By CAROLANNE MURRAY
Northeast News
July 3, 2013

City Union Mission will celebrate Independence Day by providing picnics and celebrations for homeless men.

City Union Mission’s Men’s Emergency Shelter and long-term Christian Life Program help homeless men in the local area overcome challenges. Each night more than 300 men are fed, given a place to sleep and receive other vital necessities at the Mission’s Men’s Shelter. Annually, the Mission’s long-term recovery program aids approximately 100 men prepare for employment by helping them obtain GEDs, learn to manage money responsibly and overcome addictions.

“On Independence Day our country celebrates the freedom that gives our lives meaning and purpose. However, much of that freedom hinges on our ability to make a living that covers our basic necessities,” Mission Executive Director Daniel J. Doty said in a press release. “But what if through no fault of your own, or through a series of unfortunate circumstances or bad decisions, you’ve lost your livelihood and are forced to rely on others to simply survive?”
On July 4, picnics and celebrations will be held to recognize the effort these men have put forth to get their lives together. The men from the Mission’s long-term Christian Life Program are invited to partake in a picnic from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. The First Christian Church of Fort Morgan, Colo., will be serving hotdogs and hamburgers along with watermelon, chips, drinks and dessert. The church will also have games and other activities that the men can participate in.

A picnic will also be held for the men from the Mission’s Men’s Emergency Shelter. Their picnic will be held in the parking lot at 10th and Troost from noon to 4 p.m. Volunteers will be serving food including chicken and pork, watermelon, chips, drinks and ice cream. K-Love radio station is partnering with former homeland security employee and Mission volunteer Vince Lopez to host the affair. The event will feature guest speakers, music and prizes.