Mission Arlington: Empowering the Community, One Step at a Time

Mission Arlington is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing essential services and support to the residents of Arlington, Texas. Since its inception in 1994, the organization has been at the forefront of addressing the needs of the community, focusing on education, health, and hunger relief. With a mission to "create opportunities for individuals and families to achieve their full potential," Mission Arlington stands as a beacon of hope and empowerment for those in need.

Understanding the Need

Arlington is a diverse and vibrant city, but it is not without its challenges. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the poverty rate in Arlington is approximately 12.5%, higher than the national average. This means that over 32,000 people in the city live below the poverty line, struggling to meet their basic needs.

In addition to poverty, Arlington faces other challenges that impact the well-being of its residents. According to the Arlington Independent School District, over 15,000 students qualify for free or reduced-price lunches, indicating a significant need for food assistance. Furthermore, the Arlington Health Department reports that chronic diseases, such as diabetes and heart disease, are prevalent in the community, affecting over 25% of adults.

Mission Arlington's Services and Programs

Mission Arlington plays a critical role in addressing these challenges by providing a wide range of services and programs designed to empower individuals and families. These services fall into three main categories:

Education:

• Early Childhood Education: Mission Arlington operates two early childhood education centers that provide high-quality childcare and early learning programs for over 200 children from low-income families.
• After-School Programs: The organization offers after-school programs at nine elementary schools in Arlington, providing academic support, tutoring, and enrichment activities to over 1,000 students.
• GED Preparation: Mission Arlington offers GED preparation classes for adults seeking to earn their high school equivalency diploma.

Health:

• Medical and Dental Clinic: The organization operates a low-cost medical and dental clinic, providing affordable healthcare services to over 4,000 uninsured and underinsured residents each year.
• Mental Health Services: Mission Arlington offers mental health counseling and support groups for individuals and families facing challenges with mental health.
• Health Education Programs: The organization provides health education programs on topics such as nutrition, chronic disease management, and mental health awareness.

Hunger Relief:

• Food Pantry: Mission Arlington operates a food pantry that distributes over 800,000 pounds of food annually to over 10,000 individuals and families.
• Mobile Food Pantry: The organization operates a mobile food pantry that brings food assistance to underserved neighborhoods in Arlington.
• Community Meals: Mission Arlington serves free community meals at its facility five days a week, providing over 100,000 meals annually to those in need.

The Impact of Mission Arlington

The services and programs provided by Mission Arlington have a profound impact on the lives of the people they serve.

• Improved Educational Outcomes: Studies have shown that children who participate in early childhood education programs are more likely to succeed in school and have higher earning potential as adults.
• Enhanced Health Outcomes: Access to affordable healthcare services can prevent chronic diseases and improve overall health outcomes.
• Reduced Food Insecurity: Food assistance programs can help families meet their nutritional needs, reducing the risk of hunger and malnutrition.
• Increased Economic Stability: GED preparation and job training programs can help individuals gain the skills and qualifications necessary to secure employment and achieve financial stability.

How You Can Help

Mission Arlington relies on the support of the community to continue providing these essential services. There are several ways you can get involved:

• Volunteer: Mission Arlington welcomes volunteers to assist with a variety of tasks, including food distribution, tutoring, and administrative support.
• Donate: Financial donations are crucial for Mission Arlington to maintain and expand its programs. You can donate online or by mail.
• Spread the Word: Help spread awareness about Mission Arlington and its mission by sharing information on social media or encouraging others to volunteer or donate.

Mission Arlington: A Force for Good in the Community

Mission Arlington is a vital force for good in the Arlington community. Through its comprehensive services and programs, the organization is helping individuals and families break the cycle of poverty, improve their health, and achieve their full potential. By supporting Mission Arlington, you are investing in a brighter future for Arlington.

Tips and Tricks

• Donating food to Mission Arlington's food pantry is a great way to make a direct impact on hunger relief in the community.
• Consider volunteering your time to tutor students in Mission Arlington's after-school programs.
• Spread the word about Mission Arlington on social media using the hashtag #MissionArlington.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Don't assume that everyone in need knows about Mission Arlington's services. Help spread the word to ensure that those who need assistance can access it.
• Don't underestimate the power of your donation. Every dollar donated makes a difference in the lives of those served by Mission Arlington.
• Don't be afraid to ask for help. Mission Arlington welcomes volunteers of all ages and backgrounds.

Why Mission Arlington Matters

Mission Arlington is a beacon of hope for individuals and families in need. By providing essential services and support, the organization empowers people to break the cycle of poverty, improve their health, and achieve their full potential.

Benefits of Supporting Mission Arlington

• Making a tangible difference in the lives of others.
• Investing in the future of Arlington by supporting education, health, and hunger relief.
• Creating a more just and equitable community for all.

Call to Action

Join Mission Arlington in the fight against poverty, hunger, and ill health. Donate, volunteer, or spread the word to help create a brighter future for Arlington. Together, we can empower our community, one step at a time.

Additional Information

Table 1: Mission Arlington Services and Programs

Table 2: Mission Arlington Impact

Table 3: How to Help Mission Arlington