TWM Gives Back: Union Gospel Mission of Tarrant Co.

Union Gospel Mission of Tarrant County is a local Christian non-profit dedicated to providing love, hope, respect, and a new beginning for the homeless, offering a holistic program of care that leads to true lasting healing.  For over 130 years, UGM-TC has been providing food, shelter and supportive services to thousands of men, women, and children within the growing homeless population.

Photo courtesy of Union Gospel Mission of Tarrant County

While many come to UGM-TC just looking for a simple meal or a safe place to rest for the evening, UGM-TC offers much more than that.  A residency program is offered for individuals looking to transform their lives. Residents participate in programs designed to maximize their potential by developing the skills they need to return to the community as independent, productive members. Those who join the program receive free high-quality health care at the Healing Shepherd Clinic, attend chapel services, participate in weekly meetings with their case manager, attend classes and services on and off campus, and work towards the overall goal of getting back on their feet. A successful UGM-TC graduate secures housing and income before leaving.

Men and women who want to move from homelessness to self-reliance must learn the proper skills to be productive community members. UGM-TC actively partners with over 30 diverse social service organizations in Tarrant County. These partnerships are able to provide residents with a range of opportunities necessary for developing basic life skills. By working collaboratively, UGM-TC is able to provide everything from legal aid to cooking classes.

Children at UGM-TC are enrolled in the Children’s Enrichment Program to give them the basic skills and tools they need to do well in school and move forward in their lives. Research shows that children fall behind in school by six months every time they move. Because of this, most of the children at UGM-TC are two to three years behind their grade level when they first arrive. Year round, the program provides a safe, consistent and fun place to learn. The program focuses on finding and establishing the child’s strengths and weaknesses. Each child receives a personal plan of action to overcome their educational obstacles.

With help from the community, last year UGM-TC was able to…

• Serve 233,649 meals to residents and guests from the street
• Provide 105,983 sheltered nights to residents and homeless guests
• Provide services to 5,042 men, women and families
• Offer 112,533 chapel services to 3,544 residents and guests

Photo courtesy of Union Gospel Mission of Tarrant County

When Phillip left his job as a truck driver, he had some money saved and thought he would find other employment in a reasonable amount of time. Instead, he admits, “I got lost. I wasn’t sure of myself anymore. I let time go by, and I ran out of money.”

Reduced to living in his car, Phillip sought a new beginning at UGM-TC, where he joined the Men’s Program and enrolled in the Skill Building Program. He soon discovered, “People [at UGM-TC] care about your future. They’re happy to see you get back on your feet. The program changes your life. You feel connected again.”

Phillip has also strengthened his connection to Christ since coming to the Mission. “Going to chapel every night, and Alpha [a UGM-TC Bible study program] every week, helped me find myself and made me stronger. God led me here for a reason.”

That reason might just be a new career. It’s been 35 years since Phillip went to college, but he’s ready to learn something new. He has started taking classes at Tarrant County Community College and would like to pursue a career in counseling. “It’s a long way from what I was doing, but it’s never to late to do something you want, and I want to help other people.”

Photo courtesy of Union Gospel Mission of Tarrant County

Many say “Christmas is for kids,” and we have kids of all ages at UGM-TC. From babies and toddlers to “tweens” and teens, boys and girls at the Mission are looking forward to the holiday. You can make it special for them by donating new, unwrapped toys and gifts. Here are a few suggestions:

• Craft kits
• Sports balls
• New books
• Puzzles and board games
• Educational games and toys

In kind donations can be brought to the main building at 1321 East Lancaster, Fort Worth, Texas any day or time. If you would like to give monetarily, you can do so online, here: https://ugm-tc.networkforgood.com

As the homeless population continues to grow in North Texas, UGM-TC will be there for every man, woman and child who needs help in the years ahead. If you would like to learn more about how Union Gospel Mission of Tarrant County is ending homelessness one person at a time, please visit www.ugm-tc.org.

Alicia McIntyre is a proud graduate of the University of Oklahoma where she earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing with honors in 2016. She has held the position of Marketing Communications Coordinator at Union Gospel Mission of Tarrant County for over 4 years. Alicia feels blessed to be part of the UGM-TC family and making a difference in the Fort Worth Community.