Since 1924, we’ve offered hope to men, women and children struggling with huge challenges. Homelessness. Addiction. Poverty.
We start by extending a welcoming hand and helping to meet their immediate needs – food, shelter, clothing.
From there, we offer them a new foundation for their lives through Christ – and life-changing programs that move them toward physical, emotional and spiritual wholeness.
Needs met. Lives transformed.
It’s only possible because of your support!
The Road Back
Starting June 1, Gareth Keown, MSML, CEO of City Union Mission, invites the community to join a 90-day journey focused on health, leadership, recovery, faith, resilience, and hope. This journey is personal, but it also reflects the broader mission of City Union Mission: helping men, women, and families find their way back from crisis, homelessness, instability, and hardship. Over 90 days, Gareth will share honest thoughts on his personal and organizational health, homelessness, nonprofit leadership, burnout, recovery, Kansas City, and what it really takes to care for a city.
FOLLOW ALONG
Our doors are open. Our work is excellent. Our love is real. And with your partnership, we can continue bringing safety, stability, and a future to families and individuals across our city.
Make a Difference Now
Your generosity will help meet people’s immediate needs… and support them as they transform their lives through God’s love.
From the Streets to Stability
Watch Kevin’s story of redemption and be inspired by the power of hope.
How Your Support Makes a Difference
This past year, your gifts blessed the lives of those we serve in extraordinary ways! Thanks to you, thousands of men, women and children found help & hope here:
More Ways to Take Action
Current Needs
Here are the food items & daily essentials we need most.
Donate a Car
Give someone dignity and independence on their road to a better life.
Employment Opportunities
Consider a career with a purpose!
Mission Christmas
Help thousands of income-qualified families and individuals enjoy the holidays.
Today, we pause to say thank you to @kcpdchiefgraves
On behalf of City Union Mission, thank you for the way you and your officers serve Kansas City and our Mission.
We are grateful for your leadership, your service, and your care for our community.
As you step into retirement, our prayers are with you and your family.
Thank you, Chief Graves. 🤍
#CityUnionMission #TheRoadBack #KansasCity #ThankYou #CommunityPartners #FaithInActio
Not every step feels like progress at first.
Today, Gareth shares a simple thought from The Tipping Point by Malcolm Gladwell.
Sometimes the little things do not feel like much.
A small habit.
A daily choice.
One steady step.
But over time, those things can start to make a real difference.
That is true in our own lives. It is true in an organization too.
At City Union Mission, we are seeing how small steps, taken day after day, can build real momentum.
The road back is built one step at a time.
#TheRoadBack #CityUnionMission #HopeLivesHere #KansasCity #MissionDriven #Leadership #FaithInAction
We recently asked for help with needs in our emergency shelter nursery and, Kansas City, you answered.
This photo shows a community that cares, people giving what they can, and love in action.
We are so grateful.
Because of your donations, orders, prayers, conversations, and kind thoughts, we can better serve the families and little ones God has placed in our care.
We could not do this work without you.
Thank you, Kansas City. 🤍
#CityUnionMission #HopeLivesHere #KansasCity #KansasCityNonprofit #CommunitySupport #ThankYouKansasCity #ServeKC #FaithInAction
We recently asked for help with needs in our emergency shelter nursery, and Kansas City, you answered.
This photo shows a community that cares, people giving what they can, and love in action.
We are so grateful. Because of your donations, orders, prayers, conversations, and kind thoughts, we can better serve the families and little ones God has placed in our care.
We could not do this work without you.
Thank you, Kansas City.
#CityUnionMission #HopeLivesHere #KansasCity #KansasCityNonprofit #CommunitySupport #ThankYouKansasCity #ServeKC #FaithInAction
Day 58 of 90: The Road Back
Yesterday was a good reminder that this work does not happen alone.
A big thank you to Shoppa`s Mid America for hosting a golf tournament that benefited City Union Mission.
They invited customers.
They planned the event.
They brought in volunteers and staff.
They gave us space to share what God is doing at the Mission.
Shoppa’s helps move our economy forward through logistics, equipment, and support for businesses across our region.
In a different way, we are working to help people move forward too.
From crisis to stability.
From homelessness to housing.
From unemployment to employment.
Strong businesses create opportunity. Strong nonprofits help people reach it.
Thank you, Shoppa’s, and thank you to every customer, sponsor, volunteer, and team member who made this event possible.
#TheRoadBack #CityUnionMission #HopeLivesHere #ShoppaMaterialHandling #KansasCity #CommunitySupport #CorporatePartnership #GolfForGood
Today on The Road Back, we’re at Shoppa’s Material Handling golf tournament benefiting City Union Mission.
This partnership started in 2018 with about $8,000 in support. It has grown year after year.
Today, 120 golfers are showing up for more than a round of golf.
They are helping carry hope forward.
This is what community partnership looks like.
Businesses.
Customers.
Sponsors.
Volunteers.
Neighbors.
All using what they have to help serve others.
Thank you to Shoppa’s Material Handling and Shoppa’s Mid America for standing with the Mission.
Forward, seldom straight.
#TheRoadBack #CityUnionMission #HopeLivesHere #ShoppaMaterialHandling #KansasCity #CommunitySupport #CorporatePartnership #GolfForGood
Tony shares more about the incredible location of the property, which borders Harry S. Truman Reservoir (Truman Lake) — a stunning 56,000-acre government-managed lake known for its excellent fishing and recreation. The camp is also located just 10 minutes from Lake of the Ozarks, another top destination for fishing, boating, and outdoor fun.
What makes this place truly unique is its location between two of Missouri’s most iconic lakes, giving access to nearly 110,000 acres of water and some of the best fisheries in the country.
This is a beautiful setting with amazing outdoor opportunities, and we’re proud to share it with you.
Today we`re continuing our tour of City Union Mission`s Camp in Warsaw, Missouri. If you missed yesterday`s video, be sure to check it out to learn how this incredible camp serves children and families.
In today`s video, Tony Curtis, Director of Operations, takes us inside the camp`s cafeteria—a place where hundreds of meals are served during camp sessions. You`ll also hear about the amazing volunteers who make it all possible. From the commercial kitchen to the welcoming dining area, this space is a vital part of creating a memorable camp experience for every child.
Thank you for following along and supporting the mission of City Union Mission. Be sure to like, comment, and subscribe as we continue sharing stories and highlights from our ministry over the next 35 days.
This week on The Road Back, we’re talking about quick judgments.
We see someone where they are today and think we know the whole story.
But we don’t.
One of our graduates once led a national telecommunications company with thousands of employees. Then life unraveled. Broken relationships led to addiction. Addiction led to homelessness.
But that was not the end of his story.
Today, he is working.
He is housed.
He has reliable transportation.
He has hope and purpose again.
That is why we can’t judge someone by one chapter.
The middle of the journey can be hard. But it is often where character is built.
Forward, seldom straight.
Watch this week’s Road Back reflection.
#TheRoadBack #CityUnionMission #HopeLivesHere #StoriesOfHope #KansasCity #Faith #Leadership #Restoration
Did you know City Union Mission has a camp in Warsaw, Missouri?
Today, Gareth visits Camp CUMCITO with Tony Curtis, our Director of Operations for Warsaw.
Camp is full of life right now. Kids are here. Adults are here. Meals are being served. Games are being played. Ministry is happening.
Tony gives a quick look at the property, including the Ridge Building, gym, cafeteria, commercial kitchen, climbing wall, and more.
Camp CUMCITO is more than a place to stay. It is a place where kids, families, churches, and groups can gather, grow, and experience something meaningful.
Stay tuned! We will be sharing more from camp over the next few days.
#CityUnionMission #CampCUMCITO #TheRoadBack #WarsawMO #KansasCity #FaithInAction #MissionDriven
Life is often unscripted.
There is a time for polished videos and planned posts. But sometimes, the real moments say the most.
Our marketing team recently captured a simple moment at our **Christian Life Center**.
They asked one of our guests what the Mission had done for him that day.
His answer was honest. It was simple. And it reminded us why the everyday work matters.
Lasting change is built in moments like this.
A conversation.
A safe place.
A meal.
A prayer.
A next step.
Watch this real moment from the Mission. 🤍
#CityUnionMission #ChristianLifeCenter #MissionStories #HopeLivesHere #ChristCenteredCare #KansasCity #MissionDriven
Help us celebrate Shawn. 🎓🤍
On Friday, Shawn received his high school diploma at the first Excel Center graduation in Kansas City, Missouri.
Shawn’s journey has included time at our Men’s Center, the L. Minor Care Center, and now the Christian Life Program.
Step by step, he has worked toward stability, healthy routines, faith, and growth.
Shawn is also a new believer and is being supported and discipled by Faith Community Church.
His support team from the L. Minor Care Center and Christian Life Center, along with his church leadership, were there to cheer him on.
And yes, Shawn decorated his graduation cap with CLP 2026.
We are proud of you, Shawn. Keep going.
#CityUnionMission #ChristianLifeProgram #LMinorCareCenter #ExcelCenter #HopeLivesHere #ChristCenteredCare #KansasCity
