THE URBAN MISSION INC
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Mission Statement
The Urban Mission is a 501(c)(3) non-profit that has been serving the Oklahomans for over 40 years. We offer a variety of programs that help low-income families in the central Oklahoma City area. The overall goal for our programs is to instill hope and confidence in families and children of Oklahoma, by providing basic needs and services. "Giving help today for hope of a better tomorrow" is our motto. We strive to provide needed services to disadvantaged families and children in a non-judgmental caring atmosphere that promotes dignity, respect, and hope.
About This Cause
All of the programs of the Urban Mission benefit at-risk children and low income individuals and families in central Oklahoma who fall under the gross income limits of the TEFAP commodity food program, which is 185% of the federal poverty guidelines. The Urban Mission's services include food assistance and support classes through our Food and Resource Center, school supplies through our Back-to-School program, our holiday assistance program Santa Store, and S.P.A.R.K. and Kid's Cafe: enrichment and learning programs for at risk kids after school and during the summer. Our Food & Resource Center (FRC) is the first of its kind in Oklahoma. It provides food insecure families the opportunity to select the food items they need in a grocery store setting. This client-choice model allows families to maintain their dignity when asking for help. People in poverty have a greater chance of developing chronic illnesses due to lack of access to healthier and nutritious foods, so the FRC provides foods that promotes healthy lifestyles, such as fresh produce, lean meats, frozen vegetables, and everything that completes a well-balanced diet. Food insecurity is still a serious issue; a nationwide study shows that 1 in 6 Oklahomans and 1 in 4 children in Oklahoma are food insecure. Along with our client choice food pantry, the FRC provides clients with educational classes on financial planning, budgeting, nutrition, health, and legal issues. Our FRC serves approximately 10,000 people each year. S.P.A.R.K. (Support Program of Arts and Reading for Kids) is an after school and summer nutrition and education program for at-risk children. The program provides a safe, accessible place for area children to go to after school hours. Volunteers act as mentors and tutors and assist the children in completing homework assignments and increasing their reading skills. Reading is a central focus because we believe strongly that in order for a child to succeed, they must be able to read well. The program intends to improve children’s reading skills and social skills. Other activities include crafts, games, computer learning, writing, art, music, and recreational exercise. Kid's Café is a feeding and nutrition education program that provides an evening meal during the school year and breakfast, lunch, and afternoon snack during the summer months to at-risk children who attend S.P.A.R.K. The children help prepare the meals, set tables, and do clean-up duty as part of the program. The children are educated on nutrition, cooking, health diets and meals preparation. The Urban Mission maintains a raised bed garden and greenhouse, which is used as an outdoor classroom to educate the children on horticulture and growing their own food. Each child has their own plot and any produce they harvest is used in preparing their meals. Over 10,000 meals are served to the children throughout the year. The Back-to-School program provides low-income children with new backpacks and school supplies to attend school. School supplies have become luxury items for low income families, yet school supplies are essential to a child’s education. Each child in the program receives the same supplies as their peers so they can start school with the same tools to succeed in school as other students. 650 students in over 18 different school districts were provided with supplies in 2016. The Urban Mission's Santa Store program offers low income families and children a Christmas experience. Parents pick out toys and gifts for their children, while children walk through a winter wonderland, get a picture with Santa, pick candy, and a gift for their parents. Families that participate in the program also, receive food, clothing, Christmas decorations, and a Christmas tree. Last year the Urban Mission helped over one hundred families and three hundred children have a more cheerful Christmas.