Stories of Change


Read stories of lives transformed thanks to you.

Conishea

Conishea

LEANING ON COMMUNITY When Conishea was struggling to feed and clothe her family, YOU helped her! Conishea was used to making ends meet all on her There was nothing she wanted more than to be able t...

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Phillip's Story

Phillip's Story

Nobody knew Phillip was homeless

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Dennis Hinnant

Dennis Hinnant

The holidays were right around the corner when Dennis Hinnant, 56, found himself walking through the doors of Central Union It had been a long and treacherous journey that led him A journey that st...

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Malik Butts

Malik Butts

“I really didn’t think I needed to be here. I felt like I had things under control even when I really didn’t. I had a job and things were okay as far as I was concerned.”

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Webster & Webster: From Volunteer to Major Donor

Webster & Webster: From Volunteer to Major Donor

Long before Marcus Webster of Webster & Webster Associates made substantial financial donations to Central Union Mission, he was just a young boy in Ypsilanti, Michigan

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Fernando Zavala

Fernando Zavala

After wandering the streets with no food or money, he walked by what he thought was an interesting place. That interesting place was Central Union Mission.

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Jeremy and Jennifer

Jeremy and Jennifer

At the beginning of March 2020, Jeremy and Jennifer were a young married couple, committed to their careers, their community and their family… but then COVID-19 came.

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Arthur Thomas

Arthur Thomas

Arthur Thomas’ road to redemption doesn’t begin like most of his peers. There’s often a catastrophic event, a near-death experience, or the death of a close friend or family member that cause...

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Roy Stephenson

Roy Stephenson

From the outside looking in, Roy Stephenson had it all. He was a successful salesman, drove a nice car and lived a very comfortable life; but in 2014 when Roy’s mother passed away, due to hospita...

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James Johnson

James Johnson

The 2019 holiday season was coming to an end, when James Johnson found himself being rushed to the emergency room on New Year’s Eve. His

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Phillip Ford

Phillip Ford

He was a ‘functional’ ‘addict’ able to hold his mid-level positions in law firms? but his addiction caught up with him in 2002, and he lost his job.

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Sonja Graham

Sonja Graham

Sonja Graham: Central Union Mission continues to empower the community they serve by offering a six-session, basic computer literacy course,

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Darryl Craighead

Darryl Craighead

Darryl Craighead’s relationship with drugs and rehabilitation programs was one of a never-ending cycle. He had completed plenty of programs and they all ended the same way….

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"Kim"

Unaware of what help they could provide, she found herself at the Family Ministry Center (FMC), in need of food and clothes for her children, but unsure of who she could trust.

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Jonathan Moncada

Jonathan Moncada

“I had no money, I was broke. I spent all my money and I asked God to help me get somewhere. I went to the Amtrak station and promised myself that wherever the next train was headed, that’s whe...

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Mission Men Seize the Day

Mission Men Seize the Day

In the time of Covid-19, the Mission continues to create innovative and engaging learning opportunities for adult learners and productive volunteering for those experiencing homelessness.

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A letter of thanks from Stephen

A letter of thanks from Stephen

“The Mission helped me deal with the pain of losing my marriage,” he says. “I let Jesus in and experienced the healing of forgiveness. Today, I’ve been sober for 11 months. I’m truly bles...

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Meet Johnny Ferguson

Meet Johnny Ferguson

“I can see the light at the end of the tunnel, and I see that all that I have prayed for is possible and will soon be my reality,”

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From Camp Counselor to City Mayor

From Camp Counselor to City Mayor

CHRIS FRYE was 15 and at loose ends in New Castle, PA. Recovering from a serious back injury that left him unable to play sports or “do anything constructive,”

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Richard Albee

Richard Albee

Navy Veteran Gets a Chance at New Life

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Scott E. Moore - Letting God Help

Scott E. Moore - Letting God Help

It was my drug and alcohol addiction—coupled with my rebellion towards God after my mother died of cancer—that led me on a downward spiral.

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KHOTSO TSWAEDI

KHOTSO TSWAEDI

With a good job and now reconciled to his sister, Khotso gratefully credits the Mission for his brand new life.

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Christopher Chapman

Christopher Chapman

Through the STP, I’m able to learn life-impacting lessons from godly chaplains. I thank the Lord for saving my life and leading me here to Central Union Mission.

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The Gittens Family

The Gittens Family

After leaving the Army, the Gittens struggled to find an affordable place to live with their kids.

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Frank

Frank

Frank walked a hundred miles to find his true path at the Mission.

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Jimmie

Jimmie

Alcohol addiction caused Jimmie to lose his successful business—and hope

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Michael

Michael

Through the support of the Mission, Michael is now moving up the corporate ladder.

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Tony

Tony

Tony was at the end of his rope, before God helped him pull himself up.

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Shawn

Shawn

“God’s Grace Has Been Holding Us”

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A. W. Chaney - 1917

A. W. Chaney - 1917

A. W. Chaney examines the difference between living your life in service to God versus living in service to the devil. He shares his story of how the Mission helped him stand firm against addiction...

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Aaron Davis - June 2009

Aaron Davis - June 2009

Another success of the Spiritual Transformation Program…

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Aaron Green

Aaron Green

A Second Chance and a Full-Time Job — Back on the street, he realized he wanted to be able to help his 29-year-old daughter and two young grandsons, so he decided to try again.

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Albert S. Murphy - 1907

Albert S. Murphy - 1907

Albert S. Murphy tells his winding life story that proceeds from an average life, to an accidental manslaughter, to an alcohol addiction, to the front desk of Central Union Mission. Read more to fi...

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Aleazar - December 2008

Aleazar - December 2008

Spiritual Transformation Program – A New Blessing for a Fresh Start

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Allan Hall

Allan Hall

I Did Not Come Here to Play! — “The Mission Work Program kept me focused and disciplined on learning the Word of God and helping me prepare for work.”

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Andre McGant

Andre McGant

The time given to me to spend at the Mission was priceless and very important to me at this stage in my I graduated college this year with a degree in business management at 56 years I never though...

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Anthony Johnson

Anthony Johnson

When Anthony came home to his DC apartment last October, it wasn't While he was out of town, his roommate backed up a truck to the place and stole everything Anthony For a while, he stayed in a roo...

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Arturo

Arturo

Listen for Arturo’s vivid story of life on the streets, hunger, and his experience with the Mission.

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Belinda's Story

Belinda's Story

Belinda struggles with MS and is limited to what she can eat.
Listen to her story.

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Ben C. Guthrie

Ben C. Guthrie

A testimony about how God miraculously freed Ben from the slavery of alcohol abuse. (Originally published in the 1957 Annual Report)

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Bernard Hamilton

Bernard Hamilton

“I was a ‘grate’ man. My bottom was on a grate living outside. It was bitter cold. I had no gloves, and my blanket was wet from the steam and the rain.”

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Boyd Sheppard (a.k.a. The Voice with a Smile), 1948

Boyd Sheppard (a.k.a. The Voice with a Smile), 1948

Boyd Sheppard testifies about his journey through addiction, and the Mission’s role in redirecting him to the hopeful path of God.

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Betty Fluker

Betty Fluker

Betty is a gospel singer and minister who evangelizes in the area and has a CD of her own songs. She ministers to Mission men and other neighbors on the street;

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Carla

Carla

Carla’s Audio Testimony shares her experience with hunger in the District, and how the Mission has helped her live a less worrisome life.

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Cartrail Eaton

Cartrail Eaton

Read this story about how the Spiritual Transformation Program helped one young man achieve his dream.

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Charles Hill

Charles Hill

This Was the Place for Me — ” Funny how life became easier as I could see my blessings in front of me when I couldn’t before! I saw God showing me favor”

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Charles Thibodeau

Charles Thibodeau

Starting Over–“The Mission has been great to me. At one time, I couldn’t even handle $5, but with the Mission’s help, I have my own checking and savings accounts now and bet...

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Chris Johnson

Chris Johnson

The story of how Chris Johnson’s life was turned around through the Mission, and his prayer for a brighter future.

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Chris Jones

Chris Jones

Chris Jones struggled through an abusive home life growing up, and is currently trying to recover with the help of Central Union Mission and God. Read his inspiring story that leaves you with hope ...

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Clarence A. Duet, 1952

Clarence A. Duet, 1952

Clarence A. Duet found the Lord and a wife at the Central Union Mission. Read his testimony of his salvation.

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Clayborn Pinkney

Clayborn Pinkney

Hear more about Clayborn’s journey to the Spiritual Transformation Program at Central Union Mission and how he was able to piece his life back together.

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Darrel Fiddermon

Darrel Fiddermon

“Since I left Central Union Mission, I?ve been drug- and alcohol-free for 21 years. I have answered the call to preach, gotten married, become a dad to two beautiful children and own the hous...

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David's Audio Testimony

David's Audio Testimony

David shares his audio testimony of extreme loss in his life, how he ended up using drugs on the streets, and how the Mission helped him heal his soul.

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Dean Clark

Dean Clark

The Story of Dean Clark: From Marbles to Miracles
By Kristin Lane

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Domonic Garrett

Domonic Garrett

“During my time here, I have become a new creature as stated in 2 Cor. 5:17: ‘If anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!'”

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Dr. Richard Semmler

Dr. Richard Semmler

Professor Introduces Students to Service

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E. P. Clayton, 1916

E. P. Clayton, 1916

The story of how E. P. Clayton, a man who became estranged from his family, had a run-in with his father on the streets of Washington, D.C. that led him to the Mission and changed his life forever.

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Ed's Audio Testimony

Ed's Audio Testimony

Ed shares with us his audio testimony about the losses in his life, his depression, and his new outlook on life thanks to the Mission’s offerings.

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Edward H. DeGroot, 1922

Edward H. DeGroot, 1922

Found in the Minute Book of 1922 is the story of Edward H. DeGroot, former President of the Board of Directors and former Vice President. DeGroot served the Mission for over 40 years

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Family Ministries Client, August 2008

Family Ministries Client, August 2008

Pastor de Casanova tells of Anna, one of the ministry’s original students. About six years ago, Pastor de Casanova and other volunteers helped her to leave her “nightmare” apartme...

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Felix Brooks, 2009

Felix Brooks, 2009

Felix Brooks tells his story from park bench to the Mission, and how it’s changed his life.

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Fiona

Fiona

In Fiona’s audio testimony she shares the many challenges she experienced growing up, and how she ended up at the Mission–a place that offered safety and warmth in a world that had alwa...

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Gary

Gary

In this audio recording Gary shares his story of living homeless in the woods, suffering from extreme hunger, and finding hope after all.

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Geoff

Geoff

Geoff shares his story of Thanksgiving alone on the streets, and how the Mission changed his perspective of possibility and hope.

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George Bolden, 1983

George Bolden, 1983

Sometimes a child of God can find himself in such a situation that he needs a place to stay. George Bolden came to the Mission at such a time. He received the help that he needed and stayed to give...

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Gerald Lee Robinson, 1982

Gerald Lee Robinson, 1982

The journey that lead Gerald Lee Robinson to the Mission, and his path toward salvation and recovery.

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Harold G. Sirrine, 1946

Harold G. Sirrine, 1946

Harold Sirrine tells the story of his struggle with alcoholism and the glory of God that helped him find a more humble and helpful path.

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Howard and Carol Andreoni, 1977

Howard and Carol Andreoni, 1977

Howard and Carol Andreoni, past co-directors of Camp Bennett, share their experience leading camp–including the bumps and bruises along the way!

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James LeBlanc

James LeBlanc

A Career Serving God– “I wasn’t thinking about school at all, but Mr. Treadwell gave me the push I needed and helped me apply,”

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James Terry

James Terry

“God is teaching me to be obedient; it’s not about me, it’s God doing things through me.”

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Jeff Tooles, February 2009

Jeff Tooles, February 2009

Here’s the story about how God led Jeff to Central Union Mission’s Spiritual Transformation Program.

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Joe Fisher, 1931

Joe Fisher, 1931

Joe Fisher tells his story about what led him to the Mission and how the Mission turned his life around.

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John Geoghan, 1943

John Geoghan, 1943

The story of how John Geoghan’s prayers were answered, from a life of alcoholism to a life in submission to God.

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John S. Bennett, 1915

John S. Bennett, 1915

John S. Bennett’s testimony comes in the form of a rhyming poem spoken from the heart.

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Joseph Fisher, 1932

Joseph Fisher, 1932

Joseph Fisher recounts his alcohol addiction, and how the Mission helped him find a friend in Jesus Christ and a way to quit his habit.

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Karen

Karen

Karen shares her touching account of the struggle of homelessness, and the chance the Mission has given her to change everything.

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Keisha

Keisha

Keisha’s Miracle–“I remember having to make a decision whether I let the electricity be cut off and provide Christmas gifts for the children, or pay the electric bill…”...

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Keith

Keith

In this audio testimony, Keith let’s us in on a traumatic event that led him to homelessness, and how the Mission helped him get through it all.

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Kemper Hoffler, 1983

Kemper Hoffler, 1983

I was born into a religious family, and as a child I was very active with my family in the At twelve years of age I was baptized and became a member of the As a teenager I dropped out and began liv...

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Kennedy Moulder, June 2009

Kennedy Moulder, June 2009

This is the story about how Kennedy Molder, a 2007 graduating client of the Spiritual Transformation Program, began his new life.

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Kerry Martin

Kerry Martin

Kerry Martin, a current participant in the Spiritual Transformation Program, tells the story of what brought him there and how he’s becoming closer to God.

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Kimberly

Kimberly

Discovering the Joy of Service (Volunteer) — Kimberly’s summer experience as a Counselor-in-Training at Camp Bennett was an important step on her lifelong path of service and outreach.

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Larry

Larry

Larry shares his story of eating out of dumpsters on Thanksgiving Day and the hardships of homelessness. The Mission changed everything for him. Listen to hear more.

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Lewis Coker

Lewis Coker

Lewis Coker tells the story of how alcohol consumed his life, but salvation in Jesus Christ through the help of Central Union Mission saved him.

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Major and Mrs Ramsey

Major and Mrs Ramsey

William H. Ramsey , former Treasurer, Vice President, and President of the Board of Directors, and his wife Ida Close Ramsey, former President of the Women’s Guild, speak of their involvement...

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Marc O'Brien

Marc O'Brien

“I have always thought of myself as a golden boy, everything had always gone my way. All of a sudden everyone started saying no. Doors were slammed in my face. I lost my home, car, everything.”...

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Mardelle - Volunteer, August 2008

Mardelle - Volunteer, August 2008

“Gold Stars for Service” (Volunteers)
“Every Friday night for the past seven years, “The Golden Girls” have been serving dinner at the Mission.

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Mareo Jeffries

Mareo Jeffries

“Life is not always easy.” Mareo Jeffreys suffered from depression and addiction. Watch as he tells his story of how the Spiritual Transformation program is helping him rebuild his life and fi...

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Marie Bowen, 1980

Marie Bowen, 1980

One of the guests in the Women’s Shelter told what it meant to her to find a spiritual home.

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Mario Cruz

Mario Cruz

Making a New Start.

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Marvin W. Tyler

Marvin W. Tyler

Marvin Tyler found the Lord as his Savior at Central Union Mission on October 20, 1950, and remained as a faithful and effective employee of the Mission until the Lord called him home in 1965. Read...

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Matthew's Audio Testimony

Matthew's Audio Testimony

Matthew exposes the pains and guilt of his childhood, and how they led him to homelessness. Listen to how the Mission is helping him change his life.

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Michelangelo Payne

Michelangelo Payne

Second Chances |The Washington Times | November 24, 2011 For one DC resident, this Thanksgiving is a time to reflect and give back to the community that helped him. Michelangelo Payne has lived a h...

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Orville Ditto, 1936

Orville Ditto, 1936

Read the engaging story of how Orville Ditto was lead to God through the Mission, and eventually led away from the entire catalog of outward sin he had been committing.

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Pala Omagandam, 2009

Pala Omagandam, 2009

Sometimes we get lost from our path and disobey our hearts. Read the story of how God helped Pala Omagandam get back on track.

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Peter B. Sweeny, 1890

Peter B. Sweeny, 1890

Peter tells the story of how Brother Douglass and the Mission helped him strive to live a life close to God.

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Randy Grayson, 2005

Randy Grayson, 2005

Randy Grayson shares his story of deliverance and healing – New Beginnings
Randy’s Audio Testimony of Hope Randy tells the story of how he fled an abusive home-life at a young age...

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Reginald M. Ashton Sr, 2009

Reginald M. Ashton Sr, 2009

Reginald shares his story of how he found the Mission, and what the Mission has meant to him.

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Rev. David R. Howard, 2008

Rev. David R. Howard, 2008

Rev. David R. Howard speaks of the challenging yet rewarding service he does with the Mission as Director of Overnight Guest Ministries

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Rev. Thomas B. Hanlon, 1974

Rev. Thomas B. Hanlon, 1974

Rev. Thomas B. Hanlon had a warm spot in his heart for the men and women who came to the Mission because he “had been there” during his own life struggles. He worked at the Mission for ...

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Ricky's Story

Ricky's Story

Ricky describes what the STP program has given him and what he is doing to give back.

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Robert Hammer Jr.

Robert Hammer Jr.

I came to Central Union Mission May 17, 2011, straight from the DC Jail, after sitting 30 days for not applying with the DC Probation Board.

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Robert Taylor

Robert Taylor

“Suddenly, I really was homeless. I spent two days camping and praying on Theodore Roosevelt Island, asking God, “Help me. What should I do?”

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Ronald Wewerka, 1984

Ronald Wewerka, 1984

One of those who benefited from the Kohlmeier Educational Fund is Ronald Wewerka, who was employed at the Mission as Business Systems Administrator while continuing his studies at Capital Bible Sem...

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Ronnie's Audio Testimony

Ronnie's Audio Testimony

Ronnie shares with us his story of how drug abuse shattered his whole life, but how talking to God helped him through.

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Ruby W. Flanoy, 1995

Ruby W. Flanoy, 1995

Ruby Flanoy gives her audio-testimony about her experience with the Mission’s Food Depot for the past 15 years.

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Ryan Simpson

Ryan Simpson

“I just want to be a servant for the Mission for God. I have a desire to help others. Once I was in the driver’s seat, but now I let God drive.”

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Texas - 1915

Texas - 1915

The story of how the Mission changed the life of a man known as “Texas”. Told by past Superintendent John S. Bennett.

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The "Golden Girls" - Volunteers

The

Every Friday night for the past seven years, “The Golden Girls” have been serving dinner at the Mission

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The Millers - Volunteers, April 2009

The Millers - Volunteers, April 2009

If you live on the streets, a birthday party is certainly one luxury you forgo. That’s why every year Central Union Mission holds a Men’s Birthday Party, complete with decorations, home-made cu...

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Tom Brown, 1962

Tom Brown, 1962

Tom Brown, graduate from the Mission’s Spiritual Transformation Program and former Director of Family Services, shares his story from childhood to parenthood, and how the Word of God shaped h...

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Vernon Lancaster

Vernon Lancaster

Vernon Lancaster came to the Mission looking for a new home and ended up saving his life, too. Vernon’s rooming situation wasn’t working out; his previously friendly landlord became ang...

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Will Brad

Will Brad

On Saturday, February 21, 2009, at approximately 10:30 AM, I entered Central Union Mission as a last resort to seek help with my alcohol addiction. I did not know it was spiritually based and I did...

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Zachary Pope

Zachary Pope

“There Is Always Hope”
View the video of Zachary’s story.

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