In the heart of Texas, nestled between the bustling cities of Dallas and Fort Worth, lies a community organization that has become a beacon of hope and compassion for countless individuals and families: Mission Arlington. This unique non-profit has been quietly but profoundly transforming lives for decades, offering a wide range of services and support to those in need. But what makes Mission Arlington so special, and why does it continue to thrive in a world where so many charitable organizations struggle? The answer lies in its deep-rooted commitment to the community, its innovative approach to service, and its unwavering belief in the power of human connection.
A History Rooted in Faith and Service
Mission Arlington was founded in 1986 by Tillie Burgin, a woman with a deep passion for helping others and a strong faith in God. After spending several years as a missionary in South Korea, Tillie returned to her hometown of Arlington, Texas, with a vision of creating a local mission that would serve the needs of her community. She recognized that many people in Arlington were struggling—whether due to poverty, homelessness, or other challenges—and she was determined to make a difference.
With the support of her church, Tillie established Mission Arlington to provide practical assistance to those in need while also sharing the message of God’s love. What began as a small outreach effort quickly grew into a comprehensive organization that now serves thousands of people each year. Today, Mission Arlington operates out of a central location on West South Street, but its impact extends far beyond the walls of its headquarters.
A Holistic Approach to Helping Others
One of the key factors that set Mission Arlington apart is its holistic approach to service. The organization recognizes that the challenges people face are often interconnected, and as such, they offer a wide range of programs designed to address the various needs of the community. From food and clothing assistance to medical care, educational support, and spiritual guidance, Mission Arlington strives to meet people where they are and help them in whatever way they need.
Food Assistance
Hunger is a pervasive issue in many communities, and Arlington is no exception. Mission Arlington operates a large food pantry that provides groceries to individuals and families who are struggling to make ends meet. The pantry is stocked with a wide variety of items, from non-perishable staples like canned goods and pasta to fresh produce, dairy products, and meat. What makes Mission Arlington’s food assistance program particularly noteworthy is its commitment to dignity; those who come to the pantry are treated with respect and kindness, and the organization strives to create an environment that feels more like a community grocery store than a charity.
Clothing and Household Goods
In addition to food, Mission Arlington also provides clothing and household goods to those in need. The organization operates a free clothing distribution center where individuals can select items for themselves and their families. Whether it’s a warm coat for winter, school uniforms for children, or professional attire for a job interview, Mission Arlington ensures that people have access to the clothing they need to live with dignity. They also offer household items such as furniture, bedding, and kitchen supplies, which can make a significant difference for families who are trying to establish a stable home environment.
Medical and Dental Care
Access to healthcare is a critical issue for many low-income individuals and families, and Mission Arlington has stepped in to fill the gap. The organization operates a free medical clinic that provides basic healthcare services to those who cannot afford to see a doctor. The clinic is staffed by volunteer healthcare professionals who donate their time and expertise to help those in need. In addition to medical care, the clinic also offers dental services, which are often even more difficult to access for low-income individuals. Through this program, Mission Arlington is helping to ensure that everyone in the community has access to the care they need to stay healthy.
Educational Support
Education is another area where Mission Arlington is making a significant impact. The organization offers a variety of educational programs designed to help children and adults succeed academically and professionally. For children, Mission Arlington provides after-school tutoring, summer enrichment programs, and school supplies to ensure that every child has the tools they need to succeed in school. For adults, the organization offers GED preparation classes, job training programs, and English as a Second Language (ESL) classes. These programs are designed to empower individuals to improve their lives through education and to break the cycle of poverty that so often holds people back.
Spiritual Guidance
While Mission Arlington is dedicated to meeting people’s physical and practical needs, the organization is also deeply committed to providing spiritual support. As a faith-based organization, Mission Arlington believes that spiritual well-being is an essential part of overall health and happiness. To this end, they offer a variety of programs designed to nurture the spiritual lives of those they serve. This includes Bible studies, worship services, and prayer groups, all of which are open to anyone who wishes to participate. Mission Arlington also operates a network of small house churches throughout the community, providing a more intimate and personal setting for worship and fellowship.
A Volunteer-Driven Organization
One of the most remarkable aspects of Mission Arlington is the extent to which it relies on volunteers to carry out its mission. The organization operates with a relatively small paid staff, and much of the day-to-day work is done by volunteers who give their time and energy to help others. These volunteers come from all walks of life—students, retirees, professionals, and families—and they serve in a variety of roles, from stocking shelves in the food pantry to tutoring children, providing medical care, and leading Bible studies.
The volunteer-driven nature of Mission Arlington not only allows the organization to stretch its resources further, but it also fosters a deep sense of community among those who serve. Volunteers often speak of the joy and fulfillment they experience in helping others, and many form lasting relationships with the people they serve and with their fellow volunteers. This sense of community and shared purpose is one of the reasons why Mission Arlington has been able to thrive for so many years.
The Impact on the Community
The impact of Mission Arlington on the local community is profound and far-reaching. Over the years, the organization has touched the lives of countless individuals and families, providing them with the support and resources they need to overcome challenges and build better lives. For some, Mission Arlington has been a lifeline during a time of crisis, offering food, shelter, and medical care when they had nowhere else to turn. For others, the organization has been a source of long-term support, helping them to achieve educational goals, find stable employment, and grow in their faith.
But perhaps the most significant impact of Mission Arlington is the way it has fostered a sense of community and compassion in Arlington. By bringing people together to serve and support one another, the organization has created a culture of caring that extends far beyond its programs and services. This culture of compassion is evident in the way that people in Arlington respond to one another’s needs, whether it’s a neighbor helping a neighbor or a volunteer stepping up to serve a stranger. In this way, Mission Arlington has helped to create a stronger, more connected, and more resilient community.
Looking to the Future
As Mission Arlington looks to the future, the organization remains committed to its mission of serving the community with compassion and love. While the challenges facing the community may evolve over time, the core values that have guided Mission Arlington for decades—faith, service, and community—will continue to be the foundation of its work. The organization is constantly exploring new ways to meet the needs of the community, whether through expanding existing programs or launching new initiatives.
One area of focus for the future is increasing access to affordable housing. As the cost of living continues to rise, more and more people in Arlington are struggling to find safe and stable housing. Mission Arlington is working to address this issue by partnering with other organizations and agencies to provide housing assistance and support to those in need. Additionally, the organization is exploring ways to expand its educational programs to reach even more children and adults, helping them to achieve their full potential.
Conclusion
Mission Arlington is more than just a charitable organization; it is a testament to the power of compassion, community, and faith. For nearly four decades, the organization has been a source of hope and support for countless individuals and families, helping them to overcome challenges and build better lives. Through its holistic approach to service, its reliance on volunteers, and its deep commitment to the community, Mission Arlington has created a model of service that is both effective and sustainable.