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Washington, DC—November 14, 2019—On Thursday, November 14th, Central Union Mission’s Mission Muffins will celebrate three years of providing bakery and sales training for people experiencing homelessness through its Workforce Development & Education program. Enjoy free muffins and Mission Mud coffee, and hear from formerly homeless men whose lives have been transformed through the work of Mission Muffins and Central Union Mission.
We also welcome friends broadcasting live from WGTS 91.9 FM during this event. The radio station is collecting new socks to benefit the men at Central Union Mission through its “Socktober” sock drive.
The Mission Muffins program, which utilizes a food truck purchased with a loan from the microenterprise program Breadcoin, is helping to provide job skills and work experience for formerly homeless or incarcerated men. Central Union Mission is encouraged by its Breadcoin partnership because Breadcoin helps propel microenterprises like Mission Muffins—as well as providing for the needs of the hungry—by creating a currency that serves both the needy and the charitable interests of the community.
According to Joe Mettimano, Mission president & CEO, “Mission Muffins has been life-changing for dozens of formerly homeless people. From the Mission Muffin food truck every morning, passersby can purchase amazing baked goods and coffee; advance orders for company meetings, etc., can be arranged on MissionMuffins.org. But the end goal of Mission Muffins—preparing formerly homeless people for a bright future—is sweeter than even its Chocoholics Unanimous muffins.”
Jerry Gill’s life was totally turned around working at Mission Muffins. Jerry spent 42 years in prison—two thirds of his life. Through an accident of paperwork, he ended up at Central Union Mission when he was released three years ago. He says, “This Mission Muffins job is the very first job I ever had. It feels so good to be earning money rather than stealing it.” With his Mission Muffins job and the help of Central Union Mission, Jerry is now living independently in his own apartment. He recently received his first driver’s license so he can deliver Mission Muffins orders himself.
Media are invited to the November 14 celebration. For interviews and photos with Jerry and other Mission Muffin program participants, please contact Deborah Chambers, VP, Development & Partnerships, at 202-534-9965 or dchambers@missiondc.org.
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 Breadcoin:
The Breadcoin network is a community’s response to hunger. This 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization brings together those with food and those without; investors and businesses in need; local nonprofits and likeminded community businesses; vendors and new customers. Breadcoins are tokens that can be redeemed for food at participating vendors. By accepting Breadcoins as payment for their products, local vendors can receive microloans to improve their businesses. Not only do Breadcoin tokens give neighbors a compassionate non-monetary way to help hungry people, the Breadcoin microloans help build our local economy and enhance DC small businesses.
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 almost 60,000 bed-nights each year, the Mission operates a holistic, Christ-centered transformation and workforce development program for men, provides benefits for veterans, helps people overcome addictions, operates a food and clothing distribution center which provides food for over 4000 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, 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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