Today we want to shine a spotlight on an amazing staple of our community here in Arlington, TX, Mrs. Tillie Burgin, executive director and founder of Mission Arlington. Tillie has a huge heart for our community and began her ministry back in August of 1986 with the goal of meeting the needs of all people through Bible studies, medical and dental services, child and adult day care, clothing, food, furniture, transportation, counseling and so much more. Her extensive background in the education system, which included being an elementary school teacher and consultant, director of personnel and director of employee relations, as well as her mission work in Korea, has equipped her to care and love on people. The organization she founded now serves thousands and thousands of individuals right here in our hometown
What They Do:
Mission Arlington/Metroplex feels that services should be free, accessible and holistic and are designed to support the physical, emotional, intellectual and spiritual needs of people. They strive to build bridges, not barriers, by maintaining a heart to be available whenever it is possible to meet a need. They desire for each person, and every family, to receive authentic help when they need it most.
In the healthcare sector, the Bob Mann Medical Clinic and Allan Saxe Dental Clinic, provide free of charge health care through the gracious services provided by volunteer doctors. Counseling services are also available to families, adults, teenagers, and children who otherwise could not easily access this care. The Mission Arlington/Mission Metroplex Medical Equipment Closet loans out durable medical equipment to those in need. Extensive services for children and youth include after school programs, bible studies, carnivals, educational scholarships, emergency assistance, healthcare, food and gifts for the holidays, Bible clubs, school supplies, sports ministries, summer camps and transportation. Around the holidays, they operate their Christmas store which allows parents to shop for free gifts for their children, further evidencing their vision to love others like Jesus. On Thanksgiving Day the Mission Arlington family delivers cooked meals to more than 6,000 families! Their heart and hope is also to take church to the people, by leading Bible studies in local communities. They now host over 350 bible studies which are volunteer led.
As you can see, their services are extensive and easily accessible to our community. You can read more about them here.
How They Do It:
Mission Arlington/Mission Metroplex is a faith based organization which utilizes hundreds of volunteers, including those in the medical field who offer their services at no charge. From the beginning, they have depended on God to provide for their needs and have found Him to be faithful as He has always provided gifts at just the right time, in exactly the right way.
How You Can Help:
Mission Arlington/Mission Metroplex does not take for granted the generous donations of time and resources that are provided to them. Their website states, "our mission family remembers every day that we can be here, because you give of your time, resources and prayers for us. Our community is generous and caring in extraordinary ways, and we are always grateful for you."
Consider supporting this ministry by serving as a volunteer and offering your time as a beautiful gift. Learn more ways to serve here. This is a great way to get service hours for a group.
Mission Arlington/Mission Metroplex does not actively solicit funds or have fundraisers. All of their services are provided free of charge and administration costs are kept low. In 2018, administrative costs were 1.7% of their operating budget which means that 98% of every dollar given went directly to those in need. If you would like to donate financially directly to this wonderful ministry, please go here to their donation page.
Other household donations are always appreciated. Follow this link to find other opportunities for giving. There are always other needs from furniture donations, gifts for the Christmas store, food for the holidays, medical supplies, clothing, household items, school supplies and more.
Shop with us at Decorator's Warehouse either in store or online, August 21-22. We will be donating 15% of all sales directly to Mission Arlington because we so deeply believe in and support their mission in our community.
Should you wish to learn more about this wonderful organization, be sure to visit them at www.missionarlington.org
