Union Gospel Mission serves the homeless population of Dallas at two locations:
Calvert Place for men, and the Center of Hope for women and children.
A few ways we seek to help the homeless include: (a) Supplying instruction in Bible, English, Math, and Computer Skills to enable people to lead more worthwhile, self-sufficient lives, (b) Providing affordable apartment housing to persons in transition from UGM shelters and other area programs, and (c) Enabling formerly homeless men to be a blessing by serving Thanksgiving meals at area nursing homes.
Calvert Place serves two groups of men: Clients and Disciples. Clients come to the Mission at night to receive nourishing meals, clothes, showers, lodging, and to attend Chapel services. A UGM Disciple has professed faith in Christ and his faith is evident in positive changes in his behavior, an interest in God’s Word – the Bible – and a sincere effort to change the habits that were harmful to himself and to those around him.
Discipleship men have a long-term relationship with the Mission. They live at the Mission full time and take part in maintaining the facilities. Features of the Discipleship program include: (a) One-on-one guidance, (b) Work experience, (c) Bible study, and (d) Education classes.
The purpose of the Men’s Discipleship Program is to assist saved individuals in rebuilding their lives under the Lordship of Jesus Christ and in obedience to the principles of God's Word. Thus they can become responsible and productive members of society, living lives that are distinctively Christian.
The Bible is UGM’s basic textbook and issues are addressed in light of its principles. It tells us that all men are lost in sin until we, through trusting in Jesus Christ as our Savior, come into a right relationship with God. Once that relationship is established, all areas of life are affected as the Holy Spirit works in the us.
Many elements, each consistently presented as a part of the whole, are employed to achieve the program’s purpose. These elements include:
- personal and group Bible studies
- active church attendance
- assigned Scripture memory
- pastoral counseling - particularly addressing issues which hold individuals captive
- educational training - computer lab offers self-paced learning to improve in weak areas or prepare for a GED
- living skills
- relationship skills
- development of proper work habits through assigned duties
- money management skills
- constructive leisure time activities
- limited job training and placement
The Program offers an opportunity for saved individuals to spend concentrated time in rebuilding the foundations of their lives in order to live a well balanced life.
Overview of the Phases of the Men’s Discipleship Program
a. Prospect
Before a man is actually on the Program, he is considered a Prospect. This stage lasts at least one week, but not more than three. The Prospect is assigned a Primary Chaplain, given a work assignment, and generally participates in the normal routine of Phases I and II. In addition he attends classes that further describe the Program. During this time we can get to know him and he gains a much better understanding of what the Program involves. If he is still interested in pursuing the Program, a decision will be made by his Primary Chaplain after receiving input from other staff members. If he does not join the Program, he is given the option to return to emergency shelter client status.
b. The New Creation Phase (I) and the First Steps Phase (II)
Phase I and II are considered the "Basic" part of our Program. The men do not have outside employment so that they can focus their attention on the basic rebuilding process. Each man has a Primary Chaplain (continues into Phases III and IV also) so that the two of them can set up and work from an individualized plan. Movement between each Phase is done only after the satisfactory completion of the prior Phase's requirements.
The Bible Study time is key to Phases I and II. In the New Creations Phase (I) the men review the various aspects of salvation and how it relates to their total life. This Phase normally is at least eight weeks. The First Steps Phase (II) addresses issues of basic Christian living and is more open ended. Phases I and II also include the completion of computer assisted educational training. At the end of that time the man will receive a Certificate of Recognition for completing the "Basic" Program.
c. The New Beginnings Phase (III)
After finishing the "Basic" part of the Program, the man begins a transitional time (Phases III and IV) that ends with him living on his own and graduating from the Program. At first there is usually an opportunity for the man to work temporarily in the UGM Mail Shop or in the General Services area to strengthen his work habits. There is also an updating of goals set earlier, expanding his role at church and in his family, and then looking for a job.
Once a man finds a permanent job, he is required to show consistent money management skills for at least two months. During this time he is saving his funds in preparation for moving out and coordinating his plans regularly with his Primary Chaplain.
d. Pathways Phase ( IV)
Phase IV begins when the man moves into our transitional housing, or when called for, his own apartment. During that time period he is accountable to the Mission in his handling of money, church attendance, and Christian living. This Phase often provides a final check of how a man is going to choose to live when he is on his own. After successful completion of at least two months on Phase IV, the man is graduated from the Program, but he continues in God's program of life.
The Center of Hope is a shelter for homeless women and children. The purpose of this shelter is to provide a place of residence for up to 234 homeless women and their children, while assisting them in rebuilding their lives on a solid foundation which can never be shaken. Residents receive meals, clothes, showers, lodging, and spiritual encouragement. If a lady chooses to join the Discipleship program, she receives one-on-one guidance, work experience, Bible study, computer classes and transitional housing. Staff at both locations are greatly aided by many volunteers who assist in ministering to the homeless population Union Gospel Mission serves.
We view each person as a precious, creative work of God who alone gives purpose and meaning to life. Our programs are designed to promote discovery of God’s will, develop godly character and to help our clients to live a godly life.
The Center of Hope Discipleship Phases are:
PHASE I - FACT-FINDERS: This phase involves careful assessment of a Disciple’s life, physically, spiritually, socially and emotionally. Those issues which are identified will be addressed in a life application plan developed with counselors, appropriate staff and mentors.
PHASE II - SPIRITUAL FORMATIONS: Key to this phase is the development of a vital relationship with Jesus Christ, individual and family prayer time, the study of God’s word and times of regular worship with a body of believers.
PHASE III - SOLID FOUNDATIONS: This phase involves integration of the God’s word into every facet of life. A successful life is one that is in harmony with God’s nature and character as revealed in the Holy Bible, the Word of God. When principles for living are taken from the Bible they must be first understood, then interpreted accurately, and finally applied to the Disciple’s life in a practical and useful manner.
PHASE IV - LIFE FASHION: This phase helps the Disciple to discover or enhance her God-given talents and apply them in fashioning and living a godly life. A team of qualified counselors and mentors assist in the process of discovering latent gifts and abilities. Obtaining additional education or training is considered. Goals and outcome measurement are established and monitored to see if fashion of life and quality of life are both met.
PHASE V – FOCUS: This phase emphasizes the tools the Disciple or family must use if they are going to live independently and be self-sustaining. FOCUS brings to bear all of the successes of the past phases for the purpose of transplanting the firmly grounded and well-rounded Disciple or family back into the community. The targeted areas in FOCUS are: employment and career path pursuit, fiscal health, permanent housing with sufficient support services, spiritual fitness, peer group networking, meaningful church relationships, accountability and transportation.
