City Union Mission: Good for Kansas City Since 1924

FIRST RESCUE, THEN RECOVERY
Peter never dreamt he'd find himself homeless. He grew up in affluence. He went to the best schools and universities. He became an investment broker - and a drug addict. Even though he had plenty of money, he became involved in insider trading and tax evasion. He was caught, convicted and went to prison.

When Peter was released from prison, he worked his way up the ladder in another profession, but after September 11, 2001, it become illegal for a felon to hold the position he had. He took a job with a carnival. He also took a good look at himself and didn't like what he saw.

"I wanted to leave," Peter says. "but the boss wasn't willing. He drove me to a bridge, and dumped all my possessions into the river."

A passerby saw Peter and told him to come with her. For reasons he can't explain, he did. She told him to go to City Union Mission. Once there, he was given encouragement for the first time in many years, enrolling in the long-term recovery program.

"I have a whole new life and it's better than anything I had before. City Union Mission not only rescued me, but now they are showing me a new way to live."

REACHING OUT
When Chris and his mom were going through a difficult time, they turned to City Union Mission.

"The staff helped us make it through, " Chris says. "I attended their youth programs and camp in the summers. My coach at the Mission was encouraging and interested in what I wanted to do and how well I was progressing in school. I had been on the receiving end of the school supplies' distribution City Union Mission does, so I wanted to be a part of it. Kids have a tough enough time in school these days without the added burden of not having the tools they need to succeed."

"I'm thankful for the growth I've experienced...many good times, lots of self-discovery. I learned what is truly important in life, like family, how to trust, what it means to respect others and myself. I'd really like kids who are struggling to know there's a light at the end of the tunnel. I'm thankful the Mission and the staff were there."

Chris now plans to attend college, majoring in aerospace engineering and astrophysics.

Sponsored by Harbinger Property Group.

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