MISSION ARLINGTON

Mission Arlington began in August of 1986 with a mission of “taking church to the people”; if you can do missions overseas, why not in Arlington?; and a vision of a Bible Study in every neighborhood, apartment community, mobile home park and retirement center in Arlington. Six Bible Studies began in August of 1986 in apartment communities throughout the city. Immediately, the need to meet people’s physical and emotional needs, as well as spiritual, became apparent. Mission Arlington has greatly expanded its original methods and services to include a multitude of ministries. Yet, the goal remains the same — to provide an opportunity for every person to hear and respond to the Gospel of Jesus Christ — where they live, one person at a time.

With a paid staff of six, and an unpaid “staff” of over 1,000 volunteers, Mission Arlington provides assistance to approximately 1,000 people weekly. This does not include the 3,000 people who gather throughout the city every week for Bible Study in the places where they live. Mission Arlington operates seven days a week providing services that include a food pantry; clothes closet; furniture/ household items; warehouse/delivery; a Day Shelter for residents of the Arlington Night Shelter; after-school programs in apartments; summer activities; Youth and Children’s Camps, English as a Second Language classes and a Counseling Service utilizing the volunteer services of 95 local therapists and counselors. In addition, Alpha Foundation Crisis Childcare operates as a fully licensed, full-time, childcare facility for an average of 40 children per day in crisis situations from homeless families and others in temporary situations as parents seek employment, job training or assistance. Mission Arlington also provides the only transportation service in Arlington for low-income and homeless families. Operating parttime are medical and dental clinics which each see more than 1,500 patients annually; utilizing volunteer doctors, dentists, hygienists, nurses and clerks. Mission Arlington does not charge for any of these services.

In accomplishing these goals, the needs of the organizations are numerous and everchanging, ever-expanding. Salary money is needed to maintain and expand childcare and transportation serves, and money to make purchases for After-School Programs, Summer Programs and Camps is a continuing need. Funds to assist residents with rent, utilities, and prescriptions are in constant demand. Everything from Bibles to basketballs, toys for Christmas to school supplies are needed. The needs are as varied and extensive as the ministry God has given Mission Arlington - to find and meet the needs in every life, in every neighborhood - in order to be “all things to all people, that we might reach some.”

October 1995