(Kansas City, MO – June 9, 2006) Central Union Mission of Washington recently received distinction as a “Certified Mission” in the Rescue Mission Certification Program of the Association of Gospel Rescue Missions (AGRM). The award recognizes member missions that have demonstrated the highest quality of service to their community through well-managed programs, and operations.

Executive Director David Treadwell accepted the award for the mission at the annual AGRM convention held last month in Seattle. The mission completed the program during this past year.

The mission earned the certification through a self-study process that required a comprehensive examination of its facilities, operations, financial management, programs and staffing. In order to be certified, the mission was required to demonstrate that it met or exceeded all health and safety criteria established by local ordinances and the Association. It was also required to verify that its programs are well conceived, managed and planned, that it is adequately staffed, and that its financial affairs are in good order.

Rev. Rex Whiteman served as the mission’s Certification Program Consultant. Whiteman is Executive Director of Union Mission Ministries in Charleston, West Virginia, having more than 40 years of experience in rescue mission leadership

“The Central Union Mission taken dramatic steps to prove what a rescue mission ought to be,” Whiteman said. “They are among the leaders in the nation in providing quality service in a professional environment.”

AGRM executive director, Rev. Steve Burger, echoed that feeling, “The Central Union Mission has truly given evidence of its commitment to provide quality care for homeless and poor people. Their participation in the Certification Program marks them as a leader in the pursuit of excellence among missions in the U.S.,” concluded Burger.

Founded in 1913, the Association represents 300 inner city ministries across North America and around the world. AGRM member missions provide emergency food and shelter, youth and family services, rehabilitation programs for the addicted, and assistance to the elderly poor and at-risk youth. Last year, AGRM member missions served more than 37 million meals, provided 14 million nights lodging, distributed more than 26 million pieces of clothing and graduated more than 15,000 homeless men and women into productive living.

Further information about the Association is available at www.rescuemissions.org or by calling
1-800-4RESCUE.

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