| PRESS RELEASE | FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Joshua Kinney Director of Marketing & Communications Phone: 484-557-1601 jkinney@missiondc.org |
| Monday, January 19, 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., 65 Massachusetts Ave., NW, Washington, DC Washington, DC — January 15, 2026 — This Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Central Union Mission is turning remembrance into action. Guests will experience a powerful recitation of Dr. King’s iconic “I Have a Dream” speech, a heartwarming soul food feast inspired by his favorite dishes, and a celebration of hope and transformation in a place where lives are rebuilt every day. Volunteers, program participants, and community leaders will come together to honor Dr. King’s vision of justice, unity, and community, bringing his dream vividly to life in the heart of Washington, DC. The Mission’s cafeteria and chapel will be transformed into a space of remembrance and renewal, with decorations assembled by program participants and volunteers from First Baptist Church of Glenarden. This unique collaboration reflects the heart of Dr. King’s vision: a community united to lift one another up. Reverend Dr. Jeffery O. Johnson, Sr., Pastor of Mt. Calvary Baptist Church, will bring Dr. King’s words to life with a powerful recitation of the “I Have a Dream” speech, offering an unforgettable moment of reflection on hope, justice, and unity. “This celebration is more than a tribute, it’s living out Dr. King’s vision in a place where lives are being restored every day,” said Mission President & CEO, Joe Mettimano. “Here, hope rises, transformation happens, and community thrives, just as Dr. King envisioned.” Featured Speaker Reverend Dr. Jeffery O. Johnson, Sr. Pastor, Mt. Calvary Baptist Church With more than 30 years of preaching experience, Reverend Dr. Jeffery O. Johnson, Sr. is a trusted spiritual leader, evangelist, and Christian radio broadcaster. Known for his compelling recitations of Dr. King’s “I Have a Dream,” Dr. Johnson has inspired audiences across churches, schools, and community gatherings throughout the Washington metropolitan area. He is married to Valda Johnson, and they have two children, Jeffery Jr. and Margaret Esther. Media Invitation Members of the media are invited to witness a celebration of hope, transformation, and community in action. Capture the Mission’s shelter as it is transformed into a vibrant space honoring Dr. King, hear inspiring firsthand stories from guests whose lives are being rebuilt, and speak with volunteers and Mission leaders making a tangible impact every day. This is more than a holiday feature, it’s a story of resilience, faith, and Dr. King’s dream coming alive in the lives of some of the city’s most overlooked neighbors. For more information, questions, or to learn more, please contact Joshua Kinney, Director of Marketing & Communications, at jkinney@missiondc.org or call 484-557-1601. About Central Union Mission: Central Union Mission, Washington, DC’s oldest private social service agency and a faith-driven 501(c)(3) nonprofit, offers a comprehensive array of services to men, women and children in need from DC, Virginia and Maryland. Beyond offering over 60,000 bed-nights annually at its emergency shelter, the Mission’s shelter provides a full suite of transformational programs. Our Comprehensive Family Resource Center provides food and clothing to approximately 5,000 individuals monthly, as well as transformative wrap-around services. Our Mission: NOVA center in south Arlington provides critically needed social services, as well as food and clothing. All three facilities use a co-located service model providing onsite job training/placement, education, help with addictions, ESL classes, parenting classes, healthcare, assistance to veterans and senior citizens, legal aid, assistance with housing, spiritual discipleship and more. Additionally, the Mission operates a camp for underprivileged children and a 24-bed transition home. Our reputation is reflected in our four-star rating from Charity Navigator, Platinum Seal for financial transparency from Candid, and Top-Rated award from Great Non-Profits.  |