City Union Mission

City Union Mission http://cumission.org/ City Union Mission: Latest News City Union Mission:. City Union Mission <info@cumission.org> City Union Mission http://newsite.cumission.org/favicon.ico http://cumission.org/ City Union Mission: Latest News http://cumission.org/ City Union Mission http://cumission.org/news.php?act=news_details&n_id=547 Eagle Scout Badge Project Benefits Poor or Homeless Nate Hixon chose to do a project on behalf of City Union Mission for his Eagle Scout Badge. “I thought of City Union Mission because I’m also involved with Christian Youth Theater, who has a partnership with the mission. We’re doing a benefit performance of Joseph & the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat Saturday, November 22nd for both of our organizations. And also I’ve known about City Union Mission for a long time and love what they do. I wanted to do something to benefit people here locally.” His parents, Kim and John, told us, “We are so proud of our son. This has been an amazing blessing for us. We’ve got a good boy.” Nate set up a table at the Walmart store, located on 119th and Metcalf, for 3 days, October 28th, 29th, and 30th. He passed out fliers explaining to customers how they could be a blessing to the poor or homeless who come to City Union Mission’s Centers seeking services. Walmart’s customers and workers all pitched in with donations of bath towels, twin sheet sets, fitted sheets, flat sheets, pillow cases, wash cloths, blankets, and hand towels that filled up a pick up truck to overflowing! “Some donated cash. We ended up with a $1000, so we were able to purchase more of the linens,” said Nate. Nate is with Boy Scout Troop # 108 in Overland Park, Kansas. This will qualify him for the coveted Eagle Scout Badge. If you or your group would like to find out how to partner with City Union Mission on behalf of the poor or homeless, please click here.  And to find out more about the benefit performance of Joseph & the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, please click here. You are God’s Plan for the Poor or Homeless! Eagle Scout Badge Project Benefits Poor or Homeless C U Mission http://cumission.org/news.php?act=news_details&n_id=545 City Union Mission Shares with Gaudalupe Center Gaudalupe Center expected a donation of 22 turkeys for the Thanksgiving feast they provide each year to about 800 men, women, and children. Unfortunately that donation fell through and they had to find another way to obtain the turkeys. Sonya Lopez from the Center said, “We were counting on this donation but understand how the economy is really impacting our donors’ ability to give. I shared our dilemma with our representative from US Foods, Mark Woodworth.” “I just mentioned it to Jon Capp at City Union Mission and he said he thought they might be able to help the Center out,” Mark said. “I just want to thank them for assisting Guadalupe Center at this time. It’s a bit scary thinking about how the people who rely upon them for this Thanksgiving feast each year would be cared for.” “It means so much to us that City Union Mission would share with us. Our families have come to depend upon us for their Thanksgiving. We are very pleased and very grateful,” said Sonya. “We know what it’s like to have this kind of thing happen. None of us want to have to turn someone away who needs our help. And the fact is many of us are just one paycheck away from relying upon area missions and centers for the basics. We’re all seeing an increase in the demand for services, especially food,” said Jon Capp, Associate Executive Director of Physical Operations. “We’re just thankful that we had the turkeys to share and that this is working out.” Guadalupe Center, Inc. (GCI) is dedicated to improving the quality of life of Latinos throughout Metropolitan Kansas City and all residents of the Westside communities through development, administration, and coordination of comprehensive educational, social, cultural, and recreational services. Their address is 1015 Avenida Cesar E. Chavez, KCMO 64108. If you would like to find out how you can partner with City Union Mission this Thanksgiving and Christmas season please, click here. You won't believe the blessings you will receive from sharing what you have with those less fortunate. You are God's Plan for the Poor or Homeless! City Union Mission Shares with Gaudalupe Center C U Mission http://cumission.org/news.php?act=news_details&n_id=546 More To Share!     As part of its national More To Share® hunger-fighting program, Cargill Meat Solutions & its parent company, Cargill, Incorporated, is donating 3,888.8 pounds of turkey to City Union Mission to help feed the hungry of Kansas City during the holidays. The donation was made in cooperation with Honeysuckle White turkey’s valued grocery partner, Price Chopper. City Union Mission will pick up the turkeys November 13th, 9 am, at Cosentino's Price Chopper located at 8700 E. 63rd Street, KC, MO 64133. City Union Mission is among the 27 charities across the country to which the More To Share program will donate turkeys this year. Nationwide, the company plans to deliver more than 105,000 pounds of turkey to charities to help feed hundreds of thousands of people in need this holiday season. “We sincerely appreciate the commitment and generosity of the Honeysuckle White turkey More to Share program,” said Dan Doty, Executive Director of City Union Mission. “The demand for food to feed the poor and homeless continues to grow.  The annual donation of turkeys helps us feed many people who otherwise might not have turkey at Thanksgiving.” Please click here to read more about how this donation will bless the poor and homeless in Kansas City. According to the Second Harvest National Food Bank Network, about one in 12 people in the United States relies on food pantries, soup kitchens, and other food distribution programs for survival. And less than one percent of all food donated to food-related charities is meat, poultry, or fish. The producers of Honeysuckle White turkey created the More To Share program to help fill that void.    “Cargill is proud to provide turkeys to many individuals and families in need again this year, in hopes that a nice, hot turkey dinner will make their Thanksgiving a bit brighter," said Amanda Pokorny of the Honeysuckle White and Shady Brook Farms More To Share® program.  "However, charities, such as our partners, also need money and volunteers. Our donation, in cooperation with Price Chopper, is a starting point. We challenge other businesses and individuals to also help fight hunger in any way they can.” Since the More To Share program began 13 years ago, it has donated approximately 1.2 million pounds of turkey to charities across the country.  This is the 12th consecutive year City Union Mission will receive Honeysuckle White turkeys to help feed its guests.  For more information about the Honeysuckle White® turkey More to Share® program, please click here. If your business or organization would like to learn how you can partner with City Union Mission, please click here. You are God's Plan for the Poor or Homeless!                                                         More To Share! C U Mission http://cumission.org/news.php?act=news_details&n_id=543 AUCTION On November 9, 2008 at 11 a.m. an Auction will be conducted in a tent in the parking lot of City Union Mission's Second Chance Thrift Store located at 7740 S. Wornall, KCMO 64114.  A wide variety of donated merchandise will be available for sale to the highest bidder. Viewing of merchandise and bidder registration will begin at 10 a.m. Sale will begin at 11 a.m. and continue until all merchandise is sold. Refreshments will be available. Antiques Tools and Workshop Equipment Bric-a-brac Furniture 100’s of  Cartons of Miscellaneous Items Metal Shelving & Store Shelving TERMS OF SALE: o A valid drivers license will be required to receive a bidder number. o Cash and valid credit cards will be accepted forms of payment.  No checks! o No merchandise may be removed from premises until full payment is made. o Purchased items must be removed from premises by 5 p.m., Nov. 9, 2008. Auctioneer: Marvin Woods For more information about the auction, please call 816.444.8883. And for directions to the store, please click here. If you would like to know more about our Second Chance Thrift Stores, please click here.   AUCTION C U Mission http://cumission.org/news.php?act=news_details&n_id=544 Meet our New Church Relations' Specialist "I'm Linda Jeffries and I am so blessed to be serving with you as the new Church Relations Specialist. I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself and tell you a little bit about my background." "My previous experience includes working with the San Diego Rescue Mission, located in Southern California. Both my husband and I served on staff. I managed an emergency crisis shelter for women and children, while my husband served as chaplain for the men’s recovery program. My husband and I are both committed to the work of the ministry." "In 2004 we believed God called us out of California and to the Midwest. Shortly after our arrival the Lord blessed us with the wonderful news that we were having a baby. For the past 3 years I have been enjoying the ministry of motherhood with our son. However, the burden that God placed on me for the poor, broken, and addicted continued to tug upon my heart. I am so pleased for the open door to serve here at City Union Mission." "My family and I reside in Lawrence, Kansas. We are members of Victory Bible Church where my husband serves as Youth Pastor and leads worship while continuing with his seminary studies. I look forward to getting to know you and serving with you at City Union Mission!" If you would like to find out how you and your church can partner with City Union Mission in the ministry to the poor or homeless, please click here. And for more information about City Union Mission, please click here. You are God's Plan for the Poor or Homeless! Meet our New Church Relations' Specialist C U Mission http://cumission.org/news.php?act=news_details&n_id=542 City Union Mission - Last Week Mission: Christmas11/01/2008Mission: Christmas formally Presence of Love November 1 to December 13 As we prepare for this years Christmas season we have put together families to adopt that represent the families we are planning to serve this Christmas. Each family member gets about $50 worth of gifts and each household gets one household item and food basket. If you are interested in adopting a family or providing funds to have gifts purchased for a family please contact Ben at 816 474 9380 ext 1459 or ben@cumission.org to sign up. Items can be dropped of at City Union Mission Family Center 1310 Wabash St., Kansas City, MO Monday - Friday 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM Each Family Receives : 1 Household Gift and food basket Adults receive 2 Gifts and 3 Stocking Stuffers Teenagers receive 2 Gifts and 3 Stocking Stuffers Child receive 3 Gifts and 3 stocking stuffers   Gift Ideas: Household Gifts: crock pots, griddles, irons, toasters, toaster ovens, towel sets, pots and pans, cookware, quilts, sheet sets Adult Gifts: tool sets, cologne sets, watches, bath & body, candles, jewelry, dress shirts Teenage Gifts: CD Players, MP3 Players, Clocks, DVD Players, twin size blanket, pair of khaki pants for school, board games, cologne, watch Child Gifts: handheld electronic games, remote controlled toys, Hot Wheels/Matchbox cars, action figure, a blue school uniform shirt, baby dolls Infant Gifts: baby blanket, some onesies, soft infant toys   Stocking stuffers: Pacifiers, Bottles, Baby Wipes,Bibs, Individual Hot Wheels/Matchbox cars, Packages of Bouncy Balls, Markers, Crayons, Coloring/Activity Books, Winter Hats, Gloves, Play makeup, Crayons, Markers, Coloring/Activity Books, Stickers, Beanie Animals, Small/Travel size cologne/aftershave, Manly smelling hand cream/lotions, Small/Travel size perfume, Votive candles, candle holders, Small/Travel size Bath & Body creams, Small pocket knives, Stationary sets, Kitchen Utensils (spatulas, turners, spoons, etc.)   To donate towards this need financially please click here. Please make sure that you put Mission: Christmas in the comments box.   City Union Mission - Last Week C U Mission http://cumission.org/news.php?act=news_details&n_id=541 Web Banquet Raises $40,000 For the third year a web banquet kicked off City Union Mission’s Celebrate Hope Campaign, an annual effort to raise nearly $3.65 million, half of its annual budget. The campaign ends January 31, 2009. Dennis Chapman, Executive Associate Director of Development, said, “We’ve found the web banquet a unique way to share what is happening at City Union Mission without the escalating costs of hosting a banquet at an area hotel. It’s more important than ever to use as much of the resources we receive to directly help the poor or homeless. This allows us to do just that.” “The principle behind the web banquet is from Luke 14:13, “ But when you give a reception, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed, since they do not have the means to repay you; for you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous." The web banquet is truly for the poor or homeless,” said Dan Doty, Executive Director of City Union Mission. “The goal for this year’s banquet is to launch the new fiscal year. We are already seeing vast numbers of folks who are turning to the mission for help. In order to partner with us now it may mean giving up dining out as frequently or buying that extra video. Whatever that may mean for your family we’re challenging you to continue to stand with us during this troubled time for so many of our neighbors,” urges Mr. Chapman. Please click here to access the virtual web banquet for testimonies, ministry updates, and award recipients. Help us reach our goal. To donate now, please click here. For more information please call 816-329-1468. Funds received during CELEBRATE HOPE assist City Union Mission in providing food, shelter, case management, counseling, education, and training to homeless or poor men, women, and children 365 days a year. You are God's plan for the poor or homeless! Web Banquet Raises $40,000 C U Mission http://cumission.org/news.php?act=news_details&n_id=539 Christian Youth Theater Partners with City Union Mission On November 22 Christian Youth Theater (CYT) will present a Benefit  performance of this delightful musical at The Bell Center, MidAmerica Nazarene University in Olathe. All proceeds support the on going work of City Union Mission and Christian Youth Theater. CYT productions feature youth ages 8-18 in high quality presentations of  favorite shows!  It is the largest youth theater in the nation with locations throughout the metro Kansas City area in Gladstone, Lee’s Summit and Overland Park. "Our families are thrilled to be partnering with City Union Mission. This is the second year we've done a benefit together and look forward to many more. Through our involvement with the mission our kids are learning the significance of caring for those less fortunate. We think it's a good fit for both organizations," said Amy Cox, PR & Marketing Director. For ticket information or to purchase tickets, please click here. If you prefer call the CYT Box Office at 913-681-3318. You and your group can partner too.  Please, click here to find out how. You Are God's Plan for the Poor or Homeless! Christian Youth Theater Partners with City Union Mission C U Mission http://cumission.org/news.php?act=news_details&n_id=540 Donate and Receive Reduced Chiropractic Care Our friends at Pardun Family Chiropractic will be collecting twin sheet sets, towels and washcloths, paper goods (such as toilet paper and facial tissue) and socks and underwear. Dr. Michael R. Pardun invites the public to participate in this community service project to benefit City Union Mission. During the entire month of November new patients will receive care - including consultation, exam, and x-rays (if needed) and the Dr’s report of findings (normally up to a $230 value) at a greatly reduced fee of $25 in exchange for a donation of paper goods (paper towels, napkins, toilet paper) for the City Union Mission. Please visit Pardun Family Chiropractic at 3650 W 40 Hwy, Blue Springs, MO or contact them at 816.229.8777 for more information. Let them know that you appreciate their support of the Mission! There are many ways your business, corporation, or organization can partner with City Union Mission. Please, click here to find out how your company can make a difference in the lives of the poor and homeless, or contact Cara our Corporate Relations Specialist at 816.329.1497 or cara.madden@cumission.org.  And for other ways to get involved please, click here. You are God's Plan for the Poor or Homeless! Donate and Receive Reduced Chiropractic Care C U Mission http://cumission.org/news.php?act=news_details&n_id=538 Named "Best Used Furniture" City Union Mission is pleased to announce that one of our 2nd Chance Thrift Stores, the store located on Wornall, was awarded the "Best Used Furniture" in all of Kansas City by a local magazine. And it was also nominated as the "Best Thrift Store" by another local magazine. Brandon Marler, Manager of the Wornall store, said, “These are not only huge accomplishments for the store and our staff, but also speaks well of City Union Mission and its efforts to help those in need.  I am very proud of what we have accomplished.” “And to top it off, we have had numerous customers compliment and praise the store here at Wornall, speaking of it's top quality at low cost mindset, as well as keeping it clean and organized. One lady said that she can walk in the door and know exactly where to go to look to find what she needs. Another customer called us the "Macy's" of Thrift Stores. It's a great feeling to know we are meeting the needs of customers!”  “A lot of our efforts on behalf of the poor are to help them stay in their homes. Having the three thrift stores helps us do that,” said Dan Doty, Executive Director of City Union Mission. “I just want Brandon and his staff to know how proud we all are of them. Congratulations!” Please, click here for hours and locations for all three of our 2nd  Chance Thrift Stores. You Are God's Plan for the Poor or Homeless! Named "Best Used Furniture" C U Mission http://cumission.org/news.php?act=news_details&n_id=537 Birthday Gift Faithful donor, Mr. Marion “Al” Boggs, Jr., recently celebrated his 83rd birthday by donating $830 to City Union Mission’s general fund.  “It’s really neat that he gave this right as we were to start our Celebrate Hope Campaign, the effort to raise half of this year’s budget, $3.65 million, by the end of January. Our online web banquet, Celebrate Hope: Giving Hands Give Hope, kicks it off.”  Please, click here to go to the banquet. How do you celebrate your birthday! "I really want our donors to know that we are deeply encouraged when they go the extra mile like this. Unfortunately more people are finding themselves in the position of having to turn to us for some of the basics. We’ve been experiencing, along with missions across the nation, a 20% increase in the demand for services,” said Dennis Chapman, Associate Executive Director of Development. “That’s pretty significant. We are trusting God will give us the supplies to provide for the poor or homeless through the thoughtfulness and generosity of donors, like Mr. Boggs." Mr. Boggs has been a regular giver for about 20 years, including being a Bed & Bread club member.  If you would like to join the club, please click here.   And for other ways to partner with the mission, please click here.   You Are God’s Plan for the Poor or Homeless! Birthday Gift C U Mission http://cumission.org/news.php?act=news_details&n_id=536 Payless ShoeSource Supplies  "MISSION: CHRISTMAS" provides close to 16,400 gifts to homeless and income qualified families during the holiday season. We have put together families you can adopt that represent the families we are planning to serve this Christmas. Each family member gets about $50 worth of gifts and each household gets one household item and food basket. Please click here for details. “City Union Mission has already begun calling on donors to fill the shelves of their Christmas store so poor or homeless clients can have Christmas,” said Dennis Chapman, Associate Executive Director of Development. “We’ve been talking with Payless ShoeSource about the services we provide, as well as some of the ways other businesses have partnered with us. They were interested in what we do during the Christmas season and decided to provide 250 $20 gift cards. We know they have choices to make about which organizations they will support. Their partnership is so encouraging and a terrific start to  "MISSION: CHRISTMAS." Would you like to find out more about how your business, church, corporation, or organization can make a difference? Please, click here.  Payless ShoeSource Supplies C U Mission http://cumission.org/news.php?act=news_details&n_id=532 Celebrate Hope Web Banquet Announced Join us for our 3rd "virtual" web banquet for the homeless! This is a way for you, your friends, and your business to provide hope for Kansas CIty's men, women, and children who are poor or homeless. This years' goal is to raise $3.5 million by January 31, 2009. The web banquet is a unique way to share what is happening at the Mission without the escalating costs of hosting a banquet at an area hotel. We want to be able to use all the resources God provides to the fullest. All week you can join us online for banquet highlights." We will be sharing with you testimonies, ministry updates, and award recipients, all without the added expense of renting a location, and the associated speaker and audiovisual costs. Just click on what you are interested in for the day. It's a great way for you and your friends to provide hope to Kansas City's poor or homeless without additional unnecessary expense. We hope you enjoy participating in our online banquet! Please, click here, to donate now.  Corporate Sponsorship' opportunities are also available. For information please contact Cara, Corporate Relations Specialist, at 816-329-1497, or click here. Your generous contributions to our Celebrate Hope Campaign will enable us to help meet the ever-increasing needs of our city’s poor or homeless. Thank You! Luke 14:12-14 "And He also went on to say to the one who had invited Him, "When you give a luncheon or a dinner, do not invite your friends or your brothers or your relatives or rich neighbors, otherwise they may also invite you in return and that will be your repayment. But when you give a reception, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed, since they do not have the means to repay you; for you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous." You are God's Plan for the Poor or Homeless!    Celebrate Hope Web Banquet Announced C U Mission http://cumission.org/news.php?act=news_details&n_id=534 Corporate Sponsorships Available October 5th through October 11th you can participate in our virtual Celebrate Hope Banquet: Giving Hands Give Hope, to kick off City Union Mission’s Celebrate Hope Campaign. The goal is to raise $3.5 million, half this years’ budget. The campaign ends January 31, 2009.   Corporate level sponsorships are encouraged and greatly appreciated. Corporate level sponsorships include: Platinum, Gold, Silver, Bronze, and Copper. Sponsors will receive a framed copy of the original “Giving Hands #3” photograph created by City Union Mission. Please, click here for sponsorship opportunities. Companies will also receive recognition in “The Light” magazine, which is sent out monthly to approximately 30,000 Kansas City residents.  Sponsors logos will be displayed on the website.  Please contact Cara Madden, Corporate Relations Specialist at 816.329.1497 or email her at cara.madden@cumission.org for more information.  Corporate Sponsorships Available C U Mission http://cumission.org/news.php?act=news_details&n_id=498 Up2Par Saturday, September 27th, KCWJ 1030 The Light will host a Golf Tournament at Swope Memorial Golf Course, located at 6900 Swope Memorial Dr., KCMO  64132.  Tee time is 8 am.  All proceeds to benefit City Union Mission.     Registration is $75 per person or $275 for a team of four.  This includes 18 Holes, Cart, Food, and Prizes.  To register online, please click here.  You can also register at City Grounds Coffee, 6200 Raytown Trafficway Raytown, MO or at Swope Memorial Golf Course. Please click here for information about the Silent Auction! Sponsorship opportunities are still available.  Call Jeff, Steve or Paul at 816-313-0049. For more information about the tournament or how to find out how you can become a corporate sponsor call 816-313-0049 or click here.   If you are interested in finding out how your business or school can help support the work of City Union Mission, please click here.  And for more information about City Union Mission, please click here.  Up2Par C U Mission http://cumission.org/news.php?act=news_details&n_id=525 Up2Par Silent Auction You don’t have to golf to come in and bid on these auction items.  Help out City Union Mission on Saturday, Sept. 27th at 8AM, at Swope Memorial Golf Course. George Brett Autographed photo of the 1983 Pine Tar Game Brett Saberhagen Autographed baseball Len Dawson Autographed Chiefs Jersey Chiefs Hall of Famer Autographed Mini Helmet Gale Sayers Autographed KU Mini Helmet Dale Earnhardt Junior Race Used Tire with Collage Danika Patrick Autographed photo Buck O’Neil Autographed photo Sopranos Photo autographed by James “Tony Soprano” Gandolfini Vintage signed baseball items Jack Nicklaus “Final British Open” print Michael Jordan with Muhammed Ali Custom framed photo Great Sports Films Collection- Caddyshack, with Caddyshack flag and film photos Muhammed Ali Custom framed photo Autographed Willie Mays photo of “the Catch” from 1954 World Series (All autographed items include  a Certificate of Authenticity and hologram) Two tickets on Southwest Airlines to anywhere they fly One night stay at Great Wolf Lodge 10 brown bag lunches from Lon Lane’s Inspired Occasions $50.00 gift certificate from Dicks Sporting Goods 2 $50.00 gift certificates from AMC Theaters Cruises at Tropic Island Cruises at the Lake of the Ozarks One free Site Inspection from Professional Engineers  A tour for 15 people to Shatto Milk Company A night at a Drury Hotel, Kansas City Marriott Downtown, Hilton Garden Inn, Crown Plaza Downtown, or Overland Park Marriott A $100.00 romantic dinner at Piropos Restaurant 2 pullovers from Community America Credit Union 2 $75.00 gift certificates from M&S Grill on the Plaza For information about UP2Par or to register, please click here. Up2Par Silent Auction C U Mission http://cumission.org/news.php?act=news_details&n_id=535 Men's Emergency Shelter Renovations Uncover Unanticipated Challenges City Union Mission is in the midst of crucial renovations to the men’s emergency shelter, to double capacity to 300. Dennis Chapman, Associate Executive Director of Development, said, “In 1927 construction began for the dental college, which later became our men’s emergency shelter. For many years the building served us well. However we’ve been experiencing an increase in demand for services. This year that has risen to a 20% increase over the previous one. So we’re doing what we have to do. Our Capital Campaign, to raise $12 million, was to address this by funding the building of a new Christian Life Center, doubling capacity there, as well as these renovations. Gratefully the Christian Life Center is completed and paid for.” “However, in renovating a building as old as this one a great many unforeseen issues have arisen…issues that are costly and unanticipated. The construction crew uncovered 150 holes from dental chairs that require extensive cleanup to comply with today’s standards. On average, the cost is estimated at $700 per hole. And this is just one of the unexpected issues we have to deal with, along with increased construction costs. Now we have to raise an additional $3 million.”      “We’re seeing more of our neighbors struggling financially. People who never dreamed they would be homeless or near homeless are having to face a harsh reality,” said Dan Doty, Executive Director of the mission. “That’s why it’s more important than ever that we finish raising the additional funds required to complete our capital campaign. These challenges really just mean more people can experience blessing by being a blessing themselves.” You may not realize you have huge giving options! Click on the links below to read more about them. I Donate Turn your stuff into gifts of love!  Five Ways to Maximize Your Gift Planning   Direct Support/EFT  Or contact Dennis Chapman at 816-329-1476. To donate financially, please click here.  You are God’s Plan for the Poor or Homeless!   Men's Emergency Shelter Renovations Uncover Unanticipated Challenges C U Mission http://cumission.org/news.php?act=news_details&n_id=531 School Supplies 2008 Lydia Allen, Community Assistance Administrator, said, “We are so pleased to report that between July 21 and August 31 there were 70 people who accepted Jesus as Lord and Savior. Most of these occurred during the school supplies’ interview process. Please pray for these new believers that they find a bible believing church where they would be discipled so they can grow up to be mature in the faith.” Children come into our shelter all year long in need of school supplies. Thankfully the school supply drive equips us so we can equip these kids whenever they come. In the 4 to 5 weeks of the drive 710 families were interviewed, with 1858 children served. Each one received a backpack full of all the tools they need to start school off on the right foot, essential for success. “School Supply Distribution Day is always a joy.  The kids are so excited, and the parents relieved,” said Lydia “There’s joy in looking back over the whole process, but the greatest joy is in knowing that we now have 70 new brothers and sisters in Christ!” “Three years ago I interviewed some families for school supplies. We were given clear step by step instructions in what questions to ask and in how to present the gospel. It was surprisingly powerful. Besides getting to pray for each family, I even led a little girl to Christ! What an amazing blessing and one of my most memorable experiences,” says Karen Housholder, Media/Publicist Specialist. You too can be blessed by being a blessing. Christmas will be here before we know it. For the opportunity to interview income-qualified families, please click here, or call Bret, Formal Volunteer administrator at 816-329-1469.   You Are God’s Plan For The Poor Or Homeless!     School Supplies 2008 C U Mission http://cumission.org/news.php?act=news_details&n_id=530 State Street Comes Through Again! State Street recently did a food drive. Employees were asked to bring in cans of food or $5. Along with cans of green beans and corn, and peanut butter, they brought in $568.60. “For three years now State Street has partnered with City Union Mission to help care for the needs of the poor or homeless,” reported Pat Brodnax, Core Volunteer Administrator. “These are difficult days for a growing number of our city’s poor, so we are especially grateful to State Street. They came up with a really unique way to engage their employees.” Tony Huber, Enterprise Risk Management with State Street in Kansas City, explains, “The donations, both the green beans, corn and the cash, were part of a Jeans Day Challenge. We have two buildings here, folks in building one brought in at least three cans of green beans in order to wear jeans that day. People in building two brought in corn. In place of bringing in the three cans, anyone could donate $5. The building which raised the most cans and money received a second free jeans day. Any additional donations above the minimum amount only increased the likelihood of the donor's building winning the challenge and getting the second jeans day.”   On the same day they held a fun tournament with the entry fee being a jar of peanut butter, with 64 entrants each donating a jar of peanut butter. State Street, Corporate Champion for Hope, City Union Mission thanks you and applauds your efforts! Please click here for a hotlist of our current needs. If you would like to find out how your business or corporation can be a Corporate Champion for Hope, like State Street is, please click here, or call 816-329-1497. You Are God’s Plan For The Poor Or Homeless!     State Street Comes Through Again! C U Mission http://cumission.org/news.php?act=news_details&n_id=529 Local Artist to Paint Mural in City Union Mission's New Christian Life Center (KCMO) September, 2008. City Union Mission is honored to have local artist, Alexander Austin, create a mural for our new Christian Life Center. “The mural will depict men going through the progression of struggle and pain to victory as the pieces of their lives are put back together. It will be displayed on the wall of the multi-purpose room for the men on our Christian Life long-term recovery program,” said Dennis Chapman, Associate Executive Director. “This man is an inspiration.You might never guess that this up and coming artist would know what it’s like to be down on his luck. Almost twenty years ago Alexander Austin, now a Lee’s Summit resident, stayed at City Union Mission during a difficult period in his life. He got help to turn his life around and now is using his God given talent to inspire other men,” said Dennis Chapman   “This is kind of a homecoming for me to come back to City Union Mission. The wall will be perfect for what I want to depict. On one end I’ll paint men defeated, weighted down with the stresses of poverty…on the other end those same men victorious, heads held high, sure.” Austin has just completed a huge project painting the Power & Light District's 18,000-square-foot south wall. “I’m not receiving money for the work at City Union Mission, but that mural will mean more to me because of what it represents.” “The generosity of the people of Kansas City is what enables us to help poor or homeless men, women, and children, make lasting changes in their lives,” said Dan Doty, Executive Director of the mission. Please, click here to donate now. And for more information about the programs offered at City Union Mission please click here.    You are God’s Plan for the Poor & Homeless!   Local Artist to Paint Mural in City Union Mission's New Christian Life Center C U Mission http://cumission.org/news.php?act=news_details&n_id=527 Fiorella's Jack Stack's 1st City Union Mission Golf Classic Dennis Chapman, Associate Executive Director of Development, said, “We want to thank each of the sponsors, especially Fiorella’s Jack Stack Barbecue’s, and all the attendees for a tremendously successful Golf Tournament. I know there were those that were at the event that expressed 'best tournament ever.' Fiorella’s lunch and dinner – both sumptuous – were enjoyed by all.” "The team at Jack Stack has a heart for the poor and homeless in our community and after learning more about all the services that the Mission provides we had a desire to do more for City Union Mission. We chose City Union Mission, because of the emphasis on the whole person and the commitment they have shown to the community for so many years," said Case Dorman, President of Fiorella's Jack Stack. The first Annual City Union Mission Golf Classic was held September 2, at Loch Lloyd Country Club. The money raised will benefit City Union Mission to provide support for Kansas City's men, women and children who are poor and homeless. City Union Mission has been meeting the spiritual, physical and emotional needs of men, women and children who are poor and homeless since 1924. Click here, to take a virtual tour and learn more about the Mission. And please, click here to view a gallery of photos taken the day of the event. You Are God's Plan For The Poor Or Homeless!  Fiorella's Jack Stack's 1st City Union Mission Golf Classic C U Mission http://cumission.org/news.php?act=news_details&n_id=528 Great Volunteer Opportunities Now Available! School year programs are currently getting underway at The Vanderberg Youth Center. If you would like more information about The Vanderberg Youth Center, please click here and scroll down. The Youth Center staff is looking for people who are being called by God to invest time and relationship with elementary through high school students. Volunteers are needed to assist staff with mentoring, tutoring, recreation, spiritual/character instruction, and food service.    High Impact Volunteer Service is now available in the following areas:           Youth Coordinator Assistants           Elementary School Tutor/Mentors            Saturday Recreation Assistants   You Are God's Plan For The Poor Or Homeless!      Great Volunteer Opportunities Now Available! C U Mission http://cumission.org/news.php?act=news_details&n_id=526 Thank You! Dan Doty, Executive Director had this to say, “One hundred and forty two of you answered the call to provide funds for the poor or homeless in Kansas City to meet the increased need for the basics, like food! I am so grateful to you for your concern for the poor or homeless, especially during this time when everyone is feeling a crunch with gasoline and food prices moving upward.” Your donation of one dollar for every day of summer helped ensure that City Union Mission was able to bring nourishing food, safe shelter and opportunities for restoration to the homeless and near-homeless during the critical summer months. With your sustained support we’ll continue to give them a place where they can find relief and quench their thirst for lasting hope. Our emergency assistance services, Christ-centered recovery programs and community outreaches help meet the physical, spiritual, emotional and educational needs of individuals and families struggling to survive. To listen to a 60 second Mission Moment about the 90 Dollars for 90 Days campaign, please click here and scroll down. Just your $1 a day helped bring relief to your neighbors! You are God's Plan for the Poor & Homeless!        Thank You! C U Mission http://cumission.org/news.php?act=news_details&n_id=509 Jack Stack Presents City Union Mission Golf Classic Fiorella's Jack Stack Barbecue announces the 1st Annual City Union Mission Golf Classic. This years golf classic will take place on Tuesday, September 2nd at Loch Lloyd Country Club with a shotgun start at 12:30. "The team at Jack Stack has a heart for the poor and homeless in our community and after learning more about all the services that the Mission provides we had a desire to do more for City Union Mission. We chose City Union Mission, because of the emphasis on the whole person and the commitment they have shown to the community for so many years," said Case Dorman, President of Fiorella's Jack Stack. The money raised will benefit City Union Mission to provide support for Kansas City's men, women and children who are poor and homeless. City Union Mission has been meeting the spiritual, physical and emotional needs of men, women and children who are poor and homeless since 1924. Click here, to take a virtual tour and learn more about the Mission. This tournament allows a foursome team the opportunity to play on the Loch Lloyd golf course. The event includes golf, lunch, awards dinner provided by Fiorella's Jack Stack Barbecue, Jack Stack Gift Pack and a golf shirt! The entry free is $150 per player and all golfers are encouraged to sign up. We are pleased to announce that this years' Gold Sponsor is Seabord Foods! You can make a charitable impact in the community by becoming a sponsor...there are several sponsorships opportunities available. Click here to dowload more information about the different sponorship levels and incentives! Silver :: $7,000 Bronze :: $2,000 Player Shirt Sponsor :: $2,000 Award Sponsor :: $2,000 Hole Sponsor :: $1,000 Cart Sponsor :: $250 If you would like to be part of this spectacular event, click here to download the sponsor/golfer information form. For more information call 816-329-1459. Jack Stack Presents City Union Mission Golf Classic C U Mission http://cumission.org/news.php?act=news_details&n_id=522 Community Employment Partner Program The men and women who graduate from City Union Mission's recovery programs have changed hearts, hope and a commitment to live in harmony with God’s plan for their lives. This commitment includes re-entering society and the workforce. Our graduates have overcome much with God’s help. They have built the depth and breath of character which can enable them to be hardworking, skilled and trusted employees and thriving members of our community. All they need – all they ask for is a chance. Our clients have diverse skills, talents and experiences. Each graduate has undergone academic and computer training to further enhance their workplace skills in addition to career counseling and skills assessment. Our graduates have also enhanced their workplace skills through long-term, daily work therapy. Tom Hayes is owner of The Hayes Company, installers of quality building products. Tom says, “This is our 30th year in operation. I heard about City Union Mission around 10 years ago and grabbed onto their mission. They are reaching out to the less fortunate by meeting physical needs and tapping into hearts to meet spiritual needs.” Sam Cook, graduate of the Christian Life program, is a recent hire at The Hayes Company. “Beth Liebling, Career Development Specialist, asked me if I would interview some of the clients. I really didn’t need anybody but that changed when Sam came in. I was impressed with his honest and respectful demeanor, and his sincere faith. He had lots of experience – way over-qualified, but was willing to do anything. I decided to give him a job.” All You Have To Do: 1. Give us a call at 816-329-1472 or email us at steve.sahl@cumission.org. 2. Provide us with your current job listings. We'll add you to our confidential employer/partner community. We'll contact you when we have a candidate, provide you with their resume and schedule an interview if you are interested. Please email us at steve.sahl@cumission.org, or call 816.329.1472, if you would like to learn more about City Union Mission’s Community Employment Partner Program. To learn more about City Union Mission's recovery programs, please click here.    "City Union Mission - You might just find your best employee!" Community Employment Partner Program C U Mission http://cumission.org/news.php?act=news_details&n_id=523 I-Donate We are happy to tell you of an exciting new giving opportunity in which your valuable items and property can easily be converted into gifts of love to the poor and homeless in the Kansas City area! "Donate A Valuable" gives you the opportunity to donate items such as a vehicle, boat, RV, timeshare, jewelry, collectibles and other inventory that are then liquidated into a cash gift to City Union Mission.   We love the way this program allows you - our friends and supporters - to look outside your checkbook and give in creative and innovative ways. You simply complete an easy online giving form, offering your donation. Your gift will be assessed and you will be notified of the assessment and your next steps.    "Donate A Valuable" is powered by iDonate.com, a company created by the Servant Christian Community Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization accredited by the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability. iDonate.com was started because of its unique ability to make a big difference for donors and charitable organizations. Virtually all of them need funding help. However, cash represents only 9% of the wealth of the world whereas physical assets represent 91% of the wealth of the world. iDonate.com helps charities capture the vast untapped world of non cash assets to fund their work. You Are God's Plan For The Poor Or Homeless!  I-Donate C U Mission http://cumission.org/news.php?act=news_details&n_id=521 We're On Youtube & Godtube! Now you can go to youtube.com to watch some of City Union Mission’s newest testimonials and videos. City Union Mission: Reaching the Poor or Homeless This 9 minute piece produced by Barkley captures the essence of what City Union Mission is about: Putting the Pieces Back Together. It is also available on Godtube. Kansas City Baptist Temple Spruces up City Union Mission’s Transitional Housing. City Union Mission: Client Testimonies Robert’s Choice   Julian’s Story Jonathan’s Story Johnny's Story City Union Mission Board Member Mark Sewalson City Union Mission Volunteers Bud & Jan Fyre City Union Mission's Camp in the Ozarks Camp CUMCITO 2007 Camp CUMCITO 2006 Vanderberg Youth Center You are God's Plan for the Poor or Homeless! We're On Youtube & Godtube! C U Mission http://cumission.org/news.php?act=news_details&n_id=520 City Union Mission - Last Week Camp CUMCITO Teen Boys Camp (ages 13-16).07/28/2008Camp CUMCITO Teen Boys’ Camp, for ages 13 through 16, is from Monday, July 28th through Saturday, August 2nd. at our Campground in Warsaw, MO.  Buses will leave City Union Mission’s Family Center, located at 1310 Wabash, KCMO, by 9:30am.   City Union Mission - Last Week C U Mission http://cumission.org/news.php?act=news_details&n_id=518 Christian Life Center The Christian Life Center opened its doors the end of March affording more men the opportunity for real restoration! We hope you enjoy our virtual tour of this wonderful buillding. The Learning Center, class rooms, counseling services, exercise room and more are all located on the first floor. The men's dorms are on the second floor, along with the Library and laundry faciities. If you'd like more information about the "Green" aspect of the building, please click here. Christian Life Center C U Mission http://cumission.org/news.php?act=news_details&n_id=519 Five Ways to Maximize Your Gift Planning What pulls your heartstrings?  Urban kids getting a chance to spend a week at camp?  Homeless people being fed, sheltered and given new hope?  City Union Mission has established five unique funds that allow you to designate your gifts to those areas that most touch your heart, ensuring the Mission has the resources it needs to help the poor and homeless long into the future. The Vanderberg Ministry Foundation is an endowment that will carry on the ministry to Kansas City’s poor and homeless by allowing City Union Mission to launch or expand their ministries, and support costs that would not be covered by the general fund. The Capital Legacy Foundation will address special capital projects aimed at expanding and improving City Union Mission’s shelters and programs. The Staff Education and Advancement Fund will allow us to meet training goals and employment needs of the future. The Children’s Scholarship Fund helps meet the needs of poor and homeless children by sending them to Camp CUMCITO. The Christian Life Scholarship Fund will help provide scholarship assistance for CLP and NLP graduates who wish to attend Bible college. Discover how to leave a legacy for the Mission through our new foundations without reducing your regular gifts.  Please contact Director of Development Dennis Chapman at (816) 474-9380, ext. 1476, or e-mail Dennisc@cumission.org. Five Ways to Maximize Your Gift Planning C U Mission http://cumission.org/news.php?act=news_details&n_id=516 We're Green! City Union Mission's new Christian Life Center, a 26,000 square foot facility, was completed June, 2008 at the cost of $6.7 million. "The new facility is all paid for thanks to our generous donors. Because this building has the capacity for 100 men, double what we were able to accomodate in the past we'll be able to help restore more men's lives. And the "green" aspect of the building reflects that committment  to restoration," said Dan Doty, Executive Director.   Rain falls in the urban environment onto mostly impervious surfaces, such as, building roofs, parking lots, streets and sidewalks and is historically collected, channelized and diverted into piped stormwater systems that are very costly and not environmentally friendly. The stormwater then disappears underground into a series of pipes and it emerges at great velocities offsite, often to the great detriment of the local creeks, streams and rivers downstream. The City Union Mission project decided to change the ways of how they treated stormwater runoff. They decided to make a concerted effort to treat each drop of water as a precious resource and showcase a sustainable stormwater approach that quickly became the primary showcase for the exterior spaces. The specific system for the City Union Mission collects stormwater from the roof drains and deposits that volume into a series of inter-connected Rain Gardens that fill up entirely during typical storm events and get absorbed into the ground through the plantings. The Rain Gardens capture a majority of the polluted runoff and cleanse it through the various native planting zones. Once this process has taken place the stormwater will percolate back into the sub surface soils or it will overflow into the other Rain Gardens and will be introduced into conventional stormwater infrastructure as clean water. The plantings are what make this system thrive and the Native or Xeric plants are well-suited for the climate of Kansas City and require less watering and maintenance. They thrive in the extreme wet/dry conditions that occur within a Rain Garden. Would you like to take a virtual tour of the inside of the facility? To find out about our Christian Life long-term recovery program, please click here. And to donate now, please click here. We're Green! C U Mission http://cumission.org/news.php?act=news_details&n_id=517 More Locations to Stuff The Bus Each year, City Union Mission offers school supplies to children who might otherwise go without! Thanks to the generosity of local churches, businesses, individuals & 94.9 listeners, every year City Union Mission is able to give children fully stocked backpacks so that the children of Kansas City can start school on the right foot with all the tools they need to be successful!     This is the final week of "Stuff the Bus" with 94.9 KCMO. We have had a GREAT response so far from our friends in the Kansas City community, but we are still looking for more school supplies to fill up all those backpacks! 94.9 has added remote locations this week! Please be sure to drop on by and donate your supply or cash donations to help a child get off to a good start for the new school year.   Friday, August 1st :: Noon-5pm Wal-Mart Supercenter (I-29 & Barry Road) 8551 N Boardwalk Avenue KCMO 64154 Saturday, August 2nd :: 2pm-4pm CoCo Key Water Resort Sheraton Kansas City Sports Complex Hotel 9103 East 39th St KCMO 64133   If you can't make it out to these remotes you can always drop off supplies at:   94.9 KCMO Office Building, 5800 Foxridge Drive #600 Mission KS, 66212 Oak Park Mall Customer Service Office, 95th & Quivira City Union Mission Family Shelter, 1310 Wabash, KCMO 64127 Monday-Friday between the hours of 8am-4pm. City Union Mission's 2nd Chance Thrift Stores   Click here, to donate now....make a donation of $30 to fill a complete backpack!   Another added BONUS for those donating...this is Missouri's Sales Tax Free Holiday which starts on Friday, August 1st! Click here, for more information.   The supplies that are still needed to fill up all those backpacks are: Loose leaf College Ruled Notebook paper Loose leaf  Wide Ruled Notebook paper Highlighters Composition Books Packages of Colored Pencils Large Pink Erasers Report Covers for High School Students Stuff The Bus is powered by; Coco Key Water Resort at the Sheraton Sports Complex Hotel, The Oak Park Mall and the Kansas City Wizards!   Questions? Call 816.329.1459 or email info@cumission.org.   Would you like to find out more information about City Union Mission? Click here, to take a virtual tour.   More Locations to Stuff The Bus C U Mission http://cumission.org/news.php?act=news_details&n_id=515 Fashion Show City Union Mission thrift stores and Sheffield Family Life Center invite you to the Second Chance Thrift Store Fashion show on Friday, August 15th at 7 p.m. This fun-filled event will take place at Sheffield Family Life Center at 5700 Winner Road, Kansas City Missouri 64127. There is NO admission charge. Are you currently a regular shopper of thrift stores? Or maybe you've never stepped inside a thrift store because you've wondered about the quality of the merchandise. Either way you will want to attend the Second Chance Thrift Store Fashion show.   Local designer and fashion consultant, Sheila Walker will model quality clothing that would be an asset to any wardrobe. She will be modeling thriftstore fashions as well as fashions designed by some of Kansas City’s very own designers. Information tables will be set up so you can learn more about the Sheffield Family Life Center and the City Union Mission. You'll learn about the impact that these groups are having on the local community. Local businesses will be on hand to talk to you about their goods and services as well. Your donations provide clothing and other items for our poor or homeless clients. They also provide a source of low-cost items for the community at large. Proceeds go to the general fund of City Union Mission to provide clothing, food, shelter, education, and other services that we offer to the poor or homeless. Please click on Second Chance Thrift Stores for hours of operation, locations and where to bring your donations. Fashion Show C U Mission http://cumission.org/news.php?act=news_details&n_id=513 School Supplies Update! Wednesday, July 23, was day two of school supply interviewing at the Family Center.  "More than 40 families came by for school supplies.  When all is said and done we interviewed 34 families...that is 34 families in 2-1/2 hours!," said Lydia Allen, Community Assistance Administrator. Each year, City Union Mission offers school supplies to children who might otherwise go without!  You can participate in this drive to help children of all ages have the tools they need to succeed in school. Approximately 2,000 children this year will receive backpacks from City Union Mission, but not without you! You can partner with us in this community outreach by gathering the needed items or donating $30 to fill a complete backpack for a child in need, please click here to donate now. The supplies that are still needed to fill up all those backpacks are: 1500 Erasers 2636 Folder Pocket (6th-11th grades) 100 Pencil Boxes 450 1'' or 11/2'' Binders 765 Kleenex (2nd,3rd,4th,5th,6th grades) 300 Report Covers (9th,10th,11th grades) You can drop off donations at City Union Mission Family Shelter, 1310 Wabash, KCMO 64127 Monday-Friday between the hours of 8am-4pm. If you are unable to drop off the supplies at City Union Mission you may drop them off at the "Stuff the Bus" locations. Join us July 26 at Oak Park Mall at 95th and Quivira...Wizard soccer players will be signing autographs and meeting and greeting everyone bringing donations. Join us July 27 at the 7pm Kansas City Wizards Game at Community America Ballpark. 94.9 staff and Wizards wives will be taking donations. If you can’t make it out to any of the events be sure to drop off your donations ANYTIME at the Oak Park Mall Customer Service booth! Click here, for more information about "Stuff the Bus". Contact 816.329.1459 or info@cumission.org for more information. School Supplies Update! C U Mission http://cumission.org/news.php?act=news_details&n_id=512 City Union Mission - Last Week Camp CUMCITO Pre-Teen Camp (ages 11-12)07/14/2008Pre-Teen Camp, for ages 11 and 12, is from Monday, July 14th, through Saturday, July 19th, at our Campground in Warsaw, MO. Buses will leave City Union Mission’s Family Center, located at 1310 Wabash, KCMO, by 9:30am. City Union Mission - Last Week C U Mission http://cumission.org/news.php?act=news_details&n_id=511 City Union Mission - Last Week Family Camp07/08/2008Tuesday, July 8th, through Friday, July 11th is Family Camp for the families on our New Life Program and the ladies involved in our Ladies Bible Study.  Camp is at our Campground in Warsaw, MO. City Union Mission - Last Week C U Mission http://cumission.org/news.php?act=news_details&n_id=510 Stuff the Bus It’s back! 94.9 KCMO and CoCo Key Water Resort at the Sheraton Sports Complex Hotel need your help to "STUFF THE BUS" for City Union Mission! Thanks to the generosity of 94.9 listeners, every year thousands of fully stocked backpacks are donated to City Union Mission so that the children of Kansas City can start school on the right foot with all the tools they need to be successful! This year is going to be bigger and better than ever! This year, 94.9 is teaming up with the Kansas City Wizards. Wizard players, their wives, Dynamo and 94.9 KCMO’s Cool Cat will be on hand at remotes from 2:00-4:00pm on July 12 and 26 at Oak Park Mall at 95th and Quivira. The players will be signing autographs and meeting and greeting everyone bringing donations. Then the 94.9 KCMO staff and Wizards wives will be taking donations at the July 27 Kansas City Wizards Game at Community America Ballpark. If you can’t make it out to any of the events be sure to drop off your donations ANYTIME at the Oak Park Mall Customer Service booth!      City Union Mission is thankful for 94.9, Coco Key Water Resort at the Sheraton Sports Complex Hotel, The Oak Park Mall , Kansas City Wizards and YOU! Approximately 2,000 children who might otherwise go without the tools they need to succeed are counting on us! You can help by collecting needed school supplies for all ages or donate $30 to fill a complete backpack for a child in need, please click here to donate now. The supplies that are still needed to fill up all those backpacks are: 1,040 packages of loose leaf College Ruled Notebook paper 200 packages of loose leaf Wide Ruled Notebook paper 400 Highlighters 600 Composition Books 430 Packages of Colored Pencils 580 Large Pink Erasers Report Covers for High School Students Click here to take a virtual tour of City Union Mission and learn more about how lives are changed. Would your group like to participate in the school supply drive? Click here, for more information about how to get involved. For more information contact 816.329.1459 or info@cumission.org. Stuff the Bus C U Mission http://cumission.org/news.php?act=news_details&n_id=504 Supply Children With Tools For Success! Each year, City Union Mission offers school supplies to children who might otherwise go without!  You can participate in this drive to help children of all ages have the tools they need to succeed in school. Approximately 2,000 children this year will receive backpacks from City Union Mission, but not without you! Donate $30 to fill a complete backpack for a child in need, please click here to donate now. CLICK HERE TO GET AN UPDATE OF NEEDED SUPPLIES! Are you part of a group? We are challenging all civic clubs, businesses, Boy or Girl Scouts, churches and any and all groups to donate school supplies. To participate follow these 3 simple steps: 1. Download the FLYER of needed items and fill out SIGN UP SHEET and fax to 816.471.3811 or email info@cumission.org. 2. Make others aware of your donation by passing out or emailing flyer & set up a donation box in a visiable area. 3. Drop off donations and group participation sheet at City Union Mission Family Shelter, 1310 Wabash, KCMO 64127 between the hours of 8am-4pm. The last day to drop off donations for 2008 school year is August 8th. If you are unable to do a drive with a group join 94.9 KCMO for their annual Stuff the Bus school supply drive! This year is going to be bigger and better than ever!  Coco Key Water Resort at the Sheraton Sports Complex Hotel, The Oak Park Mall and the Kansas City Wizards are partnering with 94.9 to make a difference. Click here, for more information to get involved in "Stuff the Bus" and dates for drop off locations.  Questions? If you are a business or organization contact Shawna at 816.329.1497 or shawna@cumission.org. If you are a church or church group contact Robert at 816.329.1466 or RobertC@cumission.org. Would you like to make a difference by volunteering your time? Click here, for school supply volunteer opportunities. Thank you for providing the tools that children need to succeed in school! You are God's plan for the poor and homeless! Supply Children With Tools For Success! C U Mission http://cumission.org/news.php?act=news_details&n_id=506 Noland Road Youth Group Comes Through Commitment is the key in volunteering your time, money, or other resources for ministry. Recently one local youth group has stood out in their volunteer efforts. Every Monday during the summer, from 9:30 in the morning till 2:30 in the afternoon, the youth group from Noland Road Baptist Church commit themselves to making a difference in the community. This week, they committed a beautiful summer day to service work for City Union Mission. With all of the renovations taking place at City Union Mission’s overnight men’s shelter, there is quite a bit of debris and scrap metal that needed to be picked up and sorted. They stepped up and took on the challenge, giving a full day's effort, all in the name of Christ. We are so excited to have local churches partnering with City Union Mission for this very reason. They have the chance to serve others and through that make an eternal impact on the lives of many poor and homeless in Kansas City. If your church is interested in partnering with City Union Mission click here, or call (816) 329-1466. And for other volunteer opportunities, please click here. You are God's Plan for the Poor & Homeless! Noland Road Youth Group Comes Through C U Mission http://cumission.org/news.php?act=news_details&n_id=508 Congratulations Community Covenant Church of Lenexa On June 8th, the Kansas City Brigade Indoor Arena Football team partnered with City Union Mission for the "TP the Brigade" for City Union Mission drive. The mission goes through 5,800 rolls of toilet paper at all of it's facilities. The total amount that came in from the pre-game remote, group challenge and game day was 2,000 rolls of toilet paper and $400 in cash! City Union Mission challenged all groups to see who could donate the most toilet paper! The winner was....Disciples Sunday School Class of Community Covenant Church of Lenexa.  In the first ever "TP the Brigade" for City Union Mission Group Challenge this group collected over 765 rolls of toilet paper. They had their name announced during the June 8th Brigade game at the Sprint Center in Kansas City. "City Union Mission is an arm of the church that is reaching out to those who are in desperate need, not only physically, but spiritually as well," said Robert Christian, Church Relations Specialist. "When the local church partners with us they can experience being a major piece in putting the lives of the poor and homeless back together. We are always grateful for their partnerships, and especially want to thank Community Covenant Church of Lenexa." Did you know that you can be a partner in the harvest? The question is, will you and your church partner with City Union Mission to bring the gospel to the poor and homeless of Kansas City? When you donate your time, food, goods or money to City Union Mission you are partnering with City Union Mission in the battle against homelessness. City Union Mission has been serving the community of Greater Kansas City Area since 1924, because of the charitable hearts of our supporters. Click here, to find out ways that you can provide this month at City Union Mission. If your church or church group is interested in holding a drive contact Rob Christian at 816.329.1466 or RobertC@cumission.org or click here. If your company or organization is interested in holding a drive contact Shawna Ketter at 816.329.1497 or shawna@cumission.org or click here. Congratulations Community Covenant Church of Lenexa C U Mission http://cumission.org/news.php?act=news_details&n_id=507 A Vision for the Poor Dr. David Littlefield and his wife, Joanne, have a vision for the poor in Kansas City.  “We’re believers, and we think it’s important to not just say the right thing, but to do the right thing,” Dr. Littlefield said. Twice each year, the Littlefields clear their schedule and open the doors of their Leawood optometry clinic for a full day to serve City Union Mission clients in need of eye care. The clinic can see up to 20 clients a day and provides thorough eye exams at no cost. “We give them just as good an exam as we would give any patient,” Dr. Littlefield said. “It’s been a very positive experience.” Joanne, who works part-time at the clinic, arranges the events with help from office assistant Feroza. In addition to eye care, they provide snacks for the City Union Mission patients to make the day enjoyable. People who have poor eyesight can be at a significant disadvantage when trying to get a job or a driver’s license. Many of the Mission clients who receive care from Dr. Littlefield would not otherwise have the corrective eyewear they need. With discounted materials provided by Sutherlin Optical Lab, a local producer of eyeglass lenses, Dr. Littlefield not only provides exams, he also fills City Union Mission clients’ prescriptions and outfits them with brand-new eyeglass frames and lenses. While Littlefield Optometry recently hosted its third day of donated service to City Union Mission since beginning a relationship with the Mission in December 2007, the Littlefields have years of experience using their talents to serve others. They are active members of Christ Community Church and have participated in local service events and international mission trips. Dr. Littlefield hopes more people will see and respond to the community’s needs. “A lot of people are willing to contribute to needs halfway across the world, but we can do the same thing at home,” he said. “There’s every kind of need, and all businesses have a product or service that could benefit the Mission.” If you are interested in finding out how your business or corporation can partner with City Union Mission, please click here. And for volunteer opportunities, please click here. Remember You are God’s Plan for the Poor & Homeless! A Vision for the Poor C U Mission http://cumission.org/news.php?act=news_details&n_id=505 City Union Mission - Last Week Camp CUMCITO Junior Camp (ages 9-10)06/23/2008Camp CUMCITO Junior Camp (ages 9-10) is from Monday, June 23rd, through Saturday, June 28th, at our Campground in Warsaw, MO.   Buses will leave City Union Mission’s Family Center, located at 1310 Wabash, KCMO, by 9:30am.   City Union Mission - Last Week C U Mission http://cumission.org/news.php?act=news_details&n_id=502 Christmas In July at Wickham Chiropractic! "Help us celebrate Christmas in July by filling a shopping bag with School Supplies and other items for City Union Mission," says Dr. Daphne Wickham. "By partnering with us and donating  basic neccessities for men, women and children who are poor and homeless new patients will recieve a free exam, consulation and X-Rays!" Wickham Chiropractic has a heart for the homeless and has been a supporter of City Union Mission for many years by asking the community to get involved in their Christmas in July program. Dr. Daphne Wickham offers chiropractic care for the entire family. You can call and schedule an appointment today for yourself, your family, friends and neighbors. Wickham Chiropractic 14910 West 87th Street Lenexa, KS 66215 (913) 438-1115 Click here to download the flyer with more information about what to donate and how to get involved. "Spread the word to help support this good cause," says Shawna Ketter, Corporate Relations Specialist. "By partnering with Wickham Chiropractic you can help change a life by making donations of needed items." City Union Mission served almost 314,000 meals for the hungry and provided over 131,000 beds for the weary in 2007. The doors are open 365 days a year, 24 hours a day for men, women and children needing refuge and place of safety. Click here, to find out more fast facts about City Union Mission. Do you have a heart for the homeless? You can make a difference through volunteering your time and talents, donating needed items and getting your business or church involved in partnering with City Union Mission. Is your Business or Organization interested in making a difference? Contact Shawna Ketter at 816.329.1497 or shawna@cumission.org Does your church have a desire to bring hope to the poor? Contact Rob Christian at 816.329.1466 or RobertC@cumission.org Do you have time and talents to share? Click here to find out more about volunteering. Christmas In July at Wickham Chiropractic! C U Mission http://cumission.org/news.php?act=news_details&n_id=501 Thank You Zona Rosa The Zona Rosa Community Foundation selected City Union Mission to be one of six charities to aid in 2008 with their program, “Change for Charity.” "Just six organizations are designated each year to receive a portion of the proceeds from the parking meters at Zona Rosa, the popular mixed-use shopping, dinning and entertainment venue in the Northland. All organizations are evaluated primarily to support youth and families in the greater Kansas City area," said Rosemary Salerno, General Manager for Zona Rosa. As a recipient, we were featured for two months at Zona Rosa and afforded opportunities to share our message, including Zona Rosa customer newsletters, displays, and LCD screens. The cash donation from Change for Charity was based on the total parking meter receipts at Zona Rosa during March and April 2008. Dan Doty, Executive Director, comments, “We really didn’t have any expectations so when the check for $5,643.01 came in we were very pleased. That translates to about 2,822 meals. And that’s critical right now because we, along with rescue missions across the nation, are experiencing a 20% increase in the need for services, especially food, while at the same time donations are dropping. We are grateful to the Zona Rosa Community Foundation and commend them for their care for those less fortunate.”   Do you want to find out how City Union Mission provides emergency help, long-term hope and opportunities for the future? Click here to learn about our programs for the poor and homeless. To find out more information about how you can get involved at City Union Mission just click here.  And if you would like to donate, please click here.  Thank You Zona Rosa C U Mission http://cumission.org/news.php?act=news_details&n_id=503 Kids at Camp Make Treasure Boxes   Here are some of the great stories coming in from Camp CUMCITO. Tot Lot Boys Down at the Tot Lot two boys named Dominic and Jazwon started fighting pretty early into their camp experience. The Big Siblings were very worried that it would become a huge issue throughout the week. But as they were playing basketball Dominic became very discouraged because he couldn’t make very many shots so he walked away to mope a little. To everyone’s surprise Jazwon went over to David and put his arm around him to comfort and encourage him! Crafts The kids at camp were very excited about making treasure boxes of their own. They understood that these boxes represented how God’s Word is a rich treasure that lives in us. A few of the campers were so thrilled about their creations that they begged to take them back to their cabins. After completion of their treasure boxes, the kids made harps which represented the harp that David played while singing songs to God. The campers cannot wait to play their harps when they get home! A Counselor’s Story One of my girls, Rizza, accused another, Tasha, of spitting on her picture. The two had been arguing all day long and Rizza had been talked to by our cabin’s counselor, cabin assistant, and myself. But she still moped around all day saying that she would never get over it and that she wanted to go home. It seemed no one could get through to her. Later on that night, Rizza pulled me aside asking me to postpone devotions so that she could talk to Tasha and I outside. Warily, I agreed. When we got outside I was shocked to find that Rizza wanted to sincerely apologize to Tasha. She accepted the apology and today the two are getting along exceptionally. Sometimes when we thing there is nothing in someone’s heart but hate, God is breaking down barriers and shining through. Camping at the Lake On Tuesday evening, two cabins of girls camped out by the camp lake. After pitching tents, building a fire, making s’mores, and doing some devotions, the girls were ready for bed. Unfortunately, bad weather seemed to be coming our way. Staff members were continuously praying for the bad weather to pass and God answered our prayers! The storms passed Warsaw and the girls were able to finish their campout. Note: Camper names have been changed. Kids at Camp Make Treasure Boxes C U Mission http://cumission.org/news.php?act=news_details&n_id=499 Camping Season Underway City Union Mission offers a one-week camp experience at our Camp CUMCITO (City Union Mission’s camp in the Ozarks) to underprivileged kids ages 4 through 16, with a nominal $5 fee. This week we had a total of 63 campers who traveled down to Warsaw to enjoy a week of camp. The next session, Pre-Teen Camp, for ages 11 and 12, is from Monday, July 14th, through Saturday, July 19th, at our Campground in Warsaw, MO. Primary Camp gets underway Tuesday, July 22nd, for ages 7and 8, and Tot Lot Camp, for ages 4 through 6. Teen Boys’ Camp, for ages 13 through 16, is from Monday, July 28th through Saturday, August 2nd.  Buses leave City Union Mission&