WHO WE ARE
Chattanooga Outreach Inc., d/b/a Union Gospel Mission was formed in 2007 as a 501(c)3 non-profit homeless organization after separating from Highland Parks Baptist Church. UGM started in 1950 and has been helping the homeless community in Chattanooga and the Tri-State area for over 70 years providing over 2 million meals, 1 million shelter sleep nights, and over 1 million hours of community services. Our main focus is helping clients:
|
WHAT WE OFFER
G.R.A.C.E. Discipleship Program
The G.R.A.C.E. Discipleship Program is designed to be a six month, residential, program for men seeking to address “life-controlling” issues in their lives. The majority of clients in this program come from a background of drug addiction and/or alcoholism. This program will also help address other issues of addiction and/or a life of poor decision making. A curriculum that combines group classes, self-study, daily structure, and strong personal accountability; provides the necessary tools for our clients to achieve the change in their lives that they seek. Barnabas Program - Transitional Housing Once our clients have completed the G.R.A.C.E. Discipleship Program, we have found that the majority of them are in need of a “next step”. For those who don’t have a support system in place, we provide them with housing, help with job search, budgeting, and re-integrating into “normal” society. Our After-Care program provides that “extra step” in helping our clients transition into a productive life. This program also serves as a "halfway house" for those coming out of another program or incarceration, who may need a little help getting re-established in "normal" life. |
COMMUNITY OUTREACH
The Union Gospel Mission was founded with a heart for the homeless and less-fortunate, it is vital to us that we maintain programming that ministers to and provides for the needs of this segment of our community. In order to help meet these needs we take the opportunity several times each year to reach out. Every Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, and other additional occasions we set up downtown and provide free meals, personal items, and mostly friendship and fellowship to our friends in need. |
Our Team
REV. JON RECTOR, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Rev. Jon Rector has served as our Executive Director since 2003. Jon was saved as a child of about 9 years old and surrendered to God’s call to preach as an 11 year old boy. Jon preached the occasional church service and chapel service as the opportunities arose.
At 14, Jon served a whole summer as an intern for Randy Taylor Revivals, traveling across the country holding meetings. Jon has served in several positions of church service, including Children’s Church Director, Bus Ministry, Sunday School Teacher, Music Minister, Assistant Pastor, and Associate Pastor.
In 2000, Jon was asked to serve as the full-time Chaplain with Chattanooga Rescue Mission. His three year tenure there saw him serve as Chaplain, Men’s Program Director, Community Program Director, and acting Executive Director.
In 2003, Jon was called as the Executive Director of the Union Gospel Mission. Under Jon’s leadership, 2007/2008 saw the transition of Union Gospel Mission (a local church ministry) to Chattanooga Outreach, Inc. (d/b/a Union Gospel Mission); a fully independent 501(c)3 Non-Profit organization. Jon currently serves as the Board President of Chattanooga Outreach and Executive Director of the Union Gospel Mission.
At 14, Jon served a whole summer as an intern for Randy Taylor Revivals, traveling across the country holding meetings. Jon has served in several positions of church service, including Children’s Church Director, Bus Ministry, Sunday School Teacher, Music Minister, Assistant Pastor, and Associate Pastor.
In 2000, Jon was asked to serve as the full-time Chaplain with Chattanooga Rescue Mission. His three year tenure there saw him serve as Chaplain, Men’s Program Director, Community Program Director, and acting Executive Director.
In 2003, Jon was called as the Executive Director of the Union Gospel Mission. Under Jon’s leadership, 2007/2008 saw the transition of Union Gospel Mission (a local church ministry) to Chattanooga Outreach, Inc. (d/b/a Union Gospel Mission); a fully independent 501(c)3 Non-Profit organization. Jon currently serves as the Board President of Chattanooga Outreach and Executive Director of the Union Gospel Mission.