| PRESS RELEASE | FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Joshua Kinney Director of Marketing & Communications Phone: 484-557-1601 jkinney@missiondc.org |
| Washington, D.C. – February 12, 2026 – While Valentine’s Day often centers on romance and roses, Central Union Mission is using the holiday to honor a group too often overlooked: men experiencing homelessness in the nation’s capital. On Friday, February 13, Central Union Mission will host its annual “Every Man’s Birthday” celebration at the Mission’s Emergency Shelter beginning at 4:30 p.m. The event transforms the Valentine’s Day holiday into a powerful reminder that every life is worth celebrating and that no one should feel forgotten. For one evening, the Mission’s cafeteria will be transformed into a warm, festive space filled with Valentine’s décor, birthday cakes, and handwritten cards. Each man in attendance will be personally celebrated with his own cake, a custom card, and a sweet treat, all prepared by Central Union Mission’s longtime chef, Rick, and served with intention and care. “At its core, this evening is about dignity,” said Joe Mettimano, President & CEO of Central Union Mission. “Many of the men we serve haven’t had their birthday acknowledged in years, if ever. On a day when love is celebrated everywhere else, we want them to know they are seen, valued, and deeply loved.” The annual event has become a meaningful tradition at Central Union Mission, offering not just food and festivities, but a moment of human connection for men navigating homelessness. Volunteers and staff take time to engage with guests, ensuring that the celebration feels personal rather than transactional. “Every Man’s Birthday” reflects Central Union Mission’s broader commitment to restoring hope and dignity through Christ-centered care. Beyond emergency shelter and meals, the Mission provides comprehensive programs focused on recovery, life skills, and long-term transformation for men, women, and families experiencing poverty in the DC region. Media are invited to attend and capture the visual and human elements of the celebration. For more information about Central Union Mission or how to support its work, visit missiondc.org. Media Inquiries: For more information, to arrange interviews, or to learn more about Central Union Mission, 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.  |