Authentically Arlington / News
Dec 20, 2016
Downtown charities offer hope, healing and heart
“It's not how much we give but how much love we put into giving.”
― Mother Teresa
Imagine making a “wish list” this holiday season that includes:
- A warm place to sleep
- School supplies for my children
- Help in learning how to find and keep a good job
- Healthy teeth
- Professional assistance in beating my addiction
Three Downtown Arlington charitable organizations help make wishes like these come true for tens of thousands of local families every year: Arlington Life Shelter, Dental Health Arlington and Mission Arlington/Mission Metroplex.
Arlington Life Shelter offers a pathway to self-sufficiency to homeless men, women and children in the North Texas area by providing food and shelter, educational programs and assistance in securing and maintaining employment. The only shelter in the area with a work requirement for residents receiving more than emergency shelter, ALS serves over 1000 clients annually with an average length of stay of 9 weeks. Approximately 80% of program participants are currently employed in full-time positions.
Basic and emergency services at Arlington Life Shelter include inclement weather services during periods of extreme weather. The Employment Program, which ranges in length of time depending on need, is a comprehensive program which includes but is not limited to mental health services; educational, job and life skills training; tutoring for kids; addiction support; and health services including medical, vision dental and immunization clinics.
Without dental health, it can be difficult to smile, talk, feel confident, and even get or retain employment. Since 1993, Dental Health Arlington has provided preventive and pain-relieving services to low-income residents as well as education for children about good oral hygiene habits.
The Clinic provides affordable dental care to low-income individuals and families including routine exams, cleanings, fillings, tooth extractions, dentures, crowns and other services.
SMILES is an innovative, school-based program that educates young children on the importance of preventative care and regular visits to the dentist. Children also receive free toothbrushes, sealants and fluoride. DHA’s SMILES program serves 9,000 children in elementary schools annually, totaling $407,000 in care to the community.
Mission Arlington/Mission Metroplex
The Christmas story tells of the star in Bethlehem that guided wise men and shepherds to the baby Jesus. In Downtown Arlington, the star atop Mission Arlington/Mission Metroplex (Mission Arlington) is representative of that star and the faith upon which the Mission was founded and operates today.
[caption id="attachment_13713" align="img-wrapright" width="595"]
Annually, over 40,000 volunteers from across North America follow the star to Mission Arlington/Mission Metroplex and participate in their ministries.[/caption]
In 2016, Mission Arlington celebrated its 30th anniversary of operation, which is both expansive and dynamic. As described on its website, Mission Arlington is “more a movement than a strategy, more a spirit than a structure, more like a family than an organization.” Tens of thousands of individuals and groups volunteer for Mission Arlington in efforts including children and youth programming, emergency assistance, health clinics, school supply drives, sports ministries and more.
Share the love
Follow the links below to learn about how you can help through charitable giving and/or volunteering your time, enthusiasm and expertise:
Help others learn about Downtown Arlington’s charitable organizations and how they make a difference for so many people. Post and tweet using tags including @dtarlington, @DentalHealthA, @ArlLifeShelter, #missionarlington
About Downtown Arlington
Recently designated an official Cultural District by the Texas Commission on the Arts, Downtown Arlington, Texas blends a unique mix of activities, sights, tastes and sounds that attract visitors and locals alike. Within its less than a two-mile radius, Downtown is home to a top tier public university, prolific fine and performing artists and arts institutions, live entertainment, exciting NCAA and professional athletics, one-of-a-kind dining and retail, and a supportive business climate. Downtown Arlington brings together a plethora of cultures and inspirations with a character all its own.