mission, agrees. She continues on saying, "Striving for excellence has obvious benefits for all concerned, and the process confirmed that we were on track for integrity and progress."

In order to attain to this level a rescue mission is truly set apart. City Union Mission had to meet thirteen stringent criteria in order to achieve this. Mrs. Minor said, "Meeting these criteria was important to us because it represents City Union Mission’s heart to do the utmost we can for Christ. In the 82 years we’ve served we’ve been blessed with visionary leadership, first with our founder, Rev. David Bulkley, then with Rev. Maurice Vanderberg, and now with Rev. Daniel J. Doty. We are ever mindful that each man, woman, and child that comes through our doors is a creation of God, and as such has innate value and dignity. We strive to reflect this in our program development and analysis, our relationship with the local community and our staff, and resource development."

"This certification is much more than an award. It is proof positive of the intentional planning, evaluating, and vision casting process that City Union Mission internally submits itself to." Mrs. Minor reflected, "We have frequently been a reference point for Missions in other cities who come to review our practices. This review of what we do and why we do it was very helpful in pressing toward the future."