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| Graduates Share Powerful Stories of Hope, Healing, and New Beginnings |
| Washington, DC — July 15, 2026 — Central Union Mission will celebrate the graduates of its Restoration & Transformation Program during a special ceremony on Saturday, July 18, at 2:00 p.m. at the Mission’s Men’s Shelter, 65 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington DC. The graduation marks the successful completion of a rigorous, year-long residential program designed to help men overcome homelessness and life-controlling challenges through spiritual discipleship, personal accountability, education, employment readiness, counseling, and life-skills development. The ceremony will feature moving testimonies from graduates who will share their journeys of restoration and the life-changing impact of the Mission’s holistic approach to recovery and transformation. “Every graduate represents hope restored,” said Joe Mettimano, President & CEO of Central Union Mission. “These men have chosen perseverance over despair, purpose over hopelessness, and transformation over simply surviving. We are honored to celebrate all they have accomplished and look forward to the lives they will continue building.” The keynote address will be delivered by Jimmy Kemp, Partner at TDI International and President of the Jack Kemp Foundation. A respected leader in public policy, philanthropy, and leadership development, Kemp has dedicated his career to helping individuals realize their God-given potential and believes that one’s circumstances at birth should never determine one’s future. Throughout the ceremony, graduates will receive certificates recognizing their achievements and will publicly share the stories behind their remarkable journeys from addiction, homelessness, incarceration, and personal hardship to renewed purpose, stable employment, restored relationships, and faith in Christ. For Central Union Mission, the annual graduation serves as a powerful reminder that lasting transformation is possible when practical support is combined with compassionate care and the hope of the Gospel. Media are invited to attend and interview graduates, Mission leadership, and Jimmy Kemp following the ceremony. Event Information What: Restoration & Transformation Program Graduation When: Saturday, July 18, 2026 | 2:00 p.m. Where: Central Union Mission Men’s Shelter, 65 Massachusetts Ave. NW, Washington, DC 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 GreatNonProfits.  |