Ft. Worth (WBAP/KLIF News) – Union Gospel Mission has dedicated an expanded shelter in Fort Worth. The shelter is the first in Tarrant County to include an area for single fathers and their kids.
“There are not many chances out there for convicted felons,” says Kevin Jones, who had moved into a room with his son. “Because of that, I found myself at Union Gospel Mission’s doors, and I’m glad they opened for me.”
Construction of the 40,000 square foot building along Lancaster Avenue started after a fundraising campaign in 2011 that raised more than $8 million.
Scott Walker Women and Families Services Building includes a computer lab to help kids prepare for school and let adults apply for jobs or finish their GED.
Jones says he is training for a job as a chef, but he has also worked in radio, so he is also applying for jobs in broadcasting.
“I can say this, when I got custody of my son, it was amazing,” Jones says. “Everybody told me it couldn’t happen, but there are some good fathers out there. I do what I do for him.”
Scott Walker Women and Families Services includes five rooms for men with kids. The center also includes 28 rooms for single women, five rooms for dual parent families and a 12 bed emergency shelter.
Union Gospel Mission says it served more than 200,000 meals in Tarrant County last year and provided services to 3,800 people.
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