The Community Outreach Center Beam Signing Ceremony

Across the street from Union Gospel Mission of Tarrant County’s campus, where a vacant lot once stood, is a bustling scene. Men and women in construction vests and safety helmets work busily from sunup to sundown on the foundation of what will be The Community Outreach Center. What was once a dream- a hopeful solution to a growing need in the middle of a world-wide pandemic- is now a project in full-swing inching closer every day to becoming the home of our new warehouse and extended Vocational Training Program.

Since our ground-breaking ceremony in May, planning and construction have been steadily progressing as funding continues to flow in. The project, costing $13.7 million in total, is projected to be completed by May of 2023. It goes without saying that such a colossal goal cannot be reached by one person. It takes monumental generosity and many individual souls to embrace the vision. In 13 months, we have raised $12.7 million through the generosity of 129 donors. To honor the men, women, and foundations that have contributed toward this life-changing project, we hosted a beam signing ceremony on November 18, 2022. Donors were invited to take part in the ceremony by signing a Bible verse or blessing with their name on a support beam that will remain exposed once construction is complete.

In the crisp morning air, project donors, Steele & Freeman, Inc. team members, and UGM-TC staff gathered to listen to a few words from UGM-TC CEO, Don Shisler, followed by a blessing by UGM-TC Chaplain, Father Andy Powell. Once the ceremony concluded, anyone who contributed to the project had the opportunity to sign. As the beam filled up, there was a collective feeling of unity. This beam, which will act as support to the community center ceiling, represents the teamwork that supports this project and is crucial to its success. Every name, every Bible verse, and every blessing that will be displayed represents the Body of Christ coming together to be God’s hands and feet in Tarrant County.

At the current rate of progress, the first structural beams are scheduled for assembly in mid-December. It has been thrilling to see the building begin to take form, knowing the center will be a place where those struggling in Tarrant County will find a community of people supporting them as they work toward personal sustainability and growth. If you would like to help us raise the remaining $910,000 of our goal, visit https://ugm-tc.networkforgood.com/.