Congresswoman McCollum's Statement Honoring the 110th anniversary of the Union Gospel Mission in the Twin Cities

Mr. Speaker, today I reise to honor the 110th anniversary of the Union Gospel Mission in the Twin Cities.

The Union Gospel Mission Twin Cities was founded in Saint Paul, Minnesota in 1902. After starting out as a refuge for the homeless and the downtrodden, they now serve as a beacon of hope for not just the homeless, but the jobless, lost, addicted, and battered.

Over the years, the Mission has expanded their operations from a small clinic off Jackson Street, to now include rescue homes for single mothers, opening learning centers, career development centers, child care centers, and medical clinics. As the community evolved, so did the Union Gospel Mission to meet the needs of the community.

During the Second World War, Americans throughout the country were doing their part, and the men and woman at The Union Gospel Mission Twin Cities were no exception. In 1942, the Mission created a day nursery for mothers, not only allowing these women to make sure their children were cared for, but allowing these same women to work in their communities as well.

Today, Union Gospel Twin Cities is helping many Minnesotans by giving them the tools to find jobs, especially to those who have to overcome barriers to do so. One example is the WorkNet Career Development Program in the Twin Cities, which has helped hundreds of Minnesotans by providing access to the training, guidance, and tools needed to find and keep a job in a market where it has been increasingly difficult for many to do so.

The Union Gospel Mission Twin Cities provides direct assistance to those in need, in addition to the many different volunteer opportunities that give people an opportunity to give back to their community.