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Washington, DC—May 16, 2021—On Monday, May 17, one year after pausing business due to COVID, the Mission Muffins trailer will reopen on Mass. Avenue to celebrate their 5th year anniversary from 7:30-9:30 a.m.
According to Opportunity Insights, a nonpartisan research and policy institute, more than 43 percent of businesses in the city closed permanently or temporarily over the last year, while small business revenue decreased by over 61 percent.
A year later, as COVID tests and vaccines are becoming more available and stimulus dollars make their way to families in need, the reopening of the Mission Muffins trailer is a glimpse of hope for other small businesses to see that recovering from COVID is not impossible.
“We are now pivoting from COVID response to COVID recovery because a lot of people lost their jobs,” said Joe Mettimano, Mission President & CEO.
Mission Muffins, a part of Central Union Mission’s workforce development program, was created to provide training for homeless men who want to enter the workforce but lack experience. In addition to learning how to bake muffins, participants learn how to interact with the public and the importance of timeliness and professionalism. They also walk away with a credible resume for future employment. Mission muffins continued sales, throughout the pandemic, to groups and individuals on a much smaller scale to continue the workforce development aspect for participants.
“Mission Muffins has been life-changing for dozens” said Mettimano. “The end goal of Mission Muffins—preparing formerly homeless people for a bright future—is even sweeter than the Chocoholics Unanimous muffins.”
Also participating will be our Breadcoin partners. Breadcoin is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping to feed those who are hungry and they will be on hand to provide food tokens to the men served by the Mission (and anyone else who is hungry!)
Media are invited to the May 17 celebration. For interviews with Mission staff and Mission Muffin program participants, please contact Lillian Prince at lprince@missiondc.org or 240-432-5937
About Mission Muffins:
Mission Muffins is a training program that helps equip homeless, unemployed people for the job market with baking, retail, marketing and business skills. During the training period, the Mission works with local businesses and agencies to find graduates permanent employment or entrepreneurial opportunities. Employees live and eat at the Mission at no cost and save their wages for permanent housing.
About Central Union Mission:
Central Union Mission is a faith-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and the oldest private social service agency in Washington, DC. In addition to its emergency shelter, which provides more than 60,000 bed-nights each year, the Mission operates holistic, Christ-centered transformation and workforce development programs for men, provides benefits for veterans, helps people overcome addictions, operates a food and clothing distribution center which provides food for over 4,000 people each month, runs a camp for underprivileged children, and offers a ministry to families and senior citizens. Charity Navigator has rated Central Union Mission a three-star charity, GuideStar awarded Central Union Mission a Gold Seal for our financial transparency and GreatNonProfits has given Central Union Mission a Top-Rated award.
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