Hector first came to Mission Oak Cliff for a shower and a change of clothes. He was guarded and aloof, but the welcome and acceptance he found here kept him coming back. Over many sandwiches and conversations, he began to open up. “It’s been a long time since I’ve had a family,” he told a staff member, “but you’re my mom and my brothers and sisters.” With encouragement and help, Hector found the dignity of work and a place to live. He doesn’t come by much anymore, but one day he dropped in to report with a new touch of pride in his voice, “My boss lets me use his tools, and he trusts me to work on my own.”
Delia has been a faithful part of Mission Oak Cliff’s English as a Second Language program for three years. This year, she began attending the MOC Citizenship class to prepare for the U.S. Citizenship test. “Life isn’t easy here,” she shared, “but in my home country, it is impossible. Here my children aren’t in danger from the guerillas and the cartels. They can go to school and even to college. We came here illegally, but three years ago, I got my residency, and in two more years, I can become a real American.” Delia is studying hard to be ready for that day, and she is grateful to the teachers who are helping her prepare.
Hector and Delia are just two examples of the lives that are affected every day by the ministries of Mission Oak Cliff. They represent the profit on the investment of time, money, and resources required to make this ministry happen, and so much more can be done with more resources available. This September, for the first time, Mission Oak Cliff will be able to participate in North Texas Giving Day, an annual giving extravaganza that last year raised over $39 million for more than 2,700 Texas nonprofits. You can help us connect with more donors and reach farther and deeper into the needs of our community in several ways:
- Activate your own business, friendship, and community networks. Tell Mission Oak Cliff’s story to those who don’t know us and encourage them to give on North Texas Giving Day.
- Provide names and contact information of prospective donors in your circle to Mission Oak Cliff staff, so we can build our mailing list.
- Volunteer your time or resources.
If you or someone you know would like to get involved with Mission Oak Cliff, please email [email protected] or contact Marsha at 214.942.6407.
By Marsha Mills, Mission Oak Cliff Director
* Photo provided by Mission Oak Cliff
In nine years, Communities Foundation of Texas‘ North Texas Giving Day has pumped more than $195 million into the North Texas community. In 2017, $39 million was raised through more than 118,000 gifts benefiting over 2,000 nonprofits.
On Thursday, September 20, support Mission Oak Cliff by linking here and spreading the word. #NTxGivingDay
