Orlando Union Rescue Mission Inc.

The Orlando Union Rescue Mission (OURM) is a 501(c)(3) organization. OURM began in 1948 under the leadership of a group of Christian businessmen to address the rapidly increasing homeless population in Orlando. Until the mid-1980s, OURM primarily served homeless men; however, a new wave of homeless rose leading OURM to expand operations to offer a facility dedicated to women, children and families. The community's generous support has allowed OURM to become one of the oldest and largest homeless service providers in the Central Florida area. OURM's mission statement reads: Bringing the hungry, hurting and homeless to new life, new goals and a new future in Christ. Today, OURM has 61 employees and over 300 volunteers each month perform this mission. In 2014, OURM provided over 94,000 nights of shelter and over 336,000 hot meals to Central Florida's homeless. Since its inception, OURM has helped thousands of Central Florida's homeless secure employment, achieve self-sufficiency, become connected back to the community and reach their full potential built upon a firm foundation in Jesus Christ.

Benchmarks evaluating progress and success is important to ensure that OURM's facilities are being stewarded wisely. Each resident is assigned and meets weekly with their Case Manager and Biblical Counselor who address any issues or areas in need of growth. Additional perspectives of progress are offered by the Career Learning Center Administrator, Housekeeping, Food Service, Welcome Services and Family Life Center personnel who are also committed to investing daily in the lives of all residents. Each guest is held accountable in 5 distinct areas and must adhere to the following guidelines which serve as indicators of progress with OURM's programs: 1. Spiritual Accountability - attend chapel services and other Bible studies.2. Educational Accountability - complete an assessment test to evaluate educational needs and plan academic goals accordingly (High School Diploma is available on site.) 3. Stewardship Accountability - keep living quarters clean and assist with other duties within the facility where needed. 4. Vocational Accountability - attend school or be gainfully employed.5. Financial Accountability - save 75% of net income which is deposited into the resident's savings account to be returned upon graduation of the program. If a resident is consistently deviating from the stated guidelines and is not attempting to positively progress through the program, they are dismissed from OURM's programs. However, the ultimate goal is self-sufficiency for each resident. In 2009, a case management survey indicated that 53% of the enrolled families left OURM so self-sufficient that they required no government assistance (such as Section 8 housing, food stamps, etc.).

Each program offered plays a unique role in seeing OURM's mission statement come to life. OURM does not accept any government funding and is solely supported by individuals, corporations, foundations and other private organizations. Our annual operating budget ranges from $5-6 million. Staff is comprised of 61 team members and approximately 300 volunteers per month to help accomplish the services and programs listed below. The principle objectives and capabilities of each campus are as follows: 1) O.U.R. Men's Center provides emergency housing for 80 men and a Discipleship Work Rehabilitation program for 40 men. Those staying at the emergency shelter receive a meal, a shower, and a safe place to sleep. The Discipleship Work Rehabilitation program is a one-year commitment each man makes to do what is necessary to return to self-sufficient living. During that time these men participate in job-training and completing their high school education, if needed. Nightly chapel services, Bible studies, and Christian counseling are provided for all 120 guests to meet their spiritual needs. In 2014, O.U.R. Men's Center provided 46,727 nights of safe shelter and 168,398 hot meals to Central Florida's homeless men. Additionally, 1,661 men turned their lives over to Christ. 2) O.U.R. Mission Home is a transitional-housing facility created for single women, women with children, men with children, and in-tact families. This 202-bed facility was designed to live up to its name: it's meant to be a home and an environment that allows residents to rebuild their lives. Each resident is assigned a Biblical Counselor and Case Manager to assist them in identifying factors that led to homelessness and in creating a practical plan to get back on their feet - including education, job-training, and life skills training. In 2014, O.U.R. Mission Home provided 47,868 nights of safe shelter and 168,331 hot meals to Central Florida's homeless men. Additionally, 31 men, women and children turned their lives over to Christ. 3) The Arthur J. and Marie H. Williams Family Life Center is located adjacent to O.U.R. Mission Home. This 23,000 sq. foot facility is host to a variety of services including, but not limited to: an adult high school, adult and children's computer labs, tutoring rooms, nursery, gymnasium, classrooms, recreation rooms, library, and beauty salon. 4) The Don and Patricia Moody Chapel & Activity Center opened its doors in June 2012 thanks to the generous Central Florida community. This long-awaited facility is an answer to a felt-need of hosting weekly chapel services and Bible studies. It primarily serves as a location to broadcast a message of hope to those who are hurting and homeless. 5) O.U.R. Mission Bargain Store is a multi-purpose facility that serves the community and equips Discipleship Work Rehabilitation participants with valuable job training. It provides reasonably priced items to the general public while generating revenue for OURM. Clothing and household items are distributed free of charge to the needy and to residents who have successfully completed OURM's programs. In 2014, 8,649 items were distributed to Central Florida's neediest residents.

Significant progress has been made in 2013 toward OURM's overall goal of leading each guest back to self-sufficiency. One obstacle was inconsistency in case management practices and procedures. In 2013, deliberate efforts toward standardizing Case Plan goals were created. Each Case Manager still customizes the Case Plan to focus on areas that a resident may need extra attention; however, each resident is assessed in specific, uniform areas upon entering OURM's programs to help the Case Manager identify areas to be addressed. Additionally, a resident handbook was finalized in 2013 to communicate clear program guidelines and areas of accountability for guests at OURM. The resident handbook is given to each resident upon acceptance into OURM's programs. Also, each Case Manager meets weekly (at minimum) with each resident to discuss progress, address obstacles and identify areas in need of growth. The goal of this accountability is to encourage wise decisions and lead guests back on a path to self-sufficiency. Case Managers primarily assist residents in the following areas: Define specific problems and to adopt an attitude to achieve long-term solutions. Evaluate underlying causes of homelessness in terms of preventing future occurrences. Create an individualized plan with realistic goals to become self-sufficient. Develop practical steps to achieve a better way of life. Establish a spiritual foundation based on a relationship with Jesus Christ and living a Christian life that brings glory to God. Grow stronger and more mature in your faith. Discover God's purpose for your life.